tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61930649940225598842024-03-14T05:20:04.433-04:00design-art-lifeAnnick Magachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955661042321362677noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193064994022559884.post-18403146108219238222011-12-20T19:01:00.000-05:002011-12-20T19:01:22.272-05:00Josh Vogel's Reflections On Turning Wood<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/28970811" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://vimeo.com/28970811"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Josh Vogel</span></a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/thescout"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">The Scout</span></a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Vimeo</span></a>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">This video was produced by </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><a href="http://thescoutmag.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">The Scout</span></a> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">on Josh Vogel of </span><a href="http://blackcreekmt.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Black Creek Mercantile & Trading Co</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">. Released this past fall and beautifully done, I have watched it many times and have recommended it to many people. Everyone comes back to me saying how much they love it.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">What makes this video so special is how eloquently Josh talks about his relationship to the material of wood that he uses in his craft of turning. In a time when most people are so disconnected with the work they do daily, it is refreshing to see someone who works thoughtfully and with intention.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Enjoy.</span></span>Annick Magachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955661042321362677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193064994022559884.post-38504664061927136312011-06-15T07:00:00.003-04:002011-06-15T07:00:14.601-04:00McQueen's Reigning Exhibit at The Met<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.metmuseum.org/alexandermcqueen/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/6-McQueenGalleryViewPlatosAtlantis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://blog.metmuseum.org/alexandermcqueen/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/6-McQueenGalleryViewPlatosAtlantis.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image pulled from The Met's website.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I cannot even begin to explain the influence this exhibit of Alexander McQueen at <a href="http://blog.metmuseum.org/alexandermcqueen/about/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">The Metropolitan Museum of Art</span></a> in NYC has had on me. I am still reeling two weeks later from seeing it. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I was able to go with my dear friend Jessica Cadmus of <a href="http://www.wardrobewhisperer.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">The Wardrobe Whisperer</span></a> and her adorable baby. Let me say, I had no idea how hot it was going to be that day or what mothers, who live in NYC, have to go through with traveling by subway. It was no easy feat to make it to and from the museum. Jessica and baby were tough troopers and despite the craziness, I was so happy to go with them. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jessica is an amazing stylist, personal shopper, and <a href="http://www.wardrobewhisperer.com/blog/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">fashion blogger</span></a>. The whole ride to and from on the rockin' subway, while delicately feeding her baby, she dispensed wardrobe advice to me. I now have my summer look all planned out!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.metmuseum.org/alexandermcqueen/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/1-RomanticMind2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://blog.metmuseum.org/alexandermcqueen/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/1-RomanticMind2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image pulled from The Met's website.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We were lucky that we showed up to the museum mid week and early in the day. As we made our way through the museum, we started to see signs that denoted lengths of wait- 1 hour, 30 min, 15 min, etc. Fortunately, we didn't have to wait at all and breezed right in. By the time we made our way through the exhibit it was getting crowded. The show has been so successful The Met has decided to extend it through August and are opening the museum on <a href="https://websales.omniticket.com/met/mcqueen/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Mondays with a $50 ticket</span></a> for special viewings of the exhibit. I'm trying to figure out how I can swing going back for a Monday viewing...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.metmuseum.org/alexandermcqueen/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/5-McQueenGalleryViewRomanticPrimitivism.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://blog.metmuseum.org/alexandermcqueen/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/5-McQueenGalleryViewRomanticPrimitivism.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image pulled from The Met's website.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It has taken me so long to post about this exhibit because I am still processing everything that I saw. <a href="http://www.alexandermcqueen.com/" style="color: #999999;">Alexander McQueen</a> was exceptionally gifted and its a shame he decided to take his own life. His career spanned 19 years and I can only imagine the work he would have produced if he had given himself another 19.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">His body of work is profound. The Met did an excellent job of transforming the galleries to suit his clothing. I can't imagine the money they spent to produce this show. While the environment was spot on, McQueen's work vibrated throughout the galleries. What was so overwhelming to me was his ability to evoke emotion through garments. Its something I have never experienced before. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When I look at fashion, I think about how clothing is used to express a person's personality. With haute couture, I mostly look at how beautiful the clothing is, how well it is made, and how it fits the wearer's body. The clothing is usually secondary to the person wearing it. The combination of clothing is what expresses the personality. I have never felt a piece of clothing to stand alone and inspire emotion. Somehow, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_McQueen" style="color: #999999;">Alexander McQueen</a> did it. When I walked around the exhibit, I would look at a piece and feel anger, death, betrayal, serenity,... It was overwhelming and thoroughly inspiring.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In addition, the craftsmanship of the pieces are amazing. McQueen started his career on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savile_Row" style="color: #999999;">Savill Row</a> as a tailor. The details of the stitching, the placement of a lapel, his use of materials was perfect and inventive. McQueen understood construction and material. What he was able to do with leather, fabric, and wood is incredibly impressive.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I left the show all fired up. I was reminded of what I have wanted my work to be to people. Like McQueen, not only do I want it to be well made, I want it to evoke emotion in the viewer. If you happen to be in NYC now through August 7th, check out the <a href="http://blog.metmuseum.org/alexandermcqueen/" style="color: #999999;">Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty Exhibit</a> at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span>Annick Magachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955661042321362677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193064994022559884.post-63177712195574600092011-06-11T20:09:00.001-04:002011-06-16T10:09:29.899-04:00The Trials and Triumphs of Coming Up With Creative Ideas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByJHu2e5S0sQVltjeVxl6UeiggEZt0n5y9sh-UsQfzPJnaoiqnV4EYMVcAnoJiUDY8wQE1NuvxVvulxLQJppuxanIEeZMRlJMwsF5pvUSoESFKamNESVkSXJcytC4qzh5Wn3X7qytOWBT/s1600/IMG_0705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByJHu2e5S0sQVltjeVxl6UeiggEZt0n5y9sh-UsQfzPJnaoiqnV4EYMVcAnoJiUDY8wQE1NuvxVvulxLQJppuxanIEeZMRlJMwsF5pvUSoESFKamNESVkSXJcytC4qzh5Wn3X7qytOWBT/s400/IMG_0705.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Looking, researching, collecting, reading, watching.... </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I have been gathering and developing information, shapes, colors, and texture into ideas for my next round of work. Its all been going slower then I want for the final ideas to develop. My sister always makes fun of me when she asks how's it going and I respond, "I'm waiting for the idea to come". She'll giggle and start whistling like I'm hanging out in a rocking chair until miraculously an epiphany occurs. Listen, I know how funny it sounds when I say it, but I can't help myself!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In my head, it takes some time for an idea to develop. Until I have a concrete form in my mind, I do not go ahead and start building. I also usually don't start sketching until that form appears. This is completely contrary to how you are taught in school to design or make art. You are taught to do research and immediately start drawing and making models until the final product develops. I have always had problems with that method. While I understand how it can be beneficial and on plenty occasions have used that method, it mostly leads to me becoming frustrated. I usually feel like I am wasting my time because my lines don't make sense or the materials and composition are all wrong, and I give up on the idea. If I ruminate over an idea and give it enough time, it will start to materialize into a finished piece in my mind. When I go to make it, about 95% of the time, it will come out exactly as I imagined. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">However, all of this doesn't really matter when sometimes, no matter what, you cannot come up with anything. Not one stinking idea or desire to create <i>anything</i>. Believe me, when this happens, it really <i>really</i> sucks. Sometimes, it can be years that go by and you feel like this.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Several years ago, a good friend of mine gave me a book written by Steven Pressfield called </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.stevenpressfield.com/the-war-of-art/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">The War of Art</span></a></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">. This book was a real eye opener and I have read it many times over the years. I could try to sum it up, but this excerpt from <a href="http://www.stevenpressfield.com/the-war-of-art/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Pressfield's site</span></a> offers the best summary. -</span><br />
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<blockquote>"What keeps so many of us from doing what we long to do? Why is there a naysayer within? How can we avoid the roadblocks of any creative endeavor—be it starting up a dream business venture, writing a novel, or painting a masterpiece? </blockquote><blockquote><span class="italic" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The War of Art</span> identifies the enemy that every one of us must face, outlines a battle plan to conquer this internal foe, then pinpoints just how to achieve the greatest success."</blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; line-height: normal;">I am lucky that most of my closest friends are creative and we are able to lament to each when we are in a state of war. It will usually take one of us piping up to say, "All right, suck it up and get in the studio." Which sadly, is the only sure way of breaking through the road block and getting creative. The truth that none of us like to admit is that we, ourselves, are what keep us from achieving our goals. Sometimes, me sitting around waiting for an idea to form is just an excuse for avoiding getting into the studio. So, when I am done with this post, I promise that idea that is forming in my head- I will get in the studio and start doing it. </span></span>Annick Magachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955661042321362677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193064994022559884.post-42102139846073740042011-06-08T07:00:00.001-04:002011-06-08T07:00:10.145-04:00Saugerties Artists Studio Tour Count Down - 10 Weeks To Go<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://0.gvt0.com/vi/ok07yh0x_0g/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ok07yh0x_0g&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ok07yh0x_0g&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just came out of our monthly meeting for the Saugerties Artists Studio Tour. Due to my work schedule, I have missed most of the meetings this year. Going to the meeting reminded me of the pending dates of the tour, August 13th and 14th; only 10 weeks away. I was also reminded, by looking around the room, of all the talented people involved in the tour.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the artists, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.michaeldalenelson.