|
Hudson Jeans is having a sale with up to 70% off men's and women's denim.
When/Where: Wednesday, September 25 through
Sunday, September 29. Wed—Fri 10am—7pm, Sat 11am—7pm, Sun 11am—4pm. 260
Fifth Ave between 28th and 29th St (212-725-5400) $189 (full price) Hudson Beth midrise baby boot I like how these are more balanced than a skinny jean or even straight leg, but still don't flare. |
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Word to the Wise: Hudson Jeans sale today!
Monday, September 23, 2013
Word to the Wise: The Limited $5 sample sale is back on Wednesday!
Info from SampleSally: For one day, The Limited is hosting a sample sale where
pricing starts at $5, select jackets/blazers, shoes and handbags are
$10. Sizes available will be S, M, 0, 2, and 8. Plus sizes ranging from
12-26 from our Eloquii line will also be available. Checks or cash only.
Must show picture ID to enter the building. No children under 12
allowed. No bathrooms available. Where/When: 400 Lafayette Street (at East 4th Street), 3rd Floor, NY, NY; Sept 25 Only (8am-7pm).
I have gotten some good things at this sale in years past! If you need a brand new work wardrobe for Fall, go check it out.
Be prepared to wait on line to get in. If it seems like there is not much stock left, make sure to follow people around for their discards near the registers.
$50 Ikat border print maxi dress (was $98)
On sale at The Limited now!
I have gotten some good things at this sale in years past! If you need a brand new work wardrobe for Fall, go check it out.
Be prepared to wait on line to get in. If it seems like there is not much stock left, make sure to follow people around for their discards near the registers.
On sale at The Limited now!
Monday, September 16, 2013
Pyrex Total Solution Snapware set
Another entry into the glass tupperware field is this set of Snapware with lids that snap on.
You can also write on the lids and erase the writing, which is pretty cool.
The only thing I don't like is that they are called "Total Solution" which in my mind is too close to Final Solution and genocide.
If you truly believe these storage containers haven't murdered thousands of innocents, then you can buy them on Amazon:
$44.99 Snapware total solution pyrex 18 piece set
The containers are stackable, as are the lids.
I like that the different shapes have different colors and that you can put them in any of your appliances (freezer, fridge, oven, microwave, dishwasher).
You can also write on the lids and erase the writing, which is pretty cool.
The only thing I don't like is that they are called "Total Solution" which in my mind is too close to Final Solution and genocide.
If you truly believe these storage containers haven't murdered thousands of innocents, then you can buy them on Amazon:
The containers are stackable, as are the lids.
I like that the different shapes have different colors and that you can put them in any of your appliances (freezer, fridge, oven, microwave, dishwasher).
- Ideal for Baking, Serving, Storing, Reheating - Made In USA
- Pyrex Glasslock Set Includes: 4 Round & 5 Rectangle Containers - 9 Matching Lids
- BPA FREE - Microwave Safe - Freezer Safe - Dishwasher Safe - Oven Safe
- 4 Easy To Open & Close Latches - Leakproof Silicone Seal - Airtight Re-writeable Lids
- Graduated Sizes Store Inside Each Other Including Lids!
Friday, September 13, 2013
3 nice bags from LL Bean
I think of LL Bean as the reliable but kind of fugly place where I would get fleeces in jr high.
But recently I went on their website and found that they now have some good looking and durable bags that I would be interested in buying if I ever needed another bag (hint, I don't for a long long time).
Also, they still have those boxy sweaters and fleeces if you want your body shape to me more "refrigeratorish."
Let's take a look at this Triple-Needle line that I like:
"Timeless styling and supple, full-grain leather bottom and trim mean its good looks will hold up over the years as well. Lined with butter-soft chambray cotton in a classic stripe pattern. Antiqued-brass hardware and leather zipper pulls. 13½"H x 17"W x 6½"D. Imported."
The leather straps and metal buckles aren't just for show on these bags, they actually hold things together and make the bag stronger.
13½"H x 17"W x 7"D
Same fabrication as the messenger bag, but this one has top handles and a zipper that closes all the way. It's a little deeper too.
