#it was actually inspired by the shape of an oil stain in one of our soup bowls

[artwins]

gone snipin'

[vanxcks]

the jasmine dragon, mark ii

“After I reconquer Ba Sing Se,” Uncle Iroh says, smiling, “I’m going to reconquer my tea shop, and I’m going to play Pai Sho every day.”

Zuko nods and tries to imagine the world of tomorrow. Will Uncle get his shop? Will Ba Sing Se be saved? Will it be peaceful, happy, everything Zuko has never known? Or will they be corpses, ashes still smoking somewhere in his father’s fire nation?

--

It’s a week later. And, miraculously, everything is new.

OR, It's the re-opening day of the Jasmine Dragon.

Words: 3408

AO3 link in notes

“So if I’m going to be Firelord after the war is over, what are you going to do?” Zuko asks. He’s sitting on Appa, hands gripping the reins, and the fur under his legs is a stark contrast to the cold metal of his old ship. It’s strange, now, to remember that it’s only been a year. Twelve months ago, Zuko’s only goal was to catch the Avatar. A life under his father in the Fire Nation was all he thought he wanted. That searing, long-simmering rage was a constant for him.

Now he’s on the side of his former enemy, and they’re preparing to ride into a battle he’s not sure he’ll come out of. The world has turned upside down.

Zuko is pretty sure that’s not a bad thing.

“After I reconquer Ba Sing Se,” Uncle Iroh says, smiling, “I’m going to reconquer my tea shop, and I’m going to play Pai Sho every day.”

Zuko nods and tries to imagine the world of tomorrow. Will Uncle get his shop? Will Ba Sing Se be saved? Will it be peaceful, happy, everything Zuko has never known? Or will they be corpses, ashes still smoking somewhere in his father’s fire nation?

“Goodbye, General Iroh,” Suki says.

“Goodbye, everyone. Today, destiny is our friend. I know it.” There’s something in his voice, something warm and angry and hopeful.

The wind is gentle, and there’s a blue sky ahead of them. Sun falls over the soldiers as they stand facing the kids. The world is still, hesitant, waiting.

Zuko clenches his fists on the reins, takes a breath, and they set off.

--

It’s a week later. And, miraculously, everything is new.

Ba Sing Se is unrecognizable, a joyful clamor of green. Storefronts have been unshuttered and there are children running about. There’s a stall where Katara and a couple villagers have been handing out food and clothing to those who lost their homes to Ozai. There are volunteers cleaning the streets, sweeping up the crumbled earth. It should be a sad scene, a broken scene, but somehow it’s not. Instead, It’s kind, hopeful. In the ashes of the hundred year war, people are preparing for their new life.

When Zuko steps out of the palace, the palanquin bearers come rushing over, but Zuko holds up a hand. “These people are already going to be distrustful of me. I don’t want to look like my father.”

“But the teashop is a long way—”

“It’s okay,” he says, “I can walk.” He’s relieved when they step back without protesting again.

Zuko doesn’t wear his grand robes today, or even tie his hair back. Instead, he’s wearing a modest outfit, and he lets his hair down, although he pushes it out of his eyes every so often so people can see his face. He won’t hide his scar any longer. When some see him, they smile, rush forward. Thank you, Firelord Zuko. or, We are forever indebted to you. Some of them talk about the family that have come back from war unscathed, some just want to thank him for returning their homes to him. He smiles and bows to them, even giving a stiff hug to a little girl. Some, though, are not so friendly. They cast him sideways glares, whisper to their friends as he passes. They turn their backs and close their windows. Zuko looks away, bows his head. He’s not sure he would trust himself either. But that’s okay. His family has done terrible damage to the world in the last century, but he’s going to try and repair at least some of it.

Separate from the people, Zuko enjoys being able to just walk through the city. A week ago was his coronation, and the days since had so much official business to tend to at the palace that he didn’t once step foot outside. Taking care of refugees, repaying damage, and the like. This is a relief. And it’s nice to see the actual citizens of Ba Sing Se for the first time since the end of the war.

There are pieces of paper stuck up on walls, too, denser the closer he gets to the tea shop. Visit the Jasmine Dragon Today! they say, above a mangled scribble of a drawing and an address. Zuko frowns. It doesn’t seem like Uncle to do something like that. He stares at them for a moment and then keeps going.

He reaches the Jasmine Dragon soon enough. It looks good from the outside—the sign is intact, as is the rest of the entryway, outside of a few stains and cracks. This is good. Zuko walks up the steps and knocks on the door twice, proper. It opens wide and Uncle is on the other side, a grin lighting up his face. He throws his arms around Zuko, holding him tightly. Zuko, in turn, melts into the hug, smiling too.

“Firelord Zuko, at my doorstep?” Uncle Iroh asks, stepping away. “Why, this is an honor.”

“Well, I’d finished with my plans, and I wanted to be here today. I know it’s important.”

“Important for me as well as for the citizens of Ba Sing Se. I had forgotten how bad their tea can be. Bitter and flat. I don’t know how they stand it.” He claps a hand on Zuko’s shoulder and leads him into the shop. “But anyway, we have a lot of work to do if we’re going to open tonight! The people are waiting.”

“I’m sure they’ve missed you.”

