tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72186780134270746782024-03-13T11:29:09.033+01:00Blue Velvet ChairRecycle, Upcycle, Repurpose, DIY, Do it Yourself, Craft, Handmade, Interior Design, Life Stories, JunkBlue Velvet Chairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531328414271223717noreply@blogger.comBlogger269125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218678013427074678.post-69572578133756425442012-06-29T07:37:00.004+02:002012-06-29T07:37:40.093+02:00Under the Recycled Baobab Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oh recycled fabric baobab tree... how I adore thee!<br />
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And just to give you an idea of the size of this tree, have a look at the guy on the ladder!
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lCTniWi6Rjs/T8DKnZNWPZI/AAAAAAAAADA/TucHBXkcaS4/s320/IMG_6564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lCTniWi6Rjs/T8DKnZNWPZI/AAAAAAAAADA/TucHBXkcaS4/IMG_6564.JPG" width="537" /></a></div>
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Sculpture by <a href="http://www.piratetechnics.com/">Pirate Technics</a>, via <a href="http://inhabitat.com/colossal-baobab-tree-made-from-recycled-fabric-takes-root-in-central-london/">Inhabitat</a></div>
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Wouldn't something like this, on a somewhat smaller scale of course, be just divine as indoor decor? Any suggestions as to what could be used as the base of the rings?</div>
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Until next time...</div>
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Mike</div>Blue Velvet Chairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531328414271223717noreply@blogger.com294tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218678013427074678.post-34408128451813118952012-06-24T07:27:00.001+02:002012-06-24T07:27:10.456+02:00Try or Die Vintage Notebook DIY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYTNyE6L1pGJ9j2pBcGRlCCm0J6gr5nLx5KKAKyt97cg7_aBV8_9UjeMTxcH4SVosQ-bZ42FYe3k0cvBdRgsqsW_GE4JU3lZJ1uygEPyzKLOY4G7ufLWr5cHRQKdkC_r3P2aN2Y3JBTw/s1600/vintagebooks3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYTNyE6L1pGJ9j2pBcGRlCCm0J6gr5nLx5KKAKyt97cg7_aBV8_9UjeMTxcH4SVosQ-bZ42FYe3k0cvBdRgsqsW_GE4JU3lZJ1uygEPyzKLOY4G7ufLWr5cHRQKdkC_r3P2aN2Y3JBTw/s640/vintagebooks3.jpg" width="589" /></a></div>
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I know that there are book loyalists out there that cringe at the thought of dissecting a book - any book. But I cringe at the thought of the millions of books that end up in dumps and landfills around the world each year. That also helps to explain why I'm particularly partial to projects that give books a second chance.
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I recently checked off another<a href="http://pinterest.com/recreatedesign/try-or-die/"> 'try or die' project from my ever-growing board over at Pinterest</a>. Sometimes I'll try them 'as is', and sometimes I try to add my own little twist. My last 'try or die' project was one of <a href="http://www.lucydesignsonline.com/">Lucy's dragonflies</a> and a butterfly. My twist included <a href="http://bluevelvetchair.blogspot.se/2012/05/dragonflies-and-butterflies.html">butterfly wings covered with bits and bobs</a>.<br />
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This time around I made my own adorable notebooks from vintage books <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/17240411043486267/">inspired by these I saw on Pinterest</a>. Some of the books were actually left with our house when we bought it and others were picked up from from thrift stores.<br />
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What do you need to make your own vintage notebooks? Start with a few of these. Mine are Swedish (which makes sense given that I live in Sweden).<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYs00YKW0P2abOnifHs6rYeHTBJvSg-eWs-FXjYRGNf21iSM0g23y1Hx9fDRkZujsMRCSMfxlhg3QGznwHWWn5OXgK04e0r4c41dlVEJWtczagrIKzTkOygo7DU3jymb3f_r_LiVSsWY/s1600/vintagebooks1_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYs00YKW0P2abOnifHs6rYeHTBJvSg-eWs-FXjYRGNf21iSM0g23y1Hx9fDRkZujsMRCSMfxlhg3QGznwHWWn5OXgK04e0r4c41dlVEJWtczagrIKzTkOygo7DU3jymb3f_r_LiVSsWY/" width="550" /></a><br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLvKfLljIeZ1eSjR4OEudjT8_D3mmbDkMBsO0_esZVGgaor0eZxoNgwrm1eAgOvDVOPdJ6VfN8m0mqej1f0Y33jzCqQi3G4cXWIHTS2408QwCFnUSAAQ2xSi5E6gjqwPAwjrdq5Lsi2w/" width="550" /></div>
I choose my books based on the covers and sometimes even the subject, like these above that translate to "Proper Swedish", "Carnival in Alvnas", and "Story and Truths". I'm also quite partial to vintage kid's books - they have the best covers, and sometimes the best titles.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6teScZu4LDg0JNyuqimUMeUVDDn5ZIOa0heptGM7OnohfSnoa1cpUDP3jN5QzpuwcLrR1rOSEkr26YhIT5vZBuABhewTwe5P4Olsjh8Ns4RgrQz3C4BRai-wZHxA4AOyDvFYM1hXyVg/s1600/vintagebooks4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6teScZu4LDg0JNyuqimUMeUVDDn5ZIOa0heptGM7OnohfSnoa1cpUDP3jN5QzpuwcLrR1rOSEkr26YhIT5vZBuABhewTwe5P4Olsjh8Ns4RgrQz3C4BRai-wZHxA4AOyDvFYM1hXyVg/" width="550" /></a>
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Grab your handy exacto knife and splice along the seam where the inside covers meet the book spine.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1JrA3AO7TxyILrX_dmHEH7WoCMJ3pQhYPS9Gjro0uUx49z_65HYcU4Y4HG8XDLfjVbzuj4lxERrLYogWeIAmfHFnzJ1mrgr1Df3Hy4177U32DOWUJ2Kk2esvzqe9YBMtLAdTIxXAwiY/" width="550" /><br />
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And don't forget to stop and enjoy the hidden goodness you'll find every now and then when you cut away the body of the book.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WaZAHh8HYNwHvPxyPJsHZnOFwsnSfa6eF-3G5evz54o6X2gw65Ey3jBpubYzIoHl0H9r2YarbOUe2fjd2giUkd4vaTf05A8rddg2o93IsRg_-pBRIrdlmJHGjTYtHJyiDUGOtqZUqDI/s1600/vintagebooks8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WaZAHh8HYNwHvPxyPJsHZnOFwsnSfa6eF-3G5evz54o6X2gw65Ey3jBpubYzIoHl0H9r2YarbOUe2fjd2giUkd4vaTf05A8rddg2o93IsRg_-pBRIrdlmJHGjTYtHJyiDUGOtqZUqDI/" width="550" /></a>
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I also love to think about the occassion when the original recipients received these books - this one was given for Christmas in 1942 to Rolf in Sweden (the previous owner of our house).</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8_T81FRdd98BWn2_lK3z94UKTOh6aeVGTe4k8dvDAFrVYH2z6_FLrekWlJUOPZlRFRhSVF22Uu-P0OO6Y0kFsPn6TSFuX3lkaUsAOvKIjRFfcXgE2yZUhZOPTn1UOSipktpjPcfSGtA/" width="550" /><br />
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Take the exacto knife and slice directly down the center of the spine (not pictured) and then take a good all-purpose glue (I used Tacky glue) and glue the half spine around to the inside cover. This one was linen, so you'll see it looks pretty beat up - but as long as it covers the very edge and goes inside somewhat, it will all work out fine.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmHE0LiSHFJdEcWsaW7C1MIFZmsI9YFmQKGFsnOMnDUOko5cYIvUslujeVuWgH0EnU7i0U7u3051Dk8FbzKRxAD98rZMgTXy1-GFHDhAbJCZGsgLsmGU4tEHwRox5ZOcMdubKwXc5180/s1600/vintagebooks7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmHE0LiSHFJdEcWsaW7C1MIFZmsI9YFmQKGFsnOMnDUOko5cYIvUslujeVuWgH0EnU7i0U7u3051Dk8FbzKRxAD98rZMgTXy1-GFHDhAbJCZGsgLsmGU4tEHwRox5ZOcMdubKwXc5180/" width="550" /></a>
