tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21308058485140471422024-03-13T09:01:26.477-05:00courage to createcourage to createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17303922599333488863noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130805848514047142.post-31037399249183349502010-11-23T16:02:00.006-06:002010-11-23T16:19:38.287-06:00Update! Update! Update!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TOw8tPf3aaI/AAAAAAAAB6s/LHK6Bs8FTdQ/s1600/michele3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 202px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TOw8tPf3aaI/AAAAAAAAB6s/LHK6Bs8FTdQ/s320/michele3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542871989338204578" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Good Grief....I'm a bit behind on things over on this side of the tracks......want to give everyone a reminder that we've got ALL our projects housed over at <a href="http://www.borganic.net/">www.borganic.net</a> and things are <span style="font-weight: bold;">HEATING UP</span> over there for the holidays, my friends!<br /><br />The workshop has been one busy place, and we're even giving away a lot of the FINISHED projects we just did for the HGTV special and a whole lot more! Check in, throw your name in the hat, take what ideas you want and HAVE AT IT!<br />Here's our latest <a href="http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=hgjzcfcab&v=001fTAmhMmZbVL8L7SeA1AnLZI7JCyE1jmpJ5HnS_24TIQQHAsMI3zp5eFdNrG3e_oAiiiT7xhOOETVQ8Pxb-xDfH1kx4P738AIJpAG2RTdem0D5G7pKJYpWg%3D%3D">newsletter</a> with all the latest.<br /><br />CHEERS to CREATIVITY and HUGS TO YOU ALL!<br />michele.courage to createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17303922599333488863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130805848514047142.post-36389297259640740122010-09-23T12:41:00.005-05:002010-09-23T13:59:25.085-05:00Back 2 Beige<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TJui8HpvGfI/AAAAAAAAB6g/zM6uI03BXRU/s1600/back2beige.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TJui8HpvGfI/AAAAAAAAB6g/zM6uI03BXRU/s320/back2beige.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520184922002627058" border="0" /></a><br />My friend Dee will be most disappointed in me, as I reached for the beige paint can the other day. Yes, I turned our dining room/sitting area into a space with with big, beige, boring walls. Not because I'm not colorful or courageous in that area of course, but because I have too many other colorful things going on, on the walls and all around. Sometimes, you just have to go 'beige' to make it all work.<br />And as I painted this room, AGAIN.....I got to thinking of what makes painting a room actually fun and successful for me, personally. Most people think of painting a room as drudgery and I really think it's no big deal...just grab some paint and go.<br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">The paint. </span></li></ul>I've always been very honest about what I'm using and how I'm using it and 'not paid to promote', as they say....while at the same time, try to be considerate of all brands and such, but you know what.....I have tried every kind of paint out there and I always run back to Sherwin Williams products. It has always been the best for me. THEE best coverage and wearability. Having the right product for the job is always a good investment. And, basically I don't want to do the job 3 or 4 times to get the right results. If it looks good in one coat, I'm going to be done with the job. Curious what house paints you guys reading this always turn to. <span style="font-weight: bold;">A good brush. </span> They make all the difference between a good cutting in job and a sloppy looking one. It makes the process more enjoyable and less frustrating because the paint is easier to manage and you get it right (and only) where you want it. I've tried to scrimp and save and use the cheaper brushes before, and it's never paid off. I'm also someone who never tapes anything off, and having the right brushes makes me never regret that decision. Buy a few good brushes and take good care them. My favorite for cutting in is a 3-inch angled brush.<br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">A good roller. </span></li></ul>Pick one that has a good 'roll', extension options, a comfortable handle, is lightweight and doesn't 'squeak'.<br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Don't make it a bigger production than it needs to be....you're just putting color on walls.</span></li></ul>I don't move everything out of the room...but rather just enough to get it out of my 'working' way. I don't cover everything and as I mentioned above, I don't tape everything off....(I do however always take off switchplate covers and such:) I just move a heavyweight dropcloth around the room with me as I work and carefully get the job done. Just do it, as they say.<br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Versatile, easy to move ladder......</span></li></ul>that is comfortable to climb and stand on and properly and securely houses your paint supplies.... be it your rolling pans, paint cans, rags, etc. Trying to hold and balance everything in your hands makes things more prone to accidents and sloppiness. I've always thought some sort of electronic type ladder that I could just navigate or 'drive' around the wall would be pretty slick....why hasn't someone invented something like that?<br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Do a test spot.</span></li></ul>Be sure you're happy with the color. I'm someone who will usually say....oh, I can make that work, even if it's not exactly the way I want it, but with paint colors, I find that it's just a daily annoyance if it doesn't genuinely make you smile. Our dining/sitting room was painted this green that when it was going up, I knew it wasn't quite what I wanted, but I went with it anyway because we just needed to get it done. Well, it never really made me smile and it competed with everything I tried to put in the room or hang on it...it was just one big distraction. And to top it off, it looked terrible on camera whenever we tried to shoot in that space. If you do get a few gallons of paint home and they're just not right, it never hurts to take them back to the paint store and see if they can deepen, lighten or alter the color slightly to suit your tastes. Some paint stores are very creative with their formulas and willing to make the effort. You're not out anything and it can sometimes save you from having to buy more gallons of paint. Otherwise you just have to suck it up, reorder and do some creative mixings with the 'wrong' paints yourself and use them in other projects. Nothing ever goes to waste.<br /><br />Painting a room is really an easy task that anyone can do, and it's a quick way to freshen things up and make a change. .......<br /><br />Just only go beige, if you HAVE to. :)<br /><br />CHEERS to fresh paint.<br />michele.courage to createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17303922599333488863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130805848514047142.post-49673742314905702132010-08-27T09:55:00.006-05:002010-08-27T10:13:42.363-05:00shout out 4 an inspiring friend's blogI had the pleasure of meeting C. McNair Wilson a couple years ago and I can honestly say he was memorable, charming and downright inspiring. He's a corporate creativity coach and speaker who gives one heck of an entertaining presentation! I like to check out what he's up to on his blog every so often and I'm sure you will too. He has some incredible stuff up there currently for all us doodle lovers! I got to peruse through one of his sketch/doodlebooks when I met him and it was FANTASTIC. They should be published. <div><br /></div><div><a href="http://teawithmcnair.typepad.com/tea_with_mcnair/2010/08/-doodling-a-theory-of-everything.html">Sneak a peek here!</a><br /><div><div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/THfUsAj-UtI/AAAAAAAAB6M/LydTxKeZ7gg/s1600/C+McNair+Wilson.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/THfUsAj-UtI/AAAAAAAAB6M/LydTxKeZ7gg/s320/C+McNair+Wilson.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510106521641308882" /></a><br /></div><div>Cheers to the creative inspiring souls in the world and all that they do!<br /></div><div>michele.</div></div></div></div>courage to createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17303922599333488863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130805848514047142.post-40904773412931961142010-08-13T17:24:00.011-05:002010-08-17T09:32:09.709-05:00dropcloth decor and do it yourself magazine<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TGqbbFxaJYI/AAAAAAAAB5M/dFynrhCKQIw/s1600/diy_fall_2010_cover.png"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TGXGx9hzB5I/AAAAAAAAB4U/1Gt_3clcGbU/s1600/canvasdropcloth.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TGXGx9hzB5I/AAAAAAAAB4U/1Gt_3clcGbU/s320/canvasdropcloth.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505024681162508178" /></a><div>It's a colorful material that gets created randomly while you work. It's an unexpected, unplanned BONUS. The designs, the color combinations, the textures.....all created without purpose, without direction. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TGXGxQHPnuI/AAAAAAAAB4M/nPAGe85S7AM/s1600/sewingdropcloth.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TGXGxQHPnuI/AAAAAAAAB4M/nPAGe85S7AM/s320/sewingdropcloth.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505024668971540194" /></a>The dropcloths that lie beneath your work can be transformed into upholstery, throw pillows, paintings, purses and more. </div><div>Launder them. </div><div>Press. </div><div>And use as you would any other material from the fabric store. Work with the designs as they are or play them up further by embellishing. </div><div>I've loved this project for years, and I'm excited to learn if others out there share an enthusiasm for these dropcloth beauties. I shared some idea starters in the latest issue of the Do It Yourself Magazine (summer 2010). (An inspiring read that is filled with creative projects front to back..pick one up today or better yet, start your subscription and get it delivered right to your house every quarter!)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TGqbpYHrBHI/AAAAAAAAB5U/l_6Aon0eno8/s1600/diy_fall_2010_cover.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TGqbpYHrBHI/AAAAAAAAB5U/l_6Aon0eno8/s320/diy_fall_2010_cover.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506384629565424754" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TGqcR0j4BVI/AAAAAAAAB5c/N_C9AMp1J2c/s320/diy_fall_2010_p1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506385324394677586" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TGqcb908RJI/AAAAAAAAB5k/YxJUDvg7WSc/s320/diy_fall_2010_p2.