Craft Studio, Wild Goats & Elderflower Cordial - Scottish Country House Life (Living in Scotland)

แชร์
ฝัง
  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 พ.ย. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 278

  • @TheLostTowerDiaries
    @TheLostTowerDiaries  ปีที่แล้ว +5

    If you enjoy our videos, please hit the LIKE button. Also, SUBSCRIBING to our channel is free and will really help us to keep the channel going! Thank you all so much for your continued support! 🥰

  • @TheHiddenHouseIreland
    @TheHiddenHouseIreland ปีที่แล้ว +40

    A wider chisel or a wrecking bar (a flat crowbar) would do it. If you placed a flat piece of wood behind the crowbar against the wall this would prevent denting the wall. I really enjoy watching your progress and problem-solving process. Can’t wait to see the room transform. 😊

    • @solanisomeni
      @solanisomeni ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes, that is exactly what I was going to suggest too. That's what I had to do when removing the old skirting boards from the walls/floors in my house when I was renovating. Don't worry to much about the occasional "dent" in the wall... Spackle will cover those, especially since you'll most likely have to go in with spackel to cover any uneven spots after having removed the wallpaper and you can actually see what the wall behind the old paper looks like. Same in the corners, you'll need to put up fiberglass tape to cover/seal the cracks in the corners and then spackle the tape/crack in the corners, to prevent any new wallpaper, or paint to crack due to the wood/natural materials shrinking/expanding during the different seasons.

    • @lisamarie6611
      @lisamarie6611 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Exactly... a crowbar...😊😊

    • @fishinwidow35
      @fishinwidow35 หลายเดือนก่อน

      We always called that a "Wonder Bar". Works great on such projects

  • @judihart9658
    @judihart9658 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Never a dull moment! lol "I should film that.!" ☝️Cherish the moments.These memories will last Forever!#Mom & daughter💖💪👍🙂

  • @blairbunker
    @blairbunker ปีที่แล้ว +1

    We are HAPPY the closed captioning is back; as Elvis would say "Thank you THANKYOUVERYMUCH"!!!😊

  • @chadsimmons6347
    @chadsimmons6347 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    As a licensed (Plumber/gas fitter) I recommend to mix a bit of soapy water & spray on gas connections to check for leaks. If bubbles grow, don't panic, just tighten the nut, If valve is leaking? Tighten the nut at bottom of handle stem, while its open

  • @imawehole
    @imawehole ปีที่แล้ว +6

    If you just stack everything in the middle of the room you'll only move it one time. Try using a wide blade putty knife and hammer it down the edge of the skirting board.

  • @clarefoskett9959
    @clarefoskett9959 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Is Alex the lady singing? It sounds like her.
    It's beautiful.😊

  • @gaynor3976
    @gaynor3976 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Slow and steady wins the race. You are both doing a Stirling job on the craft room xxx

  • @susanroller6905
    @susanroller6905 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Some great advice in the comments, always like reading them. The craft room should be wonderful, alas so much work still to be done 😐Loved the trip thru the countryside, it's so beautiful and green in Scotland, not so much in California, to many people !! ☹ I look forward to your next video, just love you both ! Stay well and sending hugs 🥰🥰 xx

  • @nitabourne3042
    @nitabourne3042 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    HI GAIL AND ALEX!! I WISH YOU BOTH SUCESS IN RESTORING YOUR CRAFT STUDIO. LOVE THE LANDSCAPE ON THE WAY WHEN YOU DRIVE. BUT DON'T YOU GET SCARED THAT YOU WON'T FIND YOUR WAY? IT SEEMS TO GO ON FOREVER WITHOUT ANYTHING IN VIEW. WOW!! ANYWAYS LOVE WHAT YOU DO AND PLEASE STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY ❤️ 🙏

  • @yomama8873
    @yomama8873 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good luck hard working ladies 🤩🤩🤩💖💖

  • @TaraFinlay
    @TaraFinlay ปีที่แล้ว +44

    So happy to see you making some things in the kitchen, some of your indoor life. Can't wait to see the finished craft room. Also, will we ever learn the mystery of Alex's secret singing career? If that isn't Alex singing, I'll eat my hat. Alex, your speaking voice us so melodious and that singing voice is outstanding. ❤❤❤

    • @scottishwifie14
      @scottishwifie14 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      I thought exactly the same was it Alex singing?

