I'm late in reading this, but if you still need some help... When you first add water to your (proper) mix, just add enough to dampen all the ingredients, and mix it well. Then add a little water at a time until it is like a mudpie. You MUST mix it well, and your hands are the best tool (wearing latex or nitrile gloves). A little bit of water on the surface is fine. For a quick test to see if you have the right consistency, press a handful or so into a regular paper cup, filling it about 3/4 full. Immediately turn it upside down and rap the whole rim smartly on your table to eject the contents. If you can see any cracks in it, you either need a tiny bit more water, or it needs to be mixed better. If it slumps more than just a little (a little is okay), you've got too much water in it. Once you get it really right, you will know from then on. It's a practice thing. Just don't think it's going to set so fast that you don't have time to mix it thoroughly. Mixing is very important. Press into your mold. For corners and details, put small amounts in first, then by double handfuls, pressing firmly into place. Let set in the mold just long enough to set. Check frequently until your fingertip leaves just a slight depression. Unmold very carefully now, (it's still very fragile) to expose the surface you want to smooth. Now, burnish the parts that will be visible with the back of a tablespoon/soupspoon/serving spoon (not the measuring type). If you want to carve a piece, this can be a good time to try it, too. Pourable concrete is only used for large concrete work, patio slabs and freeway overpasses. I can't think of anything that we at this website do that will take that much water. Always remember that too little water, or too much water, will make a weaker concrete. It may not show up immediately, but it will do so eventually. The 3:1:1 recipe above is best for most purposes; when you know more of what you're doing, and what effect you're trying to get, you will know better which way to go. Perhaps more more than any other material, mixing concrete is best learned by actually DOING it. Mistakes are useful for burying in the dirt along your gate-line to keep the dog from digging out. ;-) Also be aware that there are different types of sand, and finer and more coarse grades. Sometimes sifted (by you) play sand is better than a coarse white silica sand. I find that sand with different sizes particles is a real headache to use. If I'm forced to use it, I will sift out the fine stuff and set the bucket of coarse pebbles aside for some future surface effect. Have fun! Sue

Scott, I know what you mean about the "country stuff"...I see it in other people's yards on my drive to and from work. I have lived here for over 2 years. But since I rent from my parents, there will be no "country stuff" around here...my Dad is VERY picky! I live in Eagle Point (north of Medford), so I know where Cave Junction is. As for the "honkers", what I really don't like about them (besides the droppings around the pond), is the noise EARLY in the morning (they reside most of the time in the pasture right outside my bedroom window, the one you can see in the photo-to the right), and late in the evening. I love to see them fly overhead, and to see them when they have babies on the pond. And I don't mind the honking during the day. Funny, huh? Good luck in getting your collections going again! Thanks for all the comments! Patty

Kitchenkelly, Don'e worry there are some days that he's a free give away. No need to copy. Actually I made and executive I am going to order the CB X Back. I love the look of them from sitting in my familyroom. Yaaaa. Now for cushions. PB has some that I love love they are their Box Cushions Green Hudson Stripe (green and blue)love..Remember I have a demin blue sofa in familyroom and I have blue items in my glass cabinet in kitchen. CB only have a blue stripe cushion made to fit the stool. I like both love the whole blue/green thing in PB. Do you think PB will fit my stools? Of course, called PB once again only catalog/internet sales only. They need to have a better stock inventory. PB show cushion with school house stool which is 18 1/22 x 14.5 to backrest. CB stool is 17 1/2 wide and 14.5 to the backrest. Do I go for it too now that I am on a roll? Crate and Barrel http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=875&f=27638&q=cushions&fromLocation=Search&DIMID=400001&SearchPage=1 PotteryBarn http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p6398/toolbox.cfm?cm_lid=64&pgid=p6398&tool=vInRoom

Ahhhh, paint colors. On my screen the mock up by blondell looks like a very creamy rich color. I'm bummed that on the decks when looking at manchester tan and normadic dessert they are more tans and not at all golds/yellows. My concern is making this work with the rest of the home as we have the golds/reds going on and the house is so open. I think that is why the designer chose the above listed colors because they matched the granite and tile and then had a much deeper color on the same strip that I could use in our great room. I want the kitchen to work and match, but also need to keep in mind my great room, dining room and furnishings. I have all new furniture and can't possibly start over. I'm going to have to start testing lots of samples, but hoping I can find something not too tan or too beige. Wish it wasn't so difficult. Perhaps more of a creamy neutral would work? Any more paint suggestions? Thanks :) I really hope I can find the perfect color choice to give me blondell's work of art and still match the rest of the home. I'm now concerned I'm trying to marry tan and gold and they will be a sure divorce before the honeymoon is over:--OO)