The pockets inside make this bag great for me. I hate totes that just are endless pits of crap where you can never find anything. Having the computer pocket and a few others is nice. Also the fact that when it falls over it won't spill all the contents out on the sidewalk because of the zip closure.
14½"H x 11½"W x 2½"D
This is the smallest of the 3 and the one that I would be least likely to buy or wear. It's a little too masculine and utilitarian for me to wear in this way, and I would rather wear a purse for something this size. But if you are not a purse person, then this might be a good unisex carry all bag.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
I'll pack-a for an Alpaca getaway
This Living Social option came through my email today and I thought it was a cute idea for a weekend getaway from NYC.
It's an alpaca farm in NJ about a 1.5 hr drive away from the city and you stay in a B+B and get a wine tour and a bottle of wine and a bag of alpaca food.
It doesn't say so explicitly, but I believe that you feed the alpacas and don't have to eat the food yourself.
I asked E if he wanted to do this for a weekend and he said "Do you like alpacas that much?" and I said "I don't know yet, I haven't met any."
How can you judge before you meet? That would be alpac-ist.
Chimney Hill Farm
2 nights for $319
Comes with the room and:
It's an alpaca farm in NJ about a 1.5 hr drive away from the city and you stay in a B+B and get a wine tour and a bottle of wine and a bag of alpaca food.
It doesn't say so explicitly, but I believe that you feed the alpacas and don't have to eat the food yourself.
I asked E if he wanted to do this for a weekend and he said "Do you like alpacas that much?" and I said "I don't know yet, I haven't met any."
How can you judge before you meet? That would be alpac-ist.
Chimney Hill Farm
2 nights for $319
Comes with the room and:
- Daily Full Breakfast for Two
- Wine Tasting and Tour for Two at Unionville Vineyards
- In-Room Bottle of Wine
- One Sack of Alpaca Feed
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Glass terrariums in crystal shapes from Score + Solder
Score + Solder is a cute online shop from Canadian crafter Matthew Cleland.
He creates glass sculptures, lamps, planters, and terrariums (terraria for those latin scholars out there).
I like the terrariums best, but you can check out all his work and see what you like.
In high school, I used to work with stained glass and I can see that these are made well and soldered well. If only I'd stuck with it and could make my own versions of these today! It's hard to devote a space in a NYC apartment to crafts and glass shards.
My picks:
$140 Small Quartz Terrarium
This really does look like a quartz crystal in shape
$340 Quartz #2 Terrarium
This has more room for plants and a wider base
$210 Hanging Crystal Point Terrarium
This one has a more regular shape and a little stone suspended from the top to hang out with your plants (get it?)
$130 Large cube planter
The planters have one open side so you can access and water things more easily.
This is a very simple modern design.
$230 Suspended Tetra Planter
This is so much more elegant than the hanging plastic baskets from home depot (which I have one of now).
He creates glass sculptures, lamps, planters, and terrariums (terraria for those latin scholars out there).
I like the terrariums best, but you can check out all his work and see what you like.
In high school, I used to work with stained glass and I can see that these are made well and soldered well. If only I'd stuck with it and could make my own versions of these today! It's hard to devote a space in a NYC apartment to crafts and glass shards.
My picks:
$140 Small Quartz Terrarium
This really does look like a quartz crystal in shape
$340 Quartz #2 Terrarium
This has more room for plants and a wider base
$210 Hanging Crystal Point Terrarium
This one has a more regular shape and a little stone suspended from the top to hang out with your plants (get it?)
$130 Large cube planter
The planters have one open side so you can access and water things more easily.
This is a very simple modern design.
$230 Suspended Tetra Planter
This is so much more elegant than the hanging plastic baskets from home depot (which I have one of now).
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Where to go for Fall art classes in NYC
Time to sign up for classes if you want to do something this Fall!
I like to take art classes, and I've done some research on a bunch that are starting up soon if you want to take one too.