“They definitely have. Don’t tell him I told you this, but Jiang’s tea shop next door? The worst of the bunch. Remember the tea you made me in the forest?”

Zuko frowns. “I do.”

“Like that, but much worse. Completely flavorless.”

“Ah. Like leaf juice.”

Uncle Iroh chuckles. “Very much like leaf juice. Now, let’s get to work.”

The tea house is in better shape than they might have expected. While Ozai was in charge of the city, there were strict rules about Earth Nation citizens’s businesses. Most local-owned shops were either taken over by fire nation people and rebuilt according to code, and Zuko had been afraid the same would happen to the Jasmine Dragon. Luckily, the place was well-kept enough that the soldiers merely gave it a new coat of paint, and it sat otherwise nearly untouched from the day of the coup. In the past days, Uncle and some of the kids (Katara and Aang, mostly) helped clean up the surfaces and straighten furniture. The place looks nearly as good as new.

“What can I do?”

“You can start by buying some porcelain tea sets for me. We originally had twenty, but some of them were damaged in the last few months,” Uncle says. “Toph helped to draw the dirt off of the fifteen that were still intact.” He gestures to the pots, lined up on the counter behind him and gleaming like they were a day old.

“She’s good,” Zuko says.

“The best of our time,” Uncle says, and his voice carries the warmth it does whenever he talks about Zuko or his friends. “Now, hurry along. I have to set the tables.”

Zuko takes the money that Uncle holds out, smiling, and turns. He’s several steps out of the shop before he doubles back. “Where can I buy the teapots?”

Uncle Iroh chuckles. “I was beginning to wonder if you would remember to ask. It’s to the left, across the park.”

Zuko nods and leaves again.

The park isn’t far, and he’s halfway there when he hears someone behind him, calling his name.

“Zuko! Zuko, back here!” It’s Aang, in new green robes, shoes too big for his feet and a ridiculous hat. He’s waving both arms above his head while he runs, and trips and only just stops himself from falling. “Hey, Zuko!”

“Hi,” Zuko says. “You bought new clothes.”

“Yeah,” Aang cries, falling into step beside Zuko. “Sokka and I went shopping this morning. He got a new bag, and a belt. We got to try the food, too. Have you ever tried an ma po do fu?���

“Yeah. My family took a lot of trips here when I was little. They made us try all the delicacies.”

“Aren’t they great? I thought after the months we spent here I would have had everything, but there’s still a lot more to go. I love the Earth Nation. Have you tried the unfried dough? Not their best.”

“I haven’t, but it sounds terrible.”

“Did you know I inspired that? An Earth Nation village planned to have me fried in oil, but they decided not to when they realised I was the only one who could save them from the Rough Rhinos. I’m starting to wish I didn’t,” he says, fishing a wet lump out of his bag. He takes a small bite from it and makes a face. “You want some?”

“No, thanks.”

They walk in silence for a moment, before Zuko says, “By the way, I wanted to thank you for helping Uncle clean up the tea shop. I’m sure it made him happy.”

“It was fun! And that reminds me. We’ve been spreading the word about the tea shop’s opening so lots of people will show up!”

Zuko smiles. “Thank you for that too.”

“Yeah! We’ve been putting up posters. See, Sokka made them!” Aang holds up a poster like the one Zuko had seen earlier.

“Yeah...are you sure those aren’t the Appa posters you showed me with different writing?”

Aang frowns and squints at the drawing. “No, it’s definitely a teapot. At least, Sokka said it was supposed to be a teapot.”

“Maybe Sokka shouldn’t be doing the art.”

Aang shrugs. “Well, he was enthusiastic.”

“I guess that counts for something. Is that Katara?” There’s a blue figure across the square, and Zuko can recognize her from behind.

“Yeah, I think so! Let’s go talk to her!”

“You go ahead. I need to buy some stuff for Uncle.”

“Okay, see you later!” Aang says, and dashes off. Smiling, Zuko turns into to the porcelainware shop.

--

The opening is scheduled for five o’clock. When the clock strikes, Zuko looks around. It’s not yet quite the state it was months before—the walls are slightly stained and cracked, and a couple of the teacups he bought had chips in them. But they’ve repainted the outside so that it looks and reads the way it did before, and the egg drop soup that Uncle Iroh has been cooking smells delicious. There’s even a pai sho table in the corner for visitors to play. All in all, they’ve done a decent job. It’s not perfect, but Uncle wanted to open as soon as possible. “We can sort out the details later. As long as the tea is good, people will be happy.”

Zuko stands behind the counter with his hands around a kettle, heating it with a gentle flame. Once it boils, he keeps it the right temperature: hot enough for a slow bubble, but not so hot that it boils over. It took a little bit of practice to get the balance right the first time he’d tried, but now it’s easy. Later, Uncle will keep the water hot, and Zuko will be waiter. After today, of course, he’ll have to be firelord. But today, until Uncle gets paid help, he’s more than willing to pitch in.

Uncle is ready next to him. The tea leaves are loose, kept in tins lined up behind the teapots. He prepares everything on order, so all there really is to do now is wait for people to start pouring in.

The first customer comes soon after five. It’s a little man, a little bewildered-looking, in tiny, thick-lensed spectacles. He sits down at the table closest to the window and pulls out a book, leafing through it and murmuring to himself.

“How can I help you, sir?” Zuko asks.

