Lauren - A Red Ember

Summer Did List 2016

October 4, 2016 By Lauren 9 Comments

There goes Summer. Did you see it? I was traveling out pretty quickly. But oh, what a Summer it was!

Since Summer is officially over, it is time for me to revisit my Summer Must-Do List and see what happened. This summer was a busy one. There were only a handful of weekends we were actually home in Portland. And when we were, often we had visitors.

Here is my summer did list:

– All the beer fests – We definitely hit a few of these. Not as many as past summers though

– ~~Hike to lots of waterfalls –~~ We hiked to some amazing waterfalls.

– Camping trip with my parents. – Loving this tradition! This year we camped on the McKenzie river east of Eugene. The camp spot was RIGHT on the river. Plus we were close to some good hiking trails and a like to kayak.

– Camping trip with friends Some friends dropped out last minute but ‘camping with friend’ still counts right?

~~– Outdoor rock climbing –~~ Cody and I have been climbing a bit this spring but have not gone outdoors until this summer! A fantastic weekend in Washington with friends outdoor climbing. Loved it!

– Edgefield summer concert – Finally did it! I had no idea the size of the Edgefield property. It was impressive and something I want to return to.

– Oneonta Gorge Hike – Still didn’t make it. But I saw pictures of mobs of people all trying to do the hike at once and was turned off…

– Pick berries

– ~~Go kayaking~~ – Used my parent’s inflatable kayak when we all went camping on the McKenzie river.

– Go stand-up paddle boarding- Not this summer

– Go scuba diving – One day….

– Enjoy all the patios – Check. Enjoyed every patio I encountered.

– Sunday Parkways – Didn’t make it any of these this year. Too many other things going on.

– Wedding and a long weekend in San Luis Obispo – my cousin got married in June and we are spent 4 days in SLO with my family. It was a relaxing and enjoyable weekend with the whole family.

– ~~Bumbershoot in Seatle~~ – Great way to end the Summer!

Not on the List:

Salmon fishing on the Columbia – Cody and I went out on the Columbia river with Cody from Day One Outdoor and caught some beautiful salmon! We had blast! Highly recommend salmon fishing if you are in Astoria!

Hot Springs – We took an early morning dip at Bagby Hotsprings on a camping trip in July. Every morning should start with natural hotspring baths. Plus we were there before the masses came so we had this area to ourselves.

Visiting new beautiful lakes – Did I add this to the list just so I could post this photo? Maybe. Oregon does have some beautiful lakes! This is Trillium lake with Mt. Hood in the background.

Kindle Case with Repurposed Bike Tubes

September 14, 2016 By Lauren 16 Comments

I was never actually sure if I could make a Kindle case with repurposed bike tubes. I had the general idea in my head before I started but not the details.

A few years back I scoured my dad’s shop looking for things he didn’t need that I could use. Bingo. Bicycle and motorcycle tubes. I created these earrings out of bike tubes a few years ago but never returned. The tubes floated around my craft supplies just begging to be used.

I opted to repurpose motorcycle tubes for this project since they are thicker and offer more protection. My original plan was to sew the pieces together. It made the most sense for strength and durability. I think this would have been more do-able with bicycle tires… The motorcycle tubes were a little thick for my machine. After adjusting my tension, I was able to make it work but it still looked messy.

Attempt number 2.

E600 glue.

Sometimes I think my world is put together with hot glue and E600 glue. I love the stuff. It can handle anything. Including bike tubes. I will admit I am nervous about the longevity of the adhesive. We are talking about rubber and glue… I’m rubber and your glue…

For added protection, black flannel lines the inside. I used my machine to sew the pocket but it is just glued to rubber. E600 knows what it’s doing.

The closure was a last minute inspiration. I bought buttons to use for the closure but I was never very happy with them. The plastic seemed all wrong and they were a little bigger than I liked. I was pretty psyched to make the washers work for the closure.

This is a project I honestly didn’t have high hopes for. Too many problems along the way. Too much uncertainty. I figured I would give it a shot and see what happened. Surprise! High five Lauren.

I like the thickness of the material. Even when I toss it in my bag, I know it will be protected. I love the varying textures throughout the tubes. I like that none of the pieces match up. I like the measurements written on the side.