    • @TaraFinlay
      @TaraFinlay ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@scottishwifie14 Gorgeous voice!!!

    • @janetpendlebury6808
      @janetpendlebury6808 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      They have said before that it is not Alex singing.

    • @TaraFinlay
      @TaraFinlay ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@janetpendlebury6808 thanks for letting me know. I think I missed that.

    • @northernerinnc3179
      @northernerinnc3179 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@janetpendlebury6808 maye it is Gail...

  • @margaretlynch1494
    @margaretlynch1494 ปีที่แล้ว

    🙋‍♀️❤️. Darn, it's over! Can't wait for the next episode !

  • @elainegill2619
    @elainegill2619 ปีที่แล้ว

    Such stunning scenery on your way home Gail❤..i cannot wait to see the finished craft room. Your dedication to get some flowers fir cordial,is to be admired..well done Alex👍Love watching you both❤❤

  • @shanetrent8799
    @shanetrent8799 ปีที่แล้ว

    Tack strips.❤

  • @monjiaitaly
    @monjiaitaly ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What a beautiful place to live.

  • @piricarroll
    @piricarroll ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I love your videos ladies, many thanks for letting us tag along for the ride x

  • @iamshotty
    @iamshotty ปีที่แล้ว

    Love you guys xx Teresa ❤🇦🇺

  • @ruthbrowns8400
    @ruthbrowns8400 ปีที่แล้ว

    God grace you two love in a lovely beautiful place

  • @fairyacorn4854
    @fairyacorn4854 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Yup thats whats needed. You two work so hard and have all my admiration in the work you do between the two of you. Get that brother in to help. Always enjoy watching what you get up to. Stay safe and watch that cut fro9m the carpet grip.

  • @deathtrance217
    @deathtrance217 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The shmoo's are so beautiful! Love em.

  • @7annapurna
    @7annapurna ปีที่แล้ว

    Oh, your country is beautiful😍

  • @thekenneth3486
    @thekenneth3486 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    If the skirting boards are screwed on, you need to find the screw heads (use a magnet), then dig the heads out (they usually have a little wood-putty plug covering them for looks). If they're just nailed, you need something like a flat pry-bar to get down behind them. Put a strip of wood behind the bend of the pry-bar to limit wall damage. I could swear I've seen yall using such a pry-bar, but maybe I'm misremembering. Possibly that pallet-breaker would do, if nothing else can be found (overkill, but if it works...). Best of luck!! Sorry, I realize you've almost certainly found a way by the time this video came out, I have every confidence! 😘

  • @blkwaterfolk
    @blkwaterfolk ปีที่แล้ว +8

    It is peaceful for me when watching your videos. When all the mess is going on in the world, your shows give me that incentive to keep moving in the normal life.

  • @metaphoricallyspeaking45
    @metaphoricallyspeaking45 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    My kids highland dance to that well known tune!

  • @rawilson7768
    @rawilson7768 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I loved the closeups of the shews and the video of the ride home! It is so interesting to see how people do things in other places. It is also nice to see women who aren’t afraid of hard work and know how to use tools. Thank you for sharing like you do.

    • @deirdrepasko9056
      @deirdrepasko9056 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yes, they are the Dynamic Duo, that is for sure!

  • @gArroyo1099
    @gArroyo1099 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent choice of music as always

  • @julietteneylon4243
    @julietteneylon4243 ปีที่แล้ว

    Awsome progress ladies cant wait to see final product

  • @christinabrooks5991
    @christinabrooks5991 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great vlog. Your mum looks so much better. Those viruses are so tough to take.
    Everything is coming along. It will look wonderful.