The man looks up as if he hadn’t realised he was in a restaurant at all. “Could I...well, I guess I’ll have a green tea.”

“And will that be for one person?”

The man cocks his head like he’s trying to understand the question, and then says, “just me, yes.”

“Okay, sir, coming right up,” Zuko says, and rushes back over to Uncle. “Green tea for one, Uncle.”

“A classic,” Uncle Iroh says, spooning the leaves into a pot and filling it with water. When the tea has steeped, he places it on a tray for Zuko, who hurries it over to the customer.

“Your tea.”

“Thank you,” the man says, and then goes back to his reading.

And then fifteen minutes pass, and still the only person in the shop is the spectacled man.

“Do you think he likes it?” Zuko asks, leaning over to Uncle.

“I think so. He smiled when he took his first sip.”

“I think that was a grimace from burning his tongue,” Zuko says, and Iroh casts a dirty look. “I’m sure he liked it.”

Uncle fiddles with the tins of tea leaves, rearranging them by color instead of size. Zuko taps his fingers on the counter.

“Maybe your friends had a hard time spreading the word,” Uncle says.

“Maybe people just don’t feel like tea today,” Zuko says, frowning.

“I know what it is,” Uncle says with a smile, “it still looks like we’re closed. Let me go open the door.”

He does, and then joins Zuko back at the counter. It’s quiet outside, and darkening quickly. Zuko pulls his hair back, considering tying it, and then lets it hang in his face instead. Uncle hums a tune.  

They hear footsteps outside and both brighten up. “Hey, maybe that’s someone,” Zuko says.

But it’s just Aang and Katara. “Hi!” Aang cries, and then wilts a little as he looks around at the near-empty shop. “Oh.”

“What’s going on?” Katara asks, brow furrowed. “I thought people loved your tea.”

Zuko looks down.

“I think we’re just having an off day,” Uncle Iroh says.

Katara nods. “I’m sure something’s wrong. I saw your tea shop before, and it was full. I didn’t have time to try the tea, but it smelled amazing.”

“Hey,” Aang says, “I have an idea. What if I got Sokka and Toph and we tried to spread the word?”

“You did that two hours ago,” Zuko says.

Aang shrugs. “Just an idea. Besides, second time’s the charm, right?”

“That’s...not the saying.”

Iroh speaks up. “We would be grateful for your help, Aang.”

Aang breaks into a face-splitting grin. “Thank you, Uncle Iroh!” He grabs Katara’s hand and runs outside and to the right, already yelling about the Jasmine Dragon.

Zuko grimaces. “Why did you tell him that was a good idea?”

“Because it would make him happy to help. And because we need it. It’s never a bad thing to accept help, Zuko, even when you don’t yet believe that help is right for you.”

Zuko looks out the windows at Aang, now doubling back to the left, and hms. Then, there’s nothing to do but wait.

And shockingly, it works. The second customer comes in just five minutes later, with a little boy in tow. Zuko delivers his order to Uncle, who starts heating up the water again. After that, it never goes cold. Another family—this one three kids and two mothers, comes and sits at the table closest to the counter. They order soup to go with their tea. From there, the customers just keep coming. Couples, families, groups of friends. It’s inexplicable, and Uncle and Zuko can barely keep up.

“How are you liking your tea? Is there anything I can do?” he asks one of the mothers.

“It’s just wonderful,” she says.

“Thank you,” Zuko says, bowing his head.

“We just loved this tea house when you first opened, months ago,” the other woman says. “We were so happy to see that it was reopening. Of course, the address on the posters confused us.”

“What do you mean, the address on the poster?”

“It said it was on Mei Hua street instead of Mei Li street. It must have been a mistake.”

Zuko is speechless for a moment, and then he says, “It was. Thank you for coming in spite of it.”

“Of course!” she says, smiling sweetly.

Zuko hurries up to Uncle. “Uncle, good news about—”

He hears another group coming through the door and turns. He opens his mouth to ask how many seats they’ll need, but it’s just Katara, Toph, Sokka, and Suki.

“Hi, Zuko. Uncle,” Katara says, waving and smiling. “We were wondering if there was anything more we could do to help.”

“We,” Sokka says, arms crossed, “were actually on a date. But we’ve decided to grace you with our presence.”

Katara casts him a sideways glare. “By the way, we figured out why business was so bad. Sokka—”

“Wrote the wrong address,” Zuko interrupts. “We know.”

“Actually,” Sokka says, “I asked Toph for the address. Which is where we ran into a bit of an issue.” He glares at Toph.

“I don’t see what the big deal is!” Toph cries, throwing her hands up. “I can’t read signs, remember? I just heard someone say it. It’s not my fault Sokka always forgets I’m blind.”

Sokka pouts. “That’s why you don’t ask the blind girl for help.”

“Yes!” Toph yells.

“People are here now, and that’s what matters,” Uncle Iroh says. “Thank you for the help.”

Katara steps forward. “Aang is outside spreading the word and fixing the posters. Is there anything else you need?”

“You, Toph, and Suki could help me wait tables,” Zuko says. “And Sokka could help make tea.” Uncle Iroh elbows him, and Zuko corrects himself. “Sokka could help heat water. Uncle can make the tea.”

Sokka gasps. “I’m great at making tea!” They ignore him.