Now, what else can I make with repurposed bike tubes

DIY Tile Trivet using Backsplash Tile

July 7, 2016 By Lauren 1 Comment

Make a beautiful DIY tile trivet to decorate your table. This easy to make craft repurposes backsplash tiling.

Whenever I find myself in a home improvement store, I wander the aisles aimlessly searching for inspiration for my next project. It usually leads to too many projects in my head and nothing concrete to work with. It also doesn’t take long for a worker to ask if I need help because, yikes a girl in a hardware store – must be lost. “Don’t you have a boyfriend or dad to do this for you” is surprisingly not cute and has happened more than once. Although I received a discount from an auto parts store for being a girl and changing my own oil. Sometimes gender stereotypes work in my favor.

This project was inspired by one of my hardware strolls. In the back by the backsplash tiles, I came up with an idea. What if I added felt to the bottom of one for these sheets and made placemats or a tile trivet? (Maybe placemats coming soon. They are going to be heavy!)

Materials

Backsplash tile of your choice.
E600 Glue
Knife or scissors
12×12″ piece of felt

Directions

Most backspash tiles are rectangular so you need to cut off a few strips of tiles to make it square. Most backsplash tiles have mesh on that back that makes it easy to cut through and separate. A knife worked well to cut in between the tiles and then I cleaned up the edges with scissors.

Use a pen to trace the tiles on the felt. It doesn’t have to be perfect but it does need to cover most of your trivet to avoid scratching your table. Mine was far from perfect so it’s a good thing it is on the bottom.

Use E600 glue to attach the felt to the tiles.

Leave to dry. E600 glue needs 24-72 hours to dry so leave it alone.

Make yourself a pot of tea or fresh pie and serve!

Summer Must-Do List 2016

June 2, 2016 By Lauren 22 Comments

Even though summer does not officially start until June 21st, Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer. It’s the starting line for the patios, the camping, the BBQs and days in the sun. It’s time to start making my summer must-do list. We have had a beautiful spring here in Portland with lots of sunny days. It’s been unusual but we have actually had full weeks of 80+ weather. If that is a sign for summer, it’s going to be a warm one! I certainly do not mind the hot sunny days. But I can’t say the same for most of Portland. Portland and the people of Portland are partial to the mild summers and mild winters.

Since summer is unofficially starting, it’s time for a Summer must-do list! I wrote a Summer Must-Do List in 2014 and reviewed that list at the end but I didn’t do it last year. It’s time to start day-dreaming about the sun. It’s time to start making plans before my calendar fills up.

Here is the start to my list:

– All the beer fests – This won’t be hard. There is seriously one every single weekend.

– Hike to lots of waterfalls

– Camping trip with my parents. – for the past two years, we camped with my parents for the weekend. I am loving the tradition and already have this weekend on the calendar. Location TBD.

– Camping trip with friends

– Outdoor rock climbing – Cody and I have been climbing a bit this spring but have not gone outdoors. This summer it’s happening.

– Edgefield summer concert – Still on my list… Still need to do this.

– Oneonta Gorge Hike – We tried to do this one last year and took the wrong trail and hiked right about the falls. This year it’s on.

– Pick berries

– Go kayaking

– Go stand-up paddle boarding

– Go scuba diving

– Enjoy all the patios

– Sunday Parkways – We made it to the very last one last year and it was a blast! They have a set bike route where they close the roads and set up food and vendors along the way. Plus we passed a couple garage bands that were out playing for bonus entertainment.

– Wedding and a long weekend in San Luis Obispo – my cousin is getting married in June and we are spending 4 days in SLO with my family. I’m looking forward to it. A weekend with my whole family will be amazing.

– Bumbershoot in Seatle – Super psyched for this one. It will be a great way to end the summer.

What do you have planned for the summer? Anything I need to add to this list?

Craft Night at Splendid – Painted Glass Jars

May 22, 2016 By Lauren 1 Comment

Last week I hosted a craft night at Splendid where we made painted glass jars and planted succulents. We had a blast! There is nothing better than an evening of good people, wine, crafting, and clothes.

Sarah, from Splendid contacted me about doing a craft night a few months ago. She and others at Splendid loved my gold painted milk bottle. Their store is filled with geometric shapes so painted planters would be a perfect fit! And plants are such a natural fit for a spring time craft. This is the time of year I want to transform my apartment into a jungle of green leaves!

