Kelley Roy of ADX

If you caught yesterday’s post about ADX, you’re familiar with this awesome workspace. If not, I’ll catch you up to speed. It’s a 12,000 square foot facility filled with tools, space to work, and other like-minded folks. Kelley Roy is the mastermind behind this great idea. Through your ADX membership, you suddenly have a wealth of tools at your fingertips. If you’re not quite the pro, don’t sweat it. Take a class or get help from the staff. Surrounding yourself with creative people and those you can learn from keeps the creative juices flowing. Check out Kelley’s work gear as she shows us around the metal shop: Carhartt Women’s Minot Shirt, Women’s Clarkston Cami Tank, Women’s Relaxed Fit Canvas Kane Dungaree. 

The American Dream and Making the World a Better Place

 

Do you guys remember Pashon from Detroit Dirt? She was recently featured in a national Ford ad campaign. Pashon reminds us that the American dream is working hard for your aspirations, and hopefully making the world a better place along the way. Take a look here:

The Original Role Model

 

This is a thank you to all the moms out there. Since the day we took our first step, we wanted to be more like you. They say that imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, and it’s true. We follow you around like a shadow, copying your every move, and even your words. Mothers possess a strength unlike anyone else: tough and compassionate, protective and encouraging, capable and confident. Who wouldn’t want to be like you?

If you’re thankful for your mom and hope to be just like her, share this. Let her know she’s the original role model.

DIY: Handmade Trivet

 

Still searching for the perfect gift for Mom? These handmade trivets are a great idea. You’ll need: 4 copper pipe corner fittings, a balsa wood rod that fits snuggly into the pipe coner, a small hand saw, yarn, and scissors. Start by cutting 4 equal pieces from the balsa wood rod. Pick the size according to how big you want the trivet to be. I made 3 concentric trivets so that they look good in a group. (sized around 3.5 square inches, 5 square inches, and 7 square inches) Then insert the wood pieces into the corner fittings in the shape of a square. Next wrap the wood in yarn, and you’re done! They can even hang on the wall as art when they’re not being used. Another great gift for Mom is the Carhartt Women’s Clarksburg Quarter-Zip Sweatshirt. It’s comfy and slightly fitted and a perfect Mother’s Day present.

From Mother Nature to Mom

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, we’re all thinking about how to tell Mom she’s the best. If she’s a nature-lover, here’s just the gift. It’s simple, free, and crafted out of appreciation for her. You’ll need: about 30 to 40 short sticks of varying shapes and sizes, paper, scissors, and a hot glue gun. First start by cutting a heart template out of paper. Then find a few of the bigger sticks to form the outline of the heart. Glue those together so that they feel sturdy. Then fill in the gaps with other sticks, gluing them in place as you go until the shape is completely solid. It hangs on the wall easily. Just put up a nail and let a few of the back sticks catch it. It takes a little finessing to get it level. You could carry the outdoor theme even further by giving your mom a few gardening essentials. This Cahartt Women’s Force Performance Verdon Polo is perfect for a day of hard work outside. It releases stains, wicks sweat, and prevents odors. Another great gift for a mom with a green thumb is the Carhartt Women’s C-Grip Knuckler Glove.

Bookmaker Kit Leffler

In the words of bookmaker Kit Leffler, there is a hidden narrative behind every object and image. A story is always longing to be told and shared. When you’re the writer, you get to control the tale and the mold the mind map set before the reader.  Through the work of your hands, you create something people will interact with and take with them. That intimate impression is unlike any other art form.

Kit has been refining this craft for years at Minnesota Center for Book Arts. They provide the perfect place for paper making, letterpress, and bookbinding. From beginners to old pros, everyone has something worthwhile to say through images or the written word. Why don’t you try your hand at storytelling? Use the chart above for a few ideas on how to get started.