They all go to their jobs, and things start to smooth out. The tea house is the warm, bustling hub it was months ago, and Zuko feels ridiculously happy. Aang and Toph come in to help, and Suki and Katara are doing well, and the flow of customers doesn’t ebb.

When he can, Zuko finds a moment to go talk to Uncle Iroh, but before he says what he was planning to say, he notices something and his brow furrows. “What’s Katara doing?” She’s been standing at a table at the other end of the room for several minutes.

“She’s entertaining the children. She’s been doing it for some time now. See?”

Now that he’s paying attention, Zuko does see. She’s bending the tea from the cups and making it spin, dance in front of the childrens’ eyes. They laugh and grab at it, delighted.

Zuko glances around the room. Aang is talking earnestly to an old woman by the window. Toph repairs a dropped teacup for a customer, and Sokka and Suki are in the corner flirting. Sokka tries to tuck Suki’s hair behind her face, but she moves and he hits her eye instead. She laughs and says something, then kisses him quickly. They glance around to make sure no one saw, and Zuko looks away.

He thinks, for a moment, back to his time in the fire nation. His tense hours with Mai, Ty Lee, and Azula. The snide comments, the backhanded compliments. At one point Azula had mentioned his banishment, called him weak, and he’d bitten the inside of his cheek so hard he drew blood. She said she was joking, but he knew she wasn’t. Nothing Azula said was a joke.

“It’s so easy,” Zuko says, almost to himself.

“What do you mean?” Uncle asks, although Zuko gets the feeling that Uncle knows.

“Never mind.” Zuko shakes his head. Then, “Congratulations, Uncle.”

“Thank you,” Uncle Iroh says, looking up at Zuko as he spoons tea leaves into a pot. “When we were ambushed in the palace, I thought my dream of spending my life serving tea was lost. I’m only thankful that we managed to win it back, and I’m more thankful that we won it back together.”

“I’m happy I got to be here today.”

“So am I..”

Uncle Iroh stills his hands, and they look at the scene together, for a moment.

“You have good taste in friends, Firelord Zuko” Uncle says.

Zuko nods, and he lets himself smile before he goes back out to join them.

[let-me-make-you-proud]

Tangled: The Series Q&A with Kait.

This is a recapitulation from today’s (September 14, 2019) Questions and Answers session with Kait on the Tangled Discord Server.

Q: Which Disney princesses outside of Tangled the series can you see Varian being friends with? Nonfranchise ones included.

A: I think Belle is the first one who comes to mind!! She’s super studious and goes against the grain…not to mention her father is an inventor who’s a little off-base! 🙂 I think he’d be super comfortable experimenting with Belle and her dad and reading awesome stories! (Maybe even sharing the Tales of Flynn Rider with her! …Assuming she hasn’t read it! Haha. ) He could also eat ham sandwiches with Anna. Sorry. Second thought. Lol!!

Q: So Kait, as a storyboard artist on the show what kind of little details, quirks or creative touches did you or any other artists put into Varian scenes you or others storyboarded?

A: Ha!! Any acting scene with Varian I had…I pretty much based off of Anna Lencioni (my best friend/ another board artist on the show.) Anna makes these very specific expressions and she gestures to herself a lot and closes her eyes and creases her brows and says things like “A-huh! Actually…” or “Um!!” Before making a point and it’s always reminded me of him.

She kept a “flynnolium” prop from Halloween with green goo in a vial in her cubicle at work so long it grew mold. She said she was studying it. She found scrap metal in her boot one day. She has a basement lab for her experiments and crafts. She befriended two raccoons at her last apartment. She is the most accident-prone person with freckles I’ve ever met…she’s pretty much him.

Jeremy Jordan’s reads give you so much to work with…and I love that character so much I feel a natural sort of understanding of how he might say something or do something…but Anna would always do these specifically Anna things that I had to use for Varian.

Q: Do you have any specific advice for aspiring storyboard artists or people who aspire to work in animation?

A: Gestural drawings help you learn to draw fast…which is a very important part of storyboarding. I would say storyboarding‘ s biggest requirements are clarity and speed. Lots of productions have different requirements in terms of what they look for from story artists. Tangled‘s leadership cared a lot about drawing skill, animation, layout, etc. because it more strongly informed the animation studio to have those things. The show I’m working on now (Monsters at Work) is a 3D show…so for our production, the emphasis is more on story and speed. We pitch ideas more than we pitch drawings…so clarity is important and acting is too, but we’re far less precious about tying down drawings and animating since we shift into the 3D production pipeline after story. The boards are still very important…but the more technical aspects are a *little* less so. The focus is just more on story and character and what the board artists can bring to their scenes.

So I’d say just practice drawing…maybe try and give someone a prompt or ask a friend for one. Choose a theme! Maybe vampires? What’s the worst thing that could happen to a vampire? What’s the best thing? What’s the funniest thing? What if they were also an alien? Or fused with a werewolf? Or chained to one? What would happen? Giving yourself a starting point for an idea will inspire you to explore all the possibilities for humor, drama, etc. in that idea. If you’re struggling to give yourself a prompt, try looking online…or maybe choosing a song you like or a passage from a book for inspiration.