I was impressed with how experimental everyone was with their painting. The ladies were mixing colors, trying out new shapes, or drawing their own designs. Look how great they all turned out!

Thanks for a lovely evening! I can’t wait for another craft night!

Financial compensation was not received for this post. However, Splendid was kind enough to provide the space, snacks and supplies for this event. The opinions are my own.

Join me for a Craft night at Splendid

May 1, 2016 By Lauren 1 Comment

I have teamed up with Splendid here in Portland to bring you a night of crafting, shopping, and snacking!
We have an awesome craft planned for you! Plus there will be snacks and time for shopping.

I would super love anyone in the area to stop by and support the event. It would mean a lot to me!

May 12th from 5-7pm
Splendid – 1033 NW Couch St

Please RSVP on Facebook so we can estimate the number of people showing up.

Plus, how cute is this dress? I want it.

Star Wars Reversible Necklace

April 25, 2016 By Lauren 3 Comments

Showing some appreciation for the dark side with my new Star Wars reversible necklace.

Has everyone seen and loved the new Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens? It was so good! I was a little nervous when they announced that Disney would be making a new Star Wars movie. I was super nervous that they could never live up to the original and just kill it. Nope. JJ Abrams did an amazing job with this one and I am excited to see the next one he creates. To commemorate, I just had to create this star wars reversible necklace.

I debated doing an outline of Kilo Ren instead of Darth Vader but I decided to keep it old school.

When I was little I had a lot of silly jewelry. Ice cream earring. Candyland bracelet. Farm animal earrings. Somewhere along the way I stopped shopping at Claire’s and started buying, making, and wearing less comical jewelry (maze earrings, bike tire earrings, washer necklace, leather necklace, etc.). I am ready to bring it back! Starting with Star Wars. Ice cream tomorrow!

Once again, this is a Cricut project. I just can’t get enough of that thing! Everything is so much easier and so much more accessible! Once I started, every new project I thought of involved my Cricut. I used the remaining wooden circle from the maze earring but painted it instead of leaving it wooden. Then using my Cricut, I cut Darth Vader and a stormtrooper out of vinyl. I had a hard time with the vinyl on this project. The tight details were difficult for the machine and it was bunching up. I had to remove a lot of the detail in Darth’s mask before I could find a design that would actually work.

Overall I am super happy with this new necklace and I have received tons of compliments! I usually wear the stormtrooper side because I think it came out better. But I switch it up!

Now I am just waiting for the next Star Wars!

Canvas Kitchen Banner

March 30, 2016 By Lauren 1 Comment

Create a canvas kitchen banner or flag to add some color and fun to your kitchen. Or to use it to cover something up like I did!

We have been in this apartment for over 2 years and I still have not covered up the circuit breaker in our kitchen. It is ugly. When I was first moving in, I stared at it vowing to find something to cover it up ASAP. Well, 2 years later and it’s still there. It’s amazing how long things can bother you and still you don’t fix it. It was an awkward size and in a weird place so I couldn’t just cover it up with something I already had. I had to find and make something new. I am happy to say, I found a solution and actually covered up the eye-sore in our kitchen. Check out this canvas kitchen banner

Materials
– 2 pieces of white canvas 13x20in
– Acrylic paint
– Vinyl for stencil
– 15in dowel
– Iron fusing web

Tools
– Paint brush
– Rotary cutter or scissors
– Iron

1. Cut two pieces of canvas, 13x20in

I needed to use two pieces of canvas because you could still see the circuit breaker through the fabric. I ended up really liking it extra think because it lays nicer and looking better.

2. Use iron fusing webbing to seem the 2 pieces of fabric together

I only used the webbing, I did not sew around the outside edge. I wanted to keep the edges looking simple and clean but you can always stitch it to keep the two pieces together.

3. Use a stencil or create your own

I used my Cricut to create a stencil for these pieces. (I told you you would be seeing lots of Cricut projects on this blog) The vinyl was perfect for keeping it still. If you don’t have a Cricut, you find tons of stencils to use at a craft store or online. Or you can always cut one out yourself.

