"Spiral Self Filling Candle"
(shown half-size: full version at YouTube)
anoasisproduction, YouTube (March 15, 2011)
video, 0:42
"A candle that burns around a hollow center and fills itself...."
The Lemming thinks it's a fun little video: and has a personal interest. The inventor and developer of this candle is the Lemming's son-in-law.
It's a new product - and available through Amazon.com:
Red Spiral Wick Self Filling Candle
by Spiral Fire
Showing posts with label crafts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crafts. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Specialty Candle Prototype Video
"4thPrototypeCenterFill"
anoasisproduction, YouTube (February 15, 2011)
[no description]
A prototype - candle?
This is a new twist on the very old craft of candle making. Essentially, wax from the spiral wick's burning flows into the candle's core. Then, about 24 seconds into this time-lapse video, the central wick lights up. Apparently by itself.
What you don't see is the trimming and lighting that took place between two frames. The Lemming's been following development of this sort of candle: which is a new product being developed by the Lemming's son-in-law and daughter.
The video's got a few captions - which go by pretty fast, in the Lemming's opinion, and a nice music track. Again, in the Lemming's opinion. You may think it sounds like 'elevator music:' and the Lemming sort of likes elevator music.
Also Mozart and Daft Punk.
Enjoy.
anoasisproduction, YouTube (February 15, 2011)
[no description]
A prototype - candle?
This is a new twist on the very old craft of candle making. Essentially, wax from the spiral wick's burning flows into the candle's core. Then, about 24 seconds into this time-lapse video, the central wick lights up. Apparently by itself.
What you don't see is the trimming and lighting that took place between two frames. The Lemming's been following development of this sort of candle: which is a new product being developed by the Lemming's son-in-law and daughter.
The video's got a few captions - which go by pretty fast, in the Lemming's opinion, and a nice music track. Again, in the Lemming's opinion. You may think it sounds like 'elevator music:' and the Lemming sort of likes elevator music.
Also Mozart and Daft Punk.
Enjoy.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Dorodango!
"Hikaru Dorodango - Making Japanese Polished Dirt Balls
relache, Hub Pages
"The Art of Polished Dirt Balls"
"Proving they really do have an art for just about anything you can imagine, the Japanese have perfected the art of making hand-polished dirt balls. Steady, patient, manual compression is all that it takes to make these simple, smooth forms.
"Think of it as the Zen of Dirt...."
The Lemming is not making that up. There are photos and a how-2 on the page. Looks like an absorbing pastime. And probably good for developing patience. Or tolerance for tedium, at any rate. Which is also useful.
More:
"泥だんご"
Kayo, Fumio, kyokyo-u.ac.jp
"Dorodango"
This how-2 is available in Japanese, German - and, happily for the Lemming, English.
Dorodango was featured on a Mythbusters episode aired today on a cable channel here in central Minnesota: and it looks like, as the Lemming said before, a good way to develop patience. And/or tolerance for repetitive tasks. And yes: dirt can be made to shine. It takes time, though. And a whole lot of manual work.
The Lemming might try it - but vast tracts of time are not something that exist in plentiful supply. Besides, the sort of research the Lemming does for these posts serves much the same purpose.
A sort-of-related post:
relache, Hub Pages
"The Art of Polished Dirt Balls"
"Proving they really do have an art for just about anything you can imagine, the Japanese have perfected the art of making hand-polished dirt balls. Steady, patient, manual compression is all that it takes to make these simple, smooth forms.
"Think of it as the Zen of Dirt...."
The Lemming is not making that up. There are photos and a how-2 on the page. Looks like an absorbing pastime. And probably good for developing patience. Or tolerance for tedium, at any rate. Which is also useful.
More:
"泥だんご"
Kayo, Fumio, kyokyo-u.ac.jp
"Dorodango"
This how-2 is available in Japanese, German - and, happily for the Lemming, English.
Dorodango was featured on a Mythbusters episode aired today on a cable channel here in central Minnesota: and it looks like, as the Lemming said before, a good way to develop patience. And/or tolerance for repetitive tasks. And yes: dirt can be made to shine. It takes time, though. And a whole lot of manual work.
The Lemming might try it - but vast tracts of time are not something that exist in plentiful supply. Besides, the sort of research the Lemming does for these posts serves much the same purpose.