There’s also this really fun thing you can do to study cinematography and shot composition called a “three tone” exercise. Basically…put on your favorite (live action) film, grab a sketchbook, grab a black and grey marker, and use the white of the page for your third tone. What you wanna do is (as you’re watching or while pausing) sketch a small thumbnail using only three grey tones of what you see on the screen. Draw the shot- where the characters are, try and duplicate the lighting…it teaches you a lot! 🙂 (Phew!)

Q: Do you have any fun non-spoiler head canons about Varian?

A: I think his favorite dessert is apple pie and I think he bakes recreationally very often! He’s probably a good cook. (Though he may have one or two minor accidents……a burnt thing here and there. Minor oil splatters….haha!!)

Q: What’ve been your favorite episodes, both to storyboard and in general? Of course, no specifics if it’s S3

A: Haha! Well…What The Hair and Queen for A Day have special places in my heart because they were such big moments for my favorite character…(Varian, haha.) But I’d say the episodes I had the most fun boarding are all in season 3!!! Which is exciting! I have to start compiling some work to post! 🙂 I think the episode I had the most fun with is one you guys will really enjoy.

Q: Will we get some interesting surprises (In Season 3)?

A: Without any spoilers- absolutely!! The show is always full of those.

Q: So We’ve heard many fans express why they love Varian as a charcter before, I’d love to know what drew you and Anna to Varian as well and why you guys personally found him to be a great character.

A: When Shane Prigmore originally pitched the character to me, he was much younger. He was like 11 or so, I think? Maybe 12? He’s still pretty young…but what Shane said was that he wanted him to go from this wide-eyed kid to this dark, angry person whose bangs fell over those wide, bright eyes…just full of rage. That idea was super interesting to me…it just hit on something in character development that I felt like I’d never exactly seen before? He was so young and it was such an interesting idea to me to make a child the villain and to give that child a strong reason to be angry? It felt like it was taking this child very seriously, which I appreciate. It felt very real and very dark.

The thing that threw me through a loop but also evolved my fascination with the character was Jeremy Jordan’s casting. I listened to a lot of the auditions they had for various actors and I had seen a ton of Shane’s concept art of the character…a lot of them were VERY different than what we have now. One version Ricky Roxburgh (writer) contributed to had Varian cast as an adult in the story. But when I heard Jeremy I felt like I totally understood who Varian really was.

He was a well-intentioned disaster with unchecked emotions. That. Is me! Haha!! I see myself in his imperfections, his emotionality in spite of his creative and often intellectual thinking. He wants to ascend to these levels he may not be ready to ascend to…he feels this need to prove himself and seek validation. I don’t know, I guess I relate to that! And I’m just a sucker for good guys gone bad. The other half of this, of course, is that he’s very charming and cute and super reminds me of my best friend, Anna Lencioni.

Q: Which character do you most like seeing interacting with Varian?

A: It’s a little spoilery for me to reveal that……..but I think you guys are gonna know when it happens! Haha!

I can’t wait to post THOSE boards

That’s actually right out of the episode I think I liked boarding the most, haha.

Q: If there was one prop (furniture, object, the like) from the Tangled series that could be made real and you could keep, what would it be..?

A: I think it’d have to be those little alchemy orbs that Varian throws? They just suddenly clean the whole castle hallway somehow and like…could use me some of that. He also has the one that removes stains from tablecloths, so. I’m sloppy. That’d be a big help. Haha!

Also his staff is pretty cool 😉, I boarded/created that staff…David Lee (prop designer) did its final design…haha

Q: I have a question about a scene in season 1. When Varian got back the first part of the scroll he mentioned that it took him a while to translate it. Has he really been able to read it or has it been a bluff?

A: Varian can indeed translate what’s on the scroll. 😉

Q: Do you have any networking advice for those trying to get into the animation industry?

A: Post your work!! Make it easily accessible, tag it well, just show what you’ve got online! Upload boards, animatics, drawings, etc. Creating an online presence can really help put your name out there. Apply for internships, jobs. I know it’s hard to network because a lot of industry professionals don’t have time to answer specific questions or give portfolio reviews…so it’s sort of important to take some initiative on that and be self-motivated.

For me, I studied the portfolios of Disney feature story artists, CalArts students, etc. and tried to structure the presentation of my work based on that. Also, it helped me get a sense of what pieces of work would best showcase where I was trying to go and what I was trying to do. I’d ask yourself those questions as you develop a portfolio and artistic voice online! 🙂

My first feature job after a trainee program in New York at Blue Sky happened because Doug Sweetland (Pixar animator, feature director, awesome dude) found my work online and liked it. He just reached out based on that!

Shane Prigmore actually reached out to me for Tangled similarly.

Q: Besides Varian, do you have a favorite character that you’ve boarded?

A: I always love Eugene. He’s the second character I think I’m most like. His acting was really fun to play with and I felt like I could push his expressions a lot because he’s so funny. I loved boarding Lance too (I boarded a lot of Lance in S3!!) but MAN was he hard to draw, haha! His face shape is just really hard to draw at certain angles.

Q: With Varian cosplay that is going on, what Disney character would you like to see Varian dress up as next?

A: Jack Skellington! Halloween is afoot. Jack is another well-intentioned disaster. Guess I have a type!

Q: What’s Varian’s opinion on raccoons, are they his favourite animal?

A: I imagine it’s because Ruddiger is always finding interesting things in the trash and giving them to Varian to use in his experiments. Also, they’re fat and cute.

