Information on making bias strip cording, “upcycled” accessories and cake decorating will be the featured topics on “Creative Living” at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday and noon Thursday.

Pam Damour of The Decorating Diva will show how to make continuous bias strips and turn them into perfect welt cords, and then show how to apply the cords to different projects. She’s from Champlain, N.Y.

Crafter Marisa Pawelko will show how to create “upcycled” accessories out of common household items. These include a juice bottle gift basket, a fruity handbag and a can magnet — just to name a few. Pawelko lives in Winfield, Ill.

Nancy Siler always has something new to show in the way of cake decorating, and this time it has to do with a cake made with puffed rice cereal. She calls it a Crispy Twist Cake. Siler is with Wilton Brands in Woodridge, Ill.

Information on making a rag quilt, choosing carpet and decorating a home office will be the featured topics on “Creative Living” at noon Tuesday and 2 p.m. Saturday.

Carol Bell, sewing instructor with Ann Silva’s Bernina Sewing Center, will show how to make use of leftover fabrics to create a beautiful rag quilt. This project is good for beginners because it’s such an easy process. She lives in Albuquerque.

Since carpet is a major investment, Kathryn Sellers says it’s important to choose the right carpet based on traffic patterns, family likes and activities within the home. Sellers is with The Carpet and Rug Institute in Dalton, Ga.

According to decorating expert and Hewlett Packard spokeswoman Deborah Durham, it’s sometimes hard to think of masculine ways to decorate a home office. She’ll show how to make a bulletin board, mouse pad, magnets and even more — all featuring a “fisherman’s theme.” Durham lives in Santa Fe.

Carpet Selection

Carpet is an investment that will last a long time. Proper installation, a good quality cushion and regular maintenance are essential in enhancing your carpet’s performance.

• Installation — A quality installation is critical to the performance of your carpet and will protect your indoor air quality.

• Before Installation — Have a clear understanding of the services the retailer will provide and be aware of those that you must handle. Discuss with the retailer who will remove the existing carpet and cushion, and who will be responsible for disposal.

Placement of seams is important. Ask that seams be placed in less visible areas. Before the installers arrive, complete other remodeling projects intended in the room, such as painting and wallpapering. Vacuum the old carpet to avoid the possibility of airborne dust and dirt. After the carpet and cushion are removed, vacuum the sub floor.

• During Installation — Upon delivery, inspect the new carpet for proper color, texture and style, and ensure that it is free of visible defects before it is installed. Carpet should be power stretched to minimize wrinkles and ripples. New, thicker carpet may prevent doors from swinging clear and free. The installer will remove the doors and re-hang them if possible. If the doors do not clear, arrange to have them trimmed. It is your responsibility during installation to provide an adequate supply of fresh air, as with other renovation projects. Open windows and doors, use an exhaust fan or operate the fan of your heating or air conditioning system.

• After Installation — Vacuum your carpet after installation to remove loose fibers. You may notice a slight new carpet smell, which should dissipate quickly. Ventilate the area for 48-72 hours.

In the months following installation, you may notice some change in the texture of your carpet. These are considered normal and will not affect the carpet’s life or beauty in any way:

• Shedding (Loose Fibers) — This is normal and subsides within a short time with vacuuming

• Sprouting — A single tuft extending beyond the carpet surface, usually along walls or at seams. Simply clip it off — do not pull.

• Pile Reversal And Shading — Describes what seems to be a color change in various parts of the carpet. The same area may appear light when viewed from one direction and dark from another.

This is caused by light being reflected in different ways as pile fibers are bent in various directions. This is not a product defect, but rather a characteristic of plush carpet.

• Buckling and wrinkling — May sometimes occur in wall-to-wall carpet installations. If the ripples persist, call your retailer, as it may be necessary to professionally re-stretch the carpet.

• Maintenance — Proper maintenance of your carpet will extend its life span and keep its fresh appearance. You should vacuum properly, remove spills and provide long-term care and deep cleaning.

“Creative Living” is produced and hosted by Sheryl Borden. The show is carried by more than 118 PBS stations in the United States, Canada, Guam and Puerto Rico, and is distributed by Westlink, Albuquerque.