A sort-of-related post:
- "When Your Mind Wanders: Do You Worry That it Won't Come Back?"
(November 12, 2010)
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Repairing Violins in Small Town America: This One's Personal
A tip of the hat to the Sauk Centre Herald, for permission to re-post this article, from their December 21, 2010, edition.
Bringing music back to life
Jill Warren, staff writer, Sauk Centre Herald (December 21, 2010)
"Kaas takes on violin restoration
"Deacon Lawrence Kaas has taught himself how to repair violins. For the last five months he has been perfecting the fine mechanics of working with the instrument." Sauk Centre Herald photo by Jill Warren
![]()
"Since it's origination in the 1500's, the violin has been producing beautiful music, and during the 17th and 18th centuries the art of violin making soured. Today, people of all ages enjoy playing the instrument, and Deacon Lawrence Kaas enjoys repairing them.
" 'I am convinced that if I follow the rules of building and repairing violins, I can make any violin sound it's best. The rest is up to the person playing it,' Kaas said.
"The art of violin repair, and violin playing, is new to Kaas. He grew up playing the piano, and only started repairing violins about five months ago.
" 'I'm 77 years old and I just started a new trade,' said Kaas who also does wood carvings and clock repair.
"Working with intricate projects is nothing new for Kaas. He has been doing fine mechanics and woodworking since he was in high school. For Kaas, it's not a question of if he can do it, but a question of how long it will take him to perfect the skills necessary to do it.
" 'You can't just pick up a violin and fix it,' he said. 'There's a lot of practice that goes into perfecting that kind of work.'
"Kaas reads books to learn how to do things, and the art of violin repair just happens to be a subject he has familiarized himself with lately.
"Kaas started learning about this trade by practicing on violins of his own that he acquired from family members or found in pawnshops.
"His woodworking background was helpful, especially when it comes to being familiar with the vast array of intricate tools needed to repair the instruments.
"Kaas fixed his first violin for someone else three months ago, and now he is working on several violin repairs for other people.
"Repairs can range from replacing a bridge, mending a seam or crack and reattaching broken pieces. The fixes can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
"Through this process, Kaas has learned a lot about the violin and has even started playing the instrument.
"The favorite part for Kaas, though, is learning the stories behind each of his projects.
" 'I love when a violin comes in and has a story behind it,' Kass said. 'You wish you could know the story behind every violin that came in.'
"Whether it's a violin belonging to a customer's great-grandfather that just needs tuning, or a cracked violin abandoned at a pawnshop, every violin that comes into Kaas's workshop gets the attention of a skilled craftsman."
As a rule, this blog runs micro-reviews: not an entire article.
What's different this time is that Deacon Kaas is my father-in-law. One might say that I took this topic more personally than most. I plan to be back tomorrow, with opinions about whatever I find online.
Again, my thanks to the Sauk Centre Herald: for permission to re-post their article.
Bringing music back to life
Jill Warren, staff writer, Sauk Centre Herald (December 21, 2010)
"Kaas takes on violin restoration
"Deacon Lawrence Kaas has taught himself how to repair violins. For the last five months he has been perfecting the fine mechanics of working with the instrument." Sauk Centre Herald photo by Jill Warren
" 'I am convinced that if I follow the rules of building and repairing violins, I can make any violin sound it's best. The rest is up to the person playing it,' Kaas said.
"The art of violin repair, and violin playing, is new to Kaas. He grew up playing the piano, and only started repairing violins about five months ago.
" 'I'm 77 years old and I just started a new trade,' said Kaas who also does wood carvings and clock repair.
"Working with intricate projects is nothing new for Kaas. He has been doing fine mechanics and woodworking since he was in high school. For Kaas, it's not a question of if he can do it, but a question of how long it will take him to perfect the skills necessary to do it.
" 'You can't just pick up a violin and fix it,' he said. 'There's a lot of practice that goes into perfecting that kind of work.'
"Kaas reads books to learn how to do things, and the art of violin repair just happens to be a subject he has familiarized himself with lately.
"Kaas started learning about this trade by practicing on violins of his own that he acquired from family members or found in pawnshops.
"His woodworking background was helpful, especially when it comes to being familiar with the vast array of intricate tools needed to repair the instruments.
"Kaas fixed his first violin for someone else three months ago, and now he is working on several violin repairs for other people.