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506385498680870034" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TGqcpBEN5DI/AAAAAAAAB5s/MrADQvFq2w8/s320/diy_fall_2010_p3.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506385722888545330" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TGqc1xN9geI/AAAAAAAAB50/bWcy6ioZZT4/s320/diy_fall_2010_p4.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506385941972746722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 202px; " /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; ">Cheers to the art of repurposing!</span></span><div>michele.</div></div>courage to createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17303922599333488863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130805848514047142.post-22919791737563475022010-08-04T16:53:00.007-05:002010-08-04T17:47:47.797-05:00for no reason at all.<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TFntgNGbQxI/AAAAAAAAB4A/nillJTFcrXY/s1600/paintings3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TFntgNGbQxI/AAAAAAAAB4A/nillJTFcrXY/s320/paintings3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501689557337981714" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TFntfYBtfYI/AAAAAAAAB34/h7LJMnB0TiU/s1600/paintings2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TFntfYBtfYI/AAAAAAAAB34/h7LJMnB0TiU/s320/paintings2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501689543091125634" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TFnpR0ldDZI/AAAAAAAAB3s/GFvZrzxiefU/s1600/fornoreasonatall.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TFnpR0ldDZI/AAAAAAAAB3s/GFvZrzxiefU/s320/fornoreasonatall.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501684912192556434" /></a><br />Ever feel like sitting down and doing something for no reason at all? Something that has no direction or purpose? You just have an urge to go to your creative space and CREATE. Doing something mindless ironically enough is a great exercise in helping me become more mindful. To recharge. <div><br /></div><div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TFnpEMR7CaI/AAAAAAAAB3k/NpZ-0hUv-A8/s1600/brushes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TFnpEMR7CaI/AAAAAAAAB3k/NpZ-0hUv-A8/s320/brushes.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501684678034917794" /></a><br /><div>One exercise I like to do every so often is to just sit down with:</div><div><br /><div><ul><li>one canvas<br /></li><li>one tool (committing to only one brush or palette knife adds to the experience)<br /></li><li>a big pile of paint<br /></li></ul></div><div>and to just start moving it around. </div><div>All mixing happens on the canvas. </div><div>Rinsing or wiping your tool now and then is optional.</div><div>Just watching colors move, intertwine and blend is mesmerizing, inspiring and uplifting.</div><div>Witnessing the textures that erupt 'feels' GREAT.</div><div>Who knows what you'll come up with....and who cares.....it's the process that is the reward. </div><div>BUT I'm willing to bet, </div><div>you WILL end up with something that makes you smile..</div><div>you WILL end up with some sort of 'takeaway' that ends up in another project..be it a technique, color combination, etc.</div><div>and </div><div>you WILL want to do this mindless, yet mindful exercise more often. </div><div>I know I do.</div><div>Cheers!</div><div>michele.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div>courage to createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17303922599333488863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130805848514047142.post-70861957832558143632010-07-29T16:45:00.005-05:002010-07-29T17:29:47.324-05:00too many ideas scattered about in too many books<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TFH9kFUBv9I/AAAAAAAAB3Y/PrM1lkgRgUw/s1600/spiral+book+pile.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TFH9kFUBv9I/AAAAAAAAB3Y/PrM1lkgRgUw/s320/spiral+book+pile.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499455416339382226" /></a><div><br /></div>Every one of you creative, idea-driven individuals can probably relate to this......I LOVE blank books...sketchbooks, notebooks, college ruled, no ruled, graph, spiral, hardback, large, small.......and I've developed a habit out of having a book with me at all times, to capture ideas as they happen. (if you don't write them down as they appear, they're likely to be lost forever, you know!) :) The problem with that is that I have WAYYYYYY too many books going at any given time. Sometimes if I'm traveling, I grab a smaller one to have with me; if I'm in the studio, I love having the large ones nearby; If I'm in a hurry and can't find the one I was last using, I grab whatever's close by; if I'm bored and looking for a fresh start, I grab a shiny new one (whether I've filled the other ones or not)....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">cuz we all know the feeling that a brand new, crisp sketchbook can bring</span>....I have no rhyme or reason to the books I use, to how the ideas get organized....so guess what? Whenever I need to go back and find something, it's a daunting time-stealing task. Sometimes I end up actually leafing through ALL the books searching for something I KNOW I jotted down ideas for.......only to come up empty....SOOOOO frustrating. (It is however always an inspiring exercise to go back and look through the pages of our idea books, so time spent is not a total loss) <div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TFH9jlu9pKI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/FPkbHvR2Qyo/s1600/scattered+book+pile.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TFH9jlu9pKI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/FPkbHvR2Qyo/s320/scattered+book+pile.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499455407862424738" /></a><br /></div><div>My question is this....how do you keep track of all your ideas so that you have quick reference to them? To rip out the pages and do some sort of filing system would somehow KILL the whole idea capturing process for some reason...not to mention the comfort and excitement that comes from watching the books pile up, knowing that there are zillions of ideas, thoughts, doodles and drawings captured between the sheets. On those 'blank' days, it's like having money in the bank! Creating some sort of scribbled index in the beginning of each book would be a bit of an extra job, but maybe that's the route I need to go...... </div><div><br /></div><div>Do you have a method to your creative madness that you'd be willing to share?! Would love to hear about it.</div><div> </div><div>Cheers to blank books just waiting for us to grab hold and fill!</div><div>michele.</div>courage to createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17303922599333488863noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130805848514047142.post-60442045791694372712010-07-07T16:36:00.003-05:002010-07-07T22:11:06.977-05:00s.m.i. welcomes.....<div>Tarah Sissing to 408 Grant...she's a long way from home (Holland.....Michigan) and joining us for an adventurous internship this summer. Whoo! Hoo! Welcome to the team, my friend! (look at her....she's already taking a project and running with it...love that!)</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TDTzpHYJ-zI/AAAAAAAAB3E/9tTnfb9OqoY/s1600/Tara.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 285px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TDTzpHYJ-zI/AAAAAAAAB3E/9tTnfb9OqoY/s320/Tara.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491281733352028978" /></a><br />Cheers to creative interns everywhere!<div>michele.</div>courage to createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17303922599333488863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130805848514047142.post-60179607204935121212010-06-07T16:57:00.011-05:002010-06-07T17:20:43.038-05:00my new love for barbed wire<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TA1tj580gJI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/BbGowtl3eBo/s1600/cu+wire.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TA1tj580gJI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/BbGowtl3eBo/s320/cu+wire.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480156785198530706" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TA1tlTAz4gI/AAAAAAAAB24/y-C1jAdDJaA/s1600/3+balls.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TA1tlTAz4gI/AAAAAAAAB24/y-C1jAdDJaA/s320/3+balls.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480156809106022914" /></a><br /><div>I have about 1 hour of time and Zero dollars invested in a couple of pretty sweet sculptures we just created for the front yard. </div><div><br /></div><div>A friend of mine told me she had some barbed wire by her dumpster, thought maybe I could do something with it and when I went to check it out....it was love at first sight. I took one look and knew what I wanted to do.</div><div><br /></div><div>The combination of rock and rusty metal is a nice contrast to the plants and they should easily stand the test of outdoor time. Once I got going I had all kinds of ideas for them, so I'll be keeping my eyes wide open! I quickly used up all the balls I had and am now hoping I stumble upon a few more down the road. </div><div> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TA1tk3OqzMI/AAAAAAAAB2o/Zl52fcr4aJo/s1600/vertical+sculpture.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TA1tk3OqzMI/AAAAAAAAB2o/Zl52fcr4aJo/s320/vertical+sculpture.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480156801647955138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TA1tlGcGGPI/AAAAAAAAB2w/tKob_y5yBPk/s1600/barbedwireballs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TA1tlGcGGPI/AAAAAAAAB2w/tKob_y5yBPk/s320/barbedwireballs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480156805730801906" /></a><br /></div><div>If someone offers you barbed wire...TAKE IT! Roll it up in a ball and get creative. We simply drilled some holes in the limestone rocks using a hammer drill (surprisingly very easy tool to use and drilling through limestone is a cinch) and used rebar to hold things in place. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TA1tkdtCYEI/AAAAAAAAB2g/UNLfPuVDQfU/s1600/CU+rock+spacers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/TA1tkdtCYEI/AAAAAAAAB2g/UNLfPuVDQfU/s320/CU+rock+spacers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480156794796007490" /></a><br />SUPER, SUPER easy and FAST! </div><div> </div>Cheers to my friend Misty for having such great stuff sitting by her dumpster!<div>michele.</div>courage to createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17303922599333488863noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130805848514047142.post-51524495739936692592010-05-19T10:44:00.008-05:002010-05-19T16:14:34.874-05:00colorful, creative snack for the day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S_QYPA-aofI/AAAAAAAAB1A/dFr_I8TMCfo/s1600/blockart.