Q: There’s a bit of an argument going on over how many freckles Varian has. Can you confirm how many he has?

A: Ha!!! Yes…one second… 14!!

Q: How big do you think Corona is? Like Vatican City small or Arendelle big?

A: You know, with the wall and all, it actually feels a little on the smaller side to me? I’m sure there’s a little bit of discrepancy between the movie’s version of Corona and our version…but based on where we went within Corona on the show, I’d say it feels on the smaller side.

Q: Are there any non-spoiler Varian scenes or moments that didn’t make the cut that you can share?

A: MAN. Yes. There is one scene that changed after I rolled off the episode and I’m very sad about it. I’ll post it after the episode airs! There was also a line of Varian’s that I boarded to a specific read from Jeremy Jordan and that read was not chosen in editorial later so…I’ll post that one too, haha!

Q: What is your favourite song from the first two seasons so far?

A: All my favorite songs are in season threeeeee…hahahaha!! I think Let Me Make You Proud or the Buddy Song are my favorites. Buddy Song still gets stuck in my head now and then.

Q: What do you think Varian would order at a drive-thru? Specifically at chipotle 😂

A: Chipotle isn’t a drive thru!! Hahaha He’d get the kid’s quesadilla from chipotle. I think Varian is a fries/chips kind of person…something to snack on while he works! He probably also likes milkshakes.

Q: (Continuation from the question above) Chocolate or vanilla?

A: He’d revolutionize by combining them both. FOR SCIENCE!

Q: What is, in your opinion, the most challenging part of varian’s design to draw?

A: His goggles, hahaha. Or just his…hair in general.

Well it’s funny too because when you board these guys, you get used to doing a shorthand for them and then when you go to draw them FOR REAL you realize how complicated that actually is and how wrong your shorthand actually was? Hahahaha

Q: is Varian ticklish at all?

A: I feel like Varian, Eugene, and Lance are all equally ticklish. To the point of absurdity. Cass would fight it as long as she could…but when it finally got to her, she’d laugh uncontrollably. Rapunzel, she’s the TICKLER.

Q: What do you think Varian opinion and belief on magic is now that he’s seen it with his own eyes?

A: I imagine that he certainly believes in it now and no longer underestimates its powers…but I imagine he’s ultimately more comfortable staying in his own lane and working with worldly properties!

Q: If Varian would have been able to meet Demanitus…how would their conversation had looked like?

A: I feel like Varian would have had a TON of questions about his legendary device and whether or not he truly traveled dimensions.

Q: Did Varian have any other friends in old Corona before he met rapunzel?

A: Probably not many…he’s a bit of a hermit. I think Ruddiger is his best friend……. It’s sad but I also think that’s kind of why it hurt so bad when Rapunzel wasn’t able to help him. Also why he was SO excited to have Rapunzel, Cass, and Eugene come visit.

I think the village looked at Varian as a little unstable or worrisome. I’m sure everyone knew he was very nice…but they were likely very unnerved by his inventions.

Q: Do you think Varian ever tried to synthesise gold or the elixir of life like a real alchemist?

A: I’ve wondered that myself!! I think his alchemy has proven to be more about other people…helping others, making people proud. Maybe if someone he cared about was in need.

Q: If you were to meet Varian in real life, what would you say to him?

A: What elixir did you make to get THAT kind of volume? His hair’s so POOFY! Honestly, I’d probably just give him a hug.

Q: How much does Varian know or remember about his mom?

A: I’d say about as much as the photo of her on the wall.

Q: Is there spoiler about his hair streak? Or is it just by design?

A: It’s totally by design. I think it’s safe to assume it’s probably the result of some lab accident!

Q: In what ways is Jeremy Jordan like Varian?

A: I don’t know Jeremy Jordan personally, haha! But I think a lot of these inflections he adds to Varian sort of off the cuff probably come very naturally to him. I know he often wants to do his own pass at the musical arrangement Alan Menken writes…like he’ll want to do something a little different, in his own way, and it will change the song completely!! In an awesome way. That’s a little Varian-esque. In the “Let Me Make You Proud” reprise…Alan Menken had sung that “they are going to pay…they…will…pay” all in a low, downward tone. Jeremy wanted to scream it and make it powerful and angry and loud when he said “PAY” and you could just hear the spite in his voice for the “they will pay.” Genius!

Q: What was the most shocking moment/revelation of the series to you (minus anything season 3)?

A: It’s hard to say because I knew most of what was going to happen long, long ago. I think one of the things that made me go “oh dang!” was something Tom Canfield boarded. It’s that part in Destinies Collide where Lance slices the entire statue down the middle with a sword. What a BAMF!

Q: What were your thoughts on the early concept of Varian having an apple orchard and being a farm kid instead of a young alchemist?

A: He still kinda has those things! Quirin is a farmer as well as the village leader and there are apples on their little farm estate! 🙂 I think that makes Varian very unassuming as a mad little scientist. I’m sure that’s how (Ruddiger and Varian) met! Remember, he used his purple tacky goo stuff to catch raccoons so they wouldn’t eat the crops! And Ruddiger’s favorite snack is apples. 😉

Q: What is his official height and weight?

A: Smol.