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Michael Nelson</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, put together the above video on about nine people who are on the tour. The video is really well done and captures the personalities and perspectives of the variety of artists that live in one town and one weekend a year, feel compelled to open their studios up to the public.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bravoceramics.com/index.asp?i=20"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Barbara Bravo</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, who is featured in the video, is our fearless leader who connects the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>40 plus artists</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> together that make this tour happen. Have you ever tried to get a room full of artists to focus on one effort? Believe me, I would deem it impossible if it weren't for Barbara who gets everyone to help out, settle disputes, and unites us to make it happen. Besides all the hours she puts in year round organizing and promoting the tour, she is also a ceramic artist AND a master gardener. Barbara Bravo is a true compassionate unsung hero and leader.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This will be my second year on the tour. Unfortunately, because I am on the tour, I am unable to visit the other artists studios. The video is a joy for me to watch because I am able to get to know the other artists I am associated with. During our meetings leading up to the tour, we do not have the time to talk about our work. I believe I am still the youngest person on the tour. Most of the tour people have been working as full time artists for years. There is much I can learn from them and I love being around them. They have such wonderful personalities.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The tour is August 13th and 14th. For more information, visit the Saugerties Artists Studio Tour </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://saugertiesarttour.com/saughome2011.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">website</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> for Artist bios, Tour Map, and general information. </span>Annick Magachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955661042321362677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193064994022559884.post-637414726873169872011-06-05T12:13:00.001-04:002011-06-05T12:42:00.872-04:00Custom Nike Shox Design by Annick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://nikeid.nike.com/services/imgredirect/mtr-251259003/wid-200/fmt-jpg/bgc-2a2a3a/ops-1,1,0/vw-1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Get a total customization experience at NIKEiD.com. You can customize colors and materials for a totally unique take on kicks, T-shirts and more. Start customizing now at www.nikeid.com." border="0" height="200" src="http://nikeid.nike.com/services/imgredirect/mtr-251259003/wid-200/fmt-jpg/bgc-2a2a3a/ops-1,1,0/vw-1" width="200" /></a></div><a href="http://nikerunning.nike.com/nikeos/p/nikeplus/en_US/commerce/women?ll=en_US&ct=US&pid=427531&cid=1&pbid=INSPI_252023_v9_0_201106021731&path=turbo61105&piid=19759&p=PDPiD&commerceItemId=ci743162930&metricsId=251259003" target="_blank"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://nikerunning.nike.com/nikeos/p/nikeplus/en_US/commerce/women?ll=en_US&ct=US&pid=427531&cid=1&pbid=INSPI_252023_v9_0_201106021731&path=turbo61105&piid=19759&p=PDPiD&commerceItemId=ci743162930&metricsId=251259003" target="_blank">Check out the Nike Shox Turbo+ VI iD Running Shoe I designed at NIKEiD.com</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been wanting to design my own sneakers for a while. My boyfriend and I are obsessed with cool trainers and are also very picky about the styles we wear. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My current gym shoes are worn out and begging to be retired. I have been having a difficult time finding a style/color that I like, which is hard to believe considering how many stores I have been to.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/?sitesrc=uspl%3E"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Nike's online store</span></a> has a <a href="http://nikerunning.nike.com/nikeos/p/nikeplus/en_US/commerce/women?hf=10001^12001&t=Women%27s%20Running%20Shoes#/?ll=en_US&ct=US&pid=330289&cid=1&pbid=INSPI_196610_v9_0_20100222&path=shoTurXPlu1003&piid=14732&p=PDPiD"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Custom iD</span></a> option which let's you pick out a style and choose every design detail. I have been wanting to try this out for a while. Today, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I finally pulled the plug, designed and ordered these Nike Shox <a href="http://nikerunning.nike.com/nikeos/p/nikeplus/en_US/commerce/women?ll=en_US&ct=US&pid=427531&cid=1&pbid=INSPI_252023_v9_0_201106021731&path=turbo61105&piid=19759&p=PDPiD&commerceItemId=ci743162930&metricsId=251259003"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">pictured</span></a> above. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have found that Nike Shox work well for me at the gym. They have the right support and firmness for me. These will be my fifth pair! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was an easy process to design the sneakers, but a pain in the neck to get the order through. I had to call customer service and process the order over the phone. I should receive them in about four weeks. I will post once I get them.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Note: Nike did not sponsor this post. However,... if they ever wanted to sponsor me, I would be game!!! ;)</span></div>Annick Magachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955661042321362677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193064994022559884.post-59212602775657387262011-05-18T07:00:00.002-04:002011-05-18T07:00:07.806-04:00ICFF 2011 - Part Three<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib21fcgTSQ9vkvDM5cxM52K6SEcl6C6ZIzNRR98SBFmgTer3BCmHRk4UyEy4KltK50HUsFmJfqK267DWT3OmnIy_tveyYaseoxeUpBD6EOXaL07ziNtCgne4XwkQ3iaTfx_kNkPYp2JOj0/s1600/IMG_0608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib21fcgTSQ9vkvDM5cxM52K6SEcl6C6ZIzNRR98SBFmgTer3BCmHRk4UyEy4KltK50HUsFmJfqK267DWT3OmnIy_tveyYaseoxeUpBD6EOXaL07ziNtCgne4XwkQ3iaTfx_kNkPYp2JOj0/s320/IMG_0608.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Part Three of ICFF Coverage -</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.timorousbeasties.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Timorous Beasties</span></a>!!! I love this new collection of <a href="http://www.timorousbeasties.com/products/Fabrics/lace/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Nottingham lace</span></a>. This company exploded onto the market with their wallpapers and I am really impressed with the textiles they are producing.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxNlEnSJK41Gd0Cva6r_BpFxw8VsJgLAfBizf8pm_vlxHyx8004kNAxQVvp6qVbiZ7C73IKaH3VdzY7DHFRkL7YvjQexDSPhZnN8MmJGSEbAdO7m_zYHL1McbhbESYelHOyaThGowgaky/s1600/IMG_0609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxNlEnSJK41Gd0Cva6r_BpFxw8VsJgLAfBizf8pm_vlxHyx8004kNAxQVvp6qVbiZ7C73IKaH3VdzY7DHFRkL7YvjQexDSPhZnN8MmJGSEbAdO7m_zYHL1McbhbESYelHOyaThGowgaky/s320/IMG_0609.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also love this Wool Voile Collection. The patterns are incredibly interesting. The influence is from traditional designs but <a href="http://www.timorousbeasties.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Timorous Beasties</span></a> put such a perfect dark modern twist on them. I hope that I have the opportunity to visit their factory or studio someday.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUq_bkkAclPIqxx1_whX8N7ZhKJ4JGSMpQKzlEY6O22SdPCTLiQRdrM1f0f6e-4xF6n_4JM1RRM8hZbak_A3tzdkDtQAGl08OUq0pzgvBJ6UyW034iMuiVNZpLwpwmocLzP6_Awlyo2Iz/s1600/IMG_0596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUq_bkkAclPIqxx1_whX8N7ZhKJ4JGSMpQKzlEY6O22SdPCTLiQRdrM1f0f6e-4xF6n_4JM1RRM8hZbak_A3tzdkDtQAGl08OUq0pzgvBJ6UyW034iMuiVNZpLwpwmocLzP6_Awlyo2Iz/s320/IMG_0596.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John Beck's <a href="http://web.mac.com/j3mbeck/JohnBeckPaper_Steel/Home.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Paper and Steel</span></a> line is super masculine and refined. He knows how to finish metal well and that makes all the difference in his work. A piece like the one above could be thrown into a Steam Punk, Motorcycle Club, or Aspen Ski Home interior and it would look good. For such a stylized piece, it has potential to used in a variety of ways.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHM97hHly4qWQsiFfvgcsLHUFgrY0s7PFNlVHvnM33eicVtATvVXK9LfZ8FkQZGg8tP3_HoJ39honcYNxhcom6tdgQEPjO54sToTXh2DpU8ly9Wfe2DfUJPyw3lUJ3SyDZ1tnGvFjl4CMW/s1600/IMG_0611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHM97hHly4qWQsiFfvgcsLHUFgrY0s7PFNlVHvnM33eicVtATvVXK9LfZ8FkQZGg8tP3_HoJ39honcYNxhcom6tdgQEPjO54sToTXh2DpU8ly9Wfe2DfUJPyw3lUJ3SyDZ1tnGvFjl4CMW/s320/IMG_0611.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ok, I have real weakness for chandeliers. So, of course, I was taken by the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_901785191"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Studio </span></a><a href="http://www.studiobaccarat.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Baccarat</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"> </span>booth. There is something mesmerizing and impressive about light being transmitted through cut glass. I am happy to report that I was not the only one oooing and aahhing.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxYlIHwcIm9TLFVh6DbiB98OpeI_ACjKb_dNExL1O9Vz-yhV4ru7TUry5i1wQoiR8jAzDk8ZeOVzP4IB4jGn7ddn5WUNMh4-UIvuSWUGqFbvXjm4Li4FTVrDSPRM8SioVERE6PZ_1RPa7/s1600/IMG_0612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxYlIHwcIm9TLFVh6DbiB98OpeI_ACjKb_dNExL1O9Vz-yhV4ru7TUry5i1wQoiR8jAzDk8ZeOVzP4IB4jGn7ddn5WUNMh4-UIvuSWUGqFbvXjm4Li4FTVrDSPRM8SioVERE6PZ_1RPa7/s320/IMG_0612.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was delighted to see this installation/piece, called <a href="http://www.studiobaccarat.com/products/marie-coquine-chandelier/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Marie Coquine</span></a>, by <a href="http://www.starck.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Philippe Stark</span></a>. I adore humor in design and M. Stark always has a joke for us. Although I am not M. Stark, I not-so-secretly dream that someday Baccarat will ask me to design a chandelier.... Please?</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTk1qDsgkIqdi6uqG9C1nq-3EWhymYL4tVncDNveIaZ69dSafzP1BkmJda6OWBKC1xk23-HDftDtIbqB0JFRvLovOseXbMAVl-YaRafe8ymIB_eSWjhfDvliDeH7YqOHEu8kXypycvdqcb/s1600/IMG_0619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTk1qDsgkIqdi6uqG9C1nq-3EWhymYL4tVncDNveIaZ69dSafzP1BkmJda6OWBKC1xk23-HDftDtIbqB0JFRvLovOseXbMAVl-YaRafe8ymIB_eSWjhfDvliDeH7YqOHEu8kXypycvdqcb/s320/IMG_0619.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the vein of traditional european design houses, I continued on to the spanish <a href="http://www.lladro.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Lladro</span></a>. Known for their themed collections of ceramic, this new collection called <a href="http://www.lladro.com/themes/nuevosestilos.Naturofantastic-NEW_TRENDS_NATUROFANTASTIC/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Naturofantastic</span></a> is stellar. The combination of the shiny white pared with the matte gold accents exudes luxury. Sometimes, it feels good to just go over the top. Lladro can sometimes go way far over the top, but this collection shows just enough restraint to be perfect.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Part Four to come...</span><br />
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</div>Annick Magachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955661042321362677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193064994022559884.post-23665846510368891292011-05-17T07:00:00.002-04:002011-05-17T08:36:33.080-04:00ICFF 2011 - Part Two<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXatDEpEo4K78SxDcC-e1xEVzFlRSj-gsabnR0maHHe4_nIA4HvvHeJVqtq8LxW2o8kx-YCQpQrgT6wW7Zs5eX2v5bWPvmUEod-sK68xYdxyWiyyHCiSQz-RBVwA8jkWh5_rIC9pzOU13I/s1600/IMG_0603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXatDEpEo4K78SxDcC-e1xEVzFlRSj-gsabnR0maHHe4_nIA4HvvHeJVqtq8LxW2o8kx-YCQpQrgT6wW7Zs5eX2v5bWPvmUEod-sK68xYdxyWiyyHCiSQz-RBVwA8jkWh5_rIC9pzOU13I/s320/IMG_0603.JPG" width="320" /></a></span> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Part Two of my ICFF review- As I mentioned in the earlier post, my photos didn't come out great. Here is a continuation of my notes, in no particular order.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I love the above set up for <a href="http://www.helleronline.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Heller</span></a>. This backdrop image of Frank Gehry cracks me up! The booth was simple, but effective. Ironically, this <a href="http://www.helleronline.com/fgfc_main.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">collection</span></a> isn't my favorite work by Gehry. It is made of roto molded polymer, which is a great material for outdoor furniture. I find that some of the forms look outdated. But, hats off to the display!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BFBtcF1KFrpbMrCnioA7BuoQlfzWWxD_xds_2l4YO8YP5AbwIXkah4Vazy2CHdbXvFswkiUhic84muejCw-5sxlYPf9S800LtpwgwXhvXm_5xCOkG_PQInrjd5g56BuZJ38lcWIHi40n/s1600/IMG_0587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BFBtcF1KFrpbMrCnioA7BuoQlfzWWxD_xds_2l4YO8YP5AbwIXkah4Vazy2CHdbXvFswkiUhic84muejCw-5sxlYPf9S800LtpwgwXhvXm_5xCOkG_PQInrjd5g56BuZJ38lcWIHi40n/s320/IMG_0587.JPG" width="148" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This isn't such a good photo, which stinks, because this collection by the British company <a href="http://www.raptureandwright.