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While going through the same process on another book, I stop again to think about the original owners. This one is from Buster to Britt-Mari for Christmas in 1945. And it had a special little bookmark still left inside.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjV2ejcJgTXj5VvOkfUNDo0u3z24_yK9HxhNmkCDjZrBLkbsDhGC1HoYBFuMptpSKMZosU8UtsY_f7GjTKisoOtcudFy1yOwms_bdmjMRG9ANQpOsGsAnIzyg8wVEjeod_qzmGBQK0LPs/s1600/vintagebooks12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjV2ejcJgTXj5VvOkfUNDo0u3z24_yK9HxhNmkCDjZrBLkbsDhGC1HoYBFuMptpSKMZosU8UtsY_f7GjTKisoOtcudFy1yOwms_bdmjMRG9ANQpOsGsAnIzyg8wVEjeod_qzmGBQK0LPs/" width="550" /></a>
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Grab some book rings and grommets. With smaller books, I actually preferred using 2 book rings. I tried one with 3 rings, but it seemed a bit extreme compared to the book size.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuVX20UxNyoOJIyEtVwKRzoGEPsRa7fwFwnyp_gOQuQ6f9sKJpZaJRSSm8yMEW4Vj0BmPWqljNJB6IwtqmNE9rq-0X-fLSPDuTvHw7h_IEvyqcO7WueO4V5nw6BDTr85O3wuXs4ISefQ/s1600/vintagebooks11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuVX20UxNyoOJIyEtVwKRzoGEPsRa7fwFwnyp_gOQuQ6f9sKJpZaJRSSm8yMEW4Vj0BmPWqljNJB6IwtqmNE9rq-0X-fLSPDuTvHw7h_IEvyqcO7WueO4V5nw6BDTr85O3wuXs4ISefQ/" width="550" /></a>
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I also used some scrap wallpaper.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdcSuyptqwFpKPJwSHuscxbqxZS5qaiio5jlFd6pDGkJghVVJuvXjSfCJyXTTSPCp5GDOYfUdBcGV92CL3SCSj525Sd6nXarQeuDZheHK0u11XwR1RPTeAVyKlToYODooi9o20PgMML2Y/s1600/vintagebooks14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdcSuyptqwFpKPJwSHuscxbqxZS5qaiio5jlFd6pDGkJghVVJuvXjSfCJyXTTSPCp5GDOYfUdBcGV92CL3SCSj525Sd6nXarQeuDZheHK0u11XwR1RPTeAVyKlToYODooi9o20PgMML2Y/" width="550" /></a>
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I used some recycled cardboard to make a template to cut out the wallpaper scraps that would then be glued to the inside cover of the books. Just make sure cover the edges where the spine wraps around and is glued.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPh6kmqCG_tvBOKK8j7j0ur3ZyrNdzknCGAaP3vVCDglcl95JGKT5YWY8W4Xp0c54lr-w0WgKVuNd1UIST9eregHitcBk9EYj5F8Eb-A0SDJDxpjCarAiowbWZiOOEANWACDycbxoMrVQ/s1600/vintagebooks16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPh6kmqCG_tvBOKK8j7j0ur3ZyrNdzknCGAaP3vVCDglcl95JGKT5YWY8W4Xp0c54lr-w0WgKVuNd1UIST9eregHitcBk9EYj5F8Eb-A0SDJDxpjCarAiowbWZiOOEANWACDycbxoMrVQ/" width="550" /></a>
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I also like to pay homage to the story of the book by incuding a page as part of the new book creation.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiW1TBXqBQSCOIW5F2nWKxsqvcXK-cU9dFZh1SbSr-Sc2gIDbYhOSgR1gOlznF7wQRVf9pgzWKu7ju22Mn-8KIfwa-ICAga64ytFe_yq1vDj_Q6c4knUeZJpo4kZbqL2SypaGCzbhKVfc/s1600/vintagebooks18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiW1TBXqBQSCOIW5F2nWKxsqvcXK-cU9dFZh1SbSr-Sc2gIDbYhOSgR1gOlznF7wQRVf9pgzWKu7ju22Mn-8KIfwa-ICAga64ytFe_yq1vDj_Q6c4knUeZJpo4kZbqL2SypaGCzbhKVfc/" width="550" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77gtQDKSyZ9HryGfsxrY6Z7cm3duYG-0Jop5eJMwvwQWbd783azF0ol6Lk1hzS_nmwJApi44RFVq4ZCsNs2tAzQ70eCBNT-pTrSp46ypEoQFRlx1_9rD-LcpSccvM5UZfnRC_TMWvHco/s1600/vintagebooks17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77gtQDKSyZ9HryGfsxrY6Z7cm3duYG-0Jop5eJMwvwQWbd783azF0ol6Lk1hzS_nmwJApi44RFVq4ZCsNs2tAzQ70eCBNT-pTrSp46ypEoQFRlx1_9rD-LcpSccvM5UZfnRC_TMWvHco/" width="550" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rDskiKpBDdvAmZebOTvOmAGYp3imlGceAZRRszPT6WLPQhixOB0CZm3JpN0skI7DkzbuPz5yrqoCAfIQTK6V-7SZ9fdL8vDd-M_a8Hb0OZoUkuDhmo6kx5ZPIN9jcV4IoAu-ajYFiS4/s1600/vintagebooks20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rDskiKpBDdvAmZebOTvOmAGYp3imlGceAZRRszPT6WLPQhixOB0CZm3JpN0skI7DkzbuPz5yrqoCAfIQTK6V-7SZ9fdL8vDd-M_a8Hb0OZoUkuDhmo6kx5ZPIN9jcV4IoAu-ajYFiS4/" width="550" /></a>
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This one is finished. After using a drill to drill holes in the book for the book rings (be careful for the glued wallpaper on the opposite side. Sometimes the drilling created a little extra tear on the backside where the drill exited). Just be slow and steady. We added some recycled notebook paper on the inside, cut with a paper guillotine and had measured the 2 holes drilled in the book covers to match a 2-hole paper punch. My friend is a doctor and she's going to use it at her office.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzLxd7BdbaRCCX2xVuQAXKnMzwE2xuoBkFzAYIlMRj64S-AMncxArQGFSvyJO2Sqk8mfW-RSbg9tv6kot40WJXLtrRKrS3GCnx7fFoH4ujzPf6UaMbPn6Nie5Aa-ZQAfvPyGuBsmu4G8/s1600/vintagebooks25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzLxd7BdbaRCCX2xVuQAXKnMzwE2xuoBkFzAYIlMRj64S-AMncxArQGFSvyJO2Sqk8mfW-RSbg9tv6kot40WJXLtrRKrS3GCnx7fFoH4ujzPf6UaMbPn6Nie5Aa-ZQAfvPyGuBsmu4G8/" width="550" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Iel4puZMvFHJ50llTqH10Q02ruckqcVp2w8dG_emDfZxoC414FKDwCewQ9tgV6FxKGIhgF4AwgSiFRf9__Yw9UqQDLw8mQKTIa0Ba80BOaZmcIpmaQgNDMNtk4z_dHVEWxSfT7dClCI/s1600/vintagebooks24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Iel4puZMvFHJ50llTqH10Q02ruckqcVp2w8dG_emDfZxoC414FKDwCewQ9tgV6FxKGIhgF4AwgSiFRf9__Yw9UqQDLw8mQKTIa0Ba80BOaZmcIpmaQgNDMNtk4z_dHVEWxSfT7dClCI/" width="550" /></a>
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I liked the colors in these vintage Swedish children's books.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUpGGjgTt-oKVqKbSBXnWd_LgYUmWizBoRDrmjIqKQTHlyg32Lqb1MrS2MectrWlraxhhVLJxluc9FUcsldak31EoSdNEqOYcCSp6hY2jpny797iwa1DxMJhsVf3eA7RzLJ_IkpKem5g/s1600/vintagebooks28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUpGGjgTt-oKVqKbSBXnWd_LgYUmWizBoRDrmjIqKQTHlyg32Lqb1MrS2MectrWlraxhhVLJxluc9FUcsldak31EoSdNEqOYcCSp6hY2jpny797iwa1DxMJhsVf3eA7RzLJ_IkpKem5g/" width="550" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtHUfFSxrnCOG2T-GrurGagqpYGi32PdMItqK8LyjvlZRDWopZbXfMEegWmcp1KGYAMJqxiY0UIhV2GIkLYYmRaEPKrwXDMooJgxvgLB1C40NZ8iKH9oK0tPXmMN9CFEtkupG3uPgHOA/s1600/vintagebooks29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtHUfFSxrnCOG2T-GrurGagqpYGi32PdMItqK8LyjvlZRDWopZbXfMEegWmcp1KGYAMJqxiY0UIhV2GIkLYYmRaEPKrwXDMooJgxvgLB1C40NZ8iKH9oK0tPXmMN9CFEtkupG3uPgHOA/" width="550" /></a>
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My friend M made one with me and she's using some of the pages from the book that have limited text on them as the notebook pages. Love!
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I'm already planning on making more of these little cuties. Just think of all the possibilities. Vintage notepads that quietly make a statment, a brag book of photos to send to Grandma, gifts for friends, and more! Gotta get ready for Christmas!
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Until next time...