"Repairs can range from replacing a bridge, mending a seam or crack and reattaching broken pieces. The fixes can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
"Through this process, Kaas has learned a lot about the violin and has even started playing the instrument.
"The favorite part for Kaas, though, is learning the stories behind each of his projects.
" 'I love when a violin comes in and has a story behind it,' Kass said. 'You wish you could know the story behind every violin that came in.'
"Whether it's a violin belonging to a customer's great-grandfather that just needs tuning, or a cracked violin abandoned at a pawnshop, every violin that comes into Kaas's workshop gets the attention of a skilled craftsman."
As a rule, this blog runs micro-reviews: not an entire article.
What's different this time is that Deacon Kaas is my father-in-law. One might say that I took this topic more personally than most. I plan to be back tomorrow, with opinions about whatever I find online.
Again, my thanks to the Sauk Centre Herald: for permission to re-post their article.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Building an Igloo: Four Steps
"Build an Igloo"
Wired How-To Wiki
"If you're planning an excursion into the frozen tundra, learn a few tricks from those who've lived there the longest. The Inuit of Northern Canada have been making temporary shelters out of snow and ice as long as the white stuff has been around...."
There's a four-step procedure that seems to be moderately practical.
In the Lemming's opinion, though, the prudent course of action is to avoid being in a position where one needs to know how to build an igloo.
On the other hand, if you're doing it for fun: Enjoy!
Wired How-To Wiki
"If you're planning an excursion into the frozen tundra, learn a few tricks from those who've lived there the longest. The Inuit of Northern Canada have been making temporary shelters out of snow and ice as long as the white stuff has been around...."
There's a four-step procedure that seems to be moderately practical.
In the Lemming's opinion, though, the prudent course of action is to avoid being in a position where one needs to know how to build an igloo.
On the other hand, if you're doing it for fun: Enjoy!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
DIY For Painterly Silhouettes
"diy project: kate's painterly silhouettes"
design*sponge (April 21, 2010)
"i love the crisp, graphic nature of silhouettes. I know that you’ve seen a lot of silhouette designs though, so i tried to give you a project that rethinks the traditional form a bit by allowing you to add your own style to it. the great thing about working with these contact paper cut-outs is that you can paint any way you want! i went for a fun stripe inside silhouettes of masculine objects, to make a gift for my man (they kind of remind me of the jack spade look, which i love). but you could go crazy with the painting style here: splatters, drips, impressionistic, color blocking, camouflage, it would all look great! once you cut the shape out cleanly, you don’t have to worry much about painting accuracy, which is the other great thing about cut-outs. trust me, there is nothing more satisfying than peeling back the paper to reveal a perfect, pristine outline. i hope you have fun experimenting with this one. have fun! – kate...."
(from kate, via design*sponge, used w/o permission)
well, aside from the not-entirely-even 'e. e. cummings' approach to capitalization, i think you'll find this an interesting post. maybe even useful.
hey, if somebody feels more artistic and creative if they don't use capital letters - well, it makes the reader work a little harder. those capitalization conventions we have were developed to make reading a bit easier so were the spelleng an punchuation wuns
But if you're okay with that: it ain't again' the law.
On the 'up' side, the post has a pretty good step-by-step how-2 "after the jump." It includes a nine-point materials list - including tools (kudos!). Also cost (under $10 USD, provided you do this sort of thing fairly regularly) and estimated time required (about three hours, plus drying time).
Finally, there's a 10-point how-2, with photos. It looks like fun.
Even if you never make something like this, you can look at the photos.
Enjoy.
design*sponge (April 21, 2010)
"i love the crisp, graphic nature of silhouettes. I know that you’ve seen a lot of silhouette designs though, so i tried to give you a project that rethinks the traditional form a bit by allowing you to add your own style to it. the great thing about working with these contact paper cut-outs is that you can paint any way you want! i went for a fun stripe inside silhouettes of masculine objects, to make a gift for my man (they kind of remind me of the jack spade look, which i love). but you could go crazy with the painting style here: splatters, drips, impressionistic, color blocking, camouflage, it would all look great! once you cut the shape out cleanly, you don’t have to worry much about painting accuracy, which is the other great thing about cut-outs. trust me, there is nothing more satisfying than peeling back the paper to reveal a perfect, pristine outline. i hope you have fun experimenting with this one. have fun! – kate...."