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S_QYPA-aofI/AAAAAAAAB1A/dFr_I8TMCfo/s320/blockart.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473026093400891890" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S_QYO3_PbLI/AAAAAAAAB04/3uxPFGl8J1g/s1600/assortment.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S_QYO3_PbLI/AAAAAAAAB04/3uxPFGl8J1g/s320/assortment.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473026090988432562" /></a><br />Serve up your art mediums in something new, my friends!<br /><br />Old snack trays are a good choice. Their built in dividers and companion cups for rinse water or other additives make these vintage housewares a wonderful addition to the art studio that can get reused time and time again.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S_QYPy84R7I/AAAAAAAAB1Q/yiFjxx1wOYY/s1600/glass+snack+tray.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S_QYPy84R7I/AAAAAAAAB1Q/yiFjxx1wOYY/s320/glass+snack+tray.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473026106816219058" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S_QYQJ4hEpI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/fNmSLgR6Jyg/s1600/plastic+tray.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S_QYQJ4hEpI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/fNmSLgR6Jyg/s320/plastic+tray.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473026112971936402" /></a><br />Worn out cookie sheets. Place a wet sponge at one end and your paints/mediums at the other. Work off the cookie sheet itself or line it with waxed paper. A convenient way to mix things, moisten your brushes and it too is a paint palette that can be used over and over again. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S_QYPoH973I/AAAAAAAAB1I/xKqmWqrHSmA/s1600/cookie+sheet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S_QYPoH973I/AAAAAAAAB1I/xKqmWqrHSmA/s320/cookie+sheet.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473026103909937010" /></a><br />Divided storage containers with lids. These little plastic beauties are a better environment for my art supplies than my food, so I like to use them for mixing paints/mediums when I know I'm going to be working on something for an extended period of time. The airtight lids make it a cinch to store things for a few days without drying out.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S_QYWcO2J6I/AAAAAAAAB1g/wMt8hbaL5o4/s1600/workin+it.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S_QYWcO2J6I/AAAAAAAAB1g/wMt8hbaL5o4/s320/workin+it.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473026220976646050" /></a>Cheers to creating...and, to taking time for a colorful snack now and then!</div><div>michele.<br /><br /></div>courage to createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17303922599333488863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130805848514047142.post-23656812321171134732010-04-29T10:04:00.008-05:002010-04-29T13:23:24.350-05:00mystery additions<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S9nNE7vMW_I/AAAAAAAAB0s/DeQ6-zriIQU/s1600/sanford.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 306px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S9nNE7vMW_I/AAAAAAAAB0s/DeQ6-zriIQU/s320/sanford.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465625107429612530" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S9nMx-CKyMI/AAAAAAAAB0k/GajVy8ZQO_o/s1600/manneqheads.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S9nMx-CKyMI/AAAAAAAAB0k/GajVy8ZQO_o/s320/manneqheads.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465624781628557506" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S9mmYPXsmiI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/Dq6fZUraPPA/s1600/the+young+lads.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S9mmYPXsmiI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/Dq6fZUraPPA/s320/the+young+lads.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465582558163802658" /></a><br />Yes, I have a fascination with "character" decor, let's call it. Portraits, mannequins, heads.....creepy to some...... personable, quirky and fun to others like myself. I have them grouped together in various places and I've started to notice 'new additions' that <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">I</span> did <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">NOT</span> add. For instance, this little bust of JFK (I think that's who it's supposed to be) suddenly appeared on the mantel. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S9mk2TtJI_I/AAAAAAAAB0Q/MM2uLYrKwS8/s1600/jfk2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S9mk2TtJI_I/AAAAAAAAB0Q/MM2uLYrKwS8/s320/jfk2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465580875700315122" /></a><br />Not sure how long he's been there, or who the character is that made the contribution. Have to admit...very funny....and even though he's not exactly something I would've necessarily picked to add to the collection, I'm considering letting him hang around just because it makes me laugh. I obviously need to keep a closer eye on my visitors not for fear of what they'll 'take', but rather what they're leaving behind. The things that make you go hmmmmmmmm?!<div>Anything showing up unannounced at your place?</div><div>Cheers to the unexpected.</div><div>michele.</div>courage to createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17303922599333488863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130805848514047142.post-745051072637043692010-04-22T17:00:00.003-05:002010-04-22T17:20:35.771-05:00do it yourself magazine<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S9DLLi6qbAI/AAAAAAAAB0E/X4fjtMxK0HY/s1600/img062(small)rv.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S9DLLi6qbAI/AAAAAAAAB0E/X4fjtMxK0HY/s320/img062(small)rv.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463089747212266498" /></a><br />Celebrate summer with our friends over at the Do It Yourself Magazine. They've put together another fun spread of ideas that are yours for the taking. <div><br /><div>They shared our<a href="http://www.borganic.net/videos.php?video_id=93"> toolbench vanity projec</a>t in this one and we just wrapped up another colorful shoot for their fall issue the first part of the week. <br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S9DLKwyk2zI/AAAAAAAABz0/ibkfMKJZAGk/s1600/img060(small)rv.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S9DLKwyk2zI/AAAAAAAABz0/ibkfMKJZAGk/s320/img060(small)rv.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463089733756574514" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S9DLLZTiccI/AAAAAAAABz8/CSer1MGB5CM/s1600/img061(small)rv.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 233px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S9DLLZTiccI/AAAAAAAABz8/CSer1MGB5CM/s320/img061(small)rv.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463089744632246722" /></a><br /></div><div>They 'work it up' over at that magazine compiling ideas from one end of the country to the other just for YOU...Pick one up, give it a read, get inspired and then take your own creative action, my friends! </div><div><br /></div><div>Cheers to the excitement new reading material brings!</div><div>michele.</div></div>courage to createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17303922599333488863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130805848514047142.post-84330146014894511952010-04-15T11:57:00.009-05:002010-04-15T15:40:26.261-05:00...brought to you by the letter "C"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S8d4T2dk4QI/AAAAAAAABzo/nawip0eYDno/s1600/letter+c+begins.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S8d4T2dk4QI/AAAAAAAABzo/nawip0eYDno/s320/letter+c+begins.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460465355642429698" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Courageous</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Creative</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Curious<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Carefree</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Colorful</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Capable<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Collaborative</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Captivating</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Confident</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Chatty</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Curvaceous</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Calm, Cool & Collected</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Considerate</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Courteous</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Centered</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Candid yet congenial</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Compassionate</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Caring</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Chivalrous</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Conscientious</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">..<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">......just a few of my favorite</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> 'c'</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> words for all of us to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">'b'</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">.....</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">n</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">ow on to what this is really about....</span></div>I've been wanting to play around with vertical plantings and arrangements for a while now, so we finally dug in and got one version started. <div><br /><div>If you 'make friends' with some of the sign shops in your area...you may discover that they have dumpsters out back filled with interesting treasures...that's where we scored these old letter shells that came down off of some large signage...They're made of metal and deep enough to plant in, and they needless to say make a very interesting container, especially for one we want to hang or rest against a wall. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S8d3oLllHYI/AAAAAAAABzY/78h9Qlo1Aow/s1600/letter+c.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 285px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S8d3oLllHYI/AAAAAAAABzY/78h9Qlo1Aow/s320/letter+c.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460464605398900098" /></a><br /></div><div>We filled with potting mix, and then secured a layer of chicken wire cut to the shape and size of our planter. Next, we soaked some spaghnum moss and used that as our next layer, working it into the chicken wire. Finally....we carefully dug through....nipped and tucked at the chicken wire to open up here and there, and planted it up with some low growing plants like hens and chicks and a groundcover -<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">the name is escaping me as I write this..but I think it's creeping thyme..