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MikeBlue Velvet Chairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531328414271223717noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218678013427074678.post-66041260974462865072012-06-16T14:51:00.000+02:002012-06-16T14:51:09.759+02:00Summer Lovin' - Recycled Sewing Experiments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've said it before, I'll say it again. I'm a sewing hacker - so if you can sew...really sew...you may want to divert your eyes here. Or at the very least be forgiving of my experiments.<br />
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This time it involved taking a button-down shirt no longer wanted in my husband's closet and a glittery little Hello Kitty tshirt with a hole in the bottom - but was still loved by my little one. So I decided the two pieces were perfect for a little summer lovin' dress experiment for my divine little miss M.</div>
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And with a little switcheroo, we ended up with three different ways to wear the same dress.<br />
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1. Wide white belt</div>
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2. A thrift store silk scarf and hot pink leggings</div>
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3. A cardigan casually tied around the waist<br />
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I think the pics might be a little self explanatory, so let's get on with the show.</div>
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This is where I sewed two straight seams around the to join the Tshirt to the shirt (skirt). I didn't worry too much about them since I knew they wouldn't show once we added the accessories.<br />
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Mia does her best Mad Men impersonation.<br />
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Nice part was there was no need to hem a seam at the bottom because it's the bottom of daddy's button-down shirt. I'm quite happy with it. And more importantly, my client is happy!<br />
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We even had a bonus experiment by adding a thrift store crocheted kitchen dishcloth (after a nice high temp sanitizing wash) to another one of my divine little miss M's summer dresses. Darn pleased with the extra little pop it gives. It was a good reminder for me that recycled fashion experimentation can also include little steps and additions and doesn't always have to be so intimidating - although nearly everything that involves a sewing machine or even a needle and thread becomes instantly intimidating for me. But I keep pushing past it and I really do get a kick out of the try.<br />
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We left the top side open so she has a sweet little pocket to put her found treasures in.<br />
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Next up? We're taking our recycled sewing experiments on a jet plane for summer vacation! See you again in a few days when we land and get our wits about us again.<br />
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Until next time...<br />
Mike<br />
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<br /></div>Blue Velvet Chairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531328414271223717noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218678013427074678.post-61515076508094764722012-06-13T01:25:00.000+02:002012-06-13T01:25:55.309+02:00Artizen Magazine and InterviewsCheck out the latest issue of <a href="http://www.artizenmagazine.com/">Artizen Magazine</a> - I've got two articles that gives us a peek into the creative minds of <a href="http://www.cokonrads.de/">Cornelia Konrads in Germany</a> and Lucy Faoutas with <a href="http://www.lucydesignsonline.com/">Lucy Designs in the United States</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://publications.catstonepress.com/title/11571">June 2012 Issue</a></div>
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Of course the magazine is packed with interesting artists and artisans so you'll want to read it cover to cover. Find Lucy's interview on page 42 and you'll find out more about Cornelia on page 14.<br />
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If you like this free digital magazine, make sure to let Cindy know. She puts a lot of time and effort in on this one.<br />
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All the best,<br />
MikeBlue Velvet Chairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531328414271223717noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218678013427074678.post-76094222649636923852012-06-11T00:04:00.000+02:002012-06-11T00:04:50.036+02:00Before & After - A Day's Worth of InspirationThere's just nothing like a day's worth of <b style="font-size: xx-large; font-style: italic;">before & after </b>DIY inspiration, wouldn't you agree?<br />
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Seeing a completed DIY project is always fun, but doesn't your level of appreciation <span style="font-size: large;"><i>skyrocket</i></span> when you see that 'before' pic? That's why I thought it would be fun to give you a day's worth of inspiration that features not only the after, but also the before. </div>
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Interested to see more of these before & after posts?</div>
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Until next time...</div>
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Mike</div>
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</div>Blue Velvet Chairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531328414271223717noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218678013427074678.post-19108028423941486882012-06-10T12:12:00.000+02:002012-06-10T12:12:19.619+02:00Recycled Mini Magazine MirrorsYikes...an entire week of quiet here at the Blue Velvet Chair blog.<br />
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But quiet in blog-land doesn't mean quiet in home-land! We've been enjoying the company of our friends who were over for a visit from England, the kids are finishing up their dance and Capoeira activities before the summer, there was crafting, dinners together, a celebration for Sweden's national day (similar to an independence day), and the regular everyday obligations of work and school. It's been a good week!<br />
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If you're a regular here at Blue Velvet Chair, you've seen my <a href="http://www.bluevelvetchair.blogspot.se/2011/11/tutorial-recycled-magazines-as-mirror.html">oversized mirror frame covered with recycled magazine page rolls</a>...about 750 of them. And I've got that disease where I can't think about certain projects without songs popping into my head... every single time without fail. Does it happen to you? I literally cannot talk about how much magazine page rolling it took for that mirror without spontaneously breaking out into this song. Makes me smile every time!<br />
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The girl's wanted to try a magazine roll frame for themselves, so we grabbed some <a href="http://www.ikea.com/se/sv/catalog/products/90044151/">small IKEA mirrors with thick frames</a> and set them free to create. See how their own personal flare shines through with different patterns.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1f01cnx2d3XXwtUTIf8wXO1s3_rnGacPtvSNWkie1JUEMr1mDrF16dhdb8cdz9pdMGyFSCKlk1B8cLxktiZP3jBmkFx7fLJaxHFcOiJeZYy2IhHeICzAH8Uku8AxP0I44Z_ywtnPpnA8/s1600/mirrors2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1f01cnx2d3XXwtUTIf8wXO1s3_rnGacPtvSNWkie1JUEMr1mDrF16dhdb8cdz9pdMGyFSCKlk1B8cLxktiZP3jBmkFx7fLJaxHFcOiJeZYy2IhHeICzAH8Uku8AxP0I44Z_ywtnPpnA8/s640/mirrors2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDdLjOQeNNEJD44NEgSKZ3J5yVA-9LgIxkCwkR8tktKYENLPizW_mHgZEWR7lDJGNYHrkgqLux4X7y8cyXc4klJClPwhc4K2_Tygc9EXdsFmKXxEDPMN5-eVDK5tFxbPB4PzB80igd3Y/s1600/mirrors3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDdLjOQeNNEJD44NEgSKZ3J5yVA-9LgIxkCwkR8tktKYENLPizW_mHgZEWR7lDJGNYHrkgqLux4X7y8cyXc4klJClPwhc4K2_Tygc9EXdsFmKXxEDPMN5-eVDK5tFxbPB4PzB80igd3Y/s640/mirrors3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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And they were well pleased with the results!<br />
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If you haven't tried a rolled magazine page project for yourself yet, it's time! It's one of those crafting and creative projects that you just can't go wrong with. And the combo of colors always delights! Need a quick tutorial to get you started?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://www.bluevelvetchair.blogspot.se/2011/11/tutorial-recycled-magazines-as-mirror.html">Tutorial</a></span></span></div>
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Or want to try something else with recycled magazines or paper? I've collected over 75 ideas on this Pinterest board.<br />
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<a href="http://passets-ec.pinterest.com/images/LogoRed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://passets-ec.pinterest.com/images/LogoRed.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/recreatedesign/recycled-magazines-and-paper/">DIY Projects for Recycled Magazines and Paper</a><br />
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Let me know if you've tried one for yourself yet. I'd love to have a peek!<br />
