Sunday, October 31, 2010
I am a Halloween Scrooge. And it turns out I'm not alone. I googled "Halloween Scrooge" while searching for blog clip art and found a wealth of other blog posts on this topic. I do find it reassuring that I am not the only Halloween malcontent, but sadly there be more of them than there be of us. Thems the ones who love Halloween. I made the mistake of mentioning that I am a Halloween Scrooge in mixed company the other day and was "tsked" for my lack of Halloweeny spirit.
I do like the candy, but really if I am buying candy why do I want to give it to other people? Or maybe its just that I don't like people knocking at my door. Hmmm, or it could all stem from the year where I had a homemade costume made for the work costume contest and lost to the Wal-Mart pirate costume? The futher down the rabbit whole I chase this Halloween hate the more reasons I find to dislike the holiday.
I don't remember always disliking Halloween, but I have always been costume challenged. I am in awe of those who come up with clever costumes. I went as the alphabet one year. My costume consisted of the letters safety pined to black pants and a black shirt. I remember being really bothered that no one seemed to get it.
Crap. Is it possible that my Scrooge-iness is acutally a sign of insecurity and envy? ........ Nope. I just don't like giving away my candy.
Bottom Picture: Hershey Kiss age 2
Group Picture: unknown costume age 5
Really it all went downhill after the Hershey Kiss master costume.
I bought a cordless drill at Lowe's this week. I've bought tools before, but I felt a whole new level of possibility open up with the purchase of my very first power tool.
I've already used it to install a mirror and attach drawer pulls to my re-finished dresser. (the drawer pulls were finally located at Anthropolgie)
Now that I have a power tool I think its time to crank up the power and tackle some new projects. Granted the cordless drill can't do everything - but all I need to do is get a coring bit and the world of building is my oyster.
I've decided to build a reclaimed lumber headboard. Still playing around with the simplest way to accomplish this task. The more I plan the more I think I may need to get 2 more power tools. A nail gun and a miter saw.
Did I mention that I am renting? Good thing I got that Renter's Insurance!
A Kendra Original
I visited my sister in July and we went to the wonderful world of Tai Pan Trading where I bought a large black flower purse for a great price. I was thrilled with the bag ... my sister was far less enthusiastic about my purchase. The exact words escape my memory, however I do remember the tone and message. We had some kind of interchange that went as follows:
Me: What do you think?
Her: silence
Me: I think that there is a way to make it less shiny. That would be pretty cool.
Her: silence
Me: I bet if I found a way to take some of the shine out of the bag it would be less ...
Her: obnoxious?
Disclaimer: This conversation may, or may not, have been altered to support my version of these events.
I did some research and decided to purchase a Leather Deglazer - because I figured my bag was made o
f patent leather. When I applied the deglazer and NOTHING HAPPENED I began to suspect that my bag was made of faux patent leather. Which would be odd becuase I didn't think that patent leather needed to have a knock off version of itself to keep costs down.
While looking at my bag and contemplating the options I decided to paint it. I've bee playing with acrylic paint lately and it was sitting within arms reach. Voila! (pronouced WaLah). I took some paint and with my fingers created the finished product below.
I only started carrying the bag 5 days ago, but have been stopped and questioned about my bag by at least 5 different women. It is always a pleasant exchange -each time the question "Where did you get your bag" has been asked. I answer the question, but in the back of my mind I have this thought, "This is a Kendra Original - its the only one of its kind!"
Me: What do you think?
Her: silence
Me: I think that there is a way to make it less shiny. That would be pretty cool.
Her: silence
Me: I bet if I found a way to take some of the shine out of the bag it would be less ...
Her: obnoxious?
Disclaimer: This conversation may, or may not, have been altered to support my version of these events.
I did some research and decided to purchase a Leather Deglazer - because I figured my bag was made o
f patent leather. When I applied the deglazer and NOTHING HAPPENED I began to suspect that my bag was made of faux patent leather. Which would be odd becuase I didn't think that patent leather needed to have a knock off version of itself to keep costs down.While looking at my bag and contemplating the options I decided to paint it. I've bee playing with acrylic paint lately and it was sitting within arms reach. Voila! (pronouced WaLah). I took some paint and with my fingers created the finished product below.
