My first topiary is a Teddy Bear sitting on top of a yellow round pottery container, with the word "Hunnee" written on it. (Still need to take a picture of it.) He (named him Fuzzie Wuzzie, to prove that hairless doesn't mean "fuzzless, LOL) is peat moss filled with just a little ivy on him so far. The problem is that I'm in zone 6 and obviously want to have him and the ivy survive during the winter, but just finally finished him two days ago. I know ivy is perennial this far north, but not so sure how well it will do outside in a container (covered by one heavy teddy bear.) I brought my ivy into the house last winter. I have an unheated porch, which will keep them a little warmer then keeping them outside. I'm hoping that someone can teach me how to care for the two of them through the winter. Any hints are appreciated. Also, I doubt this question has ever been asked before, but, as long as the ivy doesn't cover Fuzzie's head by Christmas, is it OK to crochet a Santa's cap for him?

The cedar oil may be a bit too aromatic for your closet exteior, because it simply replaces the oil the wood is noted for. There are oils what tend to stay wet looking those what tend to leave a hard finish. I have read excellent articles on which ones and hows, but don't have it at hand and you can google as easily as I. I do know that some furniture restorers suggest that the il be applied with something like steel wool, on the last coat or two, suggesting the micro mini pieces of wood scraped off, when combined with the oil tend to fill in the tiny surface grooves, making for more mirror like finish. I just would be hesitant in sealing that wood off with something like a polyurethane and not a wax on that kind of wood.

I have paid lots of money over the years for professional advise ... sometimes I take and sometimes I don't. There isn't just one perfect color for your house/trim/door. If you hire 5 more color consultants I will bet that they all come up with different suggestions and I bet none will say that your house looks fine just as it is ... after all you paid them to come out and make suggestions! You seem to be stuck on what was said by the consultant, but obviously you didn't agree with her or you wouldn't be posting here! It really is ok if you do your own thing, really! Here is a free consultation! If I bought your house today, this is what I would do: - paint house body BM Nantucket Grey - paint house trim a non-stark white color - ditch the shutters (I call them wasp condos) and beef up the trim around the windows - paint the front door a nice glossy deep red from Fine Paints of Europe - solid granite latern posts, for birdhouse too - since I hate having to paint them - paint fence same white color as trim - get rid of asphalt and replace with pavers That's what I would do. What do you (not some sonsultant) want for YOUR house?

Interior finishes are all the materials/surfaces inside the envelope. ie: flooring (ceramic tile, carpet, hardwood), ceiling, wall paneling, drywall. Exterior Finishes are all the materials/surfaces outside the envelope, and are in contact with the elements. ie: asphalt shingles, siding, bricks, stucco. I consider paint to be a protective coat of interior or exterior materials, like drywall or metal. It also adds color.