DIY Week 4/8 - 4/14

Get OUT! I was thinking of doing the exact same thing w/ coconut shells ... but my kid said it cracked as he was getting the meat out. <sigh>

I noted the light weight could give it a "feel" problem, so I've been musing on other craft-ish bowls.
¤ wood (of course) - but after seeing Gairdner's, the bar is kinda high
¤ paper mache over a wire frame with built in foam-enhancing ridges (weight the bottom and well sealed, of course!)
¤ carbon fiber - never tried but always wanted to

Eh... I think I'll concentrate on carving a brush handle or two and making cold processed shave soap. Should blow my budget and keep me plenty busy.

Cool cocobowls, though!

 

Too much information lol

 

Here's my entry for DIY week. This bottle has DIY inside and out. First of all, it is an old Barbers bottle. The ceramic spout was in good condition when I got it, but the cork was shot, so I had to replace it. Then I had to make the label's for the Bootleggers Bay Rum.</p> Then... well... it's Bootlegger's, so the Bay Rum is DIY as well! 1/3 Pinaud VIBR, 1/3 Master Bay Rum, and 1/3 Superior 70 Bay Rum.

 

Don't tell the wife!

P.S. lovin' the shape of the bottle and the ceramic spout.

 

Ah hit wid da lassies, are ye?! You're a hoot.

Thanks for the great tips on drying & the wood oil. You're exactly right that I want to add strength & flexibility, while keeping as natural a look as possible

Thank you! To reduce cracking, I kept the shells moist & scored the meat quite a bit, but there was one casualty . Gairdner's fridge drying method seems perfect & I think the meat would pop out easier when it's contracted a bit.

The alternative materials sound wicked cool, as do your soaping plans. Be careful with the soap making, it's strangely addictive. Something about playing mad scientist! Best wishes for your projects & please keep us posted. There's even a forum for special projects & we (ok, I) love pics

 

Well, I was a hit (I hope) with my wife but I'm far too shy and under the thumb to say such a thing to her. By the way, your Scots typing made me laugh - very good indeed! I had hoped you would take it like that but on a forum with the Atlantic in the middle, ah couldnae be sure, ye ken.

Tung Oil would be a good choice for an oil as it leaves a low shine, near matt finish and is completely natural in that it is simply the oil pressed from the Tung Nut, the fruit of a native Chinese tree. It is a drying oil and one of the more robust natural oils. Very popular in treating carved or turned treen where there is to be contact with food but obviously not suitable for those with nut allergies. However, as it is a nut you are treating....

Not many coconuts to be had (ooer) in dreich old Caledonia but I would love to read further news of your progress. I get such huge inspiration from crafty people like yourself and he of the malted milk. Didn't Robert Johnson have a song about drinking malted milk?

Yes he did and here it is:



Wonderful!

 

Very much looking forward to your results.....

 

Piece of wood, some stain, a little poly, and a whole lotta L hooks!

 

Here's a simple way to make a lather bowl:
Find a chowder mug or soup mug
Place it on you bathroom vanity
Use it to make lather
Viola! Instant lather bowl

So easy a .... never mind

 

Today I use my own shaving soap (lavender-mint)

and my own pre-shave oil (same scent).

The hippo will not be helping. He loves to pose for pictures, but lacking thumbs, he can't open the bottle.

 

Somebody's got one or two razors, hasn't he?

Lavender and mint make excellent bedfellows and your soap looks excellent, Sara. Must try it!