Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Staring at wood

I seem to spend an inordinate amount of time thinking and planning projects. I get an idea in my head and end up staring at boards of various sizes, but I’ll spend the entire weekend not cutting a single board.

I always maintain that the number one consumer of time in the woodshop is sanding, but planning must come in a close second. My son is involved in all stuff Shakespeare, which inspired me for my current project, even if you can’t really get the connection from, once again, my lame-o sketches.

Again, I MUST spend some time learning Google SketchUp. Yeah I gotta fit it into my schedule somewhere. The problem is my short attention sp…

I have at least confirmed that I will be using rare earth magnets in this project. If you’ve never used rare earth magnets, go to your local craft store and pick some up. They are amazingly strong and can be used for lots of things. Plus, they are just fun to play with.

Friday, February 21, 2014

Living Room Update Feature Friday at 6th Street Design School

Whats the best thing about having my family here besides exploring California together?

(to see some off my day to day adventures and what project Im working on next, you can follow me on instagram at sarahmdorseydesigns)

Having my talented Mom here to help me with sewing projects! Everything that my Mom makes turns out beautifully, so when the fabric arrived for the living room / office, I asked ... ok begged, do you want to help me make some pillow shams?

1 down and 1 to go!

We used KAS Cavillo Bluebird for the front and Waverly Stepping Out Pool and a navy blue bias tape for the cording.

Mom used the same method as the envelope tutorial that I wrote about earlier, but added cording, Ill be back later to share how she did it!

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Also, today our home is being featured at 6th Street Design School, make sure to stop by and check it out!

Kirsten is an amazingly talented Interior Designer, if you havent already (which Im sure most of you have), you must check out some of her gorgeous projects!! (one of my recent favorites is a complete model home design, click here to see it!)

It was such an honor to be included in her Feature Fridays! Thanks Kirsten!

Monday, February 10, 2014

Shopping at Marshalls

Yesterday I was picking up a few things and decided to stop into Marshalls to see what they had, and boy was I glad I did! Marshalls can be a hit or miss - yesterday I found lots of goodies!

chrysanthemum mirror $59.99, yes please! It is big and gorgeous - all it needs is a little rub and buff in the center to get rid of the silver (red is the packaging)

coral accent rug for the guest room $16.99 - not sure if I have the right place for this so it might be going back ... but I love the fun pattern

Walking down the aisle I spotted this one on top of the stocking bin as it was being wheeled out, once put out for display - I promptly stuffed it in my cart - 6 x 4 for $39.99 - I love the color and pattern :)

Basket $16.99 - love those handles and it is perfect for storing blankets!

Not sure if I will be keeping the rugs ... hopefully, I can find a place for them :)

Maybe your Marshalls got a great truck load in too!! Let me know if you found anything amazing!

Today I started painting the dresser/nightstand for the guest room with annie sloan chalk paint - I love it, looking forward to sharing the finished piece and my take on the paint!

Sarah M Dorsey Designs at LeLePets

Mark your calendars, my pet silhouettes will be selling for 20% off next Thursday, October 18th at LeLe Pets!

LeLePets is a members only, daily deals site dedicated exclusively to design inspired pet goods. Each shop is featured for 72 hours and sells their pet inspired goods for a discount!

Ive created a few new designs, so be on the look out for the ones below (as well as the ones currently in my Etsy shop)

LeLePets is a members only site, click here for an invitation to join and browse!

Monday, February 3, 2014

Woodworking at home magazine

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Thursday, January 23, 2014

Back At It Bench Build Underway

Finally getting started on the new bench for my shop and am excited with the progress to date. With respect to Monsieur Roubo, Shaker is my style and I am building it using the plans, and hardware, purchased from Benchcrafted. The level of detail in their drawings is outstanding, the hardware package is complete, and the 3D available in a download are a plus.

Shown above is the basic carcass made from some pretty decent birch ply I bought at HD of all places for a reasonable price, was surprised at the quality of the plywood, havent found a void yet. It is sitting on an old bench that moved with me from TN that was sitting in my garage. I drilled some holes in the top for the holdfasts, and use the Benchcrafted Moxon vise I built to use as an end vise. It is working out great, but cant wait to get the real deal.

Case with face frame and end frame dry fit. Both frames are constructed with 5/4 (net 1") poplar. If you look at Benchcrafteds website, you will see the base of the bench is painted , so poplar is a good choice for the outer frame.

Frames and back attached, all that is needed for the bottom is the "foot" It is a frame made of 1X3 poplar. I may change that thickness once I determine the overall height of the bench.

As of this posting, the door for the end panel is mounted, the doors for the front are made, the drawers are next.

This will be one solid bench. The advertised finished weight will be around 350 lbs, certainly sturdy enough to handle any hand tool work.

A finished photo can be seen at Benchcrafted website and for those of you attending WIA in the Fall in Covington, KY, Jameel my have his bench there at the show.

More to come as I hit significant milestones during the construction.