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Rapture & Wright</span></a>, is beautiful. They make handprinted fabrics and wallpaper that are modern, bold and subtle at the same time. The weight of the fabric was really nice. If you like a pattern, but need it in a different color way, they can do it. The line is available in NYC at <a href="http://www.lucyrosedesign.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Lucy Rose Design</span></a>.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.raptureandwright.co.uk/assets/content/fabrics/cloud-bay/feature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.raptureandwright.co.uk/assets/content/fabrics/cloud-bay/feature.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo taken from Rapture & Wright website.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I had to add a photo from their <a href="http://www.raptureandwright.co.uk/fabrics/cloud-bay/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">site</span></a> because the patterns need to be seen properly!</span><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ly4e36iYsaXIVa74vbyQoxjbwSsAnNKQhZ-es5B_Vh9CVqPUs6HWYynqvdprYIfH5ccUm11XrndS3t_0ZmDTBjBUYYGIw3TgxjDtATqUvNBw_rE2yMNC4ZAxvcz44ffducBu0W7KEr6Z/s1600/IMG_0588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ly4e36iYsaXIVa74vbyQoxjbwSsAnNKQhZ-es5B_Vh9CVqPUs6HWYynqvdprYIfH5ccUm11XrndS3t_0ZmDTBjBUYYGIw3TgxjDtATqUvNBw_rE2yMNC4ZAxvcz44ffducBu0W7KEr6Z/s320/IMG_0588.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This wine display by <a href="http://vindegarde.ca/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Vin de Garde</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">,</span> called <a href="http://vindegarde.ca/modular-nek-rite.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Nek-Rite</span></a>, est formidable. It is such a simple, single part, but looks incredible in repetition. This could be a great solution/installation, for a restaurant or store, used on an interesting textured wall.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwohFa2Xklv_5sZXUvYJbCA8No61rr5uJbbCQbLPiGHX0z4JIjYsY_R8h9NnvyYe7VoQbxdRVTwDwrKH4xEvMHAqwtwIWLTpXU6WHDxqUTHQ2Z5SgseqY_si9TZnzGRj40XlonyjBBLKBE/s1600/IMG_0590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwohFa2Xklv_5sZXUvYJbCA8No61rr5uJbbCQbLPiGHX0z4JIjYsY_R8h9NnvyYe7VoQbxdRVTwDwrKH4xEvMHAqwtwIWLTpXU6WHDxqUTHQ2Z5SgseqY_si9TZnzGRj40XlonyjBBLKBE/s320/IMG_0590.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://manulution.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Manulution</span></a> uses traditional hand carving techniques from Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is shocking because I thought the carving details were all done on a CNC! Whoever is doing the carving is immensely talented. Unfortunately, a lot of the furniture line is overdone. The carving should be the highlight, but it often gets over shadowed by the billowing edge shapes and busy metal bases. Although, I am excited by the line's mix of tradition and craft with a modern sensibility.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvT5fZaRJVwt6ZpkIXMA41_96aUW5kBGU1x8nrRTxMdHJuNPmi4IQHxNt4ZUSbHpJyigd-VLd3PzkaXmTkGCaUI56hsxD9eG7We_43mFg1gCRMv1A7597V3dlKjQdyYLlM49rNr2UrtAIr/s1600/IMG_0595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvT5fZaRJVwt6ZpkIXMA41_96aUW5kBGU1x8nrRTxMdHJuNPmi4IQHxNt4ZUSbHpJyigd-VLd3PzkaXmTkGCaUI56hsxD9eG7We_43mFg1gCRMv1A7597V3dlKjQdyYLlM49rNr2UrtAIr/s320/IMG_0595.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> There is a lesson to be learned from </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.4groundwork.com/furniture.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Groundwork's</span></a></span> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">booth</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">. They get it. So many companies worked hard on the pieces and forgot about the environment. When a client walks into a booth, they should be completely wrapped in the design. Groundwork literally worked their aesthetic from the ground up. When I looked at the booth, I thought- Here is a company that has it together. They have a distinct look and style and they are creating a story, with the environment, of what their products are about. It is the kind of booth that would make a person buy several pieces from it to create the same look for themselves. In most of the other booths, the pieces weren't strong enough to sell themselves. If the owners had taken more care to design the environment and create an overall experience, I would be blogging about the pieces. Only a very small sector of the show, got it. So, I applaud you <a href="http://www.4groundwork.com/furniture.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Groundwork</span></a>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I will continue, tomorrow, with Part Three of ICFF.</span>Annick Magachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955661042321362677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193064994022559884.post-26428614064105676862011-05-16T07:34:00.000-04:002011-05-16T07:34:54.176-04:00ICFF 2011 - Part One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURDykvypuTr7k56fI5u_hdQt_QiunX5Ip7t9NtamnsDM-n50kY073KL1gl27lr45ODpZJ3s_5t7joa-OWIkHty0018u4bB93jlIncURG5uJGr4VpcyhpMHQ3NsUY0s77is2Wi45hfHu27/s1600/ICFF2011.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURDykvypuTr7k56fI5u_hdQt_QiunX5Ip7t9NtamnsDM-n50kY073KL1gl27lr45ODpZJ3s_5t7joa-OWIkHty0018u4bB93jlIncURG5uJGr4VpcyhpMHQ3NsUY0s77is2Wi45hfHu27/s320/ICFF2011.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I try to go to <a href="http://www.icff.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">ICFF</span></a> every other year to see what is happening in the USA furniture market. Some years are better then others. This year was neither here nor there. The satellite venues, throughout NYC, have been gaining momentum over the past few years. More of the experimental pieces and installations are being shown at the satellite locations then at ICFF. This isn't a bad thing. It is now defining how designers want their work to be received. ICFF is geared toward the professional Interior Designer, Architect, and Manufacturer. When at ICFF, its about the business of furniture. ICFF also guarantees that a lot of people will see the work. The satellite locations have a smaller more personal feeling and allow the ability to have a more expressive display of design. The work isn't confined to a booth. The environment (store or gallery) becomes part of the whole experience of the work. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn't have time to explore much of the satellite locations. I wish I could have stayed for several days to explore all the venues. There is so much to see during design week. I was able to go to the Matter opening last night, which was wonderful. I will post about it this week. Below is Part One of highlights from <a href="http://www.icff.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">ICFF</span></a> that I found to be interesting. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I should mention that a lot of my photos came out kind of crappy. I'm willing to blame it on the convention center lighting and not me or my IPhone 4. I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">n no particular order -</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOco5Kq_T-QCwFus04uo4jEWsvh_sZxn1aKtPyh8Zgx8WQPshyCIb4-K2pvo9ToRIM17dembluFe7jqY_8YUkOA3oifjQvbxlLd7Q4QZRYfdpa34r68g0hAVhEJsffi7tfU6SAizFDPSD/s1600/IMG_0576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOco5Kq_T-QCwFus04uo4jEWsvh_sZxn1aKtPyh8Zgx8WQPshyCIb4-K2pvo9ToRIM17dembluFe7jqY_8YUkOA3oifjQvbxlLd7Q4QZRYfdpa34r68g0hAVhEJsffi7tfU6SAizFDPSD/s320/IMG_0576.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These pieces are called Candy Pods, by <a href="http://www.iglooplay.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Iglooplay</span></a>. The furniture line, designed by <a href="http://www.iglooplay.com/about.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Lisa Albin</span></a>, is geared towards children and sophisticated enough to be included in adult rooms. I love all the colors and the matte and shiny mixed together. The stools/pieces are really playful. I can see them in a lot of environments.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSj4TVIxUQT0q1-mC2THl82SZT5FbYQyCZR7WBqisYoD9qKfMOfC81NcraJs3f0wu3cBeZRclJ8M2sTR0UwQlBCkuUfZjEaWQmfscZoUN_5Axrxi0o3iJ8dIVWXdLJKoL7TE1wyOU05_w1/s1600/IMG_0577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSj4TVIxUQT0q1-mC2THl82SZT5FbYQyCZR7WBqisYoD9qKfMOfC81NcraJs3f0wu3cBeZRclJ8M2sTR0UwQlBCkuUfZjEaWQmfscZoUN_5Axrxi0o3iJ8dIVWXdLJKoL7TE1wyOU05_w1/s320/IMG_0577.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a completely different take on stools, here is a set by <a href="http://www.tuckerrobbins.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Tucker Robbins</span></a>, the notoriously zen designer. The texture of the weaving on the bases is really interesting. The color choice also works well with the tone of the wood.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfU4k_4Uw_zHBrVjTz-ExSnH5bCnAzQa_H40RMzPYrQfQvkfFQ0PxSXeZJy_gqObcqBe6w1un0YN0hVv7x96RK8W6BJG-2TYvn0BshvPwRjsl4G9QaZJ6G1GDXqhSKpKSRoDlH6zaXWRnM/s1600/IMG_0581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfU4k_4Uw_zHBrVjTz-ExSnH5bCnAzQa_H40RMzPYrQfQvkfFQ0PxSXeZJy_gqObcqBe6w1un0YN0hVv7x96RK8W6BJG-2TYvn0BshvPwRjsl4G9QaZJ6G1GDXqhSKpKSRoDlH6zaXWRnM/s320/IMG_0581.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://balanced-design.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Balanced Design</span></a> is line of fabric, rugs, and pillows. The line is designed and made in the USA using organic fabric and wools. I am especially drawn to the bold patterns on the sofa.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbOrNw-HkgyDIvoCgt2gziSSNMsmjW4IiC_Dcefx1tCmRCvxkT3u6ED2y9i_1_lP90ElB-w6VtOmkqb29AsEaNwXCWW-AhPsGOze8UzmT9iqkunoa21j6F1WuMhGrufqkBbhnNfuhhdG-u/s1600/IMG_0582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbOrNw-HkgyDIvoCgt2gziSSNMsmjW4IiC_Dcefx1tCmRCvxkT3u6ED2y9i_1_lP90ElB-w6VtOmkqb29AsEaNwXCWW-AhPsGOze8UzmT9iqkunoa21j6F1WuMhGrufqkBbhnNfuhhdG-u/s320/IMG_0582.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was excited to see <a href="http://petersandback.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Sandback</span></a> had a booth. I used to represent them at a showroom I used to work at. Sandback is known for their <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><a href="http://petersandback.com/coffee.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">concrete pieces</span></a>,</span> which come in a large variety of colors and are perfectly priced.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ty00yuxIuXM2ZDGsNAUpqFAxJlRAXcco7LQTZchkQemKTnNHSh8MZPttZ3_oMvzPSFi5Mqn_DeNFjSTb1jlEdUTcuj3ZEWFX9j27UCfNmrrP8q1IP1HKTjfsteKjGT7KiyR11aGTTgdm/s1600/IMG_0583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ty00yuxIuXM2ZDGsNAUpqFAxJlRAXcco7LQTZchkQemKTnNHSh8MZPttZ3_oMvzPSFi5Mqn_DeNFjSTb1jlEdUTcuj3ZEWFX9j27UCfNmrrP8q1IP1HKTjfsteKjGT7KiyR11aGTTgdm/s320/IMG_0583.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This new work, by Peter Sandback, is a departure from the concrete line. To follow a designer over the course of a career is really interesting. These pieces are more refined and the proportions are more mature and elegant. Keeping in the Sandback tradition, they are extremely versatile and can be used in a lot of different style interiors. I'm sure this collection is going to do very well. Also, I finally got to meet Peter Sandback yesterday, which was a real pleasure.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Part Two of the ICFF review will be coming up later today.</span>Annick Magachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955661042321362677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193064994022559884.post-88511130968130147552011-05-11T07:00:00.002-04:002011-05-15T14:55:54.064-04:00Victoria Gardens - Nursery, Blog, and Consulting<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4jkph6ohWl2-TIupFV0k43O02huSF4iYQXKoKcfnrGYunQUFAwilFx2BkCnT1XYFisyVBwYb2A4-gTiybIpB-WEgHhT7hvejOlXrhhQNb4JE5uoF8V1taehXGs6HHWVCVZTmz617DGI/s400/00_Easter_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4jkph6ohWl2-TIupFV0k43O02huSF4iYQXKoKcfnrGYunQUFAwilFx2BkCnT1XYFisyVBwYb2A4-gTiybIpB-WEgHhT7hvejOlXrhhQNb4JE5uoF8V1taehXGs6HHWVCVZTmz617DGI/s320/00_Easter_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from http://theshopatvictoriagardens.blogspot.com/</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has finally stopped raining for the moment and although it is slightly chilly, it finally feels like spring. As soon as the weather gets like this, I feel the itch to plant. I have two large planters on my front porch that I do up every year. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For inspiration and my plants,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I go to <a href="http://www.victoriagardens.biz/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Victoria Gardens</span></a> in Rosendale, NY.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yf86FjHgwcU7gZJ9d8upKVunNbSLcqKqxd-xWM7MZgKn7qvykqbo2gCIbexh4457Zl4L1efJ77A9eFdQhpypfsm27P9nw1SpmligKCDVY9h1L6dPvkfAOJEOJgRJbCi0WQ9QNK5sSW8/s400/Pinstripe_+Petunias+at+Victoria+Gardens+Rosendale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yf86FjHgwcU7gZJ9d8upKVunNbSLcqKqxd-xWM7MZgKn7qvykqbo2gCIbexh4457Zl4L1efJ77A9eFdQhpypfsm27P9nw1SpmligKCDVY9h1L6dPvkfAOJEOJgRJbCi0WQ9QNK5sSW8/s320/Pinstripe_+Petunias+at+Victoria+Gardens+Rosendale.