  • @LynnYarbrough
    @LynnYarbrough ปีที่แล้ว

    I just love watching all of your shows…the mudlarking,making jewelry,making the glass beads, painting the pipes and baking them in the kiln, the walk through the old cemetery, finding muldlarking Barbie, fun episodes with friends like Simon, Nicola, Mick, Sarah, Kate & Fluer…finding all the beautiful sea glass, searching for the rocks, climbing those hills, Alex falling down the mountain, (thank God you weren’t hurt), the minerals, the shwoos, the yardwork, the wildflowers, the kitty cat, your Mom’s sweet pony tales, the pretty music Alex sings in the background….and the list just goes on and on and on….I’m so grateful for all of the joy you two ladies have brought into my life over here in America…I pray for each of you to always be happy, healthy, and surrounded by a life full of nothing but love💕 - Lynn Yarbrough; Perry, Georgia

  • @AnnaAnna-uc2ff
    @AnnaAnna-uc2ff ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you!.

  • @sandrarandle6221
    @sandrarandle6221 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    My mother in law took me blackberrying. Taking an old fashioned walking stick to pull the brambles towards us. I alwayeskeep one in the car. For all foraging. I enjoy your videos xxx

  • @brianaustingoodson3112
    @brianaustingoodson3112 ปีที่แล้ว

    Well done..👍

  • @daviddarrall9384
    @daviddarrall9384 ปีที่แล้ว

    Always working! ❤ UK

  • @robinschold4869
    @robinschold4869 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I certainly hope you survived the deluge! I've been watching you for over two years & I would hate to hear you've been washed away.

  • @Thatsinteresting363
    @Thatsinteresting363 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I can’t tell you how much I love your channel. It makes my heart happy. I wish I had the opportunity to do this with my mom. Now I’m hoping I’ll be able to do it with my daughters one day.
    And the old floorboards are DIVINE! I love the old timeworn floors. They have so much character! ❤️❤️

  • @ManchesterMudlarks
    @ManchesterMudlarks ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Always love seeing your video. And the new studio is looking great xx

  • @annaclouse6360
    @annaclouse6360 ปีที่แล้ว

    If you find a pry bar, use as suggested in other comments, BUT, start in the corner and work across. Great job ladies

  • @renitawoods8121
    @renitawoods8121 ปีที่แล้ว

    Get a prey bar to remove the base boards,Thank you both for the adventures
    💖✨✨

  • @sandymcallister4123
    @sandymcallister4123 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I love seeing your birds and hearing the wildlife. Thank you for sharing your home with us.

  • @esthermae8710
    @esthermae8710 ปีที่แล้ว

    Man, you guys really live out in the sticks!

  • @ryro5401
    @ryro5401 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Okay, I had no idea you had to get propane to use your stove, and I didn't see any neighbors as you were driving home. What's that like? Must be heaven.

  • @salilsahani2721
    @salilsahani2721 ปีที่แล้ว

    :)
    Take care and stay safe :)

  • @shishkebab5306
    @shishkebab5306 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Loved the video as always ladies. I'm amazed that gas bottle lasted you a year! We use to have the big bottle and it only lasted three to four months!

  • @samanthabloggins1775
    @samanthabloggins1775 ปีที่แล้ว

    Yes those carpet tacks in the straps of wood are dangerous! Take care! Great job clearing up!

  • @Mudhooks
    @Mudhooks ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have the same green rubber gadgets for opening jars. When you live alone and have a touch of Arthritis, they are VERY handy. Saves me from knocking on doors on my street to have someone loosen a lid!

  • @gwynbourlakov7252
    @gwynbourlakov7252 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Pry bar for skirting boards would help

  • @lauramorris3409
    @lauramorris3409 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love the floors! I will have to look into elderflower cordial. Sounds good.