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Until next time...<br />
Mike</div>
</div>Blue Velvet Chairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531328414271223717noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218678013427074678.post-31032818619426545992012-06-02T23:32:00.000+02:002012-06-02T23:32:47.091+02:00Recycled Button Bouquet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last year I made myself a small <a href="http://bluevelvetchair.blogspot.se/2011/04/tactile-bliss.html">bunch of recycled button flowers</a> after seeing some on <a href="http://poindextr.wordpress.com/">Home Sweet Homemade's blog banner</a> (Hi, Diane). They made me so ridiculously happy. So small, but so full of joy.<br />
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I figured if I got that much joy out of a few of them, imagine what would happen if I created a full bouquet! So I made a few here and there over these past months, and next thing ya know I've got myself a bouquet. About 65 of them now.<br />
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I really encourage you to try this little DIY for yourself. Why? You'll get little bundles of joy that never wilt and stay in season year 'round.<br />
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They also make the perfect gift if you have a friend who needs a smile today.<br />
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Check out the super <a href="http://bluevelvetchair.blogspot.se/2011/04/tactile-bliss.html">simple recycled button bouquet tutorial here</a> - and send me pics when your flowers bloom!<br />
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Until next time...<br />
MikeBlue Velvet Chairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531328414271223717noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218678013427074678.post-11451067693900162432012-05-31T19:34:00.000+02:002012-05-31T19:34:58.149+02:00Today's Happiness ShareI don't know what it is...but experiencing something like this from today's 'happiness share', even if only virtually, gives me moments of peace and faith in humanity. Take a couple of minutes to recharge. It's hard not to smile softly to yourself when you see the smiles brought to commuters on this train.<br />
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This <a href="http://whatthecool.com/post/3485350225/philharmonic-orchestra-flash-mob/">flash mob was brought to us by the Copenhagen Philharmonic Orchestra in Denmark</a>.<br />
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MikeBlue Velvet Chairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531328414271223717noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218678013427074678.post-39872856283989267432012-05-30T23:59:00.001+02:002012-05-31T00:06:06.912+02:00A Day's Worth of Inspiration - Recycle and RepurposeThe weekend is inching closer and closer, and I hope you're going to be able to set aside a slot of time to re.Create - because I've uncovered some pretty fabulous projects that are definitely worth a try. It's all in the name of another day of inspiration for recycled and repurposed design.<br />
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Can't you just see yourself overflowing with inspiration as you sit in your very own <a href="http://www.ivillage.com/button-backed-chair-0/7-b-226132#226133">beautiful button-backed chair</a>. What? No buttons? Well first priority for you this weekend is a trip to your nearest thrift store! Or Etsy. Or Ebay.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ivstatic.com/files/et/imagecache/636/gardening/slides/HF_SimpleSewingChair_325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ivstatic.com/files/et/imagecache/636/gardening/slides/HF_SimpleSewingChair_325.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Now imagine yourself getting up and breezing through your own <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/m/2445747/471344994/a/0/aHR0cCUzQSUyRiUyRmRlY29yaGFja3MuY29tJTJGMjAxMiUyRjA1JTJGcG9wLXRhYi1jdXJ0YWluJTJG">recycled tab curtains</a> as you head outdoors for a bit of fresh air. Can you hear the soft chimes as the aluminum tabs brush against each other?</div>
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Once outside, let's have a seat in one of our fabulously <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/100266269/decoupage-wooden-garden-chairs?ref=sr_gallery_14&ga_search_query=garden&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_page=18&ga_search_type=handmade">funky mod podged garden chairs</a> ...</div>
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<a href="http://img1-ec.etsystatic.com/000/0/6305385/il_570xN.340125893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img1-ec.etsystatic.com/000/0/6305385/il_570xN.340125893.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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... as we have a pot of tea, kept warm by the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/88044490/tea-cozy-in-bloomsbury-charlestown-uk?ref=sr_gallery_35&ga_search_query=scrap+garden+&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=handmade">sweetest teapot cozy covers</a> made from Auntie Em's old wool suit that she wore when she married Uncle Ernie.</div>
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If we sit still long enough, some of the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/50391971/golf-driver-bird-recycled-garden">recycled golf club wildlife</a> that lives in the area will certainly pop in their curious little heads to catch some crumbs from our high tea scones.</div>
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Look over there in the garden - the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/100328790/rustic-recycled-metal-art-red-basket">scrap metal flowers</a> are blooming!</div>
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I don't know Anne of Green Gables very well, but she stops to ask if we've seen her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/100065280/artomatic-2012-book-purse-anne-of-green?ref=v1_other_2">repurposed book purse</a>. She can't seem to find it and she needs to get home to finish creating her very own <a href="http://www.bluevelvetchair.blogspot.se/2011/11/tutorial-recycled-magazines-as-mirror.html">rolled magazine page mirror frame</a>.</div>
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I suggest that she look on the <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Scrap-Nightstand/">scrap wood nightstand</a> in the bedroom, furthest down the hall and on the left.<br />
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But you mentioned seeing it on the <a href="http://www.theflourishingabode.com/2012/05/hack-challenge-week-2-diy-record-side-table.html">repurposed LP end table</a> in the living room.<br />
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"Oh thanks," she said. "You're both absolute <a href="http://www.giddyupcycle.com/the-art-of-angels/">recycled angels</a>!"<br />
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<a href="http://www.giddyupcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_00282-e1337630293156-768x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.giddyupcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_00282-e1337630293156-768x1024.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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There's so much recycled and repurposed goodness in the world. So, you see, I hope you find that time this weekend to create something for your own home or garden.<br />
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Until next time...<br />
Mike<br />
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<br />Blue Velvet Chairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531328414271223717noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218678013427074678.post-75437852014356039872012-05-29T00:39:00.002+02:002012-05-29T00:39:19.138+02:00Fun with Repurposed LegosWe breed legos.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-i6qga3u1lRDsHWxGXrKnj3TCHvz6CJ8YvMpIVb4ZmYsZNQx7Qt7cCMYlUPauKXs0UnWBSm4foD5mup85Oe1r5WMb1MIbxt0eb9u3F4xtePkxNVIGg9ZKG_ub37PJ3-I5PTIuQIvXXY/s1600/legos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-i6qga3u1lRDsHWxGXrKnj3TCHvz6CJ8YvMpIVb4ZmYsZNQx7Qt7cCMYlUPauKXs0UnWBSm4foD5mup85Oe1r5WMb1MIbxt0eb9u3F4xtePkxNVIGg9ZKG_ub37PJ3-I5PTIuQIvXXY/s1600/legos.jpg" /></a></div>
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Or at least that's what it feels like. The little critters are everywhere underfoot! And they just seem to multiply at staggering speeds. None of them have homes anymore. They all seem to wander around the house aimlessly...waiting for greatness.<br />
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Looks like I'm gonna have to find some projects to repurpose my growing litter of legos.<br />
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I'm thinking about having a little fun with lego wigs for our next family photo shoot - wouldn't this actually be a blast for a kid's photo?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYQPDAiNraLk_NVBBr4he1DFDUbrmTY_WTVV2I9ubmA4ulY_dHm73YvWXPCJ7dM48gJkauY3Zv_WqsRaW-yjv3Oykdw4OHCjznApFRq9Y1O5JpJAlzluU0RdCd9NQErGPMKSfUVSTc4I/s1600/lego.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYQPDAiNraLk_NVBBr4he1DFDUbrmTY_WTVV2I9ubmA4ulY_dHm73YvWXPCJ7dM48gJkauY3Zv_WqsRaW-yjv3Oykdw4OHCjznApFRq9Y1O5JpJAlzluU0RdCd9NQErGPMKSfUVSTc4I/s1600/lego.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://elroyklee.com/Mindplay-bricks-on-me"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Elroy Klee</span></a></div>
