The next big project.

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I need a new entertainment unit and I have been looking around for a while. Almost all of them are made out of mdf or have mdf parts. That is the crappy manufactured stuff you find in Walmart furniture. Even the $600 pieces still have mdf parts. Screw that, I can make my own. I wanted something simple but nice looking. I am not a huge fan of modern style furniture really.

I was looking through pics and found this.

It is from Pottery Barn. I really like the simple style and all the drawers. At first I was like maybe I should just buy it and save some time. Until I saw the price. $1,699.00! For that? It's just mitered boards and plywood! No fancy dovetails, no intricate detailing. All this is why I like it but honestly, that thing probably cost them less then $75 to make! I think I can do it for less then $100. The only difference is I probably won't be distressing it as much as they did, if at all. Nice wood furniture will last years and years and trust me, it will get plenty distressed on its own.

So what do you think? Does anyone else like the style?

Mystery Project Revealed

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I finally finished the project I had been working on forever just before Christmas. I took the inspiration from a friends Pinterest. It was probably one of the hardest things I have built.

The pictures below do not really do the piece justice in my humble opinion. It looks much better in person. I mounted it as you can see in the last photos. I have already had requests for people asking if I can make them one. I may at some point but I think I want a little rest first. Leave a comment and let me know what you think, be it good or bad. I am proud of it. The verse of poem on the front of the mantel is the last verse from Frost's Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening.

A better pic of the front and detail:

I made dinner for my friend Cali the other night. She was up from Florida visiting family for the holidays. I had not seen her in over a year so it was nice to see her in person and catch up. She is an elementary school teacher. We talked about the recent shootings and how it has affected her life. Nightmares, trouble sleeping, etc. Kind of put things in perspective seeing it from that view, I never really thought about it that way. Having to go to work everyday and worry about your safety in a field that should be one of the safest environments outside of your home. It truly is a sad thing.

For the record..

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Cheese and crackers is a perfectly acceptable dinner. I don't care what anyone says.

Aye Papi

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As anyone reading this may have guessed by now this is blog is not just about physical projects, but my emotional and spiritual ones as well. In the spirit of trying new things and pushing my comfort zone boundaries, I went salsa dancing last night. It was actually fun dancing with pretty girls and learning new things. And not to brag but I honestly think I was not half bad for a first timer. None of the girls seemed to have any complaints. There were a couple of guys who were really good. I can tell they practice. A lot.

Christmas week was busy and I am glad it is over. Christmas Eve dinner for a couple of coworkers and their kids who did not have anywhere to go turned out really well. The food was amazing and I do believe my gravy skills may be at an all time high. Despite eating massive amounts of dough balls in the shape of cookies, I still somehow lost more weight. Maybe I have a thyroid problem now. :)

Either way, back to the gym to keep working on the physical part of me. I hope whoever is reading this had a great holiday and that New Years is just as good for them. I know I am looking forward to putting this year in the rear view mirror!



P.S. My happiness was never contingent on you, you just made everything seem...better. :)

Frost

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Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

Been a little lazy.

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I am working on an end table. But I have been lazy, trying to enjoy the sun and what is a quickly fading summer. If I can manage to get off my butt I should be able to finish the end table this weekend. Hopefully. Maybe. We shall see.

Go go mighty taper jig!

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I found these instructions for a taper jig to use on the table. The instructions are really simple and easy to follow. It took me about a half hour from start to finish and about $3.00 in materials. Works great!

Here is the linkage:Taper Jig Plans