  • @brendageorge9024
    @brendageorge9024 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Try using pare of Pliers to pull Staples 😊❤

  • @izabelabhering7041
    @izabelabhering7041 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I can’t think of a nicer place to live with all that nature embracing you and your property. I wait for your videos every week and can’t thank you enough for all you do for me and, I’m sure, all of your viewers. 💐💐

  • @judithsouth3887
    @judithsouth3887 ปีที่แล้ว

    nice size craft room..can't wait to see how you put it together

  • @susancousins8766
    @susancousins8766 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great work Alex on the craft room! You are getting it done, I pray the best for you and your mom. In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💜

  • @jonathankrueger3288
    @jonathankrueger3288 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wishing you both well

  • @Oregontrailblazin
    @Oregontrailblazin ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I love that old jug out front . Great terrarium that would make with all your bits and bobs .. indoors winter ..

  • @SandraH-i7h
    @SandraH-i7h 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I’ve often hoped that you’re up to date on your Tetanus shots.. Between picking through the broken bottles and rusty metal while mud larking and working around your farm I’m really surprised you don’t injure yourselves more often! Love your videos on both channels..❤

  • @christhompson4270
    @christhompson4270 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good luck with the skirting board, sometimes they use screws instead of nails. Definitely coming along nicely though. Take care and thank you for sharing 👏🙏❤️

  • @cynthiat6505
    @cynthiat6505 ปีที่แล้ว

    H2O2 for a puncture wound!!! Please no more wounds! Blessings!

  • @teresaclifford8184
    @teresaclifford8184 ปีที่แล้ว

    Please make more videos ❤❤❤! They are so relaxing and beautiful to watch .

  • @janedickson-gw4pb
    @janedickson-gw4pb ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Can’t wait to see how the cordial turns out!! Your hard work will certainly pay off in your new crafting room!!! ❤

  • @mudlarkingmarionette
    @mudlarkingmarionette ปีที่แล้ว

    It will all be worth it

  • @ttscrafts6765
    @ttscrafts6765 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love your life there in Scotland. I live in Southern California, which is built up and crowded in many places. It is so calming and lovely to see so much wide open green space and your historic home. I am 33% Scottish (25% from Isle of Man), so maybe it is calling to me.

    • @deirdrepasko9056
      @deirdrepasko9056 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I'm an American Scot as well! Isle of Man, that sounds so familiar,....what's your Clan's name?

    • @ttscrafts6765
      @ttscrafts6765 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@deirdrepasko9056 My grandmother's family have the last name of Cain.

  • @Gloria-qy3dd
    @Gloria-qy3dd ปีที่แล้ว

    It is nice seeing you tackling a problem and solving it Alex.

  • @suzique5827
    @suzique5827 ปีที่แล้ว

    Tetris anyone? Putting all the bags in that little car and making them fit? ❤❤

  • @andreaelliott728
    @andreaelliott728 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The roads look so narrow! I’d be terrified to meet an oncoming car, especially on some of those corners!

    • @suehofert472
      @suehofert472 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I live in Scotland on Lewis our single track roads have passing places

  • @martp197
    @martp197 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love the elderflower cordial, I just made some sloe vodka will add maple syrup to it in a couple of months, also made some rose hip honey and apple cider vinegar. Can't beat harvesting from nature. Absolutely adore where you live.

  • @abqresident4461
    @abqresident4461 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    What do you think, Gail? Dancing with the Stars is your next challenge? LOL. Love and hugs from me in New Mexico USA.

  • @OriginsReborn
    @OriginsReborn ปีที่แล้ว

    Technique for removing gripper rods is, lie one screwdriver parallel with the gripper and put a flat head screwdriver over the top of it and under the gripper near it's fixing nail and prize up in a sea-saw motion. Repeat for each fixing nail until gripper is free.

  • @kathrynwallkowicz7223
    @kathrynwallkowicz7223 ปีที่แล้ว

    Jeesh i love you. Want yo adopt you lol into my family..❤❤❤

  • @tonycox5625
    @tonycox5625 ปีที่แล้ว

    Skirting boards, hammer, chisel and start at the end not the middle. 👍

  • @lindastowars7346
    @lindastowars7346 ปีที่แล้ว

    I too have that nifty green bottle opener, such a help with much more that bottle caps and lids.

