Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Back to life back to reality



As the "Soul II Soul" was singing - Back to life back to reality...So... the reno "condition" ended and I'm pretty happy with the results. Just a few decor touches, but already usable :o)





 before and after

 Now back to metal clay...

I wasn't sure if I'd be able to do more complex items from homemade metal clay, so tried a few boxes/lockets. It's harder (messier) but possible :o)




And with "normal" metal clay I made a try to incorporate "clay" bezel into copper wire. I like the result.



...and felting
 
A bit out of practice, so the sizes were "dancing" from too big to too small. But I tried a new wool and that can be a reason too.






 


Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Busy times


Of course the reno continue, and here are the proof -my very own “Red Room”. As we remember from Soviet Union era (it was room dedicated to V.U. Lenin and all other ideological things):o). In reality this is a very proper way to waterproof the shower. Liquid membrane called RegGard.


 A lot of tile cutting and installing, grouting next. 




 Also a little reroute from the basement projects – backyard rest area design. And of course it should be original, handmade and simple. School is over so I've had some help. Left a few things to pick up from IKEA as a back cushions and a glass table top, also I've found there some solar-powered lights, that gave me some ideas about lightening the area. We'll see...






Meanwhile life is going on and Jazz Festival in Montreal was calling and friends there were waiting to see us, so we lightly packed our bags and headed for fun trip to the north. What can I say, the organization and mood - perfect, you really feel the vibe. But some lessons learned - 1) must have folding chair (we are not getting younger and back problems let us know about that), six hours on feet and I was feeling every minute passing by, 2) it's a good idea to visit some paid concerts for more jazz and quality. But at the end we left Montreal with good impression and told our friends that we'd be back :o)











Joke for this post. A few weeks ago we had a sudden plunge in temperature - from + 35C to +10C. On my way to dogs park in the morning I met my neighbour and complained about the cold. He as always optimistic told me "You know why Canadians have big closets? because we do not separate summer and winter clothing" :o)

 

Monday, June 10, 2013

Woofstock 2013


Taking some off from "reno condition" and spending some fun time at Woofstock 2013 downtown Toronto. It's a blast for the dogs and theirs owners. To see all kind of different breeds and different sizes.  A lot of new treats to try or buy a good homemade ones for half of price. Enjoying to see "dangerous" breeds behaving as petting pillows or big lap dogs :o) That says a lot about good education and training. Archie was busy meeting a new dogs, tasting new treats or sniffing for leftover on the ground that picky eaters refused to taste, not Archie. He is a medium sized vacuum cleaner :o) The worse parts were where the  booth had their samples placed on the ground in big bowl. Archie's reaction was "OMG it's all for me! Yay!! " Then I really needed a lot of physical power to drag him off.


First needed to refresh after long drive to downtown. Subway services were partly down so Archie had his first bus ride.





 Then meeting a new faces, sizes and colors



Doggy heaven. "I want this, this and this"



"Hey buddy are you sick?"


Doodle meeting



Doggy fashionistas 



Popular transportation



Say "Cheese"