</span> :)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S8d3oZM0wzI/AAAAAAAABzg/WQJIEVNRmBA/s1600/letter+c+planted.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 285px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S8d3oZM0wzI/AAAAAAAABzg/WQJIEVNRmBA/s320/letter+c+planted.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460464609053164338" /></a><br /></div><div>End result....Love it! Everything is in there nice and snug...should fill in beautifully....it has a bit of weight to it, so not exactly sure if I'll hang it or lean it....and of course to water it, will need to let rest horizontally on occasion, but what's a little extra effort for something unique?! Suppose it would also look cute as a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">C</span>enterpiece on a table, too...</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">C</span>heers to the letter 'c' and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">c</span>reative plantings!</div><div>michele.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div> </div></div>courage to createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17303922599333488863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130805848514047142.post-27243788219147276132010-04-12T11:51:00.006-05:002010-04-12T12:23:20.455-05:00the 'original' tabletop sawhorses<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S8NT7DNiywI/AAAAAAAAByk/5pOqkpN87kM/s1600/origingal+tabletop+duo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S8NT7DNiywI/AAAAAAAAByk/5pOqkpN87kM/s320/origingal+tabletop+duo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459299447242672898" /></a>I have my hubby Jon to thank for this idea.....he created these for the shop several years ago, we shared them on our program, B. Original.... and we find ourselves using them all the time. We've also given several of them as gifts. You'd be surprised how many times you'd like to hoist things up on the work bench to work on them and these are the perfect solution. They're easy to manage, portable and work beautifully. You can create a pair for yourself or if you'd like us to do the DIY'in for you...they'll be available in our store for purchase later this week. <div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Courier;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';">For each horse, you’ll need one piece of 2x4 cut to a 16” length. </span></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';">And (2) more 2x4’s that measure 8 inches.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S8NUKXWRCGI/AAAAAAAABzE/ZBbiFUAJeT4/s1600/two+by+fours.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S8NUKXWRCGI/AAAAAAAABzE/ZBbiFUAJeT4/s320/two+by+fours.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459299710346004578" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new'; ">For the base of the horse, you’ll work with the 8” pieces.</span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new'; "> </span></span></span><br /></div></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S8NWFFD3s9I/AAAAAAAABzM/0w3phm8IXEI/s1600/legs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S8NWFFD3s9I/AAAAAAAABzM/0w3phm8IXEI/s320/legs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459301818560918482" /></a><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';">One one side, you need to notch out for the legs. Measure over 2” from each side on the 8” board and then up ¾” and draw a line.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';"> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';">On the other side, you need to notch out for the cross-member..measure over from each end 3 1/4”…. ¾” inches up, and again draw a line.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S8NT6dNe4XI/AAAAAAAAByU/MH3mByWGxog/s1600/leg+cutout+markings.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S8NT6dNe4XI/AAAAAAAAByU/MH3mByWGxog/s320/leg+cutout+markings.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459299437041869170" /></a><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';">Cut out using a handsaw, jigsaw or bandsaw.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S8NUJ4RezOI/AAAAAAAABy0/ODAnu0Vba6w/s1600/sawing+cutouts.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 285px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S8NUJ4RezOI/AAAAAAAABy0/ODAnu0Vba6w/s320/sawing+cutouts.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459299702004436194" /></a><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';">In the shorter, cutout area drill a pilot hole using a 3/16” bit and secure the cross member to the base using a 3 ½” screw.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S8NT5-1TqmI/AAAAAAAAByE/OGeB8_HBe7s/s1600/drilling+hole.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 285px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S8NT5-1TqmI/AAAAAAAAByE/OGeB8_HBe7s/s320/drilling+hole.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459299428887407202" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S8NUKMNxBzI/AAAAAAAABy8/Jw9XkemNqns/s1600/Silent-Night.mp3"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 285px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S8NUKMNxBzI/AAAAAAAABy8/Jw9XkemNqns/s320/Silent-Night.mp3" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459299707357562674" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;"> </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S8NUJtmKVPI/AAAAAAAABys/OS4faLwvAlI/s1600/Personal-Monthly-Budget-Planner.xls"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 285px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S8NUJtmKVPI/AAAAAAAABys/OS4faLwvAlI/s320/Personal-Monthly-Budget-Planner.xls" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459299699138385138" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';">(You’ll have a one inch overhang on each end)….Do the same thing on the other end......<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new'; ">and then repeat the entire process one more time for your second horse</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">.</span></span></span></div></span><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">The original Tabletop Sawhorse….a handy must have for every studio or shop. </span></span></p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S8NT66xnjsI/AAAAAAAAByc/XDkktVkdb8I/s1600/original+tabletop+sh.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S8NT66xnjsI/AAAAAAAAByc/XDkktVkdb8I/s320/original+tabletop+sh.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459299444978060994" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S8NT6GD_J7I/AAAAAAAAByM/Fphzvynwj8U/s1600/finished1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S8NT6GD_J7I/AAAAAAAAByM/Fphzvynwj8U/s320/finished1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459299430828025778" /></a>Cheers to creating!<div>michele.</div>courage to createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17303922599333488863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130805848514047142.post-11581783077363339562010-04-06T08:59:00.006-05:002010-04-06T09:11:42.597-05:00carefree creating<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S7tAJwtQHNI/AAAAAAAABx0/_0QYrToW41c/s1600/rock+wall.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S7tAJwtQHNI/AAAAAAAABx0/_0QYrToW41c/s320/rock+wall.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457025909927189714" /></a><div><br /></div>Carefree is what creating should be about. The joy of working with anything and everything. Kids do it every day. They have more fun playing around with unexpected random things than they do the 'carefully designed toy'. And they don't really care if they 'end up with something'....they're just enjoying the moment, enjoying the process, seeing what they can come up with. Something I know a lot of us grown up 'creators' forget sometimes. We get too wrapped up in the 'task'....the end result...the right, the wrong...how much time it's taking...the judgment....and a lot of the time miss out on the whole carefree side of things. <div><div>When is the last time you just 'played'? What do you have lying around? What could you make out of it? Even if you don't end up with anything....it's fun to just move things around, reconfigure,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> PLAY</span>.....if you really look and immerse yourself in the process, I guarantee you'll end up 'seeing' something new. </div></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S7tAJk_jsvI/AAAAAAAABxs/yJs94YOfOnQ/s1600/rock+wall+creation.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S7tAJk_jsvI/AAAAAAAABxs/yJs94YOfOnQ/s320/rock+wall+creation.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457025906782745330" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S7s_6BTMkDI/AAAAAAAABxk/3IyNfcXm80U/s1600/building.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S7s_6BTMkDI/AAAAAAAABxk/3IyNfcXm80U/s320/building.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457025639503401010" /></a><br />Cheers to carefree creating and<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> MORE </span>of it.<br />michele.courage to createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17303922599333488863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130805848514047142.post-48272120429386945772010-03-29T09:25:00.008-05:002010-03-29T09:50:05.926-05:00additional cre8tiv resource for y'all<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S7C9rvVGPuI/AAAAAAAABxY/rdY_OLV2pbA/s1600/B+Organic+Sketch+Logo+for+facebook.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 274px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S7C9rvVGPuI/AAAAAAAABxY/rdY_OLV2pbA/s320/B+Organic+Sketch+Logo+for+facebook.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454067707882651362" /></a><br /><div><br /></div>Some naturally good creative projects can be found over on our sister site <a href="http://www.borganic.net/">www.borganic.net. </a><div><br /></div><div>Add it to your bookmarks and stop by when you can. New stuff added every week....Check out our library of <a href="http://www.borganic.net/videos.php?dd30">down and dirty 30's</a> .....your one stop shop for a quick creative fix. Grab it and go, my friends!</div><div><br /><div>Cheers everyone to a creative, earth-lovin' kind of week! </div><div>michele.</div></div>courage to createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17303922599333488863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130805848514047142.post-69805309387952385372010-03-23T12:00:00.004-05:002010-03-23T12:31:29.499-05:00penny pincher canvases<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S6j4ggEn36I/AAAAAAAABwg/y2fDJKWy3JI/s1600-h/finishedcanvases.