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from http://theshopatvictoriagardens.blogspot.com/</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This nursery and gift shop has the best selection in the area for unusual perennials, annuals, bushes, trees, etc. The nursery is situated on a rock outcropping that sets a natural stage for all the beautiful plant vignettes they set up. I could easily spend hours hanging out and looking at everything they have. Luckily, I have a great friend who works there and points me in the focused direction of what I want. My plant knowledge is limited and I base all my decisions on aesthetics. Being able to bounce questions off the friendly and knowledgable staff is a huge help. I have never been steered in the wrong direction. Every year, I get tons of compliments on my planters.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition to the nursery, they also have a landscape division and are available for on-site consultations. One of the best things Victoria Gardens offers is their blog, which is written by <a href="http://kerrymcquaide.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Kerry McQuaide</span></a>, <a href="http://theshopatvictoriagardens.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">The Shop At Victoria Gardens</span></a>. Besides the photos being stunning</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and inspiring all year long, the blog offers a wealth of knowledge. It's like reading a high end gardening magazine. I have it book marked and there is a link to it from my blog. It's a definite must read for anyone who loves gardening.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROzhIO-S3JqHH7Zb4c6A99LE00fc854S6SmyQZo04I_3aaZGmIC71lUKNU-_V6azJfUqr4Cdt4-epNRFuNs8Q1rNU41h-zJlZXJLfYei40eTuz-XSyQsq_C6DciWYc8Jc2sGybyNj0PNY/s1600/IMG_0567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROzhIO-S3JqHH7Zb4c6A99LE00fc854S6SmyQZo04I_3aaZGmIC71lUKNU-_V6azJfUqr4Cdt4-epNRFuNs8Q1rNU41h-zJlZXJLfYei40eTuz-XSyQsq_C6DciWYc8Jc2sGybyNj0PNY/s320/IMG_0567.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past week, I went and began to pick out my flowers. Its a little early to plant, but I just couldn't help myself. Pictured above is the beginning of this years planters. I will need to go back to <a href="http://www.victoriagardens.biz/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Victoria Gardens</span></a> to pick out a few more plants to fill the empty spots. I will post some pictures in the middle of summer, when everything fills out and looks the best.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are in the area, I highly recommend visiting <a href="http://www.victoriagardens.biz/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Victoria Gardens</span></a> at 1 Cottekill Rd., Rosendale, NY 12472, 845-658-9007. If you live too far away, check out the <a href="http://theshopatvictoriagardens.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">The Shop At Victoria Gardens</span></a> blog.</span></div>Annick Magachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955661042321362677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193064994022559884.post-65420057858830549292011-05-09T07:00:00.000-04:002011-05-09T07:00:06.350-04:00Knoll Textile Exhibit At Bard Graduate Center<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.annick-magac.com/images/Chaise.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.annick-magac.com/images/Chaise.1.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The exhibit, <a href="http://www.bgc.bard.edu/gallery/gallery-at-bgc/main-gallery-knoll.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Knoll Textiles 1945 to 2010</span></a>, is on view at the <a href="http://www.bgc.bard.edu/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Bard Graduate Center</span></a> from May 18th to July 31st. The show will be covering the history of Knoll's textile division. It ends up that most of the Designers were women. I plan on going to see the show. I am surprised that the opening is after <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><a href="http://www.icff.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">ICFF</span></a>, </span>International Contemporary Furniture Fair, when most people who would be interested in the show will have already left town. Odd choice.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the <a href="http://www.annick-magac.com/portfolio02.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Chaise</span></a> piece above, I used a traditional Knoll Boucle in Cayenne. Knoll fabric is a joy to work with. Its durable, thick, and easy to sew. This piece was made many years ago and shows no sign of sun fade or wear. I'm more concerned with the foam breaking down before the fabric gives out. Whenever you see an old Knoll furniture piece, usually the fabric has lasted strongly and is just in need of a good cleaning. Knoll has always understood what it takes to make a high traffic piece last. While over the years I have studied a lot about the company's furniture, I welcome the chance to learn about their textile department.</span>Annick Magachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955661042321362677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193064994022559884.post-65288811561702078542011-05-06T07:00:00.000-04:002011-05-06T07:00:11.452-04:00The Twenty Year Quilt<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNy1heRWge_I8tXdAHFd7fH1LoPvseUuLi6T1p-LKRInNc89j2r6RgKuspLNqaBgWNgt_QrrudGxCmv_1UHdUR5dxj8dfZV__MXmLnAAWk4RvbnnAn2D5Eh4ik3mdViUSHUfBgbtskM89/s1600/IMG_0561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNy1heRWge_I8tXdAHFd7fH1LoPvseUuLi6T1p-LKRInNc89j2r6RgKuspLNqaBgWNgt_QrrudGxCmv_1UHdUR5dxj8dfZV__MXmLnAAWk4RvbnnAn2D5Eh4ik3mdViUSHUfBgbtskM89/s400/IMG_0561.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilt laid out on my bed. It is made for a Queen bed, but fits on my King.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In honor of Mother's Day coming up this weekend, I thought I should showcase the amazing talent of my Mother. As they say, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. People ask me where I get my ability to make things and I always say, my parents. Over twenty years ago, my Mother decided that she was going to make me a quilt and that I would have it to go to college. We went together to the store and I remember being so excited to pick out the fabrics for the quilt. College came and went and it was never finished. Mind you, she worked full time, raised three kids, kept a garden and house, and made every meal for the family. It started to become a family joke and a way to tease her that the quilt would never be finished. When she retired several years ago and said that she was going to work on it, I didn't think much of it.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrFqqKEriDBs-jotynEVhKNGavbTrPttpJ0iOgGySk9XP0xkSc0IiNzKYF9xjBnndcWdD1g5ebplpFuxwcQDjvoB3pgnlqg3l__qYPXMcJZyd2t5QYLeyeChJk3t7DSp5uogmZ0Wt1mYR/s1600/IMG_0565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrFqqKEriDBs-jotynEVhKNGavbTrPttpJ0iOgGySk9XP0xkSc0IiNzKYF9xjBnndcWdD1g5ebplpFuxwcQDjvoB3pgnlqg3l__qYPXMcJZyd2t5QYLeyeChJk3t7DSp5uogmZ0Wt1mYR/s320/IMG_0565.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of the border, pattern, and overstitching.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few months ago, I saw the quilt in some pieces laid out in her bedroom. She said she was working on it again. I told my sister that I planned to go home one weekend and help her do some over stitching. The quilt seemed years away from completion. A few weeks later, she came to visit me with my Father and was really adamant about coming that week. It was a little odd, but I didn't think much of it. So, I was completely surprised when she showed up and gave me the finished the quilt. I got really teary eyed and every time I look at it, I still do. It is beautiful. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What strikes me about it is that after all these years, I still love all the colors and patterns of the fabrics. I cannot believe how many hours and years she spent working on it. She over stitched, by hand, the whole quilt. If that isn't love, I don't know what is.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEwJ_hrfZcBB_DBFxCpaak4emJwFaHr7817W7771HVnqG4IoZvaLeQLPrk5H2cJg75_gCVsa_nK2DoCBESRi1X191RhZ0Tv2FPIznDbtW8xqSz1glRzP69CHOIyU59JjAY_cZHVD2ulBs/s1600/IMG_0555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEwJ_hrfZcBB_DBFxCpaak4emJwFaHr7817W7771HVnqG4IoZvaLeQLPrk5H2cJg75_gCVsa_nK2DoCBESRi1X191RhZ0Tv2FPIznDbtW8xqSz1glRzP69CHOIyU59JjAY_cZHVD2ulBs/s320/IMG_0555.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She made a bag to store the quilt and keep it dust free. I should also mention that she is a self taught quilter and sewer. She made this quilt from a pattern she found in a Better Homes & Garden magazine in 1990. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maman, you are amazing and continually inspiring to me. I love you.</span>Annick Magachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955661042321362677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193064994022559884.post-35986011719679648182011-05-04T07:00:00.000-04:002011-05-04T07:00:02.316-04:00Getting Ready For The Saugerties Artists Studio Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9c65jY90iMtDYqopDBqAnRIz2z9lJZOW8tN15KJxV6HLmazY4v7ImJvnoNzhXpYynlzolwzsTRyRDcv7pnt6Y8kBe0I7ULtF71GlJE6A4xfQOyMngwy34MTher29lvrgNcBuYDize-BCX/s1600/SAT2011.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9c65jY90iMtDYqopDBqAnRIz2z9lJZOW8tN15KJxV6HLmazY4v7ImJvnoNzhXpYynlzolwzsTRyRDcv7pnt6Y8kBe0I7ULtF71GlJE6A4xfQOyMngwy34MTher29lvrgNcBuYDize-BCX/s1600/SAT2011.png" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am going to be part of the <a href="http://saugertiesarttour.com/saughome2011.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">SAT</span></a> this year. I participated in 2009, but took 2010 off because I thought I would be moving to New Mexico. The move, thankfully, fell through. However, by the time it did it was too late for me to be part of the tour. In 2009, over 200 people came to visit my studio. Although I had invited a lot of friends, about half the people who visited I did not know. It was a great experience and I met a lot of people. I truly enjoyed opening up my studio to people and getting their feedback on my space and work. I also sold some pieces, which is always nice. I'm excited about this year's tour!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I spent this weekend gathering ideas for new work I want to create. As I prepare for the tour, I will post on my progress.</span>Annick Magachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955661042321362677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193064994022559884.post-63158886446962301692011-05-02T07:00:00.003-04:002011-05-03T18:22:38.411-04:00Blacksmithing Class Number Seven & Eight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FkEznF8umW_QdZLiVqW0LuXul07Gl5RBhQb7MSI75c_VCf3bvpnAFO0BOx_YGGrXu6y-Jk2SSXFQiz4J9xcQzlX3kzI0VeCZijOpoEMlky5Gk21KCybjqX5Ipk0iAyopCVaVXnWRV7ud/s1600/IMG_0459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FkEznF8umW_QdZLiVqW0LuXul07Gl5RBhQb7MSI75c_VCf3bvpnAFO0BOx_YGGrXu6y-Jk2SSXFQiz4J9xcQzlX3kzI0VeCZijOpoEMlky5Gk21KCybjqX5Ipk0iAyopCVaVXnWRV7ud/s320/IMG_0459.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had to travel for work so much to my chagrin, I missed Class Number Six. The project for that week was to make a BBQ grilling fork. Jonathan Nedbor, the instructor and owner of Canal Forge, was kind enough to offer me the opportunity to do a make up session to forge one. The following two classes went by far too quickly. I can't believe eight weeks have gone by...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNeA7THGXyJ1jBau3MReO65RhHx0YYtPI67fITN49Nn0ckUzAL7et13lcxUGoyK9GTv9yBGm0vFFHAzyxKPBRWuzvv2fAlwdWFZiaXqHHKt9VWKtyNK6zaZcdNnTe6ysk7TGXXleNRjZW/s1600/IMG_0460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNeA7THGXyJ1jBau3MReO65RhHx0YYtPI67fITN49Nn0ckUzAL7et13lcxUGoyK9GTv9yBGm0vFFHAzyxKPBRWuzvv2fAlwdWFZiaXqHHKt9VWKtyNK6zaZcdNnTe6ysk7TGXXleNRjZW/s320/IMG_0460.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the last two classes, we went over metal identification by grinding metal and studying the spark patterns. That was pretty exciting! I saw my first grinding wheel break, which caught everyone off guard. Unexpected events like that are why you wear safety glasses. We also went over tempering, which is the process of bringing metal to a certain temperature and cooling it properly to cause it to become harder. This process is used to make tools.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxKCzFGLZqyT42CcnSXN3-BdzY1ygprhZR0hNZMWjBB3A1K0waVyvymYcDv7c-JMxUdg44ujh_quDzzlNN5o0i1KND2FFf493u0B3OZHNkNiDpWZvitveCN4PEnC55wTuxHdvu8VVs5z6/s1600/IMG_0462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxKCzFGLZqyT42CcnSXN3-BdzY1ygprhZR0hNZMWjBB3A1K0waVyvymYcDv7c-JMxUdg44ujh_quDzzlNN5o0i1KND2FFf493u0B3OZHNkNiDpWZvitveCN4PEnC55wTuxHdvu8VVs5z6/s320/IMG_0462.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our final project was to make a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chisel"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">cold chisel</span></a> out of hex rod tool steel. We used the tempering technique to harden the chisel edge.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqaDrR3ZwERuVSAdljxX3Bq6IFHD7H7HOLWmCJfh9OxomF6bzcn6zAfeI-GuOiR80fzbPBXIOVvvy6Ei1fUe4VdYd-okOA33uT1RI-09jqYvjFqB-ItYASmojnIgGy-bOryJMu2146dl2/s1600/IMG_0481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqaDrR3ZwERuVSAdljxX3Bq6IFHD7H7HOLWmCJfh9OxomF6bzcn6zAfeI-GuOiR80fzbPBXIOVvvy6Ei1fUe4VdYd-okOA33uT1RI-09jqYvjFqB-ItYASmojnIgGy-bOryJMu2146dl2/s320/IMG_0481.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is my final product! Every tool box should have one and I never bought one. So, I'm excited to now have one I made. Anyone need something chiseled?