  • @VenusSantaCruz
    @VenusSantaCruz ปีที่แล้ว

    Watch your hair near the burner Alex 😱🥰

  • @kellyharrah11
    @kellyharrah11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    U need a small pry bar for the skirting boards

  • @howardwest1347
    @howardwest1347 ปีที่แล้ว

    Greetings. From northern Michigan my two favorite ladies. Lovel love love your vids,

  • @viridiangreen8259
    @viridiangreen8259 ปีที่แล้ว

    Scotland is is beautiful - your homestead is coming along

  • @j.k.rector9818
    @j.k.rector9818 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Love Alex’s exclamation the elderberry harvest in the driving rain was refreshing and Gail’s uninhibited dance moves - great progress on the studio!

  • @joanarledge5621
    @joanarledge5621 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You are so inspiring and beautiful. Makes me so relaxed to watch your videos. Love you. Keep up the amazing work. Joan in Louisiana, United States.

  • @f.k.burnham8491
    @f.k.burnham8491 ปีที่แล้ว

    -I used a short prybar with a flat end and a recurved other end. I drove the prybar under the baseboard, lifted it up and put a wooden block under it. I stepped on the end of the prybar and the baseboard came loose easily. I did not save the old baseboard. One can also drive the flat of the prybar between the baseboard and the wall, putting a 3-4' section of wide flat board behind the prybar and the force will pop off the baseboard off with no damage to the plasterboard wall. The flat board distributes the force so as to keep the damage to the plasterboard minimal to none, and you can then salvage the boards for re-use. I used the same basic technique to remove the nail boards that held the wall to wall carpet. I had a pair of heavy cow hide gloves I wore when pulling the nail boards too.

  • @evanflood7038
    @evanflood7038 ปีที่แล้ว

    That room is exactly like my upstairs bedroom! Half dormer with a closet built in the corner! There had been a leak in the roof and and the plaster was cracking. Tack strips in the floor that had to be ripped up when I tore out the carpet, too!

  • @garymoore581
    @garymoore581 ปีที่แล้ว

    I am in the process of changing my workshop from doing upholstery to a studio but I think I have bitten off more than I can chew never mind it will get sorted I love watching your videos because you are both so skilled in what ever job you do all our love from the Moore family on the Isle of wight

  • @andrewpenwright2266
    @andrewpenwright2266 ปีที่แล้ว

    to remove skirting boards, try using a nail punch to hammer nails right through the boards

  • @lisaosborn7046
    @lisaosborn7046 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    We call it a pry bar in the USA. It still causes a tiny bit of damage to the wall but if your careful it works pretty good. Chin up! You'll get it!!❤

  • @fionasimagination
    @fionasimagination ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love these videos so much!❤😊

  • @ellyntallon2255
    @ellyntallon2255 ปีที่แล้ว

    Invest in a pry bar. Great for prying things apart, removing/pulling nails etc.. when in doubt Alex... ask Mr. Google pants 😅

  • @suzannevontacky2312
    @suzannevontacky2312 ปีที่แล้ว

    Those roads look so narrow!

  • @cjgia4898
    @cjgia4898 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    How have 4+ hours passed since this video was posted? I must not have heard the notification. Idk. Just really glad to see it now.
    Ow Alex! Is your tb shot current? Considering what ya'll do, I'm guessing it is.
    Thank you for sharing all of the very interesting things you ladies do. It's so beautiful there! The country side. The ocean. Your home. All so very lovely.....just like you two. 😊✌❤🙏

  • @donnaheaden9515
    @donnaheaden9515 ปีที่แล้ว

    For future reference go to a hardware store an ask for a staple remover ! They are a big help!

  • @uncralph4354
    @uncralph4354 ปีที่แล้ว

    Fun watching yall, research you tube, but you know that, to get the skirting boards off. Btw Gail, would love to do the twist with you anytime!