(from kate, via design*sponge, used w/o permission)
well, aside from the not-entirely-even 'e. e. cummings' approach to capitalization, i think you'll find this an interesting post. maybe even useful.
hey, if somebody feels more artistic and creative if they don't use capital letters - well, it makes the reader work a little harder. those capitalization conventions we have were developed to make reading a bit easier so were the spelleng an punchuation wuns
But if you're okay with that: it ain't again' the law.
On the 'up' side, the post has a pretty good step-by-step how-2 "after the jump." It includes a nine-point materials list - including tools (kudos!). Also cost (under $10 USD, provided you do this sort of thing fairly regularly) and estimated time required (about three hours, plus drying time).
Finally, there's a 10-point how-2, with photos. It looks like fun.
Even if you never make something like this, you can look at the photos.
Enjoy.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
These Houses are For the Birds
"Avian Architecture / Building Birdhouses"
Building Collector (March 25, 2010)
"Spring is officially here and our thoughts turn to…outdoor flea markets in search of souvenir buildings! Well that, but spring also means blooming flowers and chirping birds.
"Those nesting birds with growing families have to live somewhere and we architectural aficionados would not let them live among mere sticks. Avian architecture can take two forms - outdoor bird houses and indoor bird cages..."
(from Building Collector, used w/o permission)
This is a short post. There's not much text, and three photos. Eight, if you count the 'panes' in each photo. On the other hand, there are links to several commercial pages - with pictures of remarkable birdhouses.
This isn't your ultimate birdhouse page: but the photos give you an idea of how many different ways there are to provide living space for birds, and visual fun for us.
Building Collector (March 25, 2010)
"Spring is officially here and our thoughts turn to…outdoor flea markets in search of souvenir buildings! Well that, but spring also means blooming flowers and chirping birds.
"Those nesting birds with growing families have to live somewhere and we architectural aficionados would not let them live among mere sticks. Avian architecture can take two forms - outdoor bird houses and indoor bird cages..."
(from Building Collector, used w/o permission)
This is a short post. There's not much text, and three photos. Eight, if you count the 'panes' in each photo. On the other hand, there are links to several commercial pages - with pictures of remarkable birdhouses.
This isn't your ultimate birdhouse page: but the photos give you an idea of how many different ways there are to provide living space for birds, and visual fun for us.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Recycle Lint and Save Earth!
A few days ago, I admitted that I hadn't found much on the subject of what you can do with lint. Today, that changed:
"Ten uses for dryer lint
essortment (2002)
"Dryer lint is one of those things that we all have but none of us knows what to do with. It seems a shame to throw away those perfectly clean bits of fiber. Believe it or not there are actually many things you can do with dryer lint besides tossing it into the garbage can. When saving dryer lint it is best to keep it in a fireproof container such as glass or metal because dryer lint is very flammable...."
What follows is a short discussion of 10 uses for dryer lint:
Still, looks like a pretty good article on making use of lint.
Or, if you're worked up about Earth Day (April 22, 2010: 40th anniversary), try this slogan on for size: Save Earth One Handful of Lint at a Time!
Vaguely-related posts:
"Ten uses for dryer lint
essortment (2002)
"Dryer lint is one of those things that we all have but none of us knows what to do with. It seems a shame to throw away those perfectly clean bits of fiber. Believe it or not there are actually many things you can do with dryer lint besides tossing it into the garbage can. When saving dryer lint it is best to keep it in a fireproof container such as glass or metal because dryer lint is very flammable...."
What follows is a short discussion of 10 uses for dryer lint:
- Packing material
- Making cloth
- Nesting material for birds
- Modeling clay substitute
- Kindling
- Compost
- Craft projects
- Mulch
- Insulation for plants
- Draft stopper
- Making paper
Still, looks like a pretty good article on making use of lint.
Or, if you're worked up about Earth Day (April 22, 2010: 40th anniversary), try this slogan on for size: Save Earth One Handful of Lint at a Time!
Vaguely-related posts:
- "Under-Appreciated Lint"
Loonfoot Falls Chronicle-Gazette (April 16, 2010) - "Why is Everybody Down on Lint?"
(April 14, 2010) - "Frail, Delicate Little Mother Nature?!"