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wish I could give a link to Jonathan Nedbor, our instructor's, work. Unfortunately, he doesn't currently have a website. Once he does have one, I will update this post with the information. Jonathan owns Canal Forge in High Falls, NY. I highly recommend taking a Blacksmithing course with him. Besides being a great teacher, he is extremely talented and very generous with his knowledge! </span></div>Annick Magachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955661042321362677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193064994022559884.post-11324156321387933162011-04-30T17:13:00.000-04:002011-04-30T17:13:47.341-04:00Kickstarter, Fund and Follow Creativity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-nSNVknteRKaxJyfOItocHJJDROfrEwofhlEjT1kLaD7E7MbuqmbnwhjCqhk-De_o3cL-SuWSS_aWlWU3jWC2xQkO-ogXsIpo7sbbrIdCBMaGeeIgDbOdu6C-VP9l70Xb3dO49bDQV02/s1600/kickstarterpage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-nSNVknteRKaxJyfOItocHJJDROfrEwofhlEjT1kLaD7E7MbuqmbnwhjCqhk-De_o3cL-SuWSS_aWlWU3jWC2xQkO-ogXsIpo7sbbrIdCBMaGeeIgDbOdu6C-VP9l70Xb3dO49bDQV02/s320/kickstarterpage.png" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I came across <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_634563620"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">K</span></a><a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">ickstarter</span></a> via <a href="http://www.wired.com/wired/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">WIRED</span></a> magazine. In WIRED's April 2011 issue they did a feature on Kickstarter. It is a website where if you have an idea/project/concept you can get people to donate to your project and get funding to finally see your vision come to fruition. I know many artists, designers, and inventors who could be well served by this site. Get your video together and see if people like your project enough to help you out. Good luck!</span>Annick Magachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955661042321362677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193064994022559884.post-62368282593944846232011-04-13T07:00:00.002-04:002011-05-03T18:22:59.927-04:00Blacksmithing Class Number Five<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9VqrMQMfOUovTPUoMO9lZGHm4POQi6-E481Sxu7Fyi4jRSvdcAAgZtm6OIrFybJQbLiGmxQ2CgRGkiLbTzelYMh0u8vk1v8_1QFtHYo0BlYI3WonQTtrvz6CNia6Eb12Hc7J_GqJq_G0/s1600/IMG_0313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9VqrMQMfOUovTPUoMO9lZGHm4POQi6-E481Sxu7Fyi4jRSvdcAAgZtm6OIrFybJQbLiGmxQ2CgRGkiLbTzelYMh0u8vk1v8_1QFtHYo0BlYI3WonQTtrvz6CNia6Eb12Hc7J_GqJq_G0/s320/IMG_0313.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By popular demand, here is a photo of yours truly - forging!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
Yup, here I am toiling away and working on an S hook. Jonathan Nedbor was kind enough to take a photo of me in action. The weather was pretty cold that class, so the shop was a bit chilly. Hence, the hat and scarf.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kub0o9omeGTxwuzwt5HC8xvnIAtraijc9TGyvw44rvdSqQvoXIc4KFAWB9AKszmMy6_q6IQP7pa28CbvO6mTdPf9HWcLXOlMsjwn7ROmRHyrnLt3Wx-ErZcNHbyJ26iA2mcKceOy6tb4/s1600/IMG_0309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kub0o9omeGTxwuzwt5HC8xvnIAtraijc9TGyvw44rvdSqQvoXIc4KFAWB9AKszmMy6_q6IQP7pa28CbvO6mTdPf9HWcLXOlMsjwn7ROmRHyrnLt3Wx-ErZcNHbyJ26iA2mcKceOy6tb4/s320/IMG_0309.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
I got to use a gas furnace, which I love! The temperature is constant, you don't have to continually work your fire, and the whole unit doesn't take up much room, which is ideal for a small shop. I am going to look into purchasing one of these.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcajLectA5lCKsq4cGJ54oWp7hlBl_H5Jzngmv8HeNUHLcx19w-lChifN9qb1a-Jmo60oMWlEHabkDXmu-f3GC9mKZAEQWxwKc2ulhXn7TwgLRHWj23IaVNbMxlEpTYdIh-FZcUKQCRC9O/s1600/IMG_0424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcajLectA5lCKsq4cGJ54oWp7hlBl_H5Jzngmv8HeNUHLcx19w-lChifN9qb1a-Jmo60oMWlEHabkDXmu-f3GC9mKZAEQWxwKc2ulhXn7TwgLRHWj23IaVNbMxlEpTYdIh-FZcUKQCRC9O/s320/IMG_0424.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
Et voila! Here is my finished S hook. Not too shabby... </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
I had to travel for work, so I missed Class Number Six. I am really bummed out. Hopefully I will be able to make that class up and get a lot done in Class Number Seven.</span>Annick Magachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955661042321362677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193064994022559884.post-39923508077928432782011-04-10T20:12:00.000-04:002011-04-10T20:12:51.515-04:00Dale Chihuly in St. Petersburg, FL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCo8faWsMENz_2fUbvyy7fgRhYA3mwcbHSoS3Ka3Z0xb5UcMzjk4PAJgKBMo7Rpuq5sOcQunEupKuWqUbNZmVc5oFzk_2pZ_1izVZO6zVJmU1Q8jpPpKFJrRfGUg-MjbfvQB6RzGMOEgY/s1600/IMG_0227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCo8faWsMENz_2fUbvyy7fgRhYA3mwcbHSoS3Ka3Z0xb5UcMzjk4PAJgKBMo7Rpuq5sOcQunEupKuWqUbNZmVc5oFzk_2pZ_1izVZO6zVJmU1Q8jpPpKFJrRfGUg-MjbfvQB6RzGMOEgY/s320/IMG_0227.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I was trying to find a restaurant the night before I left Florida, I stumbled across the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://chihulycollectionstpete.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Chihuly Collection presented by Morean Arts Center in St. Petersburg</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. The museum was already closed. I decided to return the next morning when it opened, before I had to catch my plane.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.chihuly.com/Data/Sites/2/ChihulyImages/HomePage/0004_MFABostonBoat_sml.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://www.chihuly.com/Data/Sites/2/ChihulyImages/HomePage/0004_MFABostonBoat_sml.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from www.chihuly.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got to the museum early and still had to wait in line when it opened. There were at least 10 people ahead of me waiting to buy tickets. As I have mentioned in an earlier post, I did a minor in glass blowing when I was at Parsons. I have a deep respect for glass blowers, as it is a craft that takes years to develop. In the two years that I studied glass, I only scratched the surface.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.chihuly.com/Data/Sites/2/PhotoDetail/2177_deYoung_TR_B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://www.chihuly.com/Data/Sites/2/PhotoDetail/2177_deYoung_TR_B.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from www.chihuly.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Within the glass world, Dale Chihuly is an artist that glass blowers love to hate. It could be his boisterous attitude, fame, or the fact that he has a legion of blowers who produce his work, that have created this stigma. However, when you get beyond the man, the work is beautiful - breathtakingly beautiful.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.chihuly.com/Data/Sites/2/PhotoDetail/CDOlympic2002_090_B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://www.chihuly.com/Data/Sites/2/PhotoDetail/CDOlympic2002_090_B.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from www.chihuly.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The museum is small and really well done. They don't allow photography, so I couldn't take any photos. The finishes used in the interior are rough wood, blued steel, and lustrous plaster walls, which create a fantastic backdrop to Chihuly's installations. I pulled the three photos above from Dale Chihuly's </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><a href="http://www.chihuly.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">site</span></a>.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The images are close to the installations shown in the museum.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The pieces are magnificent in life. The scale of the work is large and it makes the pieces dynamic. The colors are vibrant and he sometimes plays with texture. As I was following people through the museum, I could hear them gasp with joy as they rounded a corner and came across a new piece. It was fun! You feel like you are traveling through someone's dream, as you move through the museum, because the pieces are so surreal. I was able to make it through the museum and still make my flight with a little hussle. It was a great way to end my trip.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I highly recommend going to this museum if you find yourself in St. Petersburg, FL. If you can't make it to Florida, opening this week in Boston MA, at the Museum of Fine Arts, is <a href="http://www.mfa.org/exhibitions/chihuly"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Chihuly - Through the Looking Glass</span></a>. April 10th through August 7th 2011.</span>Annick Magachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955661042321362677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193064994022559884.post-76048475053340846302011-04-04T07:30:00.001-04:002011-04-04T07:30:02.232-04:00Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, FL<div style="text-align: center;"><object data="http://zappinternet.com/v/danPvuMpaX" height="331" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://zappinternet.com/v/danPvuMpaX" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /></object></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.zappinternet.com/video/danPvuMpaX/Un-chien-Andalou-1928"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Un Chien Andalou (1928)</span></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">In preparation for my trip to Florida, since I knew that I would be going to the <a href="http://thedali.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Salvador Dali Museum</span></a> in St. Petersburg, I downloaded <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Un_Chien_Andalou"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Un Chein Andalou</span></a> on <a href="http://movies.netflix.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">NetFlix</span></a>. I thought it would get me the mood for going to the museum. This movie, by Salvador Dali and Luis Bunuel, was thought to be shocking when it premiered in 1928. Seventy plus years later, and it still has an air of shock, humor, and the absurd.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9A89UNEdsSOnhmg34gLkVHwimmpZj5hagv7wJoQBDA1sP_wx9a01BjtNGByXmEuij_LIgAEGj8zD30AjlOIYfKFMtAUQLRHKMR2du_2DIqLMmprhFiKGodhi3saS-zONEWVDp7VaQVnS0/s1600/IMG_0224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9A89UNEdsSOnhmg34gLkVHwimmpZj5hagv7wJoQBDA1sP_wx9a01BjtNGByXmEuij_LIgAEGj8zD30AjlOIYfKFMtAUQLRHKMR2du_2DIqLMmprhFiKGodhi3saS-zONEWVDp7VaQVnS0/s320/IMG_0224.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been reading for several months about the opening of the new museum designed by <a href="http://www.hok.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">HOK</span></a>. It opened on January 11, 2011 at 11:11am.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhzHRhHftfuB2KXPeFkofS1NtOQZL75RaNhRXXTfgaSrfQ81elh2NX-P_xYL9OCIjOGRikx8K1czATJ_zr16QLSxH_PQE5X1F4Tn-UlI73DYgvc7_-_MeHWaDG5N6UBXOS1739e2qcKLn/s1600/IMG_0225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhzHRhHftfuB2KXPeFkofS1NtOQZL75RaNhRXXTfgaSrfQ81elh2NX-P_xYL9OCIjOGRikx8K1czATJ_zr16QLSxH_PQE5X1F4Tn-UlI73DYgvc7_-_MeHWaDG5N6UBXOS1739e2qcKLn/s320/IMG_0225.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since a business trip had me in the area, I drove there after going to see the <a href="http://boktowergardens.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">BOK Tower Gardens</span></a>. The building is striking in person. I walked around it and there are interesting views from every angle. They also did a good job of landscaping the grounds around the public space.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzRZ6ocPKyhxcSukH60clfrtKvdzBvw6_qyZZronl3rSPLM2uiJoRAFgzOMCNoSGtoSlvekvvYc3X_LhWtr-M2ZzFnNl3TCf95Prk68ii1o3376qg3haCrQxAk0E-0dQsjSBgNZHnfl-Ej/s1600/IMG_0223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzRZ6ocPKyhxcSukH60clfrtKvdzBvw6_qyZZronl3rSPLM2uiJoRAFgzOMCNoSGtoSlvekvvYc3X_LhWtr-M2ZzFnNl3TCf95Prk68ii1o3376qg3haCrQxAk0E-0dQsjSBgNZHnfl-Ej/s320/IMG_0223.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Costing a mere 28.5 million dollars (ha!), it took three years to construct. The juxtaposition between the concrete and glass makes sense in relation to Salvador Dali's work.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSusf2g5dZJeDnewomA-0cAIyMO2jSNnpG7Y5YDEzy7aNXhGsLu" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSusf2g5dZJeDnewomA-0cAIyMO2jSNnpG7Y5YDEzy7aNXhGsLu" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image via Google Images</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He often had these balances between hard lines and soft or melting images. I think he would have approved of the absurd placement of the bulbous glass forms.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSZ_-_OmC7gkgsmT93y0crtbqEjnTJ0ORSS52p7Nv6QdCQHjeXQuFRg2KWCwnTQudESwT9dCkyffBvGqnwD8gEL7Oyp-2BdRM21WxKPkPjuuwPRfMy5_LHGVB6TQEiKyqsmnhMiCkPPe0/s1600/IMG_0221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSZ_-_OmC7gkgsmT93y0crtbqEjnTJ0ORSS52p7Nv6QdCQHjeXQuFRg2KWCwnTQudESwT9dCkyffBvGqnwD8gEL7Oyp-2BdRM21WxKPkPjuuwPRfMy5_LHGVB6TQEiKyqsmnhMiCkPPe0/s320/IMG_0221.