New Collaborative Blog: 17 Apart

I'm excited to share the beginnings of a collaborative project I've been working on with Tim: 17 Apart. On this new blog, we hope to share the things we're passionate about, give a peek into our own version of what sustainable living means to us, and offer up a few surprises from time to time. Learn even more of what we have up our sleeves over on the About page.

While we're getting things going, we hope you'll take a moment to keep in touch and add our new blog to your reader to stay in the loop.

See you over at 17 Apart, xoxo

Porch Makeover in Progress

As previously mentioned, our plans for the long weekend primarily surround a grandiose DIY porch makeover undertaking: removing all exterior wooden slats, removing all 1960's (?) striped screen panels, scraping & wire brushing remaining wood trim & panels, painting remaining wood elements (interior & exterior), hanging new aluminum screen panels, and finally affixing new white vinyl slats for the finish.

Here's what we were working with to begin with: a screened-in side porch original to the 1956 house with what we think is original screen which has a striped pattern made at the time to add privacy (the idea being that it could be seen out of but difficult to be seen inside of) and original painted wood slats. All of the above was showing some age, wear and tear:

We (meaning Tim) began by removing all of the wooden slats from the exterior, then ripping off the screen panels one metal staple at a time. While Tim did much of the "heavy lifting" I started in on scraping, wire brushing, and wiping down the remaining wood elements that would need to be painted later.

As the screen continued to come down, we were both astounded at how much brighter the porch instantaneously became. By midday, we had all the slats & screen removed and had prepped all of the remaining wood in preparation for painting.

Detail of before and after chipping wood vs. smoothed down below. We heard time and time again when talking about this project how important it was to scrape and smooth down ALL chipping paint on surfaces we planned to paint - otherwise any new paint would simply chip off in the same way the old paint already was.

Basil, our supervising weimaraner puppy, wasn't quite sure what to think, but he kept the situation under control at all times with his curious nature trying to be right in the middle of everything. The funny part was - we were worried he might try to jump from the porch into the front yard now that the screen was removed (we don't allow him to run free in the front) but he actually stayed within the guidelines of the porch at all times. He enjoyed sticking his head outside where the old boundaries were with the screen but never once tried to leave the porch.

Tim hauled away all the debris to our local recycling bins since the old screen was aluminum - it was crazy seeing it all in once place once it had been ripped out:

At this point, we had met the goal we set for the day (removal and prep) but still had some momentum and energy left in us so we went ahead and cracked open the cans of paint to get a first heavy coat on the remaining wood elements. We used an exterior semi-gloss finish paint which claims to be a severe weather protectant and have a lifetime warranty - we shall see.

After taping off the porch, painting was the most fun I had during the work today. It was relaxing and one of those things that gives an instant feeling of gratification with the before and after effect.

So you can see we got further than we thought for the day - it feels great. Tomorrow we plan to touch up the paint in the morning, measure to make sure we know how much screen and how many slats to purchase and then head down to my mom's place on the river to spend some good old family time together. Monday morning we plan to get back to business by hanging the new screen and nailing in new white vinyl slats.

By the looks of it, our "supervisor" was pretty tuckered after a full day of work:

In case anybody is wondering - yes that is white paint on the side of his nose. He couldn't help himself. Any big plans for your weekend?

Taking on Basic Composting

Tim and I have been talking about composting our kitchen waste* for a few years now and it was finally time to stop only talking about it by taking matters into our own hands. We knew we wanted to do it ourselves and start out really basic so it becomes something we can lean into as we learn more instead of a huge project we get overwhelmed with - I always think when you start simple, there's always room for growth and improvement.

After researching basic tutorials, we decided to go with a ventilated bin process that we can add to and mix manually over time. The project basically consisted of drilling holes throughout the sides and base of a metal lidded trash bin with a power drill. The holes are there so air can reach the compost. Once drilled, we added layers of dry leaves from the yard, kitchen scraps, and more leaves. We lidded up the bin and placed it on wood planks - again, for ventilation. We plan to continue in this fashion, mixing the compost every week or so, until we start to get that dark rich substance we are hoping to cover the garden with in late spring/summer.

I'm more than thrilled we've finally found a sustainable solution for leftover kitchen waste* other than the garbage. I'm also nerding out a little on the idea that we'll have much less garbage not to mention the sustainable foods we buy and use today will transform into nutrients that will feed and nourish the food we grow months from now - and so the cycle will continue.

*By kitchen waste/scraps I mean: fruit, vegetables, plants, egg shells, and coffee grinds. I understand it's not good to compost meat, bones, dairy, or any processed types of foods. That being said, it's our first time taking on DIY composting, so any tips for success are more than welcome!

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P.S.
As an aside, Basil was intent on supervising the project from start to finish. Can you believe how much he's grown since we first brought him home and even over the holidays? He just turned 6 months old and is still all puppy - just bigger. I promise a more robust Basil update soon.

How To: A Dog Bed for Basil

I will admit something here - Tim and I made a dog bed for Basil before we even knew we were getting him. We knew we wanted a dog and had been on the lookout for some time without much luck - this didn't stop us from preparing though.

One weekend this past summer, yes - summer, we decided to make the bed with some of the fabrics we'd picked up along the way including a burlap coffee sack from Blanchard's Coffee (like the one I used to make this laptop sleeve) and heavy duty canvas from an army tent we came across at a local flea market.

It's a simple square design bed consisting of the following basic steps:

1. Cutting and sewing upper and base fabrics in matching square shapes. 2. Sew lining onto each fabric backing. 3. Face outer fabrics against one another and sew securely around edges leaving a small opening on one side. 4. Flip fabric inside out from opening - you should now have your basic unstuffed dog bed - like a giant pillow. 5. Fill bed with desired stuffing. We chose a mixture of cotton and cedar chips to keep the bed both comfortable and fresh smelling. 6. Fold in edges of opening and pin together. 7. Sew opening closed.