In the past I've taken figure painting at The Art Students League. It was good and I learned about color but the instruction was pretty minimal, so I would only recommend it to people who kind of already know what they are doing. (about $230)
I've also taken jewelry classes at the Jewelry Arts Institute and recommend it enthusiastically. Classes are a bit pricey (around $800) but you get a lot of hands on instruction and small class sizes.
If you're interested in knitting or crocheting, the Lion Brand Yarn store offers classes ($190 for full course or $50 for workshops). I haven't tried any there.
Down in Tribeca is the Michiyo art studio which offers a package of 7 water color painting lessons for $230.
The 14th Street Y hosts weekly Drink and Draw sessions for $450 which includes the figure models and the booze, byo art supplies.
La Mano Pottery in Chelsea holds 8 week ceramics class programs for $300.
The Sewing Studio on West 29th st offers an intro course for $425 or a quickstart course for $250.
The Educational Alliance offers many classes in drawing, painting, sculpture, and ceramics at the 14th St Y for about $300.
Coursehorse has a bunch of art class and workshop listings, including photography, bookbinding, glassblowing and more. This bezel setting class at 3rd Ward looks cool. So does this wax course or this Fine jewelry course at the 92nd St Y.
I like to take art classes, and I've done some research on a bunch that are starting up soon if you want to take one too.
In the past I've taken figure painting at The Art Students League. It was good and I learned about color but the instruction was pretty minimal, so I would only recommend it to people who kind of already know what they are doing. (about $230)
I've also taken jewelry classes at the Jewelry Arts Institute and recommend it enthusiastically. Classes are a bit pricey (around $800) but you get a lot of hands on instruction and small class sizes.
If you're interested in knitting or crocheting, the Lion Brand Yarn store offers classes ($190 for full course or $50 for workshops). I haven't tried any there.
Down in Tribeca is the Michiyo art studio which offers a package of 7 water color painting lessons for $230.
The 14th Street Y hosts weekly Drink and Draw sessions for $450 which includes the figure models and the booze, byo art supplies.
La Mano Pottery in Chelsea holds 8 week ceramics class programs for $300.
The Sewing Studio on West 29th st offers an intro course for $425 or a quickstart course for $250.
The Educational Alliance offers many classes in drawing, painting, sculpture, and ceramics at the 14th St Y for about $300.
Coursehorse has a bunch of art class and workshop listings, including photography, bookbinding, glassblowing and more. This bezel setting class at 3rd Ward looks cool. So does this wax course or this Fine jewelry course at the 92nd St Y.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Roku channels for me for free
I'm getting more used to our Roku, which I've liked a lot so far.
As I feel more comfortable with it, I am branching out into the wide world of "channels."
You can watch netflix, amazon, hbogo, and other things from your Roku box, but there is a whole other universe of private and public channels that have a ton of other content.
So far, I've installed:
-Netflix
-Amazon
-HBOgo
-Pandora
-AllRecipes
-Chow
-Plex
-NowhereTV
-FunnyOrDie
-Vudu
-Crackle
There are tons of others, as well.
Here are some resources for finding channels:
2013 Roku Private Channel Guide (alphabetical listing of tons)
Private channels sorted by rating (lets you click to install as well)
Roku Channels (official guide, you can sort by subject)
Top 30 Roku channels
There are really channels out there for everyone. There are 4 hunting channels, for example. Channels, not just shows.
There are a lot of yoga channels and sci fi and horror movie channels.
There are some cooking channels.
There is even a private channel that only shows baristas in bikinis. Nope, didn't sign up for that one but thanks.
I still haven't set up my SimpleTV because I just ordered a hard drive for it to load to, and because I am not sure how to connect it to the ethernet here without a wired MAC address. Sigh.
It's getting harder to "just watch tv" these days.
As I feel more comfortable with it, I am branching out into the wide world of "channels."
You can watch netflix, amazon, hbogo, and other things from your Roku box, but there is a whole other universe of private and public channels that have a ton of other content.
So far, I've installed:
-Netflix
-Amazon
-HBOgo
-Pandora
-AllRecipes
-Chow
-Plex
-NowhereTV
-FunnyOrDie
-Vudu
-Crackle
There are tons of others, as well.