(December 20, 2009)
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Fairy Castle in Museum of Science and Industry
"Colleen Moore's Fairy Castle"
Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
(from Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, used w/o permission)
"Colleen Moore
"Silent film star Colleen Moore was always fascinated by dolls and doll houses. She owned several elaborate doll houses as a child, but later in life her father, Charles Morrison, suggested that she should pursue her passion for miniatures and doll houses by creating the 'doll house' of her dreams. Her position as one of the most popular actresses in Hollywood gave her the resources to produce a miniature home of fantastic proportions. Beginning in 1928, Moore enlisted the help of many talented professionals to help her realize her vision.
"Creating the Fairy Castle
"Horace Jackson, an architect and set designer who worked for First National Studios, created the floor plan and layout of the castle with the basic idea that 'the architecture must have no sense of reality. We must invent a structure that is everybody's conception of an enchanted castle.'
"Moore also enlisted the help of art director and interior designer Harold Grieve. Grieve had designed the interiors for Moore's actual mansion, so he was a natural to create the interiors of her fantasy castle. ..."
(from Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, used w/o permission)
That color photo shows the great hall of the Fairy Castle. The stairs have no railings. That isn't a design oversight or construction shortcut. The people in the castle are fairies, and have wings. That helps with balance - and probably makes them less afraid of heights than we would be.
The great hall scene is part of a virtual tour that's a couple clicks away from the Colleen Moore page I linked to. There are 12 photos on the tour - plus one at the intro page.
I saw the Fairy Castle itself once, years ago. It's an impressive piece of miniature art and sculpture.
It may seem like an odd sort of thing to find in the Museum of Science and Industry: but I suppose one justification would be that it represents the sort of fine detail work that goes into making small models. Lots of small models.
Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
(from Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, used w/o permission)
"Colleen Moore
"Silent film star Colleen Moore was always fascinated by dolls and doll houses. She owned several elaborate doll houses as a child, but later in life her father, Charles Morrison, suggested that she should pursue her passion for miniatures and doll houses by creating the 'doll house' of her dreams. Her position as one of the most popular actresses in Hollywood gave her the resources to produce a miniature home of fantastic proportions. Beginning in 1928, Moore enlisted the help of many talented professionals to help her realize her vision.
"Creating the Fairy Castle
"Horace Jackson, an architect and set designer who worked for First National Studios, created the floor plan and layout of the castle with the basic idea that 'the architecture must have no sense of reality. We must invent a structure that is everybody's conception of an enchanted castle.'
"Moore also enlisted the help of art director and interior designer Harold Grieve. Grieve had designed the interiors for Moore's actual mansion, so he was a natural to create the interiors of her fantasy castle. ..."
(from Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, used w/o permission)
That color photo shows the great hall of the Fairy Castle. The stairs have no railings. That isn't a design oversight or construction shortcut. The people in the castle are fairies, and have wings. That helps with balance - and probably makes them less afraid of heights than we would be.
The great hall scene is part of a virtual tour that's a couple clicks away from the Colleen Moore page I linked to. There are 12 photos on the tour - plus one at the intro page.
I saw the Fairy Castle itself once, years ago. It's an impressive piece of miniature art and sculpture.
It may seem like an odd sort of thing to find in the Museum of Science and Industry: but I suppose one justification would be that it represents the sort of fine detail work that goes into making small models. Lots of small models.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Paper Square to Origami Emu in Just Over Six Minutes
"Origami - Emu"
openorigami, YouTube (August 30, 2007)
video, 6:15
"Folding origami emu; Emu origami hajtogatása"
There's no sound in this video - and none needed, in my opinion.
Spending six and a quarter minutes watching someone turn a square of paper into a geometric emu mini-sculpture may not be everybody's idea of fun. But I enjoyed it: and maybe you will, too.
More, about Origami:
openorigami, YouTube (August 30, 2007)
video, 6:15
"Folding origami emu; Emu origami hajtogatása"
There's no sound in this video - and none needed, in my opinion.
Spending six and a quarter minutes watching someone turn a square of paper into a geometric emu mini-sculpture may not be everybody's idea of fun. But I enjoyed it: and maybe you will, too.
More, about Origami:
- "History of Origami"
Origami Resource Center
Coffee Art Video
"kahve sanatı.."
designerbb, YouTube (November 10, 2007)
video, 3:06
For those of you who don't read Turkish, the title of this video is "coffee art.."
The video has ambient sound, but no narration - and none is needed, in my opinion. You'll see over a half-dozen examples of coffee art, along with the steps taken to make several of them.