4. Use acrylic or fabric paint to paint the design

5. After it dries, carefully peel the vinyl away from the fabric

6. Sew an inch seam at the top of the fabric for your dowel to slide through

7. Slide the dowel through the gap and hang the kitchen banner on the wall

It turned out great and I am super happy that you can no longer see the circuit breaker. SUCCESS.

PS if you are looking for other kitchen decor check out my magnetic flower pot and or my stenciled bird painting

Maze Earrings

March 25, 2016 By Lauren 9 Comments

With a little vinyl, wood circles, and some creativity you can create these maze earrings. This is a quick Cricut project you will love.

I found these wooden circles at the craft store and instantly thought earrings. I’m not entirely sure what their original purpose was for but all it needed was a small hole at the top to make it a necklace or earring. So that’s what I did.

I pulled out my trusty drill and put a small hole at the top of the circle. My brother gave me a bunch of bits for drilling pilot holes awhile back, unfortunately they didn’t fit my drill. Luckily I am not the only person with this issue and they sell adapters for different styles of bits.

Don’t get nervous at the mention of power tools! This was done in my living room on a table. So don’t you dare think you have to have some fancy shop and high-tech machines to make these small alterations. It’s amazing what you can accomplish in your living room.

Materials
– 2Wooden cylinders
– 2 Jump rings
– 2 Earring Fish Hooks
Tools
– Drill
– C-Clamp
– Vinyl cutter (Cricut/Sillouette/etc)

1. Drill a small hole at the top of each wooden circle

Gently clamp down the cylinder with a C-clamp on cardboard. Be aware of what is under your wooden piece. You don’t want to drill too deep.

2. Cut black vinyl

For Christmas, my parents gave me a Cricut. Every crafter needs one! Seriously. It is the coolest machine ever. I have spent so much time cutting out tiny details it’s amazing to have a machine that does it all for you. More cricut projects coming to this blog soon because I love it oh-so-much.

3. Add jump rings and earring hooks

And you are done with your maze earrings. Not much to it.

Now it’s time to experiment with different designs and colors. So many options. Too many options?

PS Check out my other jewelry projects such as my leather necklace or my zentangle elephant necklace

Active Hobbies

March 2, 2016 By Lauren 14 Comments

I heard some great advice recently. I don’t remember where it was or who said it, but it has stuck with me. I’m paraphrasing- For the most fulfilling life, have hobbies that keep you creative and hobbies that keep you active.

I have the creative hobbies covered (see: this whole blog). My active hobbies are not as consistent and more weather permitting: hiking, kayaking, etc. I have been going to an awesome gym that is more dance classes and barre classes, but for some reason that still seems like an obligation and purposeful than a straight-up hobby.

So I am adding more active hobbies to my list. Starting with rock climbing.

Cody started climbing with one of his friends in December. And I guess we are one of those gross couples that does everything together because soon I started going with him. I have only been a handful of times so far but it’s super fun! The climbing community is a pretty rad group. I mean, it is Portland, so of course, everyone is friendly. But there is not a competitive vibe that happens in a lot of gyms. It’s very laid back and supportive. I can be the inexperienced newbie and not feel weird climbing next to badass climbers. It’s nice. I have also been improving quickly which makes any activity enjoyable. Every time I have gone I have seen improvements on what I can climb and my comfort level.

That’s Cody. He is a climbing rock star.

The kind people over at Recovery Water sent me a few bottles to try out so I brought it along with me this last week. They have three different flavors: original, cucumber mint, and peach. Cucumber mint was by far my favorite. It had a nice refreshing flavor without being too overpowering. I was really hesitant about trying the original flavor. Anything that tries to be “just water” flavored but also has minerals for electrolytes is not actually going to taste good. But I was pleasantly surprised! It was delicious, clean tasting water.

I’m certainly not going to claiming it’s magical or anything but I take my hydration pretty seriously. Anytime someone mentions a headache or sore body, I immediately ask them if they have been drinking enough water. I’m sure it gets annoying, but I am pretty convinced water can solve most problems.

Anyone out there in Portlandia want to go climbing? I’m always looking for more climbing friends!

Financial compensation was not received for this post. However, Reliant Recovery Water was kind enough to supply me with samples of their water. The opinions are my own. It was just too good not to share!