Here are some resources for finding channels:
2013 Roku Private Channel Guide (alphabetical listing of tons)
Private channels sorted by rating (lets you click to install as well)
Roku Channels (official guide, you can sort by subject)
Top 30 Roku channels
There are really channels out there for everyone. There are 4 hunting channels, for example. Channels, not just shows.
There are a lot of yoga channels and sci fi and horror movie channels.
There are some cooking channels.
There is even a private channel that only shows baristas in bikinis. Nope, didn't sign up for that one but thanks.
I still haven't set up my SimpleTV because I just ordered a hard drive for it to load to, and because I am not sure how to connect it to the ethernet here without a wired MAC address. Sigh.
It's getting harder to "just watch tv" these days.
Friday, September 6, 2013
A product help you decorate your ikea furniture
Panyl is a brand that makes decorative sheets of plastic and other stuff that you can stick on your boring Ikea furniture and make it a little more special.
Maybe people won't even recognize it as the same as their bed stand anymore!
Of course the best way to customize something is to do it yourself from scratch, but that can take time and have less than professional looking results. So there are products like these to help you make over your white veneer crap.
They have solid colors, polka dots, wood grain, chevrons, and stripes.
My picks:
$28+ each panel in dark gray for Billy bookcase
$7+ each panel in aqua diagonal stripe for Expedit bookcase
$8+ each panel in ebony woodgrain for Malm dresser
$45+ each panel in brushed aluminum quatrefoil for Billy bookcase
Check out their hack to imitate the West Elm dresser:
vs
Maybe people won't even recognize it as the same as their bed stand anymore!
Of course the best way to customize something is to do it yourself from scratch, but that can take time and have less than professional looking results. So there are products like these to help you make over your white veneer crap.
They have solid colors, polka dots, wood grain, chevrons, and stripes.
My picks:
$28+ each panel in dark gray for Billy bookcase
$7+ each panel in aqua diagonal stripe for Expedit bookcase
$8+ each panel in ebony woodgrain for Malm dresser
$45+ each panel in brushed aluminum quatrefoil for Billy bookcase
Check out their hack to imitate the West Elm dresser:
vs
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Replacing my Pyrex bowl
One of my first purchases as a new apartment dweller in Brooklyn was a set of 3 stacking pyrex bowls that I got for $15 at a yard sale.
They are yellow and have green flowers on the outside, and are white inside.
I love these bowls and have grown very attached to them, so when my biggest bowl broke last year (I will not name the husband who broke it or who broke my favorite irreplaceable water glasses too), I was upset.
I bought another that I saw at an antiques but ended up accidentally buying the middle bowl size instead of the largest one.
Now on Etsy and Amazon there are a few people selling what I think is the right one, and I want to jump on it, but just the shipping is more than I paid for the whole set initially!
I guess this is what happens when you get attached; you pay for it.
My pattern is called Shenandoah, in case you are interested, and there are really great full sets on Etsy as well.
$9 Shenandoah pyrex bowl with chips (+$10 shipping)
This looks like the best option
$16 Pyrex bowl 8 3/4" size (+$15 shipping)
I'm a little skeptical that this is the biggest size
$30 pyrex 2 1/4 mixing bowl (+15.50 shipping)
This is the most expensive option and it is from Amazon, but I am reasonably confident it is the right size.
They are yellow and have green flowers on the outside, and are white inside.
I love these bowls and have grown very attached to them, so when my biggest bowl broke last year (I will not name the husband who broke it or who broke my favorite irreplaceable water glasses too), I was upset.
I bought another that I saw at an antiques but ended up accidentally buying the middle bowl size instead of the largest one.
Now on Etsy and Amazon there are a few people selling what I think is the right one, and I want to jump on it, but just the shipping is more than I paid for the whole set initially!
I guess this is what happens when you get attached; you pay for it.
My pattern is called Shenandoah, in case you are interested, and there are really great full sets on Etsy as well.
