teach

Lenny had an opportunity to return to the classroom for a day in March.  Many years ago he did a stint as a full-time high school math teacher after subbing for a couple of years the first time he 'retired.'  It was a challenge to say the least.  "There were just so many things they didn't tell me before I took the job," he kept saying.  Yeah, no kidding.  If they had told him everything, he would have run for the hills.  Teachers are way underpaid.

His recent return to the classroom was much different.  He did a session in a program called "Technology Talks" for a local college.  His segment was on the Nintendo Wii.  He explained how and why you might want to use the Wii for games and mostly for exercise.  I helped him out a little and one thing that was the same between this and high school classes - you sure are tired at the end of the day!  He did say he would do this one again, though.

Project Notes

• The little Wii character (Mii) was generated using a website where you build your own Mii.  I then screen captured it (Print Screen and pasted into Paint) and printed.
• The journaling was printed directly on the 12x12 Kraft paper first. 

• 'SHARE' is stamped off in Soft Suede to lighten the look.  Soft Suede - soon to be a regular color at SU! - is great with Kraft.  Also, Kraft will be available in ink, too under a new name.

Happy Earth Day and thanks for visiting!

Ingredients:  Stamps:  Autumn Leaves

Ink:  Soft Suede

DSP and Buttons:  Delight by Fancy Pants

Cardstock:  Kraft by Stampin' Up!

Chipboard letters:  Offbeat by Basic Grey

Font:  Problem Secretary Normal from dafont.com

“The Villa” from Studio Daniel Libeskind

This is what  “twisted architecture” should actually be about: great looking buildings with completely unexpected angles and creative approaches. “The Villa” comes from Studio Daniel Libeskind, a company with offices in USA as well as in Europe. Here are some words from the architects’ website concerning this project: ” The Villa creates a new dialogue between contemporary living and a completely new experience of space. Built from premium materials, this German-made, sculptural living space meets the highest standards in design, craftsmanship and sustainability. It is unique at every turn, offering maximum insulation and durability, cutting-edge technologies and compliance with some of the toughest energy-saving standards across the world”. So not only an impressive design, but also a sustainable living space built from last minute technologies.

Cool Bathroom Shelf and Towel Hanger, Milan 2010

As we already stated, Milan Furniture Fair was full of ideas that we so eagerly captured. Here is a really cool alternative for a bathroom mirror. Occupying  the same amount of space, but with a lot more functionality, this bathroom shelf can also become a towel or clothes hanger when needed. So simple and yet with a daring practicability, the hanger also features a mirror and a storage place for perfumes and other small accessories. Its white finish makes it perfect for any modern bathroom, big or small. Still, we think a smaller version would have even more success. What do you think of this design? Do you find it to be practical or a bit exaggerated ?

More SU DSP cards

I did a card using this DSP a few days ago.  Here are a couple others.  I think this is Green Tea DSP.  It is an old one from Stampin' Up!  Thankfully, my favorite SU color - Baja Breeze is coming back!  I've been so stingy with what paper and embellishments I have left.  Soon we will be able to purchase it again.

Project Notes:

• I used Creative Memories oval cutters to cut my shapes. The smaller shape is just the back side of the same DSP.
• The Cricut cut the flowers for me using SCAL software and that Sari's Flower font again.

Thanks for stopping by.

Ingredients:  Stamps:  Mail Box Greetings, Text from PTI
Ink:  Close to Cocoa; Antique Linen from Ranger
DSP:  Green Tea (I think) from SU!
Cardstock:  Naturals White
Ribbons:  Old Olive and Ivory taffeta from SU!
Button:  Baja Breeze from SU!

Modular House in Madrid, Spain by A-cero architecture Studio

Directed by Joaquin Torres, the first luxury modular houses that located in Madrid, Spain, was finished by A-cero architecture Studio, introducing a modular architecture product based on the principles of the Industrialized Construction. It applies the same ‘production line’ standardisation procedures to the construction, modularity, technology, quality control and time spaces that are applied to other many fields of human activity. The Modular House benefits from the speed and cost advantages of assembly line production. Producing in-factory and assembling on-plot means that within just 3 months a house design can be enjoyed after signing. More specialized labour can increase productivity and quality as well as reducing the costs.
A-cero plan to roll out the offering of bespoke modular houses offering decoration as equipping as an extra service, in the same way you would receive a boat. Example prices are divulged as 69,000€ for an 82 sq m house as standard, or fully decorated and equipped for 85,000€. Joaquin Torres A-cero architecture Studio also advised that this system need not be exclusive for residential construction – schools, offices, retirement homes or student residences could also benefit from this modular buildings technique
The project is unique from the typical prefabricated house in offering luxury but distinct from Daniel Libeskind’s recently revealed luxurious prefab (Libeskind Villa, the German-made Future House) in offering luxury at an affordable price, not simply for the economic elite.

TIPsy Tuesday - Easy Wood Grain

Wood grain has been a big trend in scrapbooking.  There are a lot of chipboard letters out there in woodgrain looks.  I stumbled across this easy way to get a wood grain with undressed chipboard:

Thin dark brown paint slightly - not too thin or your chipboard will warp.  Brush onto plain chipboard with a somewhat rough paintbrush - one that has been used a lot.  You'll get a nice grainy look.

Old paintbrushes - that's another way scrapbooking let's you repurpose stuff!

One quick project notes:

• The cork is leftover from my tumbled tile coaster projects.  It's just shelf liner from Lowes Hardware.

My goal for this layout was to use some of my older stash.  I think everything on this layout except the ink is at least 2 or 3 years old.  Thanks for stopping by!

Ingredients:  Stamps:  Polka Dot Punches, Office Accruement by SU!

Ink:  Soft Suede

DSP:  My Mind's Eye

Embellishments:  Oriental Trading

Chipboard:  Unknown source (I've had it a very long time.)

Homes Sent by Our Readers: Private Residence in USA

We received these pictures not too long ago from Conor Musgave, one of our readers. This house is located in Port Madison Bay, Bainbridge Island, WA. We like the peace and comfort inspired by the exterior as well as its “green” location. But above all, we like to see homes with an impressive interior design sent by our readers. This particular residence can be characterized by airy arrangements and plenty of functionality. Large windows are present all around, increasing the feeling of space and allowing natural light to “flood” the rooms. There is a subtle use of color that manages to sensitize the whole place. More information on this home can be found on Bainbridge Island Coastal Living.