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Not ready to put them on your head? Don't forget these cool <a href="http://bluevelvetchair.blogspot.se/2012/04/lego-street-art.html">lego street bombs</a>. I'm sure you can find a wonderful little spot nearby that is just screaming out to be loved with Legos!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Lego bomb in Arnsberg, Germany</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUujz6SRrfDouv86dixXaEUAevtthyphenhyphenm2PlSIUcWu_c1kO1bGPPcmVKG8PF9V7OOWqoFszahZpSPVQqoGVDpEMMJBOuFe_SOLyC4HEf-L67gB94wDpic9C_i_3h1PtbBtAUpyaGXo1ppQ/s1600/legobarcelona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUujz6SRrfDouv86dixXaEUAevtthyphenhyphenm2PlSIUcWu_c1kO1bGPPcmVKG8PF9V7OOWqoFszahZpSPVQqoGVDpEMMJBOuFe_SOLyC4HEf-L67gB94wDpic9C_i_3h1PtbBtAUpyaGXo1ppQ/" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Lego bomb in Barcelona, Spain</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1_iJgqRMn4C5z-pGrI6IX9TrgM3IK_u-t3mIz6nshwrjTAXrzu-vfgHn6Kb8YuvcYMIMyFmWSdYwQkgyitDMaKJWwLBn35tB432k3SrYdBYIReaNBCidyOvHXR3zFkfVNfaUP2CxiAg/s1600/legonewyork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1_iJgqRMn4C5z-pGrI6IX9TrgM3IK_u-t3mIz6nshwrjTAXrzu-vfgHn6Kb8YuvcYMIMyFmWSdYwQkgyitDMaKJWwLBn35tB432k3SrYdBYIReaNBCidyOvHXR3zFkfVNfaUP2CxiAg/" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Lego bomb in New York, New York</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gShYGXMW5FWZMefWDjJqGp2HgZzt_wherMGDFV4YGrnK_5f5-eJfbTgrCOr5oSzZnC8ar22PQ3Do5emByWufCgE1I3HIyuJ2DLdJHrFt3OdU6ZT0Mh09yAjpQgL7Tbp0pdPnWhGvhXI/s1600/legovenice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gShYGXMW5FWZMefWDjJqGp2HgZzt_wherMGDFV4YGrnK_5f5-eJfbTgrCOr5oSzZnC8ar22PQ3Do5emByWufCgE1I3HIyuJ2DLdJHrFt3OdU6ZT0Mh09yAjpQgL7Tbp0pdPnWhGvhXI/" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Lego bomb in Venice, Italy</span></div>
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And when you add them to your own little corner of the world, you can upload them at <a href="http://www.dispatchwork.info/">Dispatchwork</a> and claim your 15 minutes of fame.</div>
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We definitely have enough to create a superstar <a href="http://www.saatchionline.com/art/Mixed-Media-Lego-Framed-Mirror/91574/634134/view">lego mirror frame</a> like this one. Makes me think of Star Wars.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhZPKic3molTT8CCTOVUsEpUwRu3RMKJzhXCf3RwNT-feBQDqYsEKTliLwWqe2HrCDYlBaxfZwlWPFeAStsatW-yrDhln0MWUCKBEGLpP413DMnwHsFE5zgLQJYJH4KjmapQ0_QR4BbM/s1600/legoframe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhZPKic3molTT8CCTOVUsEpUwRu3RMKJzhXCf3RwNT-feBQDqYsEKTliLwWqe2HrCDYlBaxfZwlWPFeAStsatW-yrDhln0MWUCKBEGLpP413DMnwHsFE5zgLQJYJH4KjmapQ0_QR4BbM/s400/legoframe.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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What do you think? Do I need to find new homes for my lego litter?</div>
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Until next time...</div>
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Mike</div>
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<br /></div>Blue Velvet Chairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531328414271223717noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218678013427074678.post-83378372681761741412012-05-27T00:45:00.003+02:002012-05-27T00:45:49.497+02:00High Tea - ChandelierThis jaw-dropping chandelier brings new meaning to high tea!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPMQxDKcyX7O96qccee70pX4Ua5PUDC_Lgvwbe53geaJ5PQUSniWUYrptbVj7Y9tLweJnF1F1OhR3oukq6ztjb06qVyIuVT2pLWqOx__kI1DsJ5j4yG5xhJsweVkYoy34dwvRL6S41Pc/s1600/chandy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPMQxDKcyX7O96qccee70pX4Ua5PUDC_Lgvwbe53geaJ5PQUSniWUYrptbVj7Y9tLweJnF1F1OhR3oukq6ztjb06qVyIuVT2pLWqOx__kI1DsJ5j4yG5xhJsweVkYoy34dwvRL6S41Pc/s1600/chandy3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.rahpunen.com/2011/04/un-dia-en-valencia-iii-de-paseo-i.html">via La Petite Nymphea</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.nicethings.es/tiendas-espana">via Nice Things</a></div>
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Makes me want to hop right on the plane and head to <a href="http://www.nicethings.es/tiendas-espana">Valencia in Spain where this boutique is located</a>, just to stand with head tilted upwards, staring at these stunning beauties. And I am SO trying to figure out how everything is connected to create such wonderful whimsy. I understand the stacked teacup arms, but how are the plates attached?</div>
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And now I'm thinking of this teacup chandelier that I posted on Facebook back in April. How can one forget such a spectacular creation?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FYtrnyz2CXhfgIlB151k6RsBUThUS860i-RnbsnGZ4Mupnw3ijvAovlujPx8c4xBww4oDKiPHO0SWGQSAFKjymO-KgQup4h3ydK7F1FeZnBQ4-Ii6-PeYZLOpIn3A5gL4-eGmQivvJI/s1600/teacupchandy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FYtrnyz2CXhfgIlB151k6RsBUThUS860i-RnbsnGZ4Mupnw3ijvAovlujPx8c4xBww4oDKiPHO0SWGQSAFKjymO-KgQup4h3ydK7F1FeZnBQ4-Ii6-PeYZLOpIn3A5gL4-eGmQivvJI/s1600/teacupchandy.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150164523686009&set=a.399297686008.164255.32987036008&type=3&theater">via Magpie</a></div>
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Seriously. It's time. Time for high tea. Time to try one of these!</div>
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Until next time...</div>
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Mike</div>
<br />Blue Velvet Chairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531328414271223717noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218678013427074678.post-38514096952479270902012-05-24T21:57:00.001+02:002012-05-24T21:57:15.869+02:00Magic { Recycled } GardenI was walking through the virtual garden of Etsy today and found quite a few things I'd like to see in my magic {recycled} garden this summer. <br /><br />There's only one small problem in my plan...the garden only exists in my imagination. For now. My garden looks more like a jungle, a result of 40 years of roots-secured-in-the-ground growth of bushes, non-descript plants, and weeds.<br />
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But these little glories are <a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTE0MjE5MTR8MjcyMjg2MjA3NA/magic-recycled-garden">available on Etsy</a> if you want to hop over and find some garden jewels for yourself.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXt9sRVcM9BiLg3HXfNnvXSHT_4Q6CxiKC3UpyfLDfEIPfp4KILa9RDZu2rPBPb63Z7W1kda84YxPN1loGOTSo_7ZAWlm4ysxdm9E5eU-YCeKeHxToSMGLpp8gtHLLWEfdNKhaShmX1fg/s1600/magicgarden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXt9sRVcM9BiLg3HXfNnvXSHT_4Q6CxiKC3UpyfLDfEIPfp4KILa9RDZu2rPBPb63Z7W1kda84YxPN1loGOTSo_7ZAWlm4ysxdm9E5eU-YCeKeHxToSMGLpp8gtHLLWEfdNKhaShmX1fg/s1600/magicgarden.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTE0MjE5MTR8MjcyMjg2MjA3NA/magic-recycled-garden">Magic Garden Etsy Treasury</a></div>
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Until next time...</div>
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Mike</div>Blue Velvet Chairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531328414271223717noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218678013427074678.post-30065849597127455632012-05-23T22:21:00.001+02:002012-05-23T22:21:49.478+02:00I'm Having a Social Media BreakdownYes, I admit. There are days when I feel like I'm having a social media breakdown.<br />
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I open Facebook thinking I'll just take a quick scan and reply to comments.<br />
"5 minutes max," I say to myself. Must create. Must blog. Must...must...must...<br />
"Oooh, there's a comment from someone new."<br />
I hop over to their FB page to learn more about them.<br />
And because I'm a visual person I click to photos, especially for blogs or a business.<br />
One picture of a project leads to a website.<br />
I make the hop.<br />
"Oooh, nice page design," I say to myself.<br />
I wonder who's behind the blog.<br />
I wonder if they've created something with recycled or repurposed materials.<br />
I look for DIY projects on their site.<br />
Oh, that's cool. Gotta pin that on Pinterest.<br />
Wait, it's from another site.<br />
I make the hop to the new link.<br />
Oooh, my FB friends would love to see that.<br />
I share the project and link on FB.<br />
Thank goodness that's an auto link straight to Twitter.<br />
I pin the photo on Pinterest.
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Sometimes I pin it to Pinspire, too.<br />
Hmm....that project would be a great collection theme to put together for my blog.<br />
Open Blogspot and copy the link to a post draft for later reference.<br />
That reminds me, I have to contact X to see if they want to be interviewed for Artizen Magazine.<br />
I think to myself, "Should I be using Google+ ?"<br />
Hmm...what's that site that X has linked on their page?<br />Oooh, another home DIY site. Should I be posting projects over here, too?<br />
Ugh...I don't have enough time for another site. I'm losing ground.<br />
How does everyone do it?<br />
I can't keep up.<br />
And now it's 3 hours later.<br />
I need to finish replying to my FB comments.<br />
How will I ever be able to start selling my creations?<br />
I don't have enough time to create.