Some are abstract patterns - or flowers, I'm not sure. Pretty, though.
Some are faces. Whoever was doing the coffee art seems to like doing cute cartoon rabbits.
The steps are shown in enough detail for viewers to have a shot at making coffee art on their own, but I'd say that you'd have to go through a lot of cups of coffee (latte?) and creamer(?) to get these results.
designerbb, YouTube (November 10, 2007)
video, 3:06
For those of you who don't read Turkish, the title of this video is "coffee art.."
The video has ambient sound, but no narration - and none is needed, in my opinion. You'll see over a half-dozen examples of coffee art, along with the steps taken to make several of them.
Some are abstract patterns - or flowers, I'm not sure. Pretty, though.
Some are faces. Whoever was doing the coffee art seems to like doing cute cartoon rabbits.
The steps are shown in enough detail for viewers to have a shot at making coffee art on their own, but I'd say that you'd have to go through a lot of cups of coffee (latte?) and creamer(?) to get these results.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Magic Tree House Room: A Remarkable Room Remodeling Project
"The Magic Tree House"
Kidtropolis (Original post August 22, 2008, photos updated September 4, 2008)
"I am pleased to inform you that the Magic Tree House room is complete.
"We want to say a special thank you to our client Deborah who had a big part in the overall direction of the project (it helps to have a client with a great eye for design, color, and space). We hope to do more work with her in the future. THANKS DEBORAH!!..."
With 17 photos, and a decent amount of text, it's a pretty good look around a room that's been optimized for kids. As my son said, looking over my shoulder at the photos, "that's a cool room!" I agree with him.
Kidtropolis (Original post August 22, 2008, photos updated September 4, 2008)
"I am pleased to inform you that the Magic Tree House room is complete.
"We want to say a special thank you to our client Deborah who had a big part in the overall direction of the project (it helps to have a client with a great eye for design, color, and space). We hope to do more work with her in the future. THANKS DEBORAH!!..."
With 17 photos, and a decent amount of text, it's a pretty good look around a room that's been optimized for kids. As my son said, looking over my shoulder at the photos, "that's a cool room!" I agree with him.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Styrofoam Home Décor: Faux Features for Fancy Living
"Decorate with Styrofoam"
Crea-T-V-T (December 24, 2008)
"Last week I received my Creative Home magazine and I was really surprised (in a good way) with the little book that came with it showing how Styrofoam can be used in so many different ways to decorate one's home.
"Styrofoam? Why not! It's light, versatile and there are many things that can be done with. It can be used with wallpaper, fabric, paint, faux moss...."
![]()
Waitaminit: "faux moss"?! "Styrofoam"?!!
It's a joke, right?
No joke. As far as I can tell, this post is serious: although it's seriously short on detail about how you start with Styrofoam and end with something that (from a distance, at least) looks like a mildly high-end decorator's work.
I suppose you can get some how-2 ideas from the photos (there are eight of them). And, there's a link to STYROFOAM Brand Products home décor.
What with one thing an another, quite a few people are a bit short on cash these days in America - and elsewhere. If you're in a position where you'd like to redecorate, have a few bucks left over at the end of the month, and like craft projects - this could be a pretty good resource.
(from Crea-T-V-T, used without permission)
Crea-T-V-T (December 24, 2008)
"Last week I received my Creative Home magazine and I was really surprised (in a good way) with the little book that came with it showing how Styrofoam can be used in so many different ways to decorate one's home.
"Styrofoam? Why not! It's light, versatile and there are many things that can be done with. It can be used with wallpaper, fabric, paint, faux moss...."
It's a joke, right?
No joke. As far as I can tell, this post is serious: although it's seriously short on detail about how you start with Styrofoam and end with something that (from a distance, at least) looks like a mildly high-end decorator's work.
I suppose you can get some how-2 ideas from the photos (there are eight of them). And, there's a link to STYROFOAM Brand Products home décor.
What with one thing an another, quite a few people are a bit short on cash these days in America - and elsewhere. If you're in a position where you'd like to redecorate, have a few bucks left over at the end of the month, and like craft projects - this could be a pretty good resource.