I only started carrying the bag 5 days ago, but have been stopped and questioned about my bag by at least 5 different women. It is always a pleasant exchange -each time the question "Where did you get your bag" has been asked. I answer the question, but in the back of my mind I have this thought, "This is a Kendra Original - its the only one of its kind!"
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Apparently cider making is all the rage up here in northwest Washington. I had been in numerous conversations where it was mentioned, and all the individuals who spoke of it insisted that I take the opportunity and go press cider. There have been all kinds of cider pressing activities in the region lately - and yesterday I had the chance to go and see what all the buzz was about.
It was both fascinating and charming. I would do it again.
It was both fascinating and charming. I would do it again.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Beyond My Skill Level
A comment that I have heard myself making alot lately has been:
"That is beyond my skill level"
Examples of things that are beyond my skill level:
1. installing a bathroom sink after watching 1 youtube instructional video
2. installing a new ceiling fan (i don't know how to get the current fan down, let alone get a new one up)
3. making an Excel spreadsheet do what I want for tracking a large project
4. making the amazingly pretty, and colorful, Excel spreadsheet template I found do what I want for tracking a large project
5. making a Berry Chantilly cake that rivals the Berry Chantilly cake purchased at Whole Foods (i've tried. Jill however, has mad Berry Chantilly cake skills)
6. making an area rug out of leather floor tiles (i've been puzzling over this idea for awhile)
The list could go on, but in order to preserve some semblance of self-confidence I will leave the list at 6. (thought strangely my self-confidence seems quite impervious to all contrary information)
My thought has recently been to figure out how to increase my skill level and accomplish/create all the things that have stumped me. I think there are some areas in which this is possible. Admittedly though - i have a tendency to cheat. Example: video game that is too hard? I call one of my brothers to get me past the boss battle that is once again "beyond my skill level". Even the easy button is of no use. I already play the games on "easy" Leveling my characters in video games is so much easier than leveling up in real life. Sigh. I need a cheat code for life skills!
Projects
I moved recently and have all kinds of wall space for new items. The wall space is both a pro and a con. Lots of space to fill - pro. Lots of space to fill - con. As with so many other things I spend so much time searching for the PERFECT thing, that my brain gets overloaded with the options. There are lots and lots of options. In considering the types of art that I am drawn too I have realized that my taste far exceeds my pocketbook, and have been looking for other options to meet both my wants and not break the bank.
As a result I have been playing with acrylic paint, acrylic gel mediums, Citra Solv and book blue. I'm not sure where it will lead me but it's always fun to have a project. I've included a couple of the items that I've worked on while trying to figure out the best way to go about getting the results I want. In doing this I am once again reminded that the visions in my brain far exceed the capabilites of my hands.
As a result I have been playing with acrylic paint, acrylic gel mediums, Citra Solv and book blue. I'm not sure where it will lead me but it's always fun to have a project. I've included a couple of the items that I've worked on while trying to figure out the best way to go about getting the results I want. In doing this I am once again reminded that the visions in my brain far exceed the capabilites of my hands.
Picture 1: my first attempt at making flowers on the canvas with acrylic paint
Picture 2: I really liked this picture initally, and was excited that the flowers looked decent. However, the long I looked at the more it reminds me of the 80's. Which is disturbing to consider that the 80's is my default style. ugh
Picture 3: I attempted to paint the canvas first and then transfer an image onto the paint. It did not work.
Picture 4: I really like the colors, this is supposed to be the first step in another project. I think I am going to try again to add an image over the paint.
Picture 2: I really liked this picture initally, and was excited that the flowers looked decent. However, the long I looked at the more it reminds me of the 80's. Which is disturbing to consider that the 80's is my default style. ugh
Picture 3: I attempted to paint the canvas first and then transfer an image onto the paint. It did not work.
Picture 4: I really like the colors, this is supposed to be the first step in another project. I think I am going to try again to add an image over the paint.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Citra Solv Magic
I stumbled upon the magic of Citra Solv online last week, and decided to give it a try. I tried a couple of different things and discovered 1. this does not work with comic books 2. I now have to decide what to do with my creations. So many options!
I read up about it at http://www.citra-solv.com/newcitraartist/tutorial4.html (this was only one of the many sites I used as research). Located National Geograhpic magazines at the Value Village and Citra Solv at a local co-op.