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S6j4ggEn36I/AAAAAAAABwg/y2fDJKWy3JI/s400/finishedcanvases.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451880586180812706" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">When you get the urge to paint something, don’t let not having a canvas on hand hold you back.<br />Here is a quick and easy way to set yourself up with one that’s economical and resourceful:</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S6j3L-ulPeI/AAAAAAAABwQ/IXCCthN89d0/s1600-h/empty+frames.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S6j3L-ulPeI/AAAAAAAABwQ/IXCCthN89d0/s400/empty+frames.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451879134120984034" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';">You’ll need an empty wooden picture frame. Don't worry about raised edges, because the molded frames actually look great for the front of your canvas and make it even more decorative...no need to frame!</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S6j4hm3jfJI/AAAAAAAABww/ynEuNGwPk0Y/s1600-h/napkins.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S6j4hm3jfJI/AAAAAAAABww/ynEuNGwPk0Y/s400/napkins.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451880605184916626" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S6j4hAenYmI/AAAAAAAABwo/HHUCWlrr17s/s1600-h/frame+on+canvas.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S6j4hAenYmI/AAAAAAAABwo/HHUCWlrr17s/s400/frame+on+canvas.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451880594879767138" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';">Some durable fabric…maybe duckcloth or how about repurposing a tea towel or cloth napkin</span>.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S6j4iP2lztI/AAAAAAAABw4/cx52fu8y-f4/s1600-h/stapler.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S6j4iP2lztI/AAAAAAAABw4/cx52fu8y-f4/s400/stapler.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451880616186728146" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S6j4idW_IVI/AAAAAAAABxA/M9xteQ7J7DI/s1600-h/stapling.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S6j4idW_IVI/AAAAAAAABxA/M9xteQ7J7DI/s400/stapling.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451880619812266322" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S6j3LdGfW4I/AAAAAAAABwA/4fPT5anNo_c/s1600-h/canvas+back.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S6j3LdGfW4I/AAAAAAAABwA/4fPT5anNo_c/s400/canvas+back.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451879125094456194" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';">Stretch and staple your chosen fabric to the backside of your frame. Decide which part of the frame you want to be the front of your canvas. Alternate sides as you go to keep fabric taut</span>.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S6j3K3KSFJI/AAAAAAAABv4/scsN8Rqblgg/s1600-h/brushingongesso.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S6j3K3KSFJI/AAAAAAAABv4/scsN8Rqblgg/s400/brushingongesso.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451879114909815954" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';">Give yourself a blank canvas by brushing on a coat or two of gesso</span>.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S6j3Lv7JHiI/AAAAAAAABwI/7qucXhuxY9Y/s1600-h/covered+frames.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S6j3Lv7JHiI/AAAAAAAABwI/7qucXhuxY9Y/s400/covered+frames.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451879130147135010" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S6j3MevSJlI/AAAAAAAABwY/91CKELj1kQ8/s1600-h/finished+on+easel.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S6j3MevSJlI/AAAAAAAABwY/91CKELj1kQ8/s400/finished+on+easel.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451879142713861714" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';">Instant canvas. This is also a great way to introduce your kids to the process of making their own canvases!</span><br /></div><div><br /></div>Paint away and display it proudly.<br />Your next masterpiece awaits, my friend! Have at it with gusto!<br /><br />Cheers!<div>michele.</div>courage to createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17303922599333488863noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130805848514047142.post-72668012641080497262010-03-09T10:37:00.014-06:002010-03-09T16:07:42.173-06:00the courage to create @ 408<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5bGmsTqw_I/AAAAAAAABvs/yz20Mt2FZrQ/s1600-h/branchout23a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 285px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5bGmsTqw_I/AAAAAAAABvs/yz20Mt2FZrQ/s400/branchout23a.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446759167382176754" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">....kind of a sappy one today, kids....</span><br /><div>Many, many moons ago I witnessed the energy and sparkle that exudes from someone's eyes when you show them how to do something new, when you help someone prove to themselves that they can create <span style="font-weight:bold;">WHATEVER</span> they <span style="font-weight:bold;">WANT</span> to create and that <span style="font-weight:bold;">YES</span>, they <span style="font-weight:bold;">CAN</span> do it themselves. That it's one of the most rewarding activities we can do. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It led to a daydream of creating unique day camps/retreats for people so absolutely everyone I came in contact with could experience that energy, that sparkle, that excitement. Well, the day camp idea somehow turned into a series of television shows instead and I've yet to fulfill the colorful vision I have in my head for the day camp/retreats...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">some day, some day</span>.... <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>But I did come close this past Saturday, when we finally got the time to put on a one day workshop for people here at our studios. My studio was their studio and there were no such things as mistakes or rules, but rather the freedom to PLAY and do what they wanted, how they wanted.....it was an amazing day that warmly reminded me of that day ten years ago when I dreamt of igniting the creative fire in anyone and everyone and verbalized the belief that:<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">"Creativity is the one thing that we ALL truly have in common. It's ageless. It's timeless. It knows NO gender or race and it's the ONE thing that leads to amazing discoveries...a new technique, a new product, a new business....that in the end are as INDIVIDUAL as the ones who CREATED them."</span> </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm to this day as passionate, and even more so (if that's possible) about that belief and how powerful creative expression and doing things yourself are.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5aqd7fdd6I/AAAAAAAABvM/D2FSvyiz1u8/s1600-h/branchout25.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 285px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5aqd7fdd6I/AAAAAAAABvM/D2FSvyiz1u8/s400/branchout25.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446728230513768354" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5aqdQQWSeI/AAAAAAAABvE/vLP9TjSjJGg/s1600-h/branchout24.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5aqdQQWSeI/AAAAAAAABvE/vLP9TjSjJGg/s400/branchout24.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446728218907658722" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5aqdE0_CXI/AAAAAAAABu8/93dg9UbxNx4/s1600-h/branchout23.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5aqdE0_CXI/AAAAAAAABu8/93dg9UbxNx4/s400/branchout23.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446728215840098674" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5aqcmXNz1I/AAAAAAAABu0/uXsh3ajh4ac/s1600-h/branchout22.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5aqcmXNz1I/AAAAAAAABu0/uXsh3ajh4ac/s400/branchout22.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446728207662174034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5aqcZwcdFI/AAAAAAAABus/YvJ8VWB2VUY/s1600-h/branchout21.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 285px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5aqcZwcdFI/AAAAAAAABus/YvJ8VWB2VUY/s400/branchout21.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446728204278330450" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5aqNk26_JI/AAAAAAAABuk/qdAIJ6qIWto/s1600-h/branchout20.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5aqNk26_JI/AAAAAAAABuk/qdAIJ6qIWto/s400/branchout20.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446727949560249490" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5aqNXp9YFI/AAAAAAAABuc/B0vgxjc8HYQ/s1600-h/branchout19.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5aqNXp9YFI/AAAAAAAABuc/B0vgxjc8HYQ/s400/branchout19.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446727946016219218" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5aqNA4FnWI/AAAAAAAABuU/2TXFeke21r8/s1600-h/branchout18.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 285px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5aqNA4FnWI/AAAAAAAABuU/2TXFeke21r8/s400/branchout18.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446727939901463906" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5aqMgQtR5I/AAAAAAAABuM/_UM9Ghm4Qeo/s1600-h/branchout17.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5aqMgQtR5I/AAAAAAAABuM/_UM9Ghm4Qeo/s400/branchout17.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446727931146356626" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5aqMbymw_I/AAAAAAAABuE/Oc7f2gxXu1o/s1600-h/branchout16.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5aqMbymw_I/AAAAAAAABuE/Oc7f2gxXu1o/s400/branchout16.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446727929946358770" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5ap97yLGOI/AAAAAAAABt8/24y-3lxI7KU/s1600-h/branchout15.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5ap97yLGOI/AAAAAAAABt8/24y-3lxI7KU/s400/branchout15.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446727680836442338" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5ap9SumoxI/AAAAAAAABt0/TzQD394y7uM/s1600-h/branchout14.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 285px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5ap9SumoxI/AAAAAAAABt0/TzQD394y7uM/s400/branchout14.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446727669815616274" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5ap9LRGu_I/AAAAAAAABts/ar3o2tFowyo/s1600-h/branchout11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5ap9LRGu_I/AAAAAAAABts/ar3o2tFowyo/s400/branchout11.