This is a very rough sketch, not very precise. I hope you can get the feel- I wanted to make the circle, but it wasn't all there. [IMG]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y7/creatrix/Misc/circleandsquare.jpg[/IMG] I'm going to be out of touch for a few days, so don't be offended, or think I'm not interested if I don't respond. If I bump into wireless access, I'll check in, but I don't expect it. Here is a link that might be useful:

Nancy, I have been to the Home and Garden Tour before and it is increadible. I can't go this weekend, I have a family funeral to attend otherwise I would have to be there. For 5 dollars it is a steal. I have always put my pump in some sort of container even if it is only a milk crate lined with window screen and filled with gravel, then wrap the pump with quilt batting to keep out the gravel. What does a pump casing look like? Some sort of metal box? I will see what I can find. Yes I have put misquito dunks in the "cesspool" even though there is lots of wildlife around it. When we get closer in the clean up and can get a water sample I am gonna have it tested to see if there is any way fish will survive. I might put in some goldies, we will see. For now misquito dunks will have to do. When we bought the place the grass was already hip high in the back 1 and 1/2 acres so we didn't see all the JUNK that was strewn around until we hired someone to brush hog it. I have vowed to hubby we will never buy another piece of property without it being mowed, especially since I am the lawn mower :) The man that brushhogged for us did the upper banks and the outer area but the pool itself is lined with trees and brush so thick we can't get to it (I can see tantalizing glimpses though). I am considering putting in a water hyacinth and some duckweed to get it started. I think to much hubby says. hahahahaha.

If you have the one I'm thinking of (clear plastic, long handle you hold and another spins to make the circle), I do like that one, my mom has it and it works pretty smoothly. I have found that most cutters work better on glass (I have a glass cutting board) I don't have a circle cutter--want to get one!--but do have the Fiskars oval and don't really like it. I also have a doodle cutter...works good with strong templates and on a glass cutting board. It takes alot of practice, but works better than scissors; especially for making fun shapes and it's very compact! I think as part of Natl Scrapbook Day, I may end up getting the CM cutting system (circles/ovals) I used it at a party once and my pics looked so much nicer than when using scissors. Have fun with it! Hilary Here is a link that might be useful: doodlecutter

I don't mind the aqua and orange and brown...in fact it's fairly popular (look at the design seeds thread and you'll see some rooms with this color scheme.) I agree the paint color is not the best...probably something with less yellow. The current furniture arrangement is awkward...it looks like it's set up for a debate. Personally, I find slipper chairs less than comfortable as you can't curl up in them. Instead, I'd eliminate the slipper chair and maybe get another armed chair to replace it if you need comfortable seating. Otherwise the beige chair is fine. Eliminate the wicker...it's too outdoorsy. Get a table to put between the 2 chairs on that side. The wicker one can work temporarily if you cover it with a table cloth to the floor. Put a lamp on it. The room needs lamplight. If you need more conversational seating, then get a couple of ottomans or a bench to put along the long end of the rug so it won't block the view of the TV. Then add a square coffee table to the middle for people to use. Or I see you have a love seat in the dining room...perhaps, if the 2 single chairs are low enough to see over to watch tv, you can put the love seat where the 3 chairs are now and use 2 of the chairs facing the fireplace. Get some end tables and lamps to put on either side of the loveseat. I would also move the white cabinet to the fireplace wall to help balance the weight of the fireplace. I can't quite see what's behind the sofa, but I would put a sofa table back there with 2 lamps on it, again for lamplight in the room. If that's a PC back there, the sofa table can serve as a desk area too. The other armoire thing has an inappropriate chair at it...get a better desk chair to use there if that area is used. In fact, if you move the love seat and the mirror, that may go better on the wall in the dining room...then you can put the bookcase cabinet where the armoire was and add one of the chairs and a floor lamp and create a reading area. I also am not a fan of the window treatments. While the color is bright and cheerful, the style doesn't seem to work well with the windows and the drape over the door seems odd, and the corner treatment seems to permanently block a window. Maybe think about what actual functionality needs to be served and then we can toss around some ideas for how that could better be accomplished. I agree to eliminate the mirror over the fireplace. I think the area would be better served with a large piece of art. Just some ideas for you...my suggestions may or may not work depending on how you and your family live...function should come first.