History Revived

Vintage pieces are always special because they are so unique. I've been growing up around a beautiful treasure I had neglected. My mum was given a chair from her grandfather when she was 10 and I was blessed enough to receive this gift. Because the chair has been through a lot in its lifetime, it is in need of some tender love and care,  and so I am making it my job to bring some new life to it.

Commitment Level: 4 Stars 

Please note that this project will need to be executed in a well ventilated area, otherwise surrounding objects will a) be covered in saw dust or b) paint. 

Tools you will need:

Click to Watch Vimeo Tool Video

This video will show you all the tools you will need and the equipments cost (AUD,) to bring some new life to your beloved old gems. 

Song: Feel of Love (feat. Jamie Lidell)

Buy it on iTunes

Click Here

Replacing Worn out Pieces:

Now because your vintage piece have seen better days you may need to replace some of its pieces.With the incredible hand work and chiseling skills of my Oupa (Grand Father) I was able to replace some of the old pieces from my chair's framework. Please note that if your chair is in need of some replacement pieces you will need extra materials and tools such as: 
1) Blocks of wood. 
2) A chisel or find your nearest lathe. 
3) A wood drill bit.
4) The skill/knowledge to safely chisel or someone who knows how & is willing to            help you.
 5) Wood Glue. 

Note that this will influence the level of commitment, the overall cost and the amount of time needed to do this project. 

Let's Get Started

Step 1

Before you spray your chair, because you will need to get rid of existing varnish or paint you will be spending a lot of time and effort, sanding down your chair. The amount sanding will be determined by how smooth you want your surface to be, for me I prefer to keep the old dents in my wood as it gives the chair character. The main purpose is just to break the existing surface and allow the wood to absorb the new paint better. If you would like a really smooth finish and wish to do it quickly, For your eye's and lungs sake wear personal protection equipment, otherwise you will feel pain, I speak from experience. 

Step 2

If you have created replacement pieces, you will want to glue them in now with wood glue, such as Liquid Nails.

Step 3

Now its time to put on an undercoat of Primer. Yet again you will need your personal protection equipment, as well as a pair of clothes you don't mind getting dirty. It is of great importance to do this project in a well ventilated area. Before you start you will need to shake the can for over a minute. Then spray in a smooth back and forth motion, approximately 20cm away from the wood, otherwise the primer will drip. Let this coat dry overnight.

Step 4

Next its time to get the first coat of actual paint on to your chair. Make sure you shake the can well before use. Spray in the same smooth back and forth motion, approximately 20cm away from the wood.  After your first coat has dried you can spray your second coat, just as you did the first. 

Step 5

Sit your butt on your beautiful chair!

Negative Holidays

Holidays are a time of reflection and relaxation, when you can get around to those projects that you never have time to do in the term. But not all of your holidays will be incredible, lets face it.

I recently went camping at the beach for a week with my family and it was not what I had expected...but not in a positive way. The weather was awful, the internet was so slow I was unable to do my work and the second day we were there I got an ear infection, fun! And I have to admit I was in a grumpy mood for the following three days. This meant that the whole atmosphere when we went driving, to the markets or even just sat together, the other five people around me were also upset. 

Finally after shocking awakening to my 5th day, when my brother poured water onto my sleeping face, I made the conscious decision to change my perspective and attitude. It's easier said than done, sometimes you just need a bit of alone time. This could mean just going for a walk, taking a shower or drinking a cup of tea to clear your head. 

Life will always have its challenges be that work, changing plans or people. You may not be able to choose your challenges but you are the only person who can have an effect on the direction you go afterwards. 

Enjoy the moments you get in life, if they are good or bad. 

Spring Time Berries

Spring is near and this means that 1) you will get hot and therefore thirsty 2) are always drawn to that sugary drink/juice. So why not go for a healthier, delicious and easy option such as a Berry Smoothie? 

Serves: Two People (500mL Jars) 

Equipment

1x Blender 

1x Measuring Cup

2x Straw

2x 500mL Jar/Awesome glass of your choice

Ingredients

1 cup of Mixed Berries

3/4 cup of Milk

1 & 1/2 cups of Ice Cubes

Step 1

Pour your 1 cup of mixed berries and 1 cup of milk into your blender. 

Step 2

Set your blender to smoothy or high mode. 

Step 3

Once your milk and berries are a liquid mixture, pour half of your ice cubes into the blender and set it to crush ice mode. 

Step 4

When your ice has crushed completely add in the rest of your ice and blend on the smoothy or high mode.

Step 5

Pour the, now liquid, mixture into your jar. You may need to use the spoon to help guide your mixture into your jar, instead of onto the floor, depending on how easy it is to pour from your blender.

Step 5.5 

If you want to a bit of a treat add a scoop of your favourite frozen yogurt, and blend it in.

Step 6

Pour the mixture into your jars. 

Step 7 

Put a few extra berries and/or some oats onto the top, for decoration and a bit of a crunch. 

Step 8

Add spoon and straw. 

Step 9

Share with a friend and enjoy!

Revive-OP Shop Finds

Because spring is now upon us here in the Southern Hemisphere we are all looking for some new clothes but why not get some old greats?

I used to think that OP Shops could only be found in cities like Melbourne, or for any international readers; as rare as a Pygmy Possum. But the truth is they are everywhere! But most OP-Shops are stores such as Vinnies (their site) or LifeLine (their site). 

But do not fear if you dread only finding Nan's old size 16 shirts there is still hope for you at SWOP (their site). They sell a range of vintage and modern clothes and accessories. 

Some of my favourite OP-Shop finds so far has been:

Denim skirts, which I have found in abundance. All the ones I have found has been of great quality, in a range of lengths and are fun to wear!

My favourite one so far: 

It has some unique features like:

Song: Alive Again (feat. Citizen Kay)

By Kilter 

Buy it on iTunes

And a pre-loved Oroton scarf.

So get out there and find your dream piece, it's just hidden between someone's Nan's old jumper. 

Personal Creations

One of my New Year's Resolutions this year, 2014, was to create more of the things I love. I started off well but as soon as things got busy, time for my own creativity died down. This is one of my earlier projects that really got the ball rolling and hopefully it will again.

The Materials

I was looking for a gift for a friend's birthday and I simply went to my nearest bead shop and started to pick out some pieces that I thought she might like. 

Creating your own gifts is 1) exciting 2) custom made to your perception of their style 3) more affordable. I had shopped around for some crystal necklaces and most ranged from the $20-$40 price range, whereas the materials only cost $16.58 and some added effort. 

So next time it's a close friend's birthday, why not get creative?

Value Aue

It's simple:

You choose who you are. What type of clothes you wear, what you eat, what music you listen to. Your life is your choice. 

And yet sometimes we can find ourselves lost, wandering and doubting ourselves before we even know our capabilities. 

So how are we ever supposed to feel loved, accepted and fulfilled? 

You need to make a conscious decision that you are good enough for you. Accept you flaws and admire the beauty in life; which includes the beauty in the distraught and disheartening parts too. 

Teach yourself to be able to say, "I am of extraordinary value."

And if you can't right now, I will sure try and help.