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the only photo I got from inside the museum. One of the guards hunted me down and told me no photos are allowed to be taken inside. While I really like the exterior of the building, I am disappointed with the interior. The stats list that the interior is 68,000 sq ft. It is hard to imagine that is the actual size. When you first walk in, you enter through the gift shop. It seems inappropriate. You think you are there to see art, but you immediately feel like the museum has nothing to do with art and only with pushing merchandise. Then, you have to battle your way through the store to get to the counter to buy your ticket, which costs $25.00! I know they have to pay for the museum somehow, but it felt over priced; especially when I discovered that the galleries were <i>only</i> on the top floor and <i>maybe</i> covered 20,000 sq ft.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was happy to see such a concentrated amount of Salvador Dali's work together. I have always been on the fence with his work. Sometimes I love it. Sometimes I hate it. What I did love about one of the galleries is that they showed his early work when he was a teenager. You got to see him trying out different genres and practicing his technique. It was tight connect to the large masterpieces he did later in life.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnu9BFRzy0aH6qrSXwBGnqHEK9dpljEY-Kot5f6eSPBh__EMO4ytp3oEWuwcf6hcaCrIfPPhhSSyKB7IqsVkx52F23Vm09TeEiQ_PSfEWtAc6VkJ3YoGywk8XHx9NUl63G7bEjHKkPKjr/s1600/IMG_0219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnu9BFRzy0aH6qrSXwBGnqHEK9dpljEY-Kot5f6eSPBh__EMO4ytp3oEWuwcf6hcaCrIfPPhhSSyKB7IqsVkx52F23Vm09TeEiQ_PSfEWtAc6VkJ3YoGywk8XHx9NUl63G7bEjHKkPKjr/s320/IMG_0219.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">There is a living wall installation on the way into and exiting the gift shop. I mean museum...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Overall, the building by <a href="http://www.hok.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">HOK</span></a> does stand up to the positive press it has received. How the museum is set up and run stands entirely aside from the structure, but does impact a visitor's experience with the building.</span></span></div>Annick Magachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955661042321362677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193064994022559884.post-33225329605402542012011-04-01T07:00:00.002-04:002011-05-03T18:23:27.416-04:00Blacksmithing Class Number Four<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94510BD3iY7VBgRERHtxlHNI61chxpMro1eSULW2mffJpgN46srgcxXZueFdK7bhgQgYxSdiYtPHV9vxACovCGxSgVUGrk_DJ1DD1U_d_6xXSC6EecmpydJNKnhZ-Hlaqz6L9pf3XP0hh/s1600/IMG_0194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94510BD3iY7VBgRERHtxlHNI61chxpMro1eSULW2mffJpgN46srgcxXZueFdK7bhgQgYxSdiYtPHV9vxACovCGxSgVUGrk_DJ1DD1U_d_6xXSC6EecmpydJNKnhZ-Hlaqz6L9pf3XP0hh/s320/IMG_0194.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that I am taking this blacksmithing class, I am noticing ironwork everywhere! This gate is at the <a href="http://boktowergardens.org/the-tower/tower-restoration-project/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">BOK Tower Gardens</span></a> in Lake Wales, FL. I visited the garden, recently, while in FL.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTEhZTaZVR91CUknwEMKZwR3VXDazssUx9qrUX0Jv-0P1Gr1lHQ8cM_9hYdz6bLKw_dWMVTS0E2rj5O7Q-1Dr_USCdS2L_retVViBxWUdC19rOc18ofC0eWQq-K0L3NUW6T51OUeCTw4Gm/s1600/IMG_0195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTEhZTaZVR91CUknwEMKZwR3VXDazssUx9qrUX0Jv-0P1Gr1lHQ8cM_9hYdz6bLKw_dWMVTS0E2rj5O7Q-1Dr_USCdS2L_retVViBxWUdC19rOc18ofC0eWQq-K0L3NUW6T51OUeCTw4Gm/s320/IMG_0195.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The gates were designed and built by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Yellin"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Samuel Yellin</span></a> from Philadelphia. His granddaughter, <a href="http://www.samuelyellin.com/today.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Claire Yellin</span></a>, still runs the business he started. The company does conservation, restoration and new work.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRHU_reJLaefLU-BN2TD5jsm_suzl14wutriskFF19ndznFexLCrYKgn5zeqq7FjrkFQwglFQ1bprt0COP1bGaLeQ-MvwyivA3H7CW8JonFVghGOsmyvlKlku-tW-G8UOc3m0RzpUm1q7/s1600/IMG_0196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRHU_reJLaefLU-BN2TD5jsm_suzl14wutriskFF19ndznFexLCrYKgn5zeqq7FjrkFQwglFQ1bprt0COP1bGaLeQ-MvwyivA3H7CW8JonFVghGOsmyvlKlku-tW-G8UOc3m0RzpUm1q7/s320/IMG_0196.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Detail of the latch. This is the notorious shot that almost got me bitten by a swan.</span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8tWDms0El_mWNIMWiULkfvIgcQs9IV5VLFbs1u13Ix1Vct0z2ln4ntjBWLAJ2nEWlhl_PiwEO6m4UMlrVT1Zy7i-DvdAlHn4BxqBzes91SzQHqnb3_h_Gjf8MkQFkCtS2BRHTC8EOGDR/s1600/IMG_0199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8tWDms0El_mWNIMWiULkfvIgcQs9IV5VLFbs1u13Ix1Vct0z2ln4ntjBWLAJ2nEWlhl_PiwEO6m4UMlrVT1Zy7i-DvdAlHn4BxqBzes91SzQHqnb3_h_Gjf8MkQFkCtS2BRHTC8EOGDR/s320/IMG_0199.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Detail of the end of one fence.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.samuelyellin.com/history/pictures/intofficesam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://www.samuelyellin.com/history/pictures/intofficesam.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mr. Yellin in his office. Photo via http://www.samuelyellin.com.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.samuelyellin.com/history/pictures/forgefloor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://www.samuelyellin.com/history/pictures/forgefloor.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yellin Forge Shop. Photo via http://www.samuelyellin.com.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">I love these old photos of people working in shops.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAzhYu5sHqgPEdxKNXvvIVtq6BUJyLjqt_m2MFEbLGXlaGhWFjIGdIXCKQ31ZfjnYer9YLJEdrcW4xWW7KyG4mVRhjbYmD0aSoVM8kD1R915SRzPZzagEFHkRsrF5evHQmiFNM2Olwyzp/s1600/IMG_0307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAzhYu5sHqgPEdxKNXvvIVtq6BUJyLjqt_m2MFEbLGXlaGhWFjIGdIXCKQ31ZfjnYer9YLJEdrcW4xWW7KyG4mVRhjbYmD0aSoVM8kD1R915SRzPZzagEFHkRsrF5evHQmiFNM2Olwyzp/s320/IMG_0307.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is what came out of my fourth class. I finished my Drive Hook! They were originally designed so that you could drive the point into mortar, such as a stone fireplace, and hang your pots and pans. Ironically, I have no fireplace. If I were to nail it into my drywall, my landlord would probably have a fit at the gapping hole I would leave when I moved out. So, I have been carrying around the hook in my pocketbook and whipping it out on a moments notice to show anyone who will listen to me. I'm awfully proud of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">my first true blacksmith product...</span>Annick Magachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955661042321362677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193064994022559884.post-78922156432519173132011-03-29T07:00:00.000-04:002011-03-29T07:00:08.322-04:00BOK Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, FL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfkoKBs5UyY3EpRJKeroV9juET6tEFmWk_em4Et1gmZ8zigTUi5PBCEGhW4jaTlGW2jSmgELGIUrEb7E24qseW7czYsKKjLVDGFumeKr8FPe1HgIydr_4GOXNEmZaZb-ZK3baI78QNMyJ/s1600/IMG_0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfkoKBs5UyY3EpRJKeroV9juET6tEFmWk_em4Et1gmZ8zigTUi5PBCEGhW4jaTlGW2jSmgELGIUrEb7E24qseW7czYsKKjLVDGFumeKr8FPe1HgIydr_4GOXNEmZaZb-ZK3baI78QNMyJ/s320/IMG_0187.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After leaving Daytona, I headed over to Lake Wales to visit <a href="http://boktowergardens.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">BOK Tower Gardens</span></a>. Located in central Florida, this <a href="http://www.nps.gov/history/nhl/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">National Historic Landmark</span></a> is definitely off the beaten path. Since I have a love of architecture and historic buildings, I was determined to visit this place before I left the state. I make a habit of visiting as much interesting architecture and landmarks as I can when I am traveling for work or pleasure. It is amazing how many landmarks exist in the USA and how many are in disrepair. Fortunately, BOK is listed as a National Historic Landmark and receives federal money to assist in the maintenance and upkeep of this beautiful tower and gardens.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKJ6y41-uLFpRmJczV7P3cOQf6GXl7qDlZ64XrrT39rYnp8lk2AN-k8rNwvvC5xge_EsBThG1Hl5m8hTaKNbHXetjVXCgf5ItPj6f0Bddi0bLMrQAtxUGyCUcp30MnGEDQPZC36qwenom/s1600/IMG_0192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKJ6y41-uLFpRmJczV7P3cOQf6GXl7qDlZ64XrrT39rYnp8lk2AN-k8rNwvvC5xge_EsBThG1Hl5m8hTaKNbHXetjVXCgf5ItPj6f0Bddi0bLMrQAtxUGyCUcp30MnGEDQPZC36qwenom/s320/IMG_0192.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BOK Tower was conceived by <a href="http://boktowergardens.org/about/edward-bok/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Edward Bok</span></a>, a Dutch born American, who was a wildly successful editor and Pulitzer Prize winning author. He built the Singing Tower in 1929 to give back to the people of America. To read more about Bok, click <a href="http://boktowergardens.org/about/edward-bok/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">here</span></a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_W._Bok"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">here</span></a>.</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfkoKBs5UyY3EpRJKeroV9juET6tEFmWk_em4Et1gmZ8zigTUi5PBCEGhW4jaTlGW2jSmgELGIUrEb7E24qseW7czYsKKjLVDGFumeKr8FPe1HgIydr_4GOXNEmZaZb-ZK3baI78QNMyJ/s1600/IMG_0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYZiyuuyKhWAKEKwm50CXU9ypiTiBQshWB0QqO5yXi_bYjpeOU36yl5CLhVCO7baqhb6BF4uirUXoafh5tgoFuyzvLySQFcg9vTDtFo78adYKwHCPBfadW6oCBwrGr_Vv35uffkDfr-_B/s1600/IMG_0206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYZiyuuyKhWAKEKwm50CXU9ypiTiBQshWB0QqO5yXi_bYjpeOU36yl5CLhVCO7baqhb6BF4uirUXoafh5tgoFuyzvLySQFcg9vTDtFo78adYKwHCPBfadW6oCBwrGr_Vv35uffkDfr-_B/s320/IMG_0206.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Singing Tower was designed by architect <a href="http://boktowergardens.org/the-tower/tower-restoration-project/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Milton B. Medary</span></a> and made to house a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carillon"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Carillon</span></a>. The gardens surrounding the Tower were designed by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Law_Olmsted,_Jr."><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Frederick Law Olmstead Jr</span></a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQaBw00pQ-l3bygzyYIVyUxOC0rzmnekBfj5k6wDw9DGxKQyLH05XW3tXxTR4VcdILpeP9GtICiZMMm5AuFIkFcb6pY6_XSoogjjnItsZ9Qbv7gwaCVQ_8WxbPrIJDMKFzunEyLlNCECj/s1600/IMG_0143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQaBw00pQ-l3bygzyYIVyUxOC0rzmnekBfj5k6wDw9DGxKQyLH05XW3tXxTR4VcdILpeP9GtICiZMMm5AuFIkFcb6pY6_XSoogjjnItsZ9Qbv7gwaCVQ_8WxbPrIJDMKFzunEyLlNCECj/s320/IMG_0143.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was an air plant exhibit at the gardens. They strung the plants with wire which made them look like they were floating in air. It looked really dynamic in person.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVuGHbA9QHcAkVY5YmAE3KlZ8S54ZG4UKRQ98CINqV_RYYI4xF7Qu2XvdUqqGzsimzFgP3mLO-FOuwZPs-4xD_kQTt5-FBFz8VbCzJrJw2F5aZsQ8tnDwEl0VStZ-eeJWT4RptvLw8Wpwn/s1600/IMG_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVuGHbA9QHcAkVY5YmAE3KlZ8S54ZG4UKRQ98CINqV_RYYI4xF7Qu2XvdUqqGzsimzFgP3mLO-FOuwZPs-4xD_kQTt5-FBFz8VbCzJrJw2F5aZsQ8tnDwEl0VStZ-eeJWT4RptvLw8Wpwn/s320/IMG_0144.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A section of the visitor center had a path where stones were set into concrete on end. The stones were sticking up about 3/4" from the concrete. It created a neat visual rhythm and felt good beneath the feet. If I had been barefoot, I might have felt differently about it.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyI_nrebBv9ZPUx9I9kH2P8cObCd_Ci7KGeotoEwwTXVYZoFC4zktnA9I5SsNPsSOBfV1UaKM0JxgI-2afoZAU6E3DZ75G8pvkgrRf5JcFSq2z1nQpO7F45jQ2x2uPnBoVGDhmhUxQuHVA/s1600/IMG_0163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyI_nrebBv9ZPUx9I9kH2P8cObCd_Ci7KGeotoEwwTXVYZoFC4zktnA9I5SsNPsSOBfV1UaKM0JxgI-2afoZAU6E3DZ75G8pvkgrRf5JcFSq2z1nQpO7F45jQ2x2uPnBoVGDhmhUxQuHVA/s320/IMG_0163.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Attached to the Tower and gardens is the <a href="http://boktowergardens.org/about/pinewood-estate/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Pinewood Estate</span></a>. I took a tour of the house and the kitchen had this great overflow design in the kitchen sink. </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPK7vn4RYaOumDwtUSFWCgP_0ERNlX4RDzlsdiXAQBq7qDdwFBQuJspag8JrAF5Q2W0Sq6MKM5HuOPM9FjjHPSLAuIufTDhp2T4haUQETTr_hN9C2TnuogRlzZWSsPorNC01aRN8jX_5x/s1600/IMG_0174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPK7vn4RYaOumDwtUSFWCgP_0ERNlX4RDzlsdiXAQBq7qDdwFBQuJspag8JrAF5Q2W0Sq6MKM5HuOPM9FjjHPSLAuIufTDhp2T4haUQETTr_hN9C2TnuogRlzZWSsPorNC01aRN8jX_5x/s320/IMG_0174.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Outside the house.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpvymUOH5WRvsTHRS83NFFCbNAVC6Gl1jPelLi0m2DV6HKrRWoov2aX1D3tIUIa6OICm_P3qHv0u0groXa8kSXoZFQlf1EyrfZKaF4XfPAbpmF59cA8U1en_HsE-sZevE4JGywLl2BEEX/s1600/IMG_0176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpvymUOH5WRvsTHRS83NFFCbNAVC6Gl1jPelLi0m2DV6HKrRWoov2aX1D3tIUIa6OICm_P3qHv0u0groXa8kSXoZFQlf1EyrfZKaF4XfPAbpmF59cA8U1en_HsE-sZevE4JGywLl2BEEX/s320/IMG_0176.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tile fountain in the courtyard.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYEug8NzVrYaaC_B552i_OyTQZuDUbt4cBFC7LUU8UdMmKMNt0gYqKxyc2BL7kTqx9HbmnmaySG1qliCbfZSd1fOjFA2EMd5adF_4NPwaXOxNrdEgzG2jIdJ0XI4VH6auO7SC0u9y-DJ7/s1600/IMG_0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYEug8NzVrYaaC_B552i_OyTQZuDUbt4cBFC7LUU8UdMmKMNt0gYqKxyc2BL7kTqx9HbmnmaySG1qliCbfZSd1fOjFA2EMd5adF_4NPwaXOxNrdEgzG2jIdJ0XI4VH6auO7SC0u9y-DJ7/s320/IMG_0180.