Book shares ideas

June 9, 2013 at 12:00a.m.

Book shares ideas

Fans of Country Living magazine will love “The Little Book of Big Decorating Ideas.”

The book is a compilation of photos from the magazine, representing its best tips and decorating advice. They include practically instantaneous transformations, such as clipping artwork to an old-fashioned drying rack or drawing chalk lines on a deck to create an outdoor chess board, as well as bigger undertakings such as hiding a TV above a fireplace or transforming a dresser with wallpaper. Garden ideas are included, too.

The book is due out this month from Hearst Books and sells for $24.95 in hardcover.

Drywall patch

DAP’s new Presto Patch simplifies structurally sound drywall repairs.

The patch is a circle of half-inch-thick drywall with drywall taping paper attached. You cut out the damaged drywall using a template included with the product, insert the patch and adhere it with joint compound.

It is intended for repairing drywall holes that are too big for simple spackling. It comes in two diameters, 37/8 inches and 67/8 inches.

The suggested retail prices for Presto Patch are $5.99 to $6.99 for the smaller size and $7.29 to $8.99 for the larger. DAP products are widely available at hardware stores, home centers and mass merchandisers.

McClatchy Newspapers