(from Crea-T-V-T, used without permission)
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Christmas Lights Aren't Just for the Tree
"Inspiration: Alternative Uses For Christmas Lights"
Apartment Therapy Los Angeles
"As part of our family tradition growing up, we'd always string lights around the Christmas tree the first weekend after Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, we don't have the space to put up a real tree in our apartment but we still like the warm glow of a simple strand of white lights. We rounded up a handful of AT reader ideas and previous posts to make your apartment sparkle (even if you don't have the traditional Christmas tree)...."
There are photos, showing what the projects look like when finished: and somewhat sketchy descriptions of how to get there.
I think it's worth looking at, though, for people who like to decorate but are short on space. And, what really impressed me about this how-2 page was that some of the ideas for using Christmas lights could be done by someone who wasn't Martha Stewart and/or Bob Vila.
Apartment Therapy Los Angeles
"As part of our family tradition growing up, we'd always string lights around the Christmas tree the first weekend after Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, we don't have the space to put up a real tree in our apartment but we still like the warm glow of a simple strand of white lights. We rounded up a handful of AT reader ideas and previous posts to make your apartment sparkle (even if you don't have the traditional Christmas tree)...."
There are photos, showing what the projects look like when finished: and somewhat sketchy descriptions of how to get there.
I think it's worth looking at, though, for people who like to decorate but are short on space. And, what really impressed me about this how-2 page was that some of the ideas for using Christmas lights could be done by someone who wasn't Martha Stewart and/or Bob Vila.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Do-it-Yourself Kusudama Flower
"How to Make a Kusudama Flower"
wikiHow (undated)
(from wikiHow, used without permission)
"A pretty kusudama flower can be made by folding five or six square pieces of paper. If you make twelve flowers, they can be assembled into a beautiful kusudama ball...."
The page is a step-by-step how-2, with photos. Looks like a straightforward project, with quite attractive results.
And, no: I haven't tried it myself.
wikiHow (undated)
(from wikiHow, used without permission)
"A pretty kusudama flower can be made by folding five or six square pieces of paper. If you make twelve flowers, they can be assembled into a beautiful kusudama ball...."
The page is a step-by-step how-2, with photos. Looks like a straightforward project, with quite attractive results.
And, no: I haven't tried it myself.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Acme Klein Bottle makes one-meter Klein Bottle
"Giant Kleinbottle -- Kingbridge Centre"
Acme Klein Bottle
"In conjunction with Toronto's Kingbridge Centre and Killdee Scientific Glass, Acme Klein Bottle has finished the world's largest glass Klein Bottle. Scroll down for more photos!"
Acme Klein Bottle describes this model as "a nontrivial glassblowing project."
The thing stands one meter (roughly a yard) tall.
You've probably heard of Klein bottles. Here's how Acme Klein Bottle describes them: "To a mathematician, it's a one-sided bottle, homeomorphic to a disc with two crosscaps. To a glass worker, it's a major challenge in glassblowing. To the casual viewer, it's an accomplishment in art, glass, and mathematics."
They do a much better job on another page: "What is a Klein Bottle?."
There's a rather more technical description, with some quite decent diagrams, at "The Klein Bottle" (Harvey Mudd College Department of Mathematics).
Acme Klein Bottle
"In conjunction with Toronto's Kingbridge Centre and Killdee Scientific Glass, Acme Klein Bottle has finished the world's largest glass Klein Bottle. Scroll down for more photos!"
Acme Klein Bottle describes this model as "a nontrivial glassblowing project."
The thing stands one meter (roughly a yard) tall.
You've probably heard of Klein bottles. Here's how Acme Klein Bottle describes them: "To a mathematician, it's a one-sided bottle, homeomorphic to a disc with two crosscaps. To a glass worker, it's a major challenge in glassblowing. To the casual viewer, it's an accomplishment in art, glass, and mathematics."
They do a much better job on another page: "What is a Klein Bottle?."
There's a rather more technical description, with some quite decent diagrams, at "The Klein Bottle" (Harvey Mudd College Department of Mathematics).
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Mother's Day Crafts - for Family Members With Time and Fingers
"Mothers Day Crafts"
"Looking for a homemade gift for mom this Mother's Day? Check out these great Mothers Day craft ideas from Better Homes and Gardens® including several Mother's Day crafts that are easy for kids to make."
Some of the projects are:
(In case you're wondering, banana peels do not make suitable bookmarks. Neither do sandwiches: particularly those with mayo or dressing in them. Think I'm kidding? Library books have shown up with bookmarks like that.)