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Etc.<br />
Etc.<br />
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And yesterday I got a visual picture that made me stop dead in my tracks.<br />
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<a href="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/4fb5077becad045f47000003-960/buddy-media-social-marketing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/4fb5077becad045f47000003-960/buddy-media-social-marketing.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/social-media-marketing-landscape-complicated-2012-5?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+businessinsider+%28Business+Insider%29"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via Business Insider</span></a></div>
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Besides the obvious omission of Pinterest (a mistake, I'm sure), this is a great visual showing the main social media software and apps by category. Imagine, this is only a sampling in many of the categories.<br />
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No wonder I'm on overload.<br />
How will I ever keep up with 'what's new'?<br />
How will I ever keep up with anything?<br />
I'm having a social media breakdown.<br />
How about you?<br />
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Until next time...<br />
MikeBlue Velvet Chairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531328414271223717noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218678013427074678.post-62118878162532007412012-05-21T13:16:00.002+02:002012-05-21T17:23:50.867+02:00Monday Brain Works<br />
It's Monday! Time to get the brain churning to get us through the week.<br />
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And what does that take? I heard <a href="http://playwithyourmind.com/">mind puzzles</a> are good. And coffee.<br />
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Know what else works?<br />
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A dose of "<b>What's That ?!</b>"<br />
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So off we go. Can you guess what this fun and funky kitchen backsplash is made from in the very first photo?<br />
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No? Okay, I'll give you another picture to help <b>boost the brain power</b>. I understand, the week is young.</div>
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Are you like me, stopping and looking at the individual tile images for clues? I tried...but couldn't find any.</div>
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And when I saw a close-up photo of the tiles...still didn't register for me. How about you?</div>
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What? Really?</div>
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How can you go from this....</div>
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...to this!</div>
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<a href="http://artofboard.com/store/catalog/index.php"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Art of Board</span></a></div>
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With a whole lot of creativity and a wide awake brain, that's how!</div>
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Hmmm...my brain is a bit slower, and this is the only option I've got in my garage...tucked in behind the mower that I put to good use yesterday.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3NNciFpj5mUGHRkt2ae_lCtxGFYwNluuuFA1ps9khaq4E5oiopxJUX13-4AtmCDAIAJdILHDLFB_TqseyjJwA2KbL-KLKVI8jx8B6gwn0wFaHWxk5Rl0vgWUHJJbJBX-h9WkkdFMsdA/s1600/skateboard1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3NNciFpj5mUGHRkt2ae_lCtxGFYwNluuuFA1ps9khaq4E5oiopxJUX13-4AtmCDAIAJdILHDLFB_TqseyjJwA2KbL-KLKVI8jx8B6gwn0wFaHWxk5Rl0vgWUHJJbJBX-h9WkkdFMsdA/s1600/skateboard1.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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And I remember that K painted the backside to cover a very boring basic brown - so I flipped it over to have a look. Not bad color choice...I wonder if he'd know it's missing.</div>
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I mean I love him and all, but I've never seen him practice enough to try this...</div>
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...and he's young, so I definitely don't want to see this!</div>
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But I could <b>definitely</b> think about something like this.</div>
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<a href="http://www.greenparenthood.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Deckstool1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.greenparenthood.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Deckstool1.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.greenparenthood.com/blog/2011/02/24/deckstool-recycling-broken-skateboards-into-furniture/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via Green Parenthood</span></a></div>
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Or even this.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://broodr.com/product/443/Mini_Skateboard_Bottle_Opener_-_Popsicle_stick_sha">broodr</a></span></div>
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And this is just <b>TOO COOL</b>!</div>
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<a href="http://waveavenue.com/profiles/blogs/broken-skateboard-colorful-sculptures-15-photos"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via Wave Avenue</span></a></div>
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But alas, I've only got this to work with.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBRmJcxWVviM_sUqA9zNpE9j0KDiqH0hHm1ZA3qQYEBBvxgF5jo5mMUz5CYRIohrcleAJTFcThfjUNCAnzYh_D0s73An_LVcAo_0lTRLq4nrTTQ1Zb5iNUhCzNjRZqGoDs1_Goe9RZBY/s1600/skateboard1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBRmJcxWVviM_sUqA9zNpE9j0KDiqH0hHm1ZA3qQYEBBvxgF5jo5mMUz5CYRIohrcleAJTFcThfjUNCAnzYh_D0s73An_LVcAo_0lTRLq4nrTTQ1Zb5iNUhCzNjRZqGoDs1_Goe9RZBY/s1600/skateboard1.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Anyone want to meet me at the skateboard park?</div>
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Until next time...</div>
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Mike</div>
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<br /></div>Blue Velvet Chairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531328414271223717noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218678013427074678.post-63506098019190693002012-05-18T21:42:00.001+02:002012-05-18T21:42:12.807+02:00How to Recycle Plastic SilverwareI love colored plastic silverware..the good thick kind. And I don't just use it once - it gets washed and returned to the cabinet for the next BBQ with friends and family. But after looking around today to find a day's worth of inspiration to show how to recycle plastic silverware, I might have to retire some pieces into something more inspiring. Here's 14 of the best ideas I found out there.<br />
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<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3086/2501342856_b13100a07b_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3086/2501342856_b13100a07b_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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A group of students saved their knives from countless lunch meetings and turned them into this glorious <a href="http://inhabitat.com/waste-not-lamp-made-from-recycled-plastic-utensils/">recycled knives lampshade - via Inhabitat</a></div>
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<a href="http://inhabitat.com/files/bvdwastenotcutlery31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://inhabitat.com/files/bvdwastenotcutlery31.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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That same group of students created these <a href="http://inhabitat.com/waste-not-lamp-made-from-recycled-plastic-utensils/">recycled plastic silverware lamps as well - via Inhabitat</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/plastic-spoon-rose">Recycle your plastic spoons for a porcelain-looking flower to adorn your creations - via Cut out and Keep</a></div>
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I love the X-ray transparancy of this <a href="http://www.behance.net/gallery/Gluttony/119580">recycled plastic silverware lamp</a> when the light is on - via behance</div>
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How about a <a href="http://indulgy.com/post/b3ctViAFH1/plastic-forks#/do/page/1">recycled plastic fork wig</a> for bad hair days? - via Indulgy</div>
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It's bright and would be easy to make with <a href="http://www.countryliving.com/crafts/projects/colorful-diy-mirror-0709?click=main_sr">recycled spoons - via Country Living</a></div>
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Love the colors, now to make it <a href="http://www.addicted2decorating.com/how-to-make-a-decorative-chrysanthemum-mirror.html">recycled! - via Addicted 2 Decorating</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.shabbybeachnest.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Earth_Day_Plastic_Bottle_Plastic_Spoons_Hummingbird_Feeder_Upcycle_Pic_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.shabbybeachnest.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Earth_Day_Plastic_Bottle_Plastic_Spoons_Hummingbird_Feeder_Upcycle_Pic_6.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.shabbybeachnest.com/plastic-spoon-bottle-hummingbird-feeder/">Recycle your plastic spoons</a> for a special decorative touch for your DIY projects - via Shabby Beach Nest</div>
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You've seen silverware rings...this one is from a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/2rosesjewelry/2906784294/sizes/o/in/photostream/">recycled plastic fork - via Flickr</a></div>
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<a href="http://creativejewishmom.typepad.com/.a/6a011570601a80970b0115715d5779970c-800wi" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://creativejewishmom.typepad.com/.a/6a011570601a80970b0115715d5779970c-800wi" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.creativejewishmom.com/2009/08/make-puppets-with-plastic-spoons-simply-perfect.html">Recycled spoons make great puppets for the kids - via Creative Jewish Mom</a></div>
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As long as they've been washed, plastic spoons can be used over and over like on this <a href="http://www.jellyfishjelly.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Party-Spoons.pdf">party tree - via Jellyfish Jelly</a></div>
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I like the colors used on this <a href="http://www.tchochkes.com/wordpress/store-review-hasadna-is-it-really-junk/">recycled spoon chandelier - via Tchochkes</a></div>