The finished bed sat empty in our basement corner for months and we always talked about whether or not our future dog would like it. Now we ask ourselves if he will ever leave it.

We love the fact we were able to make something together from recycled fabrics that turned out to be so much more meaningful than picking up one of the generic mass produced versions from the pet store. We think Basil agrees.

The N.E.E.T. Book Project Arrives

Over the past wee bit of time I've had the absolute pleasure of getting the chance to collaborate with Stephanie of N.E.E.T. Magazine on a top secret (until now) book project for the 5th year anniversary of this influential indie publication. Through this point, N.E.E.T. has always been an online magazine - not a print edition, which makes this collaboration that much more special to me.

Inside the book you will find five sections, first up being a set of interviews I conducted with five influential and inspiring women in the creative world living a N.E.E.T. lifestyle. Interviews include: Andrea Pippins of flygirls and andreapippins, Elsie Flannigan of a beautiful mess and redvelvetart, Renee Anne Baker of renee-anne, Kate Miss of forme-foryou and katemiss, and Jena Coray of modish.

Find the book available for purchase on blurb - with five different cover illustrations to choose from. While you're at it, be sure to check out this month's issue of N.E.E.T. Magazine full of inspiring gems and tidbits:

xoxo

Shop Update: Cabinet of Curiosities Necklaces

As previously mentioned, I came into a limited stock of these antique porcelain German doll legs over the summer. After a long stint of gazing at them each day in passing by the studio, I finally got a chance to sit down and get personal with these little curiosities. I gently filed open the joints just enough to slip a delicate chain through and finished each with a wire clasp for a simple understated look.

Looking for a little Halloween inspiration or nostalgic feel? Check out the full line right here in the shop.

Guest Contributer, N.E.E.T. MAGAZINE: Team Work

The long awaited fall issue of N.E.E.T. Magazine has hit the virtual stands. This issue is chock-full of inspiring finds, images, and reads fit for the season. Among the goodies you'll find inside is an editorial by yours truly profiling a set of 5 independent companies who rely on team work, specifically operating the business with their significant other or best friends, to make ends meet.

Enlarge the images below or check out pages 216-237 in this month's issue to dive deeper into the spread.

A huge thanks goes out to each of the companies who graciously gave me a peek behind the curtain throughout the interview process over the last few months. If you aren't familiar with them already, you're in for a treat:

Seesaw Designs
*
Market Publique
*
Rifle Paper Co.
*
triian
*
Worn Fashion Journal

Happy reading and cheers to fall; I truly am an autumn girl.

Hand Painted Antique Porcelain Doll Parts

I get teased here at home for my adoration of vintage porcelain doll parts. It must have come down from my paternal grandmother's side, her house is literally filled with different dolls from all over the world -- the majority of them being creepy. Essentially, my fascination resonates with the limbs, and how I can re-purpose them into jewelry or art.

With this in mind, you can imagine how tickled I was when I stumbled across a limited stock of antique German bisque doll legs. I was told that similar to the Frozen Charlotte dolls, these detached parts were dug out pieces from the remnants of the doll factories in Thuringia, Germany and date between 1890-1920. I'm not a history buff when it comes to dolls, but the story seems pretty compelling if true.

I'm thinking they'll make curious little necklaces and am looking forward to spending some studio time with them. Until then, they'll be on display in my little collection ready for the cringes of passersby who just might not quite get it.

How To: Recycled Laptop Sleeve Project

My coworker and friend, Jay, asked me to make him a laptop sleeve for his new MacBook Pro. Having never made one before, I told him "Of course, I'm sure I can figure it out..."

So, that's what I did. Using vintage upholstery fabric from my collection and portions of a large coffee sack Tim brought me from Blanchard's Coffee, I fashioned my first laptop sleeve.

I went about it by ironing fusible interfacing in between the two layers of fabric to keep the sleeve smooth and durable. After a simple edging and right side out rectangle sewing through the trusty Singer machine, I attached a strap recycled from the fabric scraps and hand sewed on a couple of vintage metal snaps.

While I don't think laptop sleeves will be a regular thing for me, it was inspiring to try something new and rewarding to make a tangible reality out of a vision in my head.

Announced: Guest Blogging for Kaboodle

This week it was announced I'll be guest blogging from the Etsy perspective for Kaboodle. Find the Q&A intro to the new series here and stay tuned for Etsy exclusives, insider tips, and trendspotting from yours truly over on the Kaboodle buzz blog each Thursday.

Find the first installment of the series on Kaboodle's buzz blog leaking where to find the Etsy jewelry highlighted in this season's The Bachelorette. I'm so looking forward to spreading the Etsy love with Kaboodle and hope to see you over that way!

Shop Update: Vintage Letterpress Initial Necklaces

Last weekend's studio time evolved into this weekend's shop update. After working with the antique wooden letterpress sticks on hand, I came up with the above simplified pendant design.

Here's a peek into the process:

I worked with each wooden stick in a series of clamping, sawing down, drilling, and finally sanding smooth clean edges and sides. Once the pendants were complete, I threaded a single skinny chain through the hole and fastened together the clasp to complete the necklace design.

Each of the necklaces in the collection above are one of a kind and available in the shop. They make for a personalized and unique initial, monogram, or other meaningful customized type of gift.

Additional letter options should be making their debut soon!

Vintage letterpress blocks

I've had these antique wooden letterpress blocks sitting in my studio for months now just waiting for their weekend on the bench. I've finally got their destiny up my sleeves. Stay tuned.