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446727667812842482" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5ap81LeQ4I/AAAAAAAABtk/L2QKUOgDF24/s1600-h/branchout10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5ap81LeQ4I/AAAAAAAABtk/L2QKUOgDF24/s400/branchout10.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446727661883638658" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5ap8Q-Nj9I/AAAAAAAABtc/ltJP7S8MK0g/s1600-h/branchout9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5ap8Q-Nj9I/AAAAAAAABtc/ltJP7S8MK0g/s400/branchout9.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446727652164341714" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5apq62W2WI/AAAAAAAABtU/z4lVEN-187A/s1600-h/branchout8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5apq62W2WI/AAAAAAAABtU/z4lVEN-187A/s400/branchout8.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446727354168039778" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5apqfFpPLI/AAAAAAAABtM/IihXiGMkHSU/s1600-h/branchout7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5apqfFpPLI/AAAAAAAABtM/IihXiGMkHSU/s400/branchout7.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446727346715966642" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5apqL4_g-I/AAAAAAAABtE/wyY5beOIaqI/s1600-h/branchout6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 285px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5apqL4_g-I/AAAAAAAABtE/wyY5beOIaqI/s400/branchout6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446727341562627042" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5app6DaRCI/AAAAAAAABs8/sLHd3fa88bY/s1600-h/branchout5a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 285px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5app6DaRCI/AAAAAAAABs8/sLHd3fa88bY/s400/branchout5a.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446727336774485026" /></a></div><div>When you share your projects and ideas on television, you don't get to witness first-hand the joy that a hands on project can bring someone. You encourage them to take the ideas, the techniques, the projects...and make them their own. You miss out on the interaction of ever actually SEEING what they do with it, how they take creative action, and for me, that's the most rewarding part. Saturday I didn't get cheated out of SEEING it in action. And what I saw was an incredible thing. People of all ages, both male and female....all of different backgrounds and styles. ALL enjoying a day of working with their hands, being creative. Every person there looked at our piles and piles of branches and scraps and saw something completely different. THAT is the power of creativity. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5appTg8VmI/AAAAAAAABs0/ERySkdXdTDs/s1600-h/branchout5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5appTg8VmI/AAAAAAAABs0/ERySkdXdTDs/s400/branchout5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446727326429369954" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5apaqW4-gI/AAAAAAAABss/yv5VtOdv83M/s1600-h/branchout3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 285px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5apaqW4-gI/AAAAAAAABss/yv5VtOdv83M/s400/branchout3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446727074863184386" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5apaGGLZOI/AAAAAAAABsk/F14yTN2QNec/s1600-h/branchout2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5apaGGLZOI/AAAAAAAABsk/F14yTN2QNec/s400/branchout2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446727065129411810" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5apZ5Fza7I/AAAAAAAABsc/RRblP_zGWtM/s1600-h/branchout1b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5apZ5Fza7I/AAAAAAAABsc/RRblP_zGWtM/s400/branchout1b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446727061638179762" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5av07CHNlI/AAAAAAAABvg/Ffb7ktP84b8/s1600-h/branchout27.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5av07CHNlI/AAAAAAAABvg/Ffb7ktP84b8/s400/branchout27.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446734123085805138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5av0vw7eyI/AAAAAAAABvY/vEVMmQGI5oM/s1600-h/branchout26.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 285px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5av0vw7eyI/AAAAAAAABvY/vEVMmQGI5oM/s400/branchout26.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446734120060943138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5apZbEdTlI/AAAAAAAABsU/YPYRAfhFK0U/s1600-h/branchout1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5apZbEdTlI/AAAAAAAABsU/YPYRAfhFK0U/s400/branchout1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446727053579472466" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5apZPKTGpI/AAAAAAAABsM/WlkchnLahpM/s1600-h/branchou8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S5apZPKTGpI/AAAAAAAABsM/WlkchnLahpM/s400/branchou8.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446727050382744210" /></a><br /></div><div>We supplied them with branches and twigs and other natural offerings and let them loose...the tools were buzzing, the people were unintimidated and comfortable and gung ho! Phones weren't ringing, no one was texting, checking messages, etc. Each and every one of them was absorbed in their own personal creative process. One woman left me with a profound thought when she said to us "This was the day everyone said yes". </div><div><br /></div><div>Our crew made sure that everyone there was given the resources and guidance they needed to help make their creative vision happen and it makes me VERY, VERY proud. THAT'S what it's all about, my friends. </div><div><br /></div><div>Seeing everyone actually experiment with drill presses, wood burners, mitre boxes, band saws, benchtop sanders...some for the first time...and to see the empowerment, the confidence, the liberation...brought a happy tear to the eye.... I get told over and over again from outside sources to stay away from using so many tools in my projects (which I personally think is absolutely ridiculous)....and I don't believe in dummying things down...I have tremendous faith in people's abilities and how else are people ever going to get comfortable with the different options that are out there if they're NEVER exposed to them. Think of how productive all of us can be. The more we all know how to do and BELIEVE we can do....the better.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cheers to the next play day and a huge shout of thanks to all of you who had the courage to create at 408 on Saturday! <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>michele.</div><div> <br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div>courage to createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17303922599333488863noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130805848514047142.post-87923737124724215892010-03-01T08:33:00.006-06:002010-03-01T08:58:26.961-06:00tabletop message board<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S4vUd14p0-I/AAAAAAAABrs/d2xDbDnJZh4/s1600-h/blog3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S4vUd14p0-I/AAAAAAAABrs/d2xDbDnJZh4/s400/blog3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443678183753372642" /></a><br />Our idea of using a dry erase or wet erase marker to label jars recently generated a lot of excitement from people, so I thought it timely to share our tabletop message board. <div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S4vUdE7vHPI/AAAAAAAABrU/7iVGksDHfTs/s1600-h/blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S4vUdE7vHPI/AAAAAAAABrU/7iVGksDHfTs/s400/blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443678170612964594" /></a><br /></div><div>It's a great way to repurpose leftover tiles and serves as double duty in the kitchen or at your desk. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Very useful for capturing lists, ideas, supplies!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><ul><li style="text-align: left;">You'll want to work with a light colored tile that has a slick, glossy surface.</li></ul><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S4vVuC7A4zI/AAAAAAAABsA/Ifu5tE5_gO0/s1600-h/blog2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S4vVuC7A4zI/AAAAAAAABsA/Ifu5tE5_gO0/s400/blog2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443679561642468146" /></a><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Add some grippers, cork feet or felt pads to the bottom four corners.<br /></li></ul><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Flip over and it's ready to use.</li></ul><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S4vUeJza1dI/AAAAAAAABr0/ohiawCeXgIQ/s1600-h/blog4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S4vUeJza1dI/AAAAAAAABr0/ohiawCeXgIQ/s400/blog4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443678189100127698" /></a><ul><li>Set out a jar or can of dry erase or wet erase markers nearby.<br /></li><li>The dry erase markers wipe off easy with a dry cloth.<br /></li><li>The wet erase markers are a bit more durable in that you'll need a damp cloth to clean off. (The writing won't rub off on your hands that way.)<br /></li><li>The tiles clean off easily and can also be used as a trivet or a coaster.<br /></li><li>They sit beautifully on a counter or tabletop!</li></ul><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S4vUdaTibKI/AAAAAAAABrc/UtJ-Y9B7mJA/s1600-h/blog1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S4vUdaTibKI/AAAAAAAABrc/UtJ-Y9B7mJA/s400/blog1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443678176349940898" /></a></div><div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Cheers to creative multipurpose uses!</p><p class="MsoNormal">michele.</p></div>courage to createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17303922599333488863noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130805848514047142.post-27163612649116232822010-02-23T12:42:00.007-06:002010-02-23T13:23:18.917-06:00natural ring/key holder<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S4QoVii8f4I/AAAAAAAABp4/nTJxhYwBzL4/s1600-h/finished.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S4QoVii8f4I/AAAAAAAABp4/nTJxhYwBzL4/s400/finished.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441518600286142338" /></a>Can't hardly describe the giddiness that comes from creatively working with natural materials. It's the craziest thing, but I get SOOOO excited about creating with plain old sticks and stones. (I'm also more deeply immersed in twigs and logs as we prepare for our <a href="http://www.thedoityourselflife.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">branch out workshop</span></a> next weekend... everywhere I turn there are branches, branches and more branches...all different shapes, sizes, species.....so it's TOP of mind to say the least!) <br /><br />I thought I'd share a quick and easy one with y'all today...... <span style="font-weight:bold;">a natural ring/key holder</span>. (When we were setting up our storefront, we were creating displays out of anything and everything we had available to us without having to purchase anything. It was a fun challenge and these found their way onto my dressing tables as well as a few of my nature-lovin' friends' homes.) Hope you enjoy them as much as I do.