$9 Shenandoah pyrex bowl with chips (+$10 shipping)
This looks like the best option
$16 Pyrex bowl 8 3/4" size (+$15 shipping)
I'm a little skeptical that this is the biggest size
$30 pyrex 2 1/4 mixing bowl (+15.50 shipping)
This is the most expensive option and it is from Amazon, but I am reasonably confident it is the right size.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Word to the wise: Green makeup products Wednesday night
There is an event that I'd go to if I could, instead of celebrating Jewish holidays, but someone else should definitely go:
"A Night For Green Beauty," hosted by James Corbett Studio. The event will feature all-natural beauty must-haves, green juices from Pressed Juicery, organic wine, and makeovers.
Sept 4th 5-9 pm
25 West 19th Street - Ground Floor
New York, NY 10011
James Corbett Studio is a luxury haircare and organic beauty boutique on west 19th st, and this event sounds like a good time.
Who wouldn't want a makeover and some wine?
I'm not familiar with the brands they carry, like RMS, Davines, Ilia, and Rahua, but I'd be interested to find out more.
Read more about the event
"A Night For Green Beauty," hosted by James Corbett Studio. The event will feature all-natural beauty must-haves, green juices from Pressed Juicery, organic wine, and makeovers.
Sept 4th 5-9 pm
25 West 19th Street - Ground Floor
New York, NY 10011
James Corbett Studio is a luxury haircare and organic beauty boutique on west 19th st, and this event sounds like a good time.
Who wouldn't want a makeover and some wine?
I'm not familiar with the brands they carry, like RMS, Davines, Ilia, and Rahua, but I'd be interested to find out more.
Read more about the event
Friday, August 30, 2013
Maxi Dress sale surfing at Piperlime
Piperlime is having a sale with up to 70% off right now, and there are some good deals on dresses in there.
My picks:
$190 Mara Hoffman Tank dress (was $240)
I love Mara Hoffman's complex prints and easy silhouettes. This tank dress would be a great weekend outfit or a swimsuit coverup or a date night dress.
$68 Velvet by Graham maxi dress (was $150)
I am not sure you can tell in this picture, but the dress is striped with spearmint and gray horizontal lines. The A line shape is flattering and the soft colors are nice.
$30 Hive & Honey chevron stripe maxi dress (was $69)
This dress has a defined waistline and chevron stripes that angle down on the top and up from the bottom. It looks very comfortable.
$70 Michael Stars Hi Scoop back maxi (was $158)
The high neck on this dress is unusual in a maxi, and I think it is very elegant. The fabric is oatmeal and gray stripes, with a string tie belt at the waist.
$54 LA Made belted tank maxi dress (was $121)
I love the LA Made brand and all their jersey items. They are cut soo nicely and are really comfortable. They aren't heavy but they do last longer than you think they would for tee shirt material. This crossover top maxi dress looks really soft and great to wear.
My picks:
I love Mara Hoffman's complex prints and easy silhouettes. This tank dress would be a great weekend outfit or a swimsuit coverup or a date night dress.
I am not sure you can tell in this picture, but the dress is striped with spearmint and gray horizontal lines. The A line shape is flattering and the soft colors are nice.
$30 Hive & Honey chevron stripe maxi dress (was $69)
This dress has a defined waistline and chevron stripes that angle down on the top and up from the bottom. It looks very comfortable.
The high neck on this dress is unusual in a maxi, and I think it is very elegant. The fabric is oatmeal and gray stripes, with a string tie belt at the waist.
I love the LA Made brand and all their jersey items. They are cut soo nicely and are really comfortable. They aren't heavy but they do last longer than you think they would for tee shirt material. This crossover top maxi dress looks really soft and great to wear.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Cute decor items from Target
There are some nice and affordable new home accessories at Target, so I thought I'd point out a few that I like:
$12.48 Nate Berkus hurricane lamp with rope
This would be a great vase or a nice outdoor candle holder.
$29.99 Gazebo lantern with flameless candle
Because it is a fake candle, you don't need to worry about forgetting to blow it out when you go inside.
$22.99 Threshold hexagonal lamp shade
This would look great eometricon a tall thing floor lamp or on a geometric glass table lamp.