Q: How did you guys come up with Varian’s name? And was there any other name suggestions for him before the name ‘Varian’ was chosen?

A: I’m not sure who came up with that name, actually! I’m sure it has something to do with the meaning of the word “variant” which means something that varies, changes in form.

Q: What’s his last name?

A: His last name!! I have NO idea and it bothers me!!! A Disney magazine referred to Varian, Ruddiger, and Quirin as “The Ruddiger Family” and I still haven’t stopped laughing about that.

Q: What sad Disney movie moments would make him cry?

A: Oof. Lion King.

Q: What musicals do think Varian would enjoy?

A: Little Shop of Horrors! I think he’d see himself in Seymour! Or Wicked…you know, that villain arc.

Q: How did Arianna and Fred meet?

A: I actually don’t know off the top of my head!

Q: Would Varian enjoy rollercoasters?

A: I think he’d enjoy how they’re MADE and then scream his head off while riding one, throw up his cotton candy and corndog, and go play carnival games instead. Then get mad that they’re rigged.

Q: So what comes next for you now that the series is almost over? Any big plans?

A: Well the series wrapped for production a while ago! I’ve been on another show for almost a year now! 🙂 I’m working on the new Disney+ show Monsters at Work as a director! It’s an awesome, awesome show…totally next-level…I’m shocked that I’m getting to be apart of something like this. It’s a direct sequel to the movie that serves as an office comedy (a la The Office, Parks and Rec) and has so many characters that fit immediately into the Monsters Inc world. Monsters Inc is my favorite Pixar movie…so I literally come to work and leave work on the same high! It’s an awesome, awesome show with a great crew! 🙂 It’s also just really exciting to be apart of the first original animated property for D+!

Q: How would you compare working as a director to working as a storyboard artist?

A: It’s hard work, just as hard, but in a different way! For me personally, I’m a little easily fatigued by drawing? I get a little creatively frustrated because my thoughts move quicker than my hand. Or because I don’t always feel like I can execute in a drawing what I’m thinking in the way that I want? Part of that is just being an artist…and it’s not ALL the time that I feel that way…but I think I have a certain stamina for drawing that I found challenging to increase.

Directing is just different! It has a lot more to do with managing a team, communication, coordinating, listening, speaking up, problem-solving, being very aware of story as it applies to ALL parts of a production. I don’t draw as often anymore. You have to consider a lot more…more people, more constraints, more difficulties, more opinions, more solutions…it’s just MORE. And you also still have to draw! 🙂 It’s very busy work, but it’s AMAZING and I love it. I feel like I’m contributing to animated storytelling a lot more in this role, actually. I love working with people, I love workshopping, and I love helping! I’m also just spoiled to be working with some great people right now. It’s a blast.

Q: Are any Tangled: The Series crew joining you on that show?

A: Yes!! Tom Caufield and Wendy Sullivan were on it for a minute, but they’ve both moved on to Dreamworks recently! James Suhr (board artist), Isabelle Gedigk (season 3 board artist), Naomi Hicks and Casey Coffey (revisionists), David Lee (props), Ricky Roxburgh (writer), and I are all working together again! It’s awesome.

Q: Does Varian, deep down, blame himself for the amber?

A: I believe he does.

Q: How do you deal with artist’s block?

A: I try to think about the intention behind what I’m doing. Why is the scene I’m working on very important to the story? If it feels unimportant or boring, how can I make it interesting? What can I do on my end to make it more inspiring or fun without going too far off the rails and still serving the scene’s purpose?

If it’s not work-related, I try and start with some fan art or something familiar for me to draw. I have a lot of scribbly Varians in the margins of a lot of my sketch documents. I use him as a warm-up a lot. It helps build my confidence to draw something familiar/ that I think I can draw pretty well.

Q: What’s the hardest scene you’ve ever had to board?

A: Oh God. ANYTHING with action. I’m not an action gal. Lots of stuff in S3. I was board partners with Wendy Sullivan and ended up getting a lot of action to board even though she’s WAY better at it than me!! It was an interesting challenge…but it was very, very challenging. Ben (Co-EP) was a great mentor to me in the scene I did for the mid season. He was very patient with me, despite my shortcomings as an action board artist, haha. I enjoy boarding for comedy much more.

Kait: Anyways, I should probably head off now! Thank you guys so much for all the questions!!!! You’re awesome! I hope you’re all super excited for S3! It’s a great one.

[vaultofqueenorion]

Deathmarked, sneak peek

As it is the 31st, I have decided to share a small part of a project very dear to my heart. I’ve mentioned Deathmarked before, and I very much love the characters and the overall tone of the thing is humorous if perhaps a bit dark in places, but there is one scene which has been made to be as grim as possible. 

It’s actually inspired by the song The Hangman’s Body Count by Volbeat, which has been one of my favorite bands for years.

TW / Trigger Warning / Content Warning: Death, murder, stalking, blood. Graphic depictions of the above. Skulls, demons. Hanging, choking. 

Here it comes: 

________________________

The air breathed in the dark night, fog clinging to the skin of the crawling creatures. Silver shards pierced the fog, moonlight gasping for breath among the chattering teeth of dark shapes. They stood in clumps, manifestations and creatures born of shadow, moving as one being.

