Tag: wood

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Emma’s Owl

owl

You know, I don’t think I made anything that spectacular this weekend, so I’ll turn the spotlight on my daughter Emma who managed to create this awesome piece of artwork for one of her siblings.

She didn’t want to reveal it until it was complete (which I totally understand, because I sometimes do the same thing) but she did need my help doing just one thing… cutting the piece of wood. Other than that, I didn’t see it until it was done.

She got an owl pattern online as a starting point, and then cut out pieces of paper, glued them down, and mod-podged over it all to seal it.

I think it turned out awesome!

OK, I’ll claim one more part of this… I always tell my kids to “make” something for someone it the family when they have a birthday, as I don’t think kids should have to feel like they need to buy gifts for one another, so really, she took my advice. (File under “proud“)

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iPad Needs a Stand

iPad Stand

I’ve already told you that the iPad needs a case, but you should know that the iPad could also use a stand. I like the Macally METROLPAD case, but it didn’t have a built-in stand as many cases do, and as I used the iPad more and more, I realized a stand would be useful.

iPad Stand

Rather than buy one, I figured that making one would be a good idea. I took a piece of wood from the scrap pile, and using the jigsaw cut a notch into it. The one on the left is an early prototype I made before I actually got the case. Once I got the case I had to make a new one with a bigger notch. The prototype was also not that great at keeping the iPad standing, so I moved the notch up towards the front. (The one on the left could probably be turned into a toy car if I added some wheels. :)

iPad Stand

Here it is in action. I should probably make a bunch of these and just leave them around various places in the house so I always have one handy.

iPad Stand

Here’s the rear view. One issue with the stand is that it works fine in landscape mode, but not so much in portrait mode. (It works, but it’s sort of “precariously balanced” to say the least.) If I really want to use the stand with portrait mode, I may work on a new one that works a bit better with both orientations.

iPad Stand

If you’ve got some scrap wood and a saw, make a stand, it’s pretty easy. Note that the stand is also backwards compatible with (many) iPods and iPhones.

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Wooden Cameras

Photojojo Wooden Camera Gift Set

Did you see this Wooden Camera Gift Set over at Photojojo? It’s pretty damn cute. I mean, a wooden camera…. who would come up with that!?

But wait… I present to you… a Wooden Camera!

This isn’t a “Wooden Camera Gift Set” but it is a “Wooden Camera Gift” because this is the present that my kids gave me for my birthday back in June.

I’m pretty sure they never saw the “Wooden Camera Gift Set” mentioned since: 1. Photojojo mentioned it in October, and 2. They don’t subscribe to the newsletter. Why do they not subscribe? Heck if I know!

This camera is black, which means it’s a “professional camera” and it shows a photo of me from my younger days (possibly taken by senator dingdong) which depicts me shoving something into my face. Probably birthday cake. Also, mine came with a case, which is also black, which means it’s a “professional case” obviously.

Whenever my kids ask what I want for my birthday, I usually respond “Whatever, you don’t have to buy me anything, just make me something!” so I’m glad that they finally did make me something… and, they also made me proud. :)

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DIY Easel

For BarCampMilwaukee, someone mentioned those big pads of paper on the three-legged stands… An easel! That’s it…

DIY Easel Pictured here is my DIY Easel, which was built out of scrap material in my garage… A few 1×2’s, old hinges, and a handful of screws. It’s at Bucketworks now, where it will live, and be used for BarCampMilwaukee.

I like building things without plans (but don’t tell my Dad.) I tend to just start hacking with wood, just like I would hack with code when programming for fun, and improvise as I go. For this thing, I didn’t even break out a tape measure. I think it turned out ok though.

Even thought it’s slightly portable (the hinges let it fold almost flat, I had to get it in the car somehow!) I told James at Bucketworks they could just have it after BarCampMilwaukee. I don’t think I’ll have enough need (or space) for it. I’m sure they’ll put it to good use.