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And when all else fails...build yourself a <a href="http://dtti.wordpress.com/2008/04/12/1282/">recycled plastic spoon pyramid! - via Technogad</a></div>
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Mike</div>Blue Velvet Chairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531328414271223717noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218678013427074678.post-76780330349969545642012-05-18T18:25:00.000+02:002012-05-18T23:18:09.358+02:00Butterflies and Dragonflies - DIY TutorialTutorial time!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67jt3SaOI1bQYEeIkPeRDDXS51J7llkYktMWGNh47jzM9U6fa8Jmm2LHsrXjnjrO4FS-SSzQAhpNJU6qOUd0VjUFbs4pMF6ytMTPAM1s1uwG881OrcrAIehe7eA0POGK1vUa1Bt2TXwY/s1600/mikedragonfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67jt3SaOI1bQYEeIkPeRDDXS51J7llkYktMWGNh47jzM9U6fa8Jmm2LHsrXjnjrO4FS-SSzQAhpNJU6qOUd0VjUFbs4pMF6ytMTPAM1s1uwG881OrcrAIehe7eA0POGK1vUa1Bt2TXwY/s1600/mikedragonfly.jpg" /></a></div>
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Did you see yesterday's post with pics of the <a href="http://bluevelvetchair.blogspot.se/2012/05/dragonflies-and-butterflies.html">two dragonflies and their butterfly cousin</a>? They were inspired by the great <a href="http://www.lucydesignsonline.com/">creations at Lucy Designs</a> and you can find tutorials on her site - but here's what I used and how I did it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3705EuTmz_Ljn_iEPmkQk_f5uvjCDnmW38U5CJDuckRAjTlev2ROJYLH9tum7h-n00R9y462TilC3y08mCyGTi4UfxRdRXCq2-vBbBEH1uBOTsDAq43oqKJvjkKpf7NfMH97Ogb7cJY8/s1600/butterflyparts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3705EuTmz_Ljn_iEPmkQk_f5uvjCDnmW38U5CJDuckRAjTlev2ROJYLH9tum7h-n00R9y462TilC3y08mCyGTi4UfxRdRXCq2-vBbBEH1uBOTsDAq43oqKJvjkKpf7NfMH97Ogb7cJY8/s1600/butterflyparts.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>The body: </b> I got an old table offered on our local Freecycle site and promptly removed the gorgeous legs that already had 2 different paint colors on them (I'm still trying to figure out what to do with the table top). I sanded down the outer color to show some of the green beneath. Then I added some additional acrylic blues and grays with some broad brush strokes and using a rag to wipe in the paint.</div>
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<b>The wings: </b> The butterfly sports fan blade wings that I had dismantled from a thrift store fan and they were ready to simply screw onto the back of the table leg. Then it was a few nights in front of the TV with a hot glue gun and box of misc. beads and baubles to glam up those wings. </div>
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I had some rusty metal straps - used in industrial shipping - that I'd picked up in a field and drilled a hole in the ends and screwed to the back of the table leg for the bottom wings. I loved the effect of those rusty straps and also used them for the dragonfly...and thinking about making some garden flowers as well. </div>
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<b>The eyes: </b> The final step was to get out my box of scrap metal bits that I typically pick up off the streets when walking - and soon I had eyes and antennas for my flying insects. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNK3QLGmmmgpcxZ2s8gYUe5PJwLmncLWCSSzfxGBydu1hDZxfz1OYfoOhC9NK3kdYjsw1yOSgBi-Xf04SP6upm3yr6JjA1eG3u29Bznv7WYGgrL3YsbnIrtYoSGK9zoHNb_xPa-roG9dg/s1600/mikebutterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNK3QLGmmmgpcxZ2s8gYUe5PJwLmncLWCSSzfxGBydu1hDZxfz1OYfoOhC9NK3kdYjsw1yOSgBi-Xf04SP6upm3yr6JjA1eG3u29Bznv7WYGgrL3YsbnIrtYoSGK9zoHNb_xPa-roG9dg/s1600/mikebutterfly.jpg" /></a></div>
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Once again - a huge thanks to Lucy Designs for the original inspiration. It's a fun project and I've still got another table leg to experiment with!</div>
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Mike</div>
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Also partying at:<br />
<a href="http://www.myrepurposedlife.net/">My Repurposed Life</a><br />
<a href="http://www.mysimplehomelife.com/">Simple Home Life</a><br />
<a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/2012/05/expect-ra-123/">Remodelholic</a><br />
<a href="http://www.redouxinteriors.com/2012/05/friday-features-56-mes-preferes/">Redoux</a><br />
<a href="http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.se/">Common Ground</a><br />
<a href="http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.se/">The Shabby Nest</a><br />
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<br />Blue Velvet Chairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531328414271223717noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218678013427074678.post-89292158715910617612012-05-17T22:12:00.001+02:002012-05-17T22:12:48.643+02:00Dragonflies and Butterflies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dragonflies and butterflies...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_AWTGYwcMZaybeIdxIgZY8hynrztSk45LJenFAPDdP3PY73Pu13vzmDzi8LTorUQdeCm1bHDctJVG31eksDD1VbnQ0iWWaCjakhx3oxxiX8rSTTr-QBbu7gks-ZJ6zIZtronHY0v0Oc/s1600/butterflyaddition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_AWTGYwcMZaybeIdxIgZY8hynrztSk45LJenFAPDdP3PY73Pu13vzmDzi8LTorUQdeCm1bHDctJVG31eksDD1VbnQ0iWWaCjakhx3oxxiX8rSTTr-QBbu7gks-ZJ6zIZtronHY0v0Oc/s1600/butterflyaddition.jpg" /></a></div>
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If you are like me, you also keep a <a href="http://pinterest.com/bluevelvetchair/try-or-die/">TRY or Die board on Pinterest</a> - with the all of the projects that you really want to DIY. I have a board like that, and it's BURSTING at the seams with over 200 ideas! I'm finally trying some of them and having the best of times with the inspiration shared by others.<br />
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One project I've been wanting to try for quite a while now are <a href="http://www.lucydesignsonline.com/2012/05/dragonfly-ideas.html">Lucy's dragonflies over at Lucy Designs</a>. They captured my attention at first glance and were one of the first ideas I ever added to my 'must try' Pinterest board. She just posted a new batch and she's even <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LucyDesignsonline?ref=seller_info">selling them now on Etsy</a> if you want to skip the DIY and purchase one of her fabulous creations.<br />
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I invited <a href="http://bluevelvetchair.blogspot.se/2012_04_01_archive.html">my friend Marie </a>over and we created these three cuties:<br />
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Lucy has shared tutorials in the past and you can search her site to find one...or come back to visit tomorrow and I'll tell a bit of how we made ours. Thanks for your creativity and inspiration, Lucy! My home style just got a nice addition thanks to you.</div>
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Mike</div>
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p.s. Is your 'try or die' list over at Pinterest packed as well? Leave a link to your board - I'd love to come have a peek.</div>
<br />Blue Velvet Chairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531328414271223717noreply@blogger.com87tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218678013427074678.post-46406137569589186432012-05-15T00:15:00.000+02:002012-05-15T00:15:08.626+02:00A Day's Worth of Inspiration - Before & AfterIt's Monday...and time for a day's worth of inspiration to get this week started!<br />
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Today I'm going to share some spectacular before & after pics to give the full fabulous effect of upcycled, recycled, and repurposed designs.<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 26px;"><a href="http://www.museumofcontemporarycraft.org/manufractured/artists/mayot.html">recycled and repurposed with RĂ©gis Mayot via Manufractured</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyV1jq01Q-EUE__Wbh1zl381Z6VtosZczXmGLJkEBuW9EVxNJUGWZ2g_6_if4m8iSorqG2fwKFnFMm4T7zCqm2iPEGStsDrAXylwIfFPfsheOEPvSz5MWTBt8wmtkSxPqUqIUtmo21F_s/s1600/upcycle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyV1jq01Q-EUE__Wbh1zl381Z6VtosZczXmGLJkEBuW9EVxNJUGWZ2g_6_if4m8iSorqG2fwKFnFMm4T7zCqm2iPEGStsDrAXylwIfFPfsheOEPvSz5MWTBt8wmtkSxPqUqIUtmo21F_s/s1600/upcycle.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://anouchkapotdevin.canalblog.com/archives/2011/04/08/20846291.html">upcycled by Anouchka Potdevin</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bhg.com/decorating/makeovers/furniture/fabulous-furniture-makeovers/#page=8">upcycled at BHG</a></div>
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can you see the <a href="http://brassyapple.blogspot.se/2012/04/anthro-floral-shoes-diy.html">before and after for these upcycled shoes from Brassy Apple?</a></div>
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love the <a href="http://www.eastcoastcreativeblog.com/2011/10/pallet-possibilities-pallet-wall.html">pallet wall created for this boy's room at East Coast Creative</a></div>
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Now let's create!<br />
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Until next time...<br />
MikeBlue Velvet Chairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531328414271223717noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218678013427074678.post-30918115645660491012012-05-11T17:01:00.002+02:002012-05-11T17:01:11.734+02:00Friends Who Know YouWhat does every person need? Friends who know you!<br />
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I had two friends pick up some thrift store goodies for me these past 2 weeks - and now I have no doubt in my mind that they know me...really know me! Have a look at what they dropped by with:<br />
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Top picture: I've started to experiment with glass garden towers and needed some toppers. These candle holders (imagine them turned the other way and in a metal holder) fit the bill perfectly!<br />
Middle picture: Additions to my sweet little <a href="http://bluevelvetchair.blogspot.se/2011/10/thrift-store-collections-and-friends.html" target="_blank" title="Rosa Ljung ceramic collection">collection of Rosa Ljung (Sweden) ceramics</a>.<br />
Bottom Picture: Do you remember the post I had some months back with all the fabulous ideas for <a href="http://www.bluevelvetchair.blogspot.se/2012/01/globe-al-recycling-17-projects-to-diy.html" target="_blank" title="redesign and repurpose globes">redesigning and repurposing globes</a>? I'm gonna have some fun now!<br />
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With friends like these who thrift...me thinks me shall never have to leave the house again!