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Walled garden attached to the dining room of the house.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4ql9gzE0cqtqvV6P428VOOUVctYY8nqQdLWoy98S17zJKTzo00FzYd5vmYDrNivJ9uhN0XFMlGQIPBGe6TpxtV4luivO6w9KYJMRuPifdYpNaXDr5kt4ZrZSeXquulICaEAmMUvox_yQ/s1600/IMG_0181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4ql9gzE0cqtqvV6P428VOOUVctYY8nqQdLWoy98S17zJKTzo00FzYd5vmYDrNivJ9uhN0XFMlGQIPBGe6TpxtV4luivO6w9KYJMRuPifdYpNaXDr5kt4ZrZSeXquulICaEAmMUvox_yQ/s320/IMG_0181.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Beautiful blooms while walking the grounds.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oayKrHa45cLDW8VGo3n8V9XFgLaPWbObUgP5Wy7xlnNV8wBU45hQJOnFRbjEsomqmDw2mM48h_J1vrwGOxlDRcJY2uUWLt_TdEjFeUc8cFJjxcuNC0fpP5a99TBvZ5JVW-RCkAEf9oIs/s1600/IMG_0182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oayKrHa45cLDW8VGo3n8V9XFgLaPWbObUgP5Wy7xlnNV8wBU45hQJOnFRbjEsomqmDw2mM48h_J1vrwGOxlDRcJY2uUWLt_TdEjFeUc8cFJjxcuNC0fpP5a99TBvZ5JVW-RCkAEf9oIs/s320/IMG_0182.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is Florida without some oranges?!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2Dw7uTp6-0dWx8nLB6gyjAIEmUyOSjhCsHhdXo7vT2nYAN7IQ3Bj6N_-1tAIibfRYa7zfFHW0VBWAXvBXoeow131MxKKmrdPXRFpthOcV70JWes5EcLG2kIzVDa1FgKbmQRhbI6fi5vB/s1600/IMG_0185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2Dw7uTp6-0dWx8nLB6gyjAIEmUyOSjhCsHhdXo7vT2nYAN7IQ3Bj6N_-1tAIibfRYa7zfFHW0VBWAXvBXoeow131MxKKmrdPXRFpthOcV70JWes5EcLG2kIzVDa1FgKbmQRhbI6fi5vB/s320/IMG_0185.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Throughout the gardens are these rubbing stands. You place paper over the tiles and rub the image onto it. It's a fun detail to find throughout a walk of the gardens.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXshckTI_zMN2XEP-n1cK6thqWvBlQujAIo81UNGQWSDrZW4HKTXKLp5yOITyPKrottd7p4pTiqETQJJ21FetOL7v_UIomNU1SJTDEQJPtlAoU36xWS-I1d2L6NE-THtkD1vr8TUNIfzAS/s320/IMG_0186.JPG" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This view shows the typical English landscape style of the <a href="http://www.olmsted.org/ht/d/sp/i/1165/pid/1165"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Olmsteads</span></a>. However, to see it with South East trees and plantings makes it very different then the typical North East ones I am used to seeing, like the one below.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTzoSviroLeRIOsX1Jr6167PLXPjO1xJ1wiO2IO5yz8dc22S_67Ag" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTzoSviroLeRIOsX1Jr6167PLXPjO1xJ1wiO2IO5yz8dc22S_67Ag" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boston Public Garden photo via http://www.imaginativeamerica.com/tag/parks/</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGgfE1pIaYy73HKpgTN22lk13JAXwOao4nZsZTbHzMTMegPtwKV7-HEN9S1WRRNffpXl6kjEmPxWNF0IDHzqhvyr_RwL4h2qrMGDysb7E_K5DIhXgn-yG1L_DlmxCvRIWiiiL7BJbTPv-/s1600/IMG_0205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGgfE1pIaYy73HKpgTN22lk13JAXwOao4nZsZTbHzMTMegPtwKV7-HEN9S1WRRNffpXl6kjEmPxWNF0IDHzqhvyr_RwL4h2qrMGDysb7E_K5DIhXgn-yG1L_DlmxCvRIWiiiL7BJbTPv-/s320/IMG_0205.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And finally, here is a picture of one of the swans that tried to bite me while I was taking pictures of the Tower. Aggressive little suckers... Just as I yelped and jumped back from the blaring teeth of this bird, a group of white hairs exploded in laughter. Have I mentioned that when I go to visit these historic places, I am the youngest by about 40 years?! They're lucky my parents raised me to respect my elders or their canes would be floating in the water here....</span></div>Annick Magachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955661042321362677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193064994022559884.post-77239024977533657762011-03-27T12:37:00.001-04:002011-05-05T20:15:20.553-04:00Bike Week at Daytona, FL 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHlqVoQg5X-lBH5YSr3TuSbz3W8aY7vmgNq_vCEJN9ynhNj7ojo6Nw5TQeoxLbjqxjXNcFcoYxq396E4_cN-2StZtCdMDcNOF1WweXC9IUnGmhLxNBMgSZpfNrxprRev2ym2vnM-c30h4/s1600/IMG_0137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHlqVoQg5X-lBH5YSr3TuSbz3W8aY7vmgNq_vCEJN9ynhNj7ojo6Nw5TQeoxLbjqxjXNcFcoYxq396E4_cN-2StZtCdMDcNOF1WweXC9IUnGmhLxNBMgSZpfNrxprRev2ym2vnM-c30h4/s320/IMG_0137.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I happened to be in Tampa, FL for business the same week my boyfriend and a group of friends were in Daytona, FL for Bike Week. Once I was done with work, I picked up a rental car and headed northeast to Daytona. I drove straight to the track, <a href="http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/?homepage=true"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Daytona International Speedway</span></a>, to see our friend <a href="http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/504/9459/Motorcycle-Article/2011-Daytona-Flat-Track-II-Results.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Jake Quick</span></a> compete in Flat Track.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsP4kYUPXERZhtepaYG15ly3NZGnGROXL44cP3fK1WTuWBcrLvhi3kaQm-F0RwCWlng0FNadTwyCej-0c72_X0w-ZA2l13AabRWIqGzUUVxQruU9WG7JZECLD8DA_HwDCVcItMsb5_Zc8/s1600/IMG_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsP4kYUPXERZhtepaYG15ly3NZGnGROXL44cP3fK1WTuWBcrLvhi3kaQm-F0RwCWlng0FNadTwyCej-0c72_X0w-ZA2l13AabRWIqGzUUVxQruU9WG7JZECLD8DA_HwDCVcItMsb5_Zc8/s320/IMG_0059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the first night of racing, Jake was feeling out the bike. In the AMA Pro Singles Finale, the next night, he took 4th place and had the 5th fastest lap out of 59 people during the day! I should also mention that Mr. Quick, so aptly named, is also 17. It is going to be a good season for him.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0LuSzY4I_muQeyYyriNexppktxJlaB-MHmAliZ_1zJAxjFQ4IQYXzn1QQzJa712hNHHIBsV9XJIh2kTa-kU3CWtVQ7dHn5qJEtTJsixVGuiliD0hukUaJnBZTnrdVBVEtoRF9Ker_6bR/s1600/IMG_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0LuSzY4I_muQeyYyriNexppktxJlaB-MHmAliZ_1zJAxjFQ4IQYXzn1QQzJa712hNHHIBsV9XJIh2kTa-kU3CWtVQ7dHn5qJEtTJsixVGuiliD0hukUaJnBZTnrdVBVEtoRF9Ker_6bR/s320/IMG_0087.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flat Track is super exciting to watch in person. Its loud, dusty, brightly colored and brings a range of spectators that are a hoot to people watch. Most people think Bike Week is all about booze and Harleys. While there is that aspect, there is a whole other side of it that is about racing, exotic bikes, riding, and sunshine.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_vlWzS15uZRqCyhOU64IPBRhIgFiQa3x9lj2Yd6WqDcRjpbgqwsFl22W64SeZXoIAnttAAk6FLKrPJhe6RmdXtxk4gUxz3TTB9FfC2NrFO4xNQZcLbOqNEF2k_1jnF3xybgG7JCIVt_m/s1600/IMG_0105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_vlWzS15uZRqCyhOU64IPBRhIgFiQa3x9lj2Yd6WqDcRjpbgqwsFl22W64SeZXoIAnttAAk6FLKrPJhe6RmdXtxk4gUxz3TTB9FfC2NrFO4xNQZcLbOqNEF2k_1jnF3xybgG7JCIVt_m/s320/IMG_0105.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We went for a ride on Friday and ended up in this town called Cassadaga. It is a mecca for healers of all different types. I thought I might run into someone who would tell me some beautiful insight into my life. Alas, there weren't many people around that day. Only one old guy who muttered under his breath as he walked by the motorcycles, "Damn killers...".<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVUsX22kFYd5dEhKdB0s5uztuN4sP_Pc5kH0JBGZDG5AB182-9HeD5BJ7awVFW348OVsDgZSm3OKg0gHYeQdWpHAwYC04RLMduRDuwI2XJ5GGiOXmmBu3Z-vg0DxSfi5znCvyxg2xPulR/s1600/IMG_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVUsX22kFYd5dEhKdB0s5uztuN4sP_Pc5kH0JBGZDG5AB182-9HeD5BJ7awVFW348OVsDgZSm3OKg0gHYeQdWpHAwYC04RLMduRDuwI2XJ5GGiOXmmBu3Z-vg0DxSfi5znCvyxg2xPulR/s320/IMG_0110.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taking a break...<br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdpBVO0cMxf64-BbB1OOjEH4v9EuTSTP5N6HoMAmYD8uGxhrJyCZYLnTe1-EWBHMMSepLlN4ep3PfRNJ2UGfqz-wqhAvUr1GD23YZH9BymM11qg2iAw143waRHmje0zFnW6WpHtwVUvHU/s1600/IMG_0131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdpBVO0cMxf64-BbB1OOjEH4v9EuTSTP5N6HoMAmYD8uGxhrJyCZYLnTe1-EWBHMMSepLlN4ep3PfRNJ2UGfqz-wqhAvUr1GD23YZH9BymM11qg2iAw143waRHmje0zFnW6WpHtwVUvHU/s320/IMG_0131.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We ended up riding to Blue Spring State Park that had Manatees! I have never seen one in person before. They are awkward looking and graceful at the same time. Sadly, you can see the scars on their backs from boat propellers which are the number one cause of their death in FL.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrksyucylKX094rbWBe1lVHoceb2R3xbqoPzJ6Hssa8FtM82L3Y3xhjGg20NFegrAvuvrZ61uG1eoUbHz6TQ5G2tCpM45cTj_1p6CyEDCTUouy4yEZeKXrOlsH2M8ifxrl0bTXdsVRZZs/s1600/IMG_0132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrksyucylKX094rbWBe1lVHoceb2R3xbqoPzJ6Hssa8FtM82L3Y3xhjGg20NFegrAvuvrZ61uG1eoUbHz6TQ5G2tCpM45cTj_1p6CyEDCTUouy4yEZeKXrOlsH2M8ifxrl0bTXdsVRZZs/s320/IMG_0132.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we were walking through the park, we also came across this armadillo. It was fun to watch him foraging for food. Being from the North East, it is a real novelty to see armadillos. So, you see... us Bike Week people... we also do other things besides party like animals and you probably will never catch us on Harleys!</span></div>Annick Magachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955661042321362677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193064994022559884.post-28914800913514429792011-03-22T19:20:00.001-04:002011-05-03T18:23:49.476-04:00Blacksmithing Class Number Three<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0s-zUOlnRVsrRTh1TSyIFLQBcdCtq4d0-HejV1aAhOXESlpM9KjzS_AVQLLiB8rh9gcH7dqSREfQySVsahYGHVwrfuQbi6a-lKhMq9B2h4stpQ3g3LAt4uqi5_laByIp0whUFf_G6mQu/s1600/IMG_0246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0s-zUOlnRVsrRTh1TSyIFLQBcdCtq4d0-HejV1aAhOXESlpM9KjzS_AVQLLiB8rh9gcH7dqSREfQySVsahYGHVwrfuQbi6a-lKhMq9B2h4stpQ3g3LAt4uqi5_laByIp0whUFf_G6mQu/s320/IMG_0246.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although no one posted a comment, many people asked to see my finished project that I had forgotten to take a photo of at the end of Class Number Two. SO,..... Here it is!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0jjhGwtnCwbBYXd0CALUxYa7DK4CxlaC-zGNuwhRJR3bbzcqgsHNQE8XVaZpQvcoGJf18SH0JfU_ul_lB8Ix9wz7XwD7_2js6NmCrp3T3aZ5TM3FwXko9DEIZopseK96dX82A7NOvW0s/s1600/IMG_0249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0jjhGwtnCwbBYXd0CALUxYa7DK4CxlaC-zGNuwhRJR3bbzcqgsHNQE8XVaZpQvcoGJf18SH0JfU_ul_lB8Ix9wz7XwD7_2js6NmCrp3T3aZ5TM3FwXko9DEIZopseK96dX82A7NOvW0s/s320/IMG_0249.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It may not be very exciting to the casual observer, but I am very proud of it! I am making progress in understanding the basics of smithing. The object was to take two horseshoes, straighten them out, fold one horseshoe over the other and weld them together, and then draw the metal out to the original thickness of one horseshoe. The project makes you work on straightening, welding, moving metal, and forging a taper. The close up picture shows the left side is welded and how it moves to showing the three layers of metal; proof that it isn't one piece of metal!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRKP_kBlNIyI6-ZT8m10DfhSPXnAExZI-hIQuvMYwQFAxK8cC38QDdDZAbKwUq_e7jdUOECWudGn_0EIayF_Oa2etiaUhoyMSxli7d8EVxBXmR8dZJDJbEBmP7eKYQCDHbytcSuBd7lYo/s1600/IMG_0230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRKP_kBlNIyI6-ZT8m10DfhSPXnAExZI-hIQuvMYwQFAxK8cC38QDdDZAbKwUq_e7jdUOECWudGn_0EIayF_Oa2etiaUhoyMSxli7d8EVxBXmR8dZJDJbEBmP7eKYQCDHbytcSuBd7lYo/s320/IMG_0230.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Class Number Three, we spent the first part going over tools in the shop. The tool above is called a power hammer. Instead of hammering a piece by hand, a person brings it over to this machine and with a foot pedal controls a 'hammer head' that drops down to sandwich your metal between the head and a surface. Its loud, dangerous, archaic, and very cool. Plus, it keeps you from getting tired from hammering.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJxs0DnMWtxGiCPDuFO-QdhpTUDPEtZlrFzg_Q25dwFKGx7x1n23j-if0LCjkhxnGbeYtqqPbSTF5mutjF7hK3EUq5rPuE6okw-axyTLb_PAG3VLwPOJxehB77hxP9w2srkvgNG45R4j_/s1600/IMG_0232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJxs0DnMWtxGiCPDuFO-QdhpTUDPEtZlrFzg_Q25dwFKGx7x1n23j-if0LCjkhxnGbeYtqqPbSTF5mutjF7hK3EUq5rPuE6okw-axyTLb_PAG3VLwPOJxehB77hxP9w2srkvgNG45R4j_/s320/IMG_0232.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This tool is called a Screw Press. Its a little hard to see from the photo, but on the table surface you set dies, place your metal across it, then turn the screw handle up top. As the top portion compresses against the table it forms your metal into shapes. You can create waves, hard angles, divets in plate, etc.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUBJF4GcnAfpigsvaCa30VpyQ_722MVuyJI_LQdtcEFWdgPciZ0vniDiMTFV8qnmBECP1sLsM5z8NT2WDU_izxaSfDb9Yav8SEG98bjQ02UCZNXeHRy-RXqSBuSSWtsd6pEmCWS3JDKlD/s1600/IMG_0238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUBJF4GcnAfpigsvaCa30VpyQ_722MVuyJI_LQdtcEFWdgPciZ0vniDiMTFV8qnmBECP1sLsM5z8NT2WDU_izxaSfDb9Yav8SEG98bjQ02UCZNXeHRy-RXqSBuSSWtsd6pEmCWS3JDKlD/s320/IMG_0238.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We also went over anvils. Who knew there were so many different types? Italian pattern, London pattern,... I can only imagine a bad joke starting as, there was an Italian, an Englishman, and a Frenchman standing around a blacksmith shop... (I don't know where that goes. I need my friend <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Idiots-Guide-Woodworking-Karen/dp/0028632370"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Reed Karen</span></a> around to tell me the punch line! He is the ultimate joke teller and also a super talented woodworker/designer.