Our newest addition...

Stop by and see the newest addition to the Baller Artware landscape- an OBEY mural by the legend himself, Shepard Fairey. Here are some pictures of Shepard and his team at work:

Spring Blooms

With Spring just a month away it's time to dust off those gardening gloves and sharpen your shearers. With our brand new selection of gardening tools recently in stock we are sure to have everything you need to tend to (or begin!) your Spring garden.  Here are six flowers that even those without a hint of a green thumb can plant and maintain in the coming months

1. Sunflower: Sow sunflower seeds somewhere they will receive a lot of direct sunlight.  Place seeds at least one inch apart so they will have plenty of room to grow.

2. Cosmos: These are one of the easiest flowers to plant: Just shake the bag, scatter the flowers, and water! They are good in just about any time of soil but do need ample watering.

3. Nasturtium: In addition to being beautiful, Nasturtiums are also edible. Plant them in full sun and don't use fertilizers- they tend to do well in poor soil.

4. Zinnia: Full sun exposure is essential to the life of zinnias, so plant accordingly.  An added bonus? Their bright colors are especially attractive to butterflies.

5. Marigold: The classic marigold flower is quite often associated with cheer.  Plant seeds about a foot apart.  These potent flowers also double as a pest repellent.

6. Sweet Pea: Early sowing is essential for sweet peas, so start planting now!  Choose a place that gets morning sun and afternoon shade.

Still have questions? Stop by Baller Hardware and let our friendly and knowledgeable associates help you with every step of the process.

How to Fix a Clogged Shower Drain

Clogged showers are one of the most common and annoying plumbing problems out there.  Anyone who has ever lived with a female has probably experienced this issue, because more often than not clogged drains are a result of hair.  Hair combined with soap scum, that is.  Though gross, this is fortunately a pretty easy dilemma to solve.  You'll need:

• A screwdriver
• A drain stick
• A plunger
• A snake (possibly)

Begin by unscrewing your drain cover.  Clean in and around the cover being sure to remove all hair and
debris.  Set aside.

Insert the drain stick down into the drain and slowly pull is out in a circular motion, reaching all sides of the drain as you go. clean the drain stick and repeat.

Next use the plunger to clear out any bits of the clog that may remain.  Place the plunger over the drain opening and turn on the faucet just so that water covers the lip of the plunger.  Move the handle up and down rapidly to expel any debris that the drain stick may have left behind.

Run hot water down your drain for about a minute to see if the clog has cleared.  If so, congratulations! If not, you will need to move on to the snake.  Feed the end of the cable as far down the drain as you can.  Once it won't go any farther, turn the handle on the snake clockwise to crank out the clog.  Continue turning the handle as you pull the cable out.

We recommend using a drain stick on your shower drains and bathroom sink drains once a month to prevent clogs. 

Still have questions? Stop by Baller Hardware and let our friendly and knowledgeable associates help you with every step of the process.

New Year New Home Series- Make a Splash

Adding a backsplash to your kitchen is a small change that can make a dramatic difference.  It can easily make your kitchen feel bigger, more modern, more homey, or more elegant.  It's easily customizable and in many cases can be installed cheaply and in just one day.  Here are a couple of the most common types of backsplashes which can be added to most kitchens:

Tile

This is definitely the most common as well as the most customizable type of backsplash.  Tile comes in all sizes, colors, and textures.  Smaller tiles often come in sheets that allow you to add a backsplash with little or no use of a tile cutter.  They can be painted to add personal flair, or match the color of your kitchen walls to add just a touch of texture.  Try mixing up the position of the tiles to add a fun twist to traditional placement.

For a full video tutorial on installing backsplash see here

Tin or other Metals

For a unique alternative to traditional tile, try installing a metal backsplash.  Decorative metal tiles are an intriguing backsplash design idea that brings a refined architectural detail to your kitchen without a lot of effort.   Because of its bold statement a metal backsplash will look best in larger, open kitchens.  Make sure the metal you are using is fire retardant.

Beaded Board

Use beaded board to add a cottage feel to your kitchen.  Make sure your boards are painted in a durable latex enamel paint to allow for easy washing.  This method is quicker and usually less messy than the tile option.

Need help getting started?  Stop by and let our friendly and knowledgeable associates help you with every step of the process.