  • @lexiebear55
    @lexiebear55 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Hi ladies, love it when you put a new video out, hope your safe from the awful storm, take care ❤

  • @susanfretwell4375
    @susanfretwell4375 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi both,loads of elderflowers in south wales.picking after a dry spell is better,you don’t get so many of those little black crawlies.I make elder flower champagne.gorgeous.

  • @EllenPetersson-zs8wc
    @EllenPetersson-zs8wc 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The melodi in the craftroom has a Swedish liriks. About the different months.

  • @janinedevilliers510
    @janinedevilliers510 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great progress on the studio. 👏At least the yukky carpets are gone. Bit by bit you are getting there.
    I hope you don't mind me saying that computer games chair doesn't suit the space. I think the vintage furniture will suit the studio.
    I can't wait to see your craft room finished and decorated with all the beautiful pieces of art that you both made from Mudlarking. All the strings of hand made beads and jewellery, and your collections displayed on shelves. 😇
    I also make Elderflower cordial. It's delicious. Well dine Alex for weathering the rain. 😅
    I missed making a batch of cordial this year. A storm ruined all the flowers on the bush that I collect flowers from. Next year.
    I go to fleamarkets over here in Germany and buy 2nd hand bottles with those lids you clip down. I wash my bottles by hand. Wash them in the dishwasher and boil them for good measure because they are 2nd hand. But they are in perfect condition when I buy them. So when I find good bargains I collect my bottles for cordials, etc.
    When I first got the idea to make Elderflower cordial I had the flowers but no bottles. 😂
    I also live in the countryside, it is not like I can go to a shop quickly and buy bottles. I really have to hunt around for things. 😂
    So now, I have collected a box full of large bottles and small ones. If I only have enough cordial for say two x 1L bottles, but I have some left over, I can pour the rest into a smaller bottle. I label and store my cordial in a cool dark place, and all is good to go.
    I found it interesting to see you used castor sugar. I must give that a try.
    Well done ladies, you are both so hardworking and you do it all with so much dedication. 💖🤗

  • @cindydickson3379
    @cindydickson3379 ปีที่แล้ว

    Slide a putty knife behind the wood, then slide a cats claw or crowbar on top of the putty knife, then pry wood off. The putty knife will protect the tool from digging into the wall

  • @TheAwakeningangel
    @TheAwakeningangel ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Alex get a Magnet and go over the skirting and you will see it has loads of nails, xxxx Dede xxx

  • @dawsie
    @dawsie ปีที่แล้ว

    Here in Australia, for some really crazy reason they call it a smooth edge😳😳😳they are anything but smooth.

  • @EmbraceTheJourney
    @EmbraceTheJourney ปีที่แล้ว

    a pry bar would be of great advantage. I've taken many tack strips off and molding boards, pry bars are the tools of choice.

  • @allisonians
    @allisonians ปีที่แล้ว

    you can also use the hammer to help get the pry bar between the wall and skirting board.

  • @davidmccabe7506
    @davidmccabe7506 ปีที่แล้ว

    Them griper carpet runners our very sharp. I have got many cuts from these in the past.

  • @allisonians
    @allisonians ปีที่แล้ว

    a little pry bar, a flat board to place between the wall and the hammer, if you need the hammer to help pull the boards out. The pry bar ought to do the trick, but the hammer may need to be used to start it off. Work from the ends.

  • @andicaswell6213
    @andicaswell6213 ปีที่แล้ว

    You had a claw hammer in your hand! You could have used the claw end to lever it out the same way you would pull out nails. Good luck with it x

  • @thecourtlyalchemist
    @thecourtlyalchemist ปีที่แล้ว

    I used a crowbar, a pool noodle, and an old phone book. The noodle or book or combination of the two against the wall gave me leverage and didn't damage the wall except when the nail got bend and just tore the plasterboard a bit at the bottom but it was an easy fix with spackle.