Where was I? Oh, right. falling asleep at the keyboard, and discussing a really nice web page for a dad who wants to spend some time with his kids, surprise his wife, and not spend much money in the process.
"Looking for a homemade gift for mom this Mother's Day? Check out these great Mothers Day craft ideas from Better Homes and Gardens® including several Mother's Day crafts that are easy for kids to make."
Some of the projects are:
- Decoupage Flowerpot
(It's a flowerpot, with stuff glued on it - sounds fancier when you use a French term.) - Beaded Bookmarks
"You'll never want to put that book down when it carries your favorite colorful bookmark."
That's quite true: depending on the size of the beads, some of those book could crack the binding of a book when it's closed on them - others would simply emboss the pages.
Still, it's a very sweet idea.
(In case you're wondering, banana peels do not make suitable bookmarks. Neither do sandwiches: particularly those with mayo or dressing in them. Think I'm kidding? Library books have shown up with bookmarks like that.)
Where was I? Oh, right. falling asleep at the keyboard, and discussing a really nice web page for a dad who wants to spend some time with his kids, surprise his wife, and not spend much money in the process.
Friday, April 25, 2008
How to Make Your Own Book: a Book Binding Tutorial
"The Basic Binding of Books: A Tutorial"
JamieButler.com
It starts with a list of materials.
Continues with clear photos and text.
Ends with:
"When completed, place the entire book under weights overnight. A good, long dry under pressure is necessary so that your book doesn't warp. Afterward you can attach decorative end papers if you wish, using the same method."
This looks like a pretty good tutorial on how to make your own book. Not write it: make it.
Unlike many, this tutorial actually seems to acknowledge that the reader doesn't already know the skill - and may need an illustration to show what's supposed to be done.
JamieButler.com
It starts with a list of materials.
Continues with clear photos and text.
Ends with:
"When completed, place the entire book under weights overnight. A good, long dry under pressure is necessary so that your book doesn't warp. Afterward you can attach decorative end papers if you wish, using the same method."
This looks like a pretty good tutorial on how to make your own book. Not write it: make it.
Unlike many, this tutorial actually seems to acknowledge that the reader doesn't already know the skill - and may need an illustration to show what's supposed to be done.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Before and After DIY Coffee Table
"Before and After"
Design*Sponge (April 17, 2008)
Shows "this great diy makeover on her coffee table this week" - pretty good results, if you like bright colors and geometric shapes (which I do).
Design*Sponge (April 17, 2008)
Shows "this great diy makeover on her coffee table this week" - pretty good results, if you like bright colors and geometric shapes (which I do).
Monday, April 21, 2008
A Crafter's Blog: Experiencs and Resouces
"My @Ventures..."
"This is where I put my craft accomplishments: felt and crochets, and everything else.
"Disinilah kutempatkan kreasiku dari kain Flanel, dan semua yang lain-lain." (Indonesian: repeats the English "This is where" statement. Thanks to Melisa Sriwulandari, the blog's author, for letting me know.)
Here are some excerpts:
Posts frequently include photos.
"This is where I put my craft accomplishments: felt and crochets, and everything else.
"Disinilah kutempatkan kreasiku dari kain Flanel, dan semua yang lain-lain." (Indonesian: repeats the English "This is where" statement. Thanks to Melisa Sriwulandari, the blog's author, for letting me know.)
Here are some excerpts:
- "Here it is, my first attempt at crocheting with plastic bag yarn. Turns out my yarn was too short though, so it's a three-quarter coaster. Why? Because I don't have the same kind of plastic bag anymore."
- "This is such a wonderful thing to found out that I have to share it with you. I found this link from hooksandneedles who found gooseflesh from crochetme."
- "This is another question mark. Did I do it right? How am I supposed to single crochet around for the border? It looks like a rotten heart."
- "They paved paradise and put up a parkin' lot
With a pink hotel, a boutique, and a swingin' hot spot
Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you got till it's gone
They paved paradise and put up a parkin' lot"
(I haven't heard these lyrics for a long time - that was a pleasant trip down memory lane) - "What We Can Do To Save Our Earth
"I've been thinking about the Story of Stuff these few days, and this is what I came up with: "- Buy basic necessities only
- Buy natural stuff (not manufactured with toxins)
- Buy things only when your old ones are totally unusable already, like your shoes, bags, other wearables.
- ....
Posts frequently include photos.
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