From the Archives: How to Make a Cool Headboard

Looking for something to do this long weekend? Why not make a headboard?
Originally published March 1st, 2009

cable spool headboard

Industrial artifacts can add oomph to whatever style you've chosen to go with. Perhaps even Louis XIV.

What you need:

* cable spool - you can usually get these free from telephone companies or other companies that regularly use large quantities of electrical wire and cables. If you're in Vancouver, there are a lot down and around the shipyards.

* hammer

* sandpaper and/or sander. I use a Mouse Sander when furniture refinishing.

* tung oil or varnish

* black marker pen

What to do:

1. Remove the top from the spool - the guys at the yard will probably do this for you. While you're there, get them to saw the spool across the bottom to give it better stability.

2. Pound down nails that may be sticking out with a hammer

3. Sand the spool thoroughly and, if you like, darken the lettering with your marker pen

4. Finish it off with a coat of tung oil or varnish

Related Posts:
Photos from My New Studio Space
How To Wallpaper With Newspaper

How To Make A Cool Floor Lamp

8 Tips For A Living Room Layout

I reminisce about old friends and late night philosophy...

I know we're not saints or virgins or lunatics; we know all the lust and lavatory jokes, and most of the dirty people; we can catch buses and count our change and cross the roads and talk real sentences. But our innocence goes awfully deep, and our discreditable secret is that we don't know anything at all, and our horrid inner secret is that we don't care that we don't. Dylan Thomas

Jump for Joy

or not.
men's jumpsuits.

Packaging 101

Japanese beverage containers 1983
from A Collection of Trademarks and Logotypes in Japan 1982-83

Things My Dad Tells Me

Dad, me, Mom

1. if you buy another Volkswagen don't ask me for any help fixing it
2. go visit your Grandma
3. you know what you should do is...
4. geez, are you ever white!
5. you guys will figure it out
6. ask your Mom

Quote of the Week - James Dean

Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today.

Vintage Mary Quant

circa 1966

How to tie a cravat

There are 32 different ways to tie a Cravat. Le Blanc, H. (1828), The Art of Tying the Cravat, S. & D.A Forbes.

During the Romantic period, (1815-1850), the way a man tied his Cravat was an indication of his particular taste.

Above left - à la Byron, right Primo Tempo
Bottom left - L'Irelandaise, right L'Orientale

Think of how today's man chooses his tie knot and fit of cap.

How to Make Ginger Ale - Simple Recipe

What you need:
frozen ginger (24hrs in the freezer)
lime
soda water
blue agave or corn syrup
ice
grater/zester
tall glass
dark rum (optional)

What you do:
pour in about 2 tbsp. syrup
add ice
peel about an inch off the frozen ginger
grate 2 tsps. frozen ginger into the glass
zest about a tsp. of lime into the glass
squeeze in the juice of one large lime wedge
(optional) add dark rum
top off with soda water
stir

We've been away

I think I've finally adjusted to being in half the temperature I was ten days ago. Yes, old injuries are back in full swing after briefly disappearing in the desert. There are about 100 photos I have to go through and edit before I can get them up here. If you've been hanging around on Facebook you've seen some of them.

For now, here are a few pics from last weekend as well as the weekend before we left.

my current wallet

candy apple red Impala



over packed again

Mt. Rainier

Dansk silver plated hippo

Hominidae

Even though we were just across the border the food is quite different and I went through a little culture shock. First thing we did when we came back was grab some fresh BC spot prawns, halibut and aspargus (the nonFranken kind).

Then we went to a few yard sales and I picked up this kilm for $25. It took me exactly twenty years to find one - that I could afford.

and I finally got a chance to wash my car!

This Ad Makes Me Feel...

uncomfortable

From the Archives: Dan White West Vancouver

THIS HOUSE HAS NOW SOLD. Not sure how much it sold for, probably $3.3 million, as there are bidding wars in West Van. One woman bought six houses, initially published on June 5, 2010. Designed in 1967 by Canadian architect and contemporary to Arthur Erickson, Daniel White. Renovated in 1987 - can you tell? Currently for sale at $2.2 million FIRM.

The house - minus the addition - has a beautiful layout that I wouldn't mind having reproduced once I win the $20 million lottery so I can afford a house in Vancouver, of course. For a tongue-in-cheek look at Vancouver's ridiculous real estate prices, check out www.crackshackormansion.com.

Termites included. Yes, those are termites on the floor too.

The wallpaper was gold gilt. How about those towel holders/closet door handles?

 copyright Stacy Reynaud 

 A very Suzy Hoodless before Suzy Hoodless style bathroom!

The leaky roof included. Vines were growing up under the door, but I couldn't hold my breath any longer to take a pic.

Lovely clean walls and carpet. The mantle top was mirrored.

The yard is overgrown as the house has been vacant for years. It's basically a wild bird sanctuary and absolutely gorgeous.

 

The view of the South West