Something To "THINK" About.

"Thinking is the hardest work in the world. That's why so few of us do it."

            Ralph Waldo Emerson

Cheers,
'MrRay'

Let's Not Forget!

Between all of the BBQ, major car sales, and time off work here in the States on this Memorial Day, let's stop for a moment and remember those who have given their life for our country!

>>>--"Keep On Crow'n"--->
Cheers,
'MrRay'

From The Wood Pile: The REDCROW Shelf {Final}

Once the shelf went up all of my junk and clutter piled on the work table was cleared off and the studio is finally put together.

There is something about having and organized space that is so inviting and motivating to build and create. The funny thing is there was a point in the middle of the shelf build that I actually did not want to finish it because I knew that it would be complete and the project over. I think sometimes the journey can be just as great or better than the destination. Well, time to get to building the goods that have been piling up behind the excuses.

If you have built anything lately please share I would like to see what others are working on.
Back to it.

>>>--"Keep On Crow'n"--->
Cheers,
'MrRay'

From The Wood Pile: The REDCROW Shelf {part2}

Another very busy week has passed by and now we are beginning a new. Where does all of the time go?
Let's continue the build of the shelf...
We have cut and painted all of the main structure of the shelf. Now the real fun begins, adding of the graphics.
Now some folks out there are very "traditionalists" when it comes to hand work, as in it must all be done by hand... Well folks sorry to disappoint but living in this day and age and keeping to the moto of "making do with what you have" I have a computer and AI and a printer. Not to say that I do all of my work on the computer but where I can cut some corners why not I have it?  Just another tool in the tool chest, right? I am sure if you are reading this then you must agree to a point as you are reading this on a blog that is on the internet that is on your computer.  As you will see in the end product, there is plenty of handwork that goes into it, even a bit of sweat and blood.
With all that out of the way. I did a few ruff sketches with the 'ol pen and paper. Found the one I liked the best. Scanned it in and did a nifty layout. Built the line art and some layers. Printed it out on a bunch of 8 1/2"x11" paper (I only have a basic printer) Trimmed up the paper

and taped it all together.

Final layout.

First pass of some color over a base coat of white and a go at some "distressing" to help build up some layers.

Now this is why the use of the computer. After a little razor blade time cutting out the letters, slap her down and a quick pass with a brush and some paint. Time saver (?) Since there will be some hand love after all is said and done no need to be perfect here.

Painted fun. Now ya could stop here and call it a day but no sweat as of yet so grab the wood files and different sanding grit and

work some aging magic. My favorite part is going over it with some wood stain, it really is just like magic, it comes to life. Photos no good at showing the depth and detail.

One graphic is not enough and sticking to the "product" shelf that it has become it needed to have some glorious cheesy slogan graphics as well. Came up with a little cracker filled with motivation >>>--"Keep On Crow'n" ---> 

After all is said and done on the graphics time to put all of the pieces together and actually build the shelf. Here she be, Graphics on and "aged". Hooks attached. All painted primed and hung on the wall in the studio space.

I have dolled up the studio and filled the shelf with props and tools. I think I will keep ya hang'n and reveal the final space tomorrow. Till then get back to it and have a great and productive week!
>>>--"Keep On Crow'n" --->
Cheers,
'MrRay'

From The Wood Pile: The REDCROW Shelf

With changes in the 9-5 situation I have finally gotten around to setting up the studio space. I have been in great need of shelving as the work table has been acting as the "store all" not leaving much room to do any actual work upon it.  So first things first, need a shelf.

Now I could just go to a thrift shop or Ikea and pick one up and call it a day. But seeing that the REDCROW family and I are having to pinch pennies a little harder at the moment that will not do, besides what fun is that? Sticking to the old motto of "making do with what we have" and the fact that we have a bunch of wood laying about that we carted all the way from the Great Pacific North West to SoCal the only logical thing to do is build a shelf. Since it has been ages since doing a step by step post, let alone build anything, I figure that is what this will be, a play by play... Enjoy.

Before building anything it is best to start with some sort of plan. Here is a quick and ruff sketch thrown out on a scrap of cardboard. It will be a "simple" build with 2 shelves and a row of hooks to hang things on like patterns and the work'n apron. Since it is going in the studio I also plan to lay down some graphics to give it some life.

Gathered together the old wood.

Part of it is from a crate that held fencing that was shipped to Seattle. Nice stencil details. 

Truing up all of the pieces so they are are "straight" and the same length.

After all of the shelf and anchor pieces are cut and trued up time to lay down some wood stain.

While the stain is drying the shelf ends need a little life of their own so gave it some shape that will be cut out with the jig saw.

Mrs.REDCROW purchased a while back some of this there Chalk Paint. Love this stuff! If ever you plan to refinish some wood furniture and want to give it the loved and worn look this is the go to paint, so easy to use and a little goes a long way.

And it mixes up some great colors. I took a little blue and a drop or two of yellow and came up with a nice blue/green.

Laying down the mixed paint.

As you can see just give a quick pass with the brush no need to get it perfect because...

We will just be sanding it down.

This foto does not show how great the finish is. Trust me it is AWESOME! And so easy.

Once the sanding is where I like it grabbed the wood wax and mixed up some dark wax and laid her down. Check out the difference. Waxed is on the left.

Now on to some hardwear. We have a rack in the garage that has heaps of hooks on it so decide to clear a few out and use 'em on this project. Since they are all different sizes and finishes figured give 'em a quick pass with some rattle paint to give some consistency.

Now the layout for the graphics.

Taped off the shape and ready to lay down a base coat of white.

Wow there is still heaps more to go over in regards to the build. I think I will leave you hanging and share the rest of the build later.

Good Thursday to you my friends! The Week is drawing close to an end and the Weekend will quickly be upon us... What fun do you have planned? If no plans why not build something of your own?

Well back to it...

Cheers,
'MrRay'

From The Archives: Browning Reversable Down Jacket

This here is a fine example a basic style with functional details. It does it's job nothing more. Keep ya worm out in the fields while masking your shape with its disruptive pattern or helping you blend in a bit in the winter white with the reverse side out. Deep front patch pockets with pocket flap that is attached at one side and singe snap on the other. Main label is found inside the pocket so no label when reversed. Talon Zippers at center front and 2 inside pocket openings. Rib cuffs, help keep that cold wind blowing up your sleeves. Good stuff. Enjoy...

Hope your weekend was a good one. Let's make this here week productive and enjoyable.
Back to it.

"Keep 'em Fly'n"
Cheers,
'MrRay'

For Some Weekend Toe Tap'N: Lee Dresser

Have a good one!
Cheers, 'MrRay'

Wood 'n Letters

Weekend is upon us... Go build something.

Cheers,
'MrRay'

Build With Wood

Been a mess'n with some wood and chop saws.... Keep ya posted.
Hope your week has been a good one, if not then the weekend will soon be upon us...
Back to it.

"Keep 'em Flying"
Cheers,
'MrRay'