Thanks Laurie and Marie!<br />
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Until next time...<br />
MikeBlue Velvet Chairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531328414271223717noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218678013427074678.post-380566352574427742012-05-10T13:03:00.001+02:002012-05-10T13:03:42.698+02:00Reclaimed Wood Goodness<br />
How about a little reclaimed wood goodness for today's eye candy?<br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">I'm lusting over these </span><a href="http://fiveoeight.com/" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">adorable creatures made from reclaimed wood over at 508 Restoration and Design</a><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">.</span>
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Amy at Four Corners Design sure knows how to bring it with the <a href="http://fourcornersdesign.blogspot.se/2012/05/little-white-boxes.html">reclaimed wood eye candy</a>!</div>
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I want a wall full of these <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/93924851/original-green-art-for-your-home-or">gorgeous painted tree stumps</a>! Wouldn't they look fab with the blue velvet chair?</div>
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Want to see more? Hop over to this <a href="http://pinterest.com/bluevelvetchair/wood-reclaimed-recycled-drift-and-found/"><span style="font-size: large;">Pinterest board where you'll find 150 ways to bring new life to old wood</span></a>.</div>
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<br />Blue Velvet Chairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531328414271223717noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218678013427074678.post-77642225023755434322012-05-08T20:48:00.001+02:002012-05-08T20:48:50.585+02:00Dumster DivingThese guys from graypants don't know me at all, but they captured my heart the moment I saw them dumpster diving in their video.<br />
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And the moment those recycled cardboard lights come on and they are there sitting so casually on the sofa...what a fabulous feeling captured!<br />
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In their own words, "we responsibly create products, architecture, and other fun things around the world."<br />
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Like this cool <a href="http://www.graypants.com/scraptable/">table made from scrap wood pieces</a>.<br />
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These <a href="http://www.graypants.com/moon-scraplights/">recycled cardboard lamps</a> caught my eye today and sent me on the search to find their maker. What a fun surprise to land on graypants' website for a burst of recycled product eye candy.</div>
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And this adorable <a href="http://www.graypants.com/dog-house/">scrap doghouse</a> was auctioned off for a good cause.</div>
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There's more to see where these came from...so give the boys some love and appreciation with a visit.</div>
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<br />Blue Velvet Chairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531328414271223717noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218678013427074678.post-91672325057981302762012-05-07T11:16:00.001+02:002012-05-07T11:16:34.907+02:00Recycled / Repurposed / Upcycled - A Day's Worth of Inspiration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's Monday! And time for a quick shot of recycled / repurposed / upcycled DIY inspiration. Still confused over those terms? Check out this <a href="http://bluevelvetchair.blogspot.se/2012/04/upcycle-vs-repurpose.html">quick and easy to understand post</a> to help you make the right distinction.</div>
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Ready? Set? Go!</div>
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It's amazing how a can of <a href="http://www.decordemon.com/2010/03/15/group-therapy/">spray paint and a little fabric can revive a mismatched set of chairs - via Decor Demon</a></div>
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This <a href="http://wabisabi-style.blogspot.se/2012/03/old-map-as-wallpaper.html">recycled canoe - turned - bench</a> is a showstopper, but don't miss the old newspapers on the wall in a map outline of the world continents - via Wabi Sabi
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<a href="http://decorhacks.com/2012/03/stool-to-sidetable/">An adjustable chair base becomes a funky little side table - BHG via Decor Hacks</a></div>
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Can you believe this <a href="http://www.gadgetsponge.com/posts/2012/3/22/upcycled-piano-parts-desk.html">desk is made from recycled piano parts? - via GadgetSponge</a></div>
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Need to roll out of your chair after a large dinner? This <a href="http://juststuffifind.com/2008/09/27/repurposed-furniture/">repurposed CD/DVD chair is the answer. Via Just Stuff I Find</a>.</div>
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Well this is a twist! These beautiful <a href="http://inhabitat.com/coffin-shelves-furniture-for-life-and-death/">shelves will repurpose as a coffin at the end of your life.</a> A bit creepy...but clever. William Warren via Inhabitat</div>
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Repurposed suitcases are not just for dogs...like these cool <a href="http://juststuffifind.com/2008/09/27/repurposed-furniture/">suitcase chairs and stools via Just Stuff I Find.</a></div>
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Short on space for seating? How about this <a href="http://design.socialblog.us/2008/04/23/flexible-love-chair-by-chishen-chiu/#more-8">recycled cardboard chair that stretches to seat up to 16! From Chishen Chiu via Design Blog</a>.</div>
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Now that's the way to get the week started!</div>
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Mike</div>Blue Velvet Chairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531328414271223717noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218678013427074678.post-9555640169408416052012-05-06T21:47:00.000+02:002012-05-06T21:47:29.622+02:00Music Fills the SoulIt has absolutely nothing to do with recycled or repurposed design, but I've decided that this story how music fills the soul was the best thing that I could share with the world today. It resonates with me, and I hope you'll enjoy it, too.<br />
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Now I'm already planning on how to get my favorite songs from the years compiled for my later years in life. It's something that I've wanted to do for a long time, and this story just shows me how important that may become.
Do you have a song that always lifts your mood? I know, there are so many it's hard to choose.<br />
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One of my all-time favorites is an obscure little song from Sam Harris in 1986 - he covered Gershwin's <em>Always</em>. Now I'm really dating myself here, but if I remember correctly, Sam was the first ever winner of Star Search with Ed McMahon. Too bad I can't find a video clip of this song anywhere on YouTube (or elsewhere for that matter) - but I found this very <a href="http://mp3shake.com/en/Sam_Harris/375808-Always_The_Bells_I_Need_You_mp3_download.html">short snippet of Sam Harris singing Always </a>if you'd like to have a listen. Does anyone else out there remember Sam Harris? He's still kickin' on broadway and such these days. Back then he had a tux jacket, jeans and Converse.<br />
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So, spend a moment today and start thinking what music you might gather to bring you back to life when you're older.<br />
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Until next time...<br />
MikeBlue Velvet Chairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531328414271223717noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218678013427074678.post-8049285680424860672012-05-03T23:03:00.000+02:002012-05-03T23:03:35.690+02:00It's All Part of the Dance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I saw this quote today and it made me stop in my tracks. I mean seriously, I've had some big project flops over the years. One of my son's favorite phrases right now is "Epic fail!" and I laugh every time it runs through my head when a project isn't going as planned.<br />
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Blogs can be deceiving, can't they? I mean, how many times do we really post the failures. I've got lots. Like these two from Christmas that never saw the light of day on Blue Velvet Chair ('til now).<br />
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They look okay in these photos, don't they? But guess what? They were epic fails. The black and copper paint that I squirted into the clear xmas bulbs totally separated the next day and what I ended up with were these wierd clear bulbs with spots and speckles of paint inside. Hideous. Needless to say, they were never gifted as intended. And those pinecones...they look cute enough in this picture. I wanted to try a <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/267575/dip-dyed-baskets">paint dip like I'd seen on Martha Stewart's page</a> - but when I got all of these dipped and looked at them the next day, they just looked like pinecones that had been dropped in paint and not at all like the high-design images in my head.</div>
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Epic fail.</div>
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But what I know for sure is that I would never swoon over my "yes, I did it!" projects if I never stumbled. I literally giggle inside every time I glance over at my <a href="http://www.bluevelvetchair.blogspot.se/2011/11/tutorial-recycled-magazines-as-mirror.html">rolled magazine page mirror</a> on the wall - or each time I graze my fingers across the <a href="http://bluevelvetchair.blogspot.se/2011/03/crazy-about-mosaics.html">button mirror</a> when walking by. And in those moments I feel nothing but joy.</div>
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And for that, I'm willing to fail every now and then.</div>
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Until next time...</div>
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Mike</div>
<br />Blue Velvet Chairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531328414271223717noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7218678013427074678.post-53127278254161466672012-05-01T21:52:00.003+02:002012-05-01T21:52:33.286+02:00The Possibilities of ArtThank goodness for creative people that awaken us to the possibilities of art. My favorite kind of art is public! And it doesn't have to be in the form of a traditional painting or sculpture to make me seriously swoon. Like these wall carving portraits by <a href="http://www.alexandrefarto.com/Walls">Portuguese artist Alexandre Farto (aka Vhils)</a>.<br />
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Shanghai</div>
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Italy</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-C_82EwWhzGBp_Xqfz2tB7Jq_5DmioyJ6fUV5e2wySjUr_fKV041D96hSuVnpvunzkffXuyGJRqi3MMOkD_MHiBJeixz5PaCDXLuFPSIjV-PwmIWLT83d_gu4gb44lcsn_J2o5xo478/s1600/walllondon2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-C_82EwWhzGBp_Xqfz2tB7Jq_5DmioyJ6fUV5e2wySjUr_fKV041D96hSuVnpvunzkffXuyGJRqi3MMOkD_MHiBJeixz5PaCDXLuFPSIjV-PwmIWLT83d_gu4gb44lcsn_J2o5xo478/s500/walllondon2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Moscow</div>
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Portugal</div>
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Honestly, I don't think I'll ever look at a crumbling wall the same again. Make sure to click through to Vhils' site to see more amazing examples of his carved wall portraits.</div>
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And given that I talked about a <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/17240411043816741/">wall painting on the side of a house </a>this past weekend on Facebook - it's a safe bet to say that I've got big outdoor wall art on my brain. </div>
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Would you dare to have a painting on the side of your house?</div>
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Mike</div>
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<br />Blue Velvet Chairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07531328414271223717noreply@blogger.com4