<br /><br />Use a smaller sized log…I like driftwood because of its’ smooth exterior….<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S4QpGHGfF7I/AAAAAAAABqY/Qzk8hk_UDWg/s1600-h/waxing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S4QpGHGfF7I/AAAAAAAABqY/Qzk8hk_UDWg/s400/waxing.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441519434732607410" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Clean it up and finish off with a natural shellac, oil or wax to give it a beautiful luster. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S4QpGQtQNpI/AAAAAAAABqg/y27x-HwvSQY/s1600-h/nailing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S4QpGQtQNpI/AAAAAAAABqg/y27x-HwvSQY/s400/nailing.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441519437311129234" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;">Create some ‘hangers’ or 'pegs' by pounding in a few nails across the length of the log. You can determine the length of nails in relation to the size log you're using. <br /></div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Position and space as desired.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">You can also use smaller branches as your pegs instead of nails…</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S4QoUZyfe3I/AAAAAAAABpg/kTmuQ5uPEgs/s1600-h/drillgaugebranch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S4QoUZyfe3I/AAAAAAAABpg/kTmuQ5uPEgs/s400/drillgaugebranch.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441518580755561330" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S4QoUMJsHGI/AAAAAAAABpY/zwWjd-iwYXs/s1600-h/drillbits.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S4QoUMJsHGI/AAAAAAAABpY/zwWjd-iwYXs/s400/drillbits.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441518577094761570" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Simply use a drill gauge to measure your branches and grab the corresponding drill bit<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S4QoU8o4RZI/AAAAAAAABpo/-gHROaCWoJo/s1600-h/drilling+holes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 285px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S4QoU8o4RZI/AAAAAAAABpo/-gHROaCWoJo/s400/drilling+holes.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441518590110483858" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Drill about an inch or so into your log.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S4QpFRwEopI/AAAAAAAABqA/olfzP2wO7Xk/s1600-h/gluing+in+peg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S4QpFRwEopI/AAAAAAAABqA/olfzP2wO7Xk/s400/gluing+in+peg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441519420411519634" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Drip some wood glue into your hole<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S4QpF2V032I/AAAAAAAABqQ/eJ7s4juHq2A/s1600-h/placing+twigpeg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S4QpF2V032I/AAAAAAAABqQ/eJ7s4juHq2A/s400/placing+twigpeg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441519430233546594" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">And insert your branch.<br /></div><br /></div><div>Set out on your dresser or tabletop and you have a naturally efficient way to store, organize and display!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S4QoVGoPC1I/AAAAAAAABpw/F2NdQc9nkKs/s1600-h/finished+propped.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 285px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S4QoVGoPC1I/AAAAAAAABpw/F2NdQc9nkKs/s400/finished+propped.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441518592792136530" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S4QpFlms-FI/AAAAAAAABqI/bXeDADatkDY/s1600-h/keys.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S4QpFlms-FI/AAAAAAAABqI/bXeDADatkDY/s400/keys.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441519425740929106" /></a><br />Cheers to simple, natural creations that don't cost you a dime to make! (of course, minus the nails, glue, wax, etc!) </div><div> <br />michele.</div>courage to createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17303922599333488863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130805848514047142.post-30182706236936873862010-02-18T11:09:00.004-06:002010-02-18T12:17:27.667-06:00handspun gift<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">'not on one strand are all life's jewels strung'....william morris </span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S318tQYMCYI/AAAAAAAABo4/6VB2uV-hEt8/s1600-h/cortjewelchadbuffs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S318tQYMCYI/AAAAAAAABo4/6VB2uV-hEt8/s400/cortjewelchadbuffs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439641041865804162" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S318tA6xVoI/AAAAAAAABow/CI79HdO1hQw/s1600-h/cortjewelchad2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 285px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S318tA6xVoI/AAAAAAAABow/CI79HdO1hQw/s400/cortjewelchad2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439641037715887746" /></a><br /></div>Chad from our office stopped by the studio this past weekend to whip up a 'valentine' for his wife Cortney. She had given him a few 'suggestions', so he brought with him his 'raw, rock style' birthstones and just let whatever creatively happens, happen. He discovered that raw birthstones were either hard to find or very expensive, so his 'stones' were scored off of broken necklaces from a bead shop. I'm sure that 'jar of broken goodies' at the store isn't sought after by too many customers, but if you're in search of something raw and irregular, it's a good place to look!<div>It was fun to watch him use our solder stones technique and turn out a couple of 'sweet' jewelry pieces for her in a short amount of time.<br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S318sc1HdoI/AAAAAAAABog/GLpfpDHVjjk/s1600-h/cortjewel3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 285px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S318sc1HdoI/AAAAAAAABog/GLpfpDHVjjk/s400/cortjewel3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439641028028495490" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S318r9O9t3I/AAAAAAAABoY/pchg8iLw2eI/s1600-h/cortjewel2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 285px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S318r9O9t3I/AAAAAAAABoY/pchg8iLw2eI/s400/cortjewel2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439641019546974066" /></a> </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S318stUfCUI/AAAAAAAABoo/y3YdqfwlUo0/s1600-h/cortjewelchad.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S318stUfCUI/AAAAAAAABoo/y3YdqfwlUo0/s400/cortjewelchad.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439641032455031106" /></a><br /></div><div>Cheers to a handspun, creative gift! Wear 'em proudly, Cort!</div><div><br /></div><div>michele</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div> </div></div>courage to createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17303922599333488863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130805848514047142.post-4968338429220142322010-02-10T12:43:00.005-06:002010-02-10T12:46:15.250-06:00naturally creative valentine's<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S3L-jWHTJ6I/AAAAAAAABoA/mfFl9fFQ5cw/s1600-h/carved+initials.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 285px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S3L-jWHTJ6I/AAAAAAAABoA/mfFl9fFQ5cw/s400/carved+initials.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436687583374682018" /></a><br /><div><br /></div>Fun last minute Valentine's Day ideas over at our sister site: <a href="http://www.borganic.net/blog/?p=1153">www.borganic.net/blog</a>courage to createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17303922599333488863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130805848514047142.post-75733863725362651982010-02-09T09:15:00.005-06:002010-02-09T09:29:19.271-06:00I LOVE creative, resourceful people<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S3F-1Mq9_KI/AAAAAAAABn0/SPe-8bwjCss/s1600-h/20060621_JW_COURAGE_WEB_MG_5089.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S3F-1Mq9_KI/AAAAAAAABn0/SPe-8bwjCss/s400/20060621_JW_COURAGE_WEB_MG_5089.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436265677612514466" /></a><br />No rules. Making innovative use out of what he had available. The grand scale of it all. Unconventional living space. Relishing in how others can also enjoy his work. His matter of fact, "I simply do what I do" approach.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://eco-ideas.net/story/id/23/">http://eco-ideas.net/story/id/23/</a><br /></div><br /><div>I LOVE people like this. Their spirits definitely dance with mine. <div>Enjoy and Cheers!</div><div>michele.</div><div> </div></div>courage to createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17303922599333488863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130805848514047142.post-33712073052880313322010-02-04T10:59:00.008-06:002010-02-09T11:47:43.768-06:00sharin' my passion for nature, tools, resourcefulness, creativity and the do it yourself life...on March 6th! I've been wanting to do a fun filled, day long workshop for a very long time now and I'm so excited we were finally able to carve out a day to make <a href="http://www.thedoityourselflife.com/branchout.php">"Branch Out"</a> happen. <div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S3CGL49y5hI/AAAAAAAABno/wmFXoE4fQqE/s1600-h/diylifebanner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S3CGL49y5hI/AAAAAAAABno/wmFXoE4fQqE/s400/diylifebanner.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435992289064445458" /></a>We're only a few weeks out and the studio is starting to fill up with sticks and stones, logs and branches, interesting tools and products, finished examples, and other creative paraphernalia in preparation for the big day. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">(It's a whirl of somewhat creative chaos down in the studio right now with some funny juggling and rearranging of props going on because it seems EVERYONE has things they need to be working on....Jon is in the back sawing logs, beams and 2x4's for our kitchen floor....our production van is parked in the middle of the studio....(having something 'driven' into the middle of your creative space is not very inspiring....it needs to find its' way back outside), me and the guys are trying to get things shot.....and the kids (joining us for their umpteenth 'snow' day) are creating forts and who knows what else in various corners..but I guess that's what a workshop/studio space is all about! Thankfully, I have my little haven behind the house that I can retreat to once in a while to get things done in peace...)