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAyApzgQihxZRS3qp2qB5fQwQc-VMaUH7pla22Gw4CjOtBKEdA62Kbzle_M2jiKyMWxHNcTcIEqOjRDJ_7lsKEByCxWp4P9HRKFZXgrsfAhcZhDE6VmljHKN7VxOZPEtNCsABbQHUyb2g/s1600/IMG_0242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAyApzgQihxZRS3qp2qB5fQwQc-VMaUH7pla22Gw4CjOtBKEdA62Kbzle_M2jiKyMWxHNcTcIEqOjRDJ_7lsKEByCxWp4P9HRKFZXgrsfAhcZhDE6VmljHKN7VxOZPEtNCsABbQHUyb2g/s320/IMG_0242.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The second half of the class we started to make a drive hook. This piece started off as a piece of 1/4" round stock. I beat it into square stock and formed the right angle. While this looks pretty simple, it is quite tricky to get a right angle. The hook portion also is shaped into a taper on all four sides, which is hard to see in the photograph. I cannot wait to finish this piece.</span></div>Annick Magachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955661042321362677noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193064994022559884.post-55305130114888679052011-03-11T08:00:00.002-05:002011-05-03T18:24:21.106-04:00Blacksmithing Class Number Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xOhsjqmjdXf3tbwGW-FDhT2yi7xLLwM4F3TuY24lGEUZEdQK_cXdeaS0HrB-gtIbWbP1OkiXasoZOzWo4cbcxT3AnTBG1J5juFLBSqoZb8W6ClEHB6IcDvtDO73la6gCJdKZ6W50IX8I/s1600/IMG_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xOhsjqmjdXf3tbwGW-FDhT2yi7xLLwM4F3TuY24lGEUZEdQK_cXdeaS0HrB-gtIbWbP1OkiXasoZOzWo4cbcxT3AnTBG1J5juFLBSqoZb8W6ClEHB6IcDvtDO73la6gCJdKZ6W50IX8I/s320/IMG_0023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because I will be traveling for work, I was going to miss my second blacksmith class. Luckily my instructor, Jonathan Nebor, let me come in over the weekend and he gave me a private lesson, so I won't be behind in class when I return. Again, it was AWESOME!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFLjgmSTAPXDiziMyv7rSrUSyt6CgwB59YKPJHY7KH26U7idrW2NJ_KU_M0lybSiqqjWTba7RiAJ12_VLHBsUhqJVekJ88VXjAMsaZcIrqRWml74RwkVgbYLhLKNK786Gid5rtFLKCO5k/s1600/IMG_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFLjgmSTAPXDiziMyv7rSrUSyt6CgwB59YKPJHY7KH26U7idrW2NJ_KU_M0lybSiqqjWTba7RiAJ12_VLHBsUhqJVekJ88VXjAMsaZcIrqRWml74RwkVgbYLhLKNK786Gid5rtFLKCO5k/s320/IMG_0024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I continued to work on the horseshoe project. I tried to build my own fire and set up the chimney. I then worked on forging and learned how to weld with flux. Welding through a fire is very different then welding with a machine, like TIG welding. The principle is the same between the different methods. Welding is bringing different pieces of metal together to become one piece.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIRQun-2PlCpqHpZsiYji33sYygLlB2J96iKSP8mtdXVcvWikjKuR88M8wc8wsM8_7YSEib49AOg77XubUBpHK9gk2qks4jniP4XmNOyqAjumDTNu1NME4mGcce75NeGNaAocxwvvuiX-/s1600/IMG_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIRQun-2PlCpqHpZsiYji33sYygLlB2J96iKSP8mtdXVcvWikjKuR88M8wc8wsM8_7YSEib49AOg77XubUBpHK9gk2qks4jniP4XmNOyqAjumDTNu1NME4mGcce75NeGNaAocxwvvuiX-/s320/IMG_0025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I kept laying the hammer down in the wrong direction on the anvil. The brush is to take the scale off when finishing a piece. It was really nice to be able to work by myself at the fire. I felt like I had the time to try different ways of holding the piece and working the metal. Jonathan is a great teacher. He knows how to give instruction and then to back off so you can take your time to absorb the information and try it out.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bgas3s_ufr_2XhoTkmwCPie-6cnT5RsWccW7RpsjAcSRr46pn2OmS6KGCBuYMvZ_gFhwyvn9nWaaKpq16zr7BMw4YvZGZPgh0Ee3BW7FJRcXzfbb_jRE4xPL_utOo9S1RL77kpARKdYk/s1600/IMG_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bgas3s_ufr_2XhoTkmwCPie-6cnT5RsWccW7RpsjAcSRr46pn2OmS6KGCBuYMvZ_gFhwyvn9nWaaKpq16zr7BMw4YvZGZPgh0Ee3BW7FJRcXzfbb_jRE4xPL_utOo9S1RL77kpARKdYk/s320/IMG_0026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got to throw some big sparks, which was exciting. I need to work on the positioning of my body in relation to the anvil and piece. I kept standing too far from the work and not having enough leverage to hammer properly. Because I am a small person, I have to be especially cognizant of where I am working so I don't have to do extra work to make a piece or tire my muscles out. I finished my project and forgot to take a photo of it! I did get some nice shots of Jonathan's shop.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8TIb-MrijYbJ_49Sww3WQBSx71USnUG5Vh6CDf2XkJbsq7iY9PjjgP_szrH88_5tw_ot4Z8ZWVS1euMDuAyoO-oHi9gOoAZDyPFVmpsVmTDE-GS3JlE_WXNa_7KUJZQJlrZXkzPJEv9CV/s1600/IMG_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8TIb-MrijYbJ_49Sww3WQBSx71USnUG5Vh6CDf2XkJbsq7iY9PjjgP_szrH88_5tw_ot4Z8ZWVS1euMDuAyoO-oHi9gOoAZDyPFVmpsVmTDE-GS3JlE_WXNa_7KUJZQJlrZXkzPJEv9CV/s320/IMG_0027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span>Annick Magachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955661042321362677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193064994022559884.post-50154424283077507932011-03-09T07:36:00.001-05:002011-03-09T07:36:00.576-05:00One Forty Three Blog Post On DIY Potence Lamp<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://onefortythree.com/home/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/lamp-finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://onefortythree.com/home/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/lamp-finished.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by One Forty Three</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://onefortythree.com/home/?p=445"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">One Forty Three</span></a> posted on their DIY version of Jean Prouve's Potence Lamp. I like their interpretation of the original design, shown below.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRNyGwESDVh9TmqdvA3mK0VdyXLdCvJW0kZ2iQkrVAT-whfwquPVQ" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRNyGwESDVh9TmqdvA3mK0VdyXLdCvJW0kZ2iQkrVAT-whfwquPVQ" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image found on Google Images</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://onefortythree.com/home/?p=689"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">One Forty Three</span></a> did a second post where they played with their design/interpretation.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://onefortythree.com/home/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/3-lamps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://onefortythree.com/home/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/3-lamps.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by One Forty Three</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am really liking the white version. I think the proportions are better then the other two. I would like to see the angle of the top bend to the bulb be a little tighter. It's a tic too doughy in relation to the other bends in the piece. One Forty Three did a great job of pulling these lights together. Now, they should think about putting these up for sale! </span>Annick Magachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955661042321362677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193064994022559884.post-29777087106247727112011-03-06T18:59:00.000-05:002011-03-06T18:59:09.757-05:00My Sister's Birthday Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHCm7GHfT-cwg0y8coBT72x9j7eS0jJEaMc6siNKB4gwaFEN3vTFiOwNT6cbiSO6qmN9y9Zs2DkyhOyvCmA-wAPxd5xqcLK1tHajMg1-QjXnqN2B8PbEi_d4mGAKLZtw1BGFbZe5P1PSW/s1600/DSC00601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHCm7GHfT-cwg0y8coBT72x9j7eS0jJEaMc6siNKB4gwaFEN3vTFiOwNT6cbiSO6qmN9y9Zs2DkyhOyvCmA-wAPxd5xqcLK1tHajMg1-QjXnqN2B8PbEi_d4mGAKLZtw1BGFbZe5P1PSW/s320/DSC00601.JPG" width="234" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For one of my sister's monumental birthdays, and since a lady never discloses her age we'll leave it at that, my family threw her a surprise party. I have to say, we did a damn good job! My sister was about as surprised as one can get and it was a pleasure to see her so happy and surrounded by so many great friends.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was in charge of the cake and it took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do. My sister and I have always loved this cake by Martha Stewart, so I decided to use it as my inspiration.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/weddings/2006Q1/wa102009_spr06_cake01_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/weddings/2006Q1/wa102009_spr06_cake01_l.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gail Watson cake for Martha Stewart</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really like how the flowers are grouped together at the top and fan out as they proceed down the tiers. I decided I did not want to cover her cake in fondant and made a chocolate buttercream icing. I also decided to play with the overall shape of the cake and used these oval pans.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06qfc0wNTPg459GdHfcVXfIkL-aCsF4HAUUZIwxXSO_bCmTUiyJXac80sr3eoSebPGL3tYCP2tovqRlaXFjf3yCD6IaKkeljzBK47ZW-UP-9nw7KLCEvcq0ccegjdSFleB_CE8d3uyRTr/s1600/DSC00559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06qfc0wNTPg459GdHfcVXfIkL-aCsF4HAUUZIwxXSO_bCmTUiyJXac80sr3eoSebPGL3tYCP2tovqRlaXFjf3yCD6IaKkeljzBK47ZW-UP-9nw7KLCEvcq0ccegjdSFleB_CE8d3uyRTr/s320/DSC00559.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The cake was eight layers tall and measured about one foot in height! It is hard to tell from the top photo what the actual size is because of the angle of the shot, but it looked impressive in person.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06qfc0wNTPg459GdHfcVXfIkL-aCsF4HAUUZIwxXSO_bCmTUiyJXac80sr3eoSebPGL3tYCP2tovqRlaXFjf3yCD6IaKkeljzBK47ZW-UP-9nw7KLCEvcq0ccegjdSFleB_CE8d3uyRTr/s1600/DSC00559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tqHGX9SzlZSsGde3vBHO3WQ5HSdqD9KZKE_xf89N9gSZQOuBYg8_5p5-g151qPzcz0xmvlfmwhJJ3uILlCKbT9Ewd38v6281BCrk2GsYtK9WZihcpllGwdQZTiE4PVmGCszdQq54hKQS/s1600/DSC00555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tqHGX9SzlZSsGde3vBHO3WQ5HSdqD9KZKE_xf89N9gSZQOuBYg8_5p5-g151qPzcz0xmvlfmwhJJ3uILlCKbT9Ewd38v6281BCrk2GsYtK9WZihcpllGwdQZTiE4PVmGCszdQq54hKQS/s320/DSC00555.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For color inspiration, I used this bouquet of zinnias I picked and placed in my beloved <a href="http://www.missmegoliver.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Meg Oliver</span></a> ceramic vase. I piped the mum shapes out of royal icing and made about 100. This is a great thing to do while watching TV or listening to a pod cast. It took me several nights to finish them. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overall, the cake was a success. My sister loved it and everyone enjoyed eating it. What more can a lady ask for!</span></div>Annick Magachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955661042321362677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193064994022559884.post-47102373005885174182011-03-01T22:28:00.005-05:002011-05-03T18:24:39.298-04:00Intro to Blacksmithing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCjv59muUUoTD7vTLC_BFotjnDOznPFvgbk1kE1JTs7RbSsJZ7_31npyi_LaPygmlCweXwcLcucePfJRYEM1NE4MKDGqj3CV6estxK3YEBgvv510JPonfRCzWxoZemRaSoF0XNZpm3ASq/s1600/IMG_1127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCjv59muUUoTD7vTLC_BFotjnDOznPFvgbk1kE1JTs7RbSsJZ7_31npyi_LaPygmlCweXwcLcucePfJRYEM1NE4MKDGqj3CV6estxK3YEBgvv510JPonfRCzWxoZemRaSoF0XNZpm3ASq/s320/IMG_1127.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last night was my first blacksmithing class and it was AWESOME! The class is being taught by Jonathan Nedbor of Canal Forge who has 35 + years as a blacksmith. There are only six people in the class, including me, so the student to teacher ratio is perfect. The students range from 14 to 70 in age. Its a nice mix of personalities. Jonathan has a great shop, albeit dusty. It ends up that as you heat the metal and then it cools, it can shed a scale that turns to dust when you strike it with a hammer. Everywhere you look within the shop, there is an interesting tool or project. I'm really looking forward to figuring out what some of the odd shaped tools and machines do.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsh3SeM89iDleF9RfItG4Obho_HIRPEabhkqETh_6_bAs4B123W7kDYk5FEMaVRZ9QSnBhqIcr5r2VYUb37Ut1dWzrSIGJxF7TTAKyofnLBfwjf9L38tZeCdPTOMwN9taIyQk01FBqQXlc/s1600/IMG_1129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsh3SeM89iDleF9RfItG4Obho_HIRPEabhkqETh_6_bAs4B123W7kDYk5FEMaVRZ9QSnBhqIcr5r2VYUb37Ut1dWzrSIGJxF7TTAKyofnLBfwjf9L38tZeCdPTOMwN9taIyQk01FBqQXlc/s320/IMG_1129.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By the end of the first night, Jonathan had us squishing metal. Yes, squishing is a technical term. I made him repeat it twice. Our first project is to take two horse shoes and straighten them out. My two shoes are above. I got through 1 and 1/4 of the second. In the next class, I will continue to straighten the second shoe. Then, I will weld the two shoes together and work on making it a bar of steel. Although it feels awkward right now to handle the metal with tongs, i</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">t is incredibly satisfying to see the metal glowing red and shaping it with a hammer on an anvil. It really got my creative juices flowing. 24hrs later and I'm still high off the experience! I will continue to post on my progression and I hope, by the end of the class, to have some finished projects to share.</span></div>Annick Magachttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955661042321362677noreply@blogger.com2