Once I had all the tools I got to work. The Citra Solv smells orangey - but after a very short period of time it was no longer a "fresh orange field" smell but more of a "burning my eyes out" chemical burn smell. I took precations and opened sliding glass doors and used fans in the room - but if I had the option I would either work in a much larger space, or work outdoors for this project.
In the end I was thrilled with the results. I ended up with 46 individual designs from the pages of my magazine. I've included 5 of the 46 here. Tried to pick examples that were significantly different from one another. They all came from the same magazine!
I read up about it at http://www.citra-solv.com/newcitraartist/tutorial4.html (this was only one of the many sites I used as research). Located National Geograhpic magazines at the Value Village and Citra Solv at a local co-op.
Once I had all the tools I got to work. The Citra Solv smells orangey - but after a very short period of time it was no longer a "fresh orange field" smell but more of a "burning my eyes out" chemical burn smell. I took precations and opened sliding glass doors and used fans in the room - but if I had the option I would either work in a much larger space, or work outdoors for this project.
In the end I was thrilled with the results. I ended up with 46 individual designs from the pages of my magazine. I've included 5 of the 46 here. Tried to pick examples that were significantly different from one another. They all came from the same magazine!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
My bathtub had not been draining recently. Considering I've only lived in my current space for less than 2 months, and have been using a drain catcher thingy (that is the technical term) - it seemed unlikely that the drain could be plugged.
Yet it still was not draining. I had previously purchased the Turbo Snake. Another of the many miracle inventions seen on tv.
It had everything I needed. Even comes with a hook so that the turbo snake can be hung up and saved for another use. I did not keep the reusable hook. I did not keep the turbo snake for another day. I did remind myself that I am a grown up and that these are the kinds of things things that grownups handle. I did shudder .... repeatedly.
I am FIRE DRAGON !!!
The fire dragon has a very distinct personality. As it is dragons are considered to be the mightiest of all the zodiac signs but the fire dragon’s personality takes dynamism to a whole new level. The fire dragon has the enterprising traits that are characteristic of the dragon but it seems to be far more enhanced when the dragon is coupled with this hot element.
Although the dragon is considered as a symbol of might and glory, people born under the sign of the fire dragon are believed to have a great humanitarian spirit. At the same time the fire dragon possesses a great spirit for adventure. This is perhaps one of the reasons it is often considered to be a very restless creature which is always looking for some sort of activity to engage in.
The fire dragon is competitive by nature. As it is dragons are known to be brave and self confident hence you will not find the fire dragon backing away from any challenge that comes its way. Another special quality in the fire dragon is the fact that they are natural born leaders. Although they are strong they are some times accused of having a narrow vision and a one track mind.
This accusation is more so labeled at the fire dragon that has a hot temper which can easily flare if the dragon is provoked. This is not to say that the fire dragon is a perpetually angry character. On the contrary the fire dragon quite enjoys the company of those who can make him laugh. With all these characteristics the fire dragon surely seems like one of the most dynamic personalities drawn up by Chinese astrologists.
And so ....
The fire dragon has a very distinct personality. As it is dragons are considered to be the mightiest of all the zodiac signs but the fire dragon’s personality takes dynamism to a whole new level. The fire dragon has the enterprising traits that are characteristic of the dragon but it seems to be far more enhanced when the dragon is coupled with this hot element.
Although the dragon is considered as a symbol of might and glory, people born under the sign of the fire dragon are believed to have a great humanitarian spirit. At the same time the fire dragon possesses a great spirit for adventure. This is perhaps one of the reasons it is often considered to be a very restless creature which is always looking for some sort of activity to engage in.
The fire dragon is competitive by nature. As it is dragons are known to be brave and self confident hence you will not find the fire dragon backing away from any challenge that comes its way. Another special quality in the fire dragon is the fact that they are natural born leaders. Although they are strong they are some times accused of having a narrow vision and a one track mind.
This accusation is more so labeled at the fire dragon that has a hot temper which can easily flare if the dragon is provoked. This is not to say that the fire dragon is a perpetually angry character. On the contrary the fire dragon quite enjoys the company of those who can make him laugh. With all these characteristics the fire dragon surely seems like one of the most dynamic personalities drawn up by Chinese astrologists.
And so ....