</span><div><div>We do still have a few spots available for people to register so if you too share a love or interest for nature, creativity and learning to do some pretty cool things yourself, <a href="http://www.thedoityourselflife.com/branchout_what.php">click here to learn more and enroll in this upcoming workshop</a>. Our first one is all inclusive, so all you need to bring is you, your imagination, an enthusiasm for creative processes and eager hands. We provide all the supplies, organic eats and beverages and a jam-packed roster of projects for you to create, take home and use. We guarantee you'll go home with techniques and ideas that you can pull from time and time again...long AFTER the workshop is over. Thank you to everyone who has already registered....I'm really looking forward to meeting all of you and spending the day sharing my passion 4 nature, tools, resourcefulness, creativity and the do it yourself life. The event has even inspired me to experiment with some new project ideas that I'm anxious to throw into the mix....<br /></div><div><div><div><br /></div><div>Cheers!</div><div>michele.</div><div><br /><div><div> <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>courage to createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17303922599333488863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130805848514047142.post-11477938993561936352010-02-03T07:42:00.021-06:002010-02-03T13:29:40.074-06:00spRInG w. DIY MaGazINe<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S2mOlIe_tHI/AAAAAAAABmA/b6Y0u7YO9Gk/s1600-h/spring+cover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S2mOlIe_tHI/AAAAAAAABmA/b6Y0u7YO9Gk/s400/spring+cover.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434031193983005810" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S2mL6JYzQgI/AAAAAAAABkY/4VNcur3XG0g/s1600-h/DIY+MAG+shoot001(small).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S2mL6JYzQgI/AAAAAAAABkY/4VNcur3XG0g/s400/DIY+MAG+shoot001(small).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434028256467829250" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Proof that time slips by entirely too fast because it seems like we just got done shooting with these guys...only it was a couple of months ago already! The spring issue of the </span><a href="http://www.diyideas.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Do It Yourself Magazine</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> just hit the stands and it has loads and loads of fun, creative ideas for you guys to grab hold of and make your own. </span><a href="http://www.diyideas.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Pick one up or check them out online</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">. These gals and guys work hard to fill the pages with a variety of innovative things you can do yourself. I shared my enthusiasm for the hollow core door canvases in this issue and hopefully everyone will now look at those drab doors with fresh eyes before ever tossing them to the curb. It's an exciting way to repurpose, and they do make the most magnificent, versatile surfaces for just about any type of art application. They are an inexpensive alternative to traditional canvases, they have a nice deep edge and they're lightweight to hang. Bi-fold closet doors, interior doors....they're available in various widths.....and you can use them in their entirety for a LARGE canvas or cut them down into the desired sizes. You can repurpose them out of your own home, pick them up at places like the REstore or, even buying them new is VERY economical as opposed to the cost of traditional canvases of that size. They're literally the cheapest kind of doors you can buy. We share the how to in the pages of the magazine as well as some different techniques for you to try....you can also get a glimpse of the process in action through one of our video quickies available online at </span><a href="http://www.diyideas.com/easyartvideo"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">diyideas.com/easyartvideo</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">....this project is titled "wall art from an old door".<br />Yesterday marked another fun day with the gang from the magazine, only this time we spent the afternoon in our bathroom sharing another fun idea for people to play with..... do it yourself vanities. It's exciting to take your passions or collections and transform them into functional home decor so you're surrounded by what you love. I LOVE old toolbenches and they're a bit part of what I do for a living, so we took one from an old school shop class, cut it in half and turned it into his/her vanities. It's a daily reminder of my love for how-to, tools and salvaged materials in a very UNEXPECTED place. And, it's a truly SIMPLE project that anyone can do or replicate with just about any piece of furniture. The how-to lowdown will be available in their next issue, as well as online through our video quickies and in an upcoming episode of b. organic. In the meantime, if you're in need of a vanity...this will give you something to think about that may steer you in the repurposing direction instead of relying on the standard fare available at home improvement stores.</span> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S2mL8EHXwnI/AAAAAAAABk4/jTEfn1XJWk0/s1600-h/bathroom+shoot.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S2mL8EHXwnI/AAAAAAAABk4/jTEfn1XJWk0/s400/bathroom+shoot.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434028289412285042" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S2mL7vHUHjI/AAAAAAAABkw/vC3kg7rhgXo/s1600-h/chattin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 190px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S2mL7vHUHjI/AAAAAAAABkw/vC3kg7rhgXo/s400/chattin.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434028283774901810" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S2mMrfQ-JYI/AAAAAAAABlc/AcY-gRvtVuw/s1600-h/katie2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 285px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S2mMrfQ-JYI/AAAAAAAABlc/AcY-gRvtVuw/s400/katie2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434029104154158466" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S2mSXEOGRCI/AAAAAAAABmc/dGus5LKh-1Q/s1600-h/katie+proppin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 285px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S2mSXEOGRCI/AAAAAAAABmc/dGus5LKh-1Q/s400/katie+proppin.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434035350366733346" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S2mSWoltdII/AAAAAAAABmU/Ck77lN0se_M/s1600-h/jay.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 285px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S2mSWoltdII/AAAAAAAABmU/Ck77lN0se_M/s400/jay.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434035342949577858" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S2mSWac-2wI/AAAAAAAABmM/JfYe9nl9M8k/s1600-h/installin+sink.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 285px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S2mSWac-2wI/AAAAAAAABmM/JfYe9nl9M8k/s400/installin+sink.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434035339154873090" /></a><br />When you do things yourself, you can DO WHATEVER YOU WANT.....and I LOVE THAT!<div>Cheers to sharing ideas and a shout of kudos to a great magazine for creative, do it yourself enthusiasts everywhere!</div><div>michele.</div>courage to createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17303922599333488863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2130805848514047142.post-12903267010677523202010-01-26T12:54:00.008-06:002010-01-26T14:33:29.234-06:00ThE poWeR of A saMpLE BoaRD<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S19NVSMT60I/AAAAAAAABjo/YJyw1_U4Sbc/s1600-h/making+sampleboard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S19NVSMT60I/AAAAAAAABjo/YJyw1_U4Sbc/s400/making+sampleboard.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431144703688174402" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S19NV1tp7HI/AAAAAAAABj4/0diJbJqAW38/s1600-h/supplies.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S19NV1tp7HI/AAAAAAAABj4/0diJbJqAW38/s400/supplies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431144713223269490" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S19NVohJWzI/AAAAAAAABjw/P4OVDAbhBU0/s1600-h/sample+board.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S19NVohJWzI/AAAAAAAABjw/P4OVDAbhBU0/s400/sample+board.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431144709681142578" /></a><br />Even a 'jump in with both feet and go' kind of gal knows the importance of sample boards. It sounds like a no-brainer and a given, but it's amazing how many of us (myself included) forget this one simple step that can end up sparing us a lot of time, money, frustration or disappointment. It does make for one extra thing to do, but they're so worth the time and effort especially when you're embarking on a process that you maybe haven't tackled before. It's an excellent way to test products and insure what you're using is going to give you the results you are wanting. There are so many variables when it comes to doing things yourself and creative projects; the materials, the conditions, the brands, the application, the skills, etc. The sample board gives you an opportunity to test things out before you tackle the 'original'. It also gives you a small scale amount of 'practice' and an opportunity to get familiar with the products you're using and how you're applying them. It's an excellent way to get your questions answered..what product to use for what, will this work, wonder what this would look like....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S19NU1yN7FI/AAAAAAAABjg/wY1UjcsdJbM/s1600-h/log+tiles2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S19NU1yN7FI/AAAAAAAABjg/wY1UjcsdJbM/s400/log+tiles2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431144696062536786" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S19NUTXpS4I/AAAAAAAABjY/4s9E5C8OCuE/s1600-h/log+tiles.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fkHqPUkBuOU/S19NUTXpS4I/AAAAAAAABjY/4s9E5C8OCuE/s400/log+tiles.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431144686824278914" /></a><br />The sample boards themselves can then be used elsewhere...as their own work of art or as a jumping off point for another art project, so absolutely nothing, including your time, goes to waste!<div>Cheers to the sample board.....experiment away, my friends!</div><div>michele.<br /><div><br /></div></div>courage to createhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17303922599333488863noreply@blogger.com1