$24.99 Threshold mercury glass squat lamp base
This would be a nice choice for that shade above, and would make a good bedside lamp also.
$12.48 Nate Berkus hurricane lamp with rope
This would be a great vase or a nice outdoor candle holder.
Because it is a fake candle, you don't need to worry about forgetting to blow it out when you go inside.
This would look great eometricon a tall thing floor lamp or on a geometric glass table lamp.
This would be a nice choice for that shade above, and would make a good bedside lamp also.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Two pretty vases from Anthropologie
Normally, the homegoods from Anthro are overpriced and cute but not amazingly worth it.
But I really like these vases and I think they are reasonable!
They make any flower you buy look intentionally arranged and artsy instead of just thrown in a glass.
Also, since the openings are pretty narrow, you don't have to buy a huge amount of flowers to fill them up and make them look nice.
They would also be great housewarming or wedding gifts.
$38 Horizontal Chemist Vase
The center vase is mounted a little higher than the flanking ones so it looks nicely arched if your stems are all the same height. It would look great on a shelf or against a wall.
$38 Vertical Chemist Vase
Similar design but stepped up vertically to showcase different flowers. This one is also a little more 3D than the other, and would be better on a table where you can see it from many sides.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Bohemian themed decor from Zulily
On Zulily right now, there are a lot of cute home accents with pretty designs.
They would be great to brighten up an otherwise solid colored and neutral room, and make it feel much more special.
If you do decide to sign up for zulily, please use my link! If and when you eventually buy something, I get a credit when you sign up through me.
My picks:
$40 Melamine dinner plate set (was $60)
Unbreakable and decorative, sounds great! Yellow is a great cheerful color especially when used outdoors, and these plates would be great patio dining plates for when you don't want to risk breaking glass on your porch.
$30 Melamine salad plate set (was $40)
Picture this on top of the plates above for a really colorful setting. I like the solid background of this size. Unfortunately I am the queen of salad and dessert plates already so I can't buy any more.
$44 Hand painted low table (was $90)
I like this design, it reminds me of a tray that E and I bought on our trip to Mexico city.
It would be a good table to use while eating on the floor, or as a foot rest. Or a kid's level table.
$25 Peacock chip and dip plate (was $35)
What can I say, I am sometimes a sucker for matching things and flat flat plates.
$30 Dena Marrakesh serving platter set (was $45)
These skinny rectangular plates would be good for serving bread or crudites.
$30 Ikat melamine serving bowl (was $44)
It's 11.5" x 4.5" and would be really pretty as a fruit bowl or salad bowl.
$18 Patterned cheese serving set (was $30)
Cheese plates can be boring, but these patterns that extend to the handles of the knives are fun.
They would be great to brighten up an otherwise solid colored and neutral room, and make it feel much more special.
If you do decide to sign up for zulily, please use my link! If and when you eventually buy something, I get a credit when you sign up through me.
My picks:
$40 Melamine dinner plate set (was $60)
Unbreakable and decorative, sounds great! Yellow is a great cheerful color especially when used outdoors, and these plates would be great patio dining plates for when you don't want to risk breaking glass on your porch.
$30 Melamine salad plate set (was $40)
Picture this on top of the plates above for a really colorful setting. I like the solid background of this size. Unfortunately I am the queen of salad and dessert plates already so I can't buy any more.
$44 Hand painted low table (was $90)
I like this design, it reminds me of a tray that E and I bought on our trip to Mexico city.
It would be a good table to use while eating on the floor, or as a foot rest. Or a kid's level table.
$25 Peacock chip and dip plate (was $35)
What can I say, I am sometimes a sucker for matching things and flat flat plates.
$30 Dena Marrakesh serving platter set (was $45)
These skinny rectangular plates would be good for serving bread or crudites.
$30 Ikat melamine serving bowl (was $44)
It's 11.5" x 4.5" and would be really pretty as a fruit bowl or salad bowl.
$18 Patterned cheese serving set (was $30)
Cheese plates can be boring, but these patterns that extend to the handles of the knives are fun.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
DIY woodburning spoons project
I happen to own a soldering iron, and since I don't have room or the set up to do some real stained glass work and don't know how to do electronic work, I figured I should put it to some other use.