I love my new laptop! I got the cover customer made from skinit.com. I only wish i had more things to put custom stickers on!
Re-Purpose Part Deux
In all my excitement to finish the dresser project below I decided early on that I would go out and find the perfect drawer handles to compliment the newly reclaimed dresser. I would find them - and they WOULD be perfect.
So I threw away the drawer pulls that had been part of the dresser. No need to strip the paint off of those. I wasn't going to use those anyways.
Fast forward 2.5 months.
I am still looking for drawer handles. Sigh.
I have tried my hand at painting some wood drawer handles to get the look I want but ... eh. They are just not right. I do like them - just not for this dresser. Here are the drawers pulls I created. They are still sitting on the kitchen counter.
If you look closely you may see that one of these things does NOT look like the others. He was my first experiement.
One is the loneliest number that you'll ever do
Two can be as bad as one
It's the loneliest number since the number one
No is the saddest experience you'll ever know
Yes, it's the saddest experience you'll ever know
`Cause one is the loneliest number that you'll ever do
One is the loneliest number, worse than two
Poor guy - he will forever be alone.
In all my excitement to finish the dresser project below I decided early on that I would go out and find the perfect drawer handles to compliment the newly reclaimed dresser. I would find them - and they WOULD be perfect.
So I threw away the drawer pulls that had been part of the dresser. No need to strip the paint off of those. I wasn't going to use those anyways.
Fast forward 2.5 months.
I am still looking for drawer handles. Sigh.
I have tried my hand at painting some wood drawer handles to get the look I want but ... eh. They are just not right. I do like them - just not for this dresser. Here are the drawers pulls I created. They are still sitting on the kitchen counter.
If you look closely you may see that one of these things does NOT look like the others. He was my first experiement.
One is the loneliest number that you'll ever do
Two can be as bad as one
It's the loneliest number since the number one
No is the saddest experience you'll ever know
Yes, it's the saddest experience you'll ever know
`Cause one is the loneliest number that you'll ever do
One is the loneliest number, worse than two
Poor guy - he will forever be alone.
Re-Purpose Success
After finding a place and deciding to move I looked at all the things I needed to accomplish in 2 weeks and said to myself, "you've got plenty of time to re-purpose that dresser that's been in your parents house for the last 3 decades". No problem.
Side note: I have never done anything like this before.
The dresser had been painted brown at some point - and I assumed that there was wood underneath, not just plywood, so I purchased a paint stripper and got to work. The paint stripper was mildly successful - but it was the hand sander that saved the day. In the end I decided that I liked little bits of paint still on the surface, and simply covered the dresser with a spray varnish. Here are the steps.
Drawers and dresser sitting with paint stripper on it - waiting for the goop to work its magic.
After many coats of goop, I moved onto the hand sander, and things went much faster at that point.
Sanding step:
I made a solo trip to the lumber yard where I purchased a peice of plywood and had it cut to specifications. I should mention that I am really proud of myself for going alone. Out of my element to say the least. I replaced the dresser backboard with the new piece of plywood to reinforce the support (the previous backing had been warped and cracking when I started). Also reattached some of the drawer ledges and created some new ledges for ones that had gone missing over the years.
Finished product in my bedroom now.
After finding a place and deciding to move I looked at all the things I needed to accomplish in 2 weeks and said to myself, "you've got plenty of time to re-purpose that dresser that's been in your parents house for the last 3 decades". No problem.
Side note: I have never done anything like this before.
The dresser had been painted brown at some point - and I assumed that there was wood underneath, not just plywood, so I purchased a paint stripper and got to work. The paint stripper was mildly successful - but it was the hand sander that saved the day. In the end I decided that I liked little bits of paint still on the surface, and simply covered the dresser with a spray varnish. Here are the steps.
Drawers and dresser sitting with paint stripper on it - waiting for the goop to work its magic.
After many coats of goop, I moved onto the hand sander, and things went much faster at that point.
Sanding step:
I made a solo trip to the lumber yard where I purchased a peice of plywood and had it cut to specifications. I should mention that I am really proud of myself for going alone. Out of my element to say the least. I replaced the dresser backboard with the new piece of plywood to reinforce the support (the previous backing had been warped and cracking when I started). Also reattached some of the drawer ledges and created some new ledges for ones that had gone missing over the years.
Finished product in my bedroom now.
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