I've been itching for a craft recently, and I remembered my days of using a woodburning tool in 4th grade to make a sign for my door, and thought that the soldering iron might be the right shape.
So I googled around and it looks like indeed there are many of us out there who are using soldering irons and woodburning pens interchangeably.
Some people say one is hotter, some say the other. I say who cares, let's burn stuff!
What is wood around here?
Well, the floors and the furniture but I don't think that would be an excellent place to start. Nor would NYU appreciate it.
I do have a bunch of wooden kitchen utensils, though. And while I use my flat wooden spatulas often, I use my wooden spoons less. So if I screwed them up I wouldn't be too upset.
Also they came from Ikea for $1 so I could easily get new ones.
Here are my utensils before:
Here is my soldering iron:
Here is my first spoon during:
Close up with neck band added:
Here are all 3 spoons after. (front)
(and back)
My hand got crampy from holding the tool, so I decided to do the flat ones later.
As you can tell, I went geometric for the first design, then on the second spoon I started with more lines and added dots, then tried for a bluebell flower on the back.
The third design was inspired by henna patterns. I am least happy with the way that one came out.
I think I like the first one best.
What do you think?
The first thing I did to each spoon was draw lines around the edge of the head of the spoon. This helped me steady my hand and also think about what I was going to draw.
I freehanded all the designs but I bet you could use a ruler and even draw pencil lines ahead of time if you wanted. You definitely can't erase the wood burning.
Well, maybe if you had a lot of sandpaper and a lot of time. And you didn't mind a skinnier utensil.
Going with the grain of the wood was much easier than crossing it. It was hard to drag the tool straight without it getting caught on the wood and burning holes deeper in some places than others.
One unexpected bonus of doing this burning was that my spoons had been chipped and not quite round anymore, and I used the soldering iron to burn off some of the rough parts and reshape them a little.
I am keeping my little experiments here, but I think in the future these would be great gifts. You could burn people's initials on them or helpfully label them as spoons (cooking is confusing).
I've been itching for a craft recently, and I remembered my days of using a woodburning tool in 4th grade to make a sign for my door, and thought that the soldering iron might be the right shape.
So I googled around and it looks like indeed there are many of us out there who are using soldering irons and woodburning pens interchangeably.
Some people say one is hotter, some say the other. I say who cares, let's burn stuff!
What is wood around here?
Well, the floors and the furniture but I don't think that would be an excellent place to start. Nor would NYU appreciate it.
I do have a bunch of wooden kitchen utensils, though. And while I use my flat wooden spatulas often, I use my wooden spoons less. So if I screwed them up I wouldn't be too upset.
Also they came from Ikea for $1 so I could easily get new ones.
Here are my utensils before:
Here is my soldering iron:
Here is my first spoon during:
Close up with neck band added:
Here are all 3 spoons after. (front)
(and back)
My hand got crampy from holding the tool, so I decided to do the flat ones later.
As you can tell, I went geometric for the first design, then on the second spoon I started with more lines and added dots, then tried for a bluebell flower on the back.
The third design was inspired by henna patterns. I am least happy with the way that one came out.
I think I like the first one best.
What do you think?
The first thing I did to each spoon was draw lines around the edge of the head of the spoon. This helped me steady my hand and also think about what I was going to draw.
I freehanded all the designs but I bet you could use a ruler and even draw pencil lines ahead of time if you wanted. You definitely can't erase the wood burning.
Well, maybe if you had a lot of sandpaper and a lot of time. And you didn't mind a skinnier utensil.
Going with the grain of the wood was much easier than crossing it. It was hard to drag the tool straight without it getting caught on the wood and burning holes deeper in some places than others.
One unexpected bonus of doing this burning was that my spoons had been chipped and not quite round anymore, and I used the soldering iron to burn off some of the rough parts and reshape them a little.
I am keeping my little experiments here, but I think in the future these would be great gifts. You could burn people's initials on them or helpfully label them as spoons (cooking is confusing).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