A dark shape passed through the night, cutting clean through the fog. The creatures paused their chattering and stepped aside for the form that was blacker than the night. The shape reached the small dias, granting it reprieve from the snapping teeth around it. It held out an arm, and powerful wings flapped once, twice in the darkness before the raven landed on the appendage. 

Sharpened teeth showed as the humanoid in the cloak smiled. Even with its head covered, the smile spread through the shadows like rings through water, and the creatures hiding there pulled back. The darkness held its breath, silence ringing in the air. 

The smile widened in response.

“You’ve arrived just in time, Mortis,” it said. The voice pierced the air, the rasp of old papyrus coating the words. The raven cawed, its hoarseness rivaling that of the humanoid. 

The cloaked male inclined his head, smile all but lingering on his face, and the raven’s dust gray eyes peered into his. He let his cloak fall, the silver moonlight falling upon his face, exposing his features beneath.

Creatures of shadow hissed and fled to the corners of the valley.

The shape was merely human in kind with its rounded skull, jaw and cheeks. But that was where the resemblance stopped. Skin as white as bone stretched taut over hard shapes. He ran his fingers through the hair that went to his waist, his fingers coursing through strands as smooth as oil. Fanged teeth grinned in the moonlight and eyes as large as coins shimmered, the abyss waiting patiently within them. 

He let his eyes meet the beady ones of the raven, tipping his head further as the bird hopped nearer and put the tip of its beak to his lowered temple. Closing his eyes, he let himself be drawn into the maelstrom of the raven’s mind. His vision became dotted with color while twisted sounds echoed in his mind. Liquor and sweat lingered in his nose, mixing with the ash and dust that covered the creatures of shadow around him. 

Whispers of words poured from the world, and strands of lost souls wailed in the valley as the colors turned sharper, a vision unfurling within his mind - fractured like glittering sun on broken glass. 

The man’s blond hair rustled in the wind, his gray eyes scanning the world around him. Wrinkles crinkled his face but even in this age his limbs felt powerful as he stalked his prey. He thanked the Them for giving him the strength to serve. 

Tonight, he had visited a new inn. One that was placed across town. He’d kept to the shadows almost on instinct, his fingers tracing the black and white lines that curved atop his skin, covering the veins beneath. He’d decided his target the moment he had walked into the inn - a young girl with dark hair and fair skin who looked more than a little uncomfortable. A young man stared at her from across the bar, warm eyes glittering with ravenous hunger. 

She was a sheep staring into the maw of the wolf. And what better sacrifice than a sheep?

The blond man had sashayed up to her, put an arm around her and proclaimed loudly that he was her father who’d come to take her home. His pretended stern glances had earned him wary looks in return. 

When he had asked her whether her home was far from here, she’d given him a clipped smile, her eyes betraying that flicker of life that surged within them. It had made the blood in his veins pump faster, his fingers twitching. 

She would do just fine for Them.

He turned on his heel and walked away, letting her stand in the clammy air in front of the inn as he walked away. Away from both her and the suspicion that she fostered. A few beats and then the sound of footsteps, mirroring his but going in the other direction. He turned his head and mumbled the words, the sigil stinging on his chest. He reveled in the pain - in the meagre drop of power that They had given him as a tendril of black smoke escaped from his fingertips and surged in her direction. 

Turning left, he pressed his back into the rough stone wall of the house behind him and breathed.

Waited. 

 The tether around his hand grew taut, forming a band of darkness. It hurt to keep waiting, his circulation cutting off with every second. But eight breaths had to pass. One for each of the elements that They had within Their power. 

Eight breaths, and she would not know what had happened until it was irreversible.

Darkness had led him to the outskirts of the village, had led him down the streets slipping from shadow to shadow. She didn’t realize he was there until he had dragged her down an alleyway, the tendril of darkness coiling around his wrist like a snake ready to strike. 

It was a moonless night, but he had no qualms with the darkness. Ghostly lights had shined in his eyes as he had grinned into his neck, a hand over her mouth. He had drawn his double-edged knife, darkness and light curving up its blade in perpetual battle.

Tonight, the darkness would prevail. 

Tonight, he would revel in the sounds she made as she screamed. 

The edge had since then turned crimson, blood dripping down the shaft and over his hand. The ground had likewise been stained, blood already darkening. Seeping into the earth and giving Them life. 

He allowed the girl to stumbled back, blood streaming from the cuts and wounds that covered her. She was shaking and he didn’t hold the smile back that twisted his lips. 

She tried to scream, a last attempt at escaping before her life drifted away between her fingers. A shrill sound ripped its way up her throat, but it never reached past her lips. The intolerable pain in her chest prevented her from pushing the sound past them, and when she looked down, that wicked curved blade was buried in her lungs. 

Blood poured out of her mouth, warm and thick as it bubbled down her throat. The man leaned closer, relishing in the gurgling sounds that she made. The knife turned in her chest, steel scraping against bone as his features twisted further, veins of black and white framing the gruesome grin he bore. 

The girl saw nothing but darkness as Nergiel greeted her. 

It had been so many months since he had reaped her soul. It had been scarred, the slivers and traces of trauma falling off it in flakes as he sent it to his sister. He cursed himself as he shook his head, one hand rubbing at his temple. 

Too late, he had realized his mistake. Too late he had seen the trauma that Kalami had helped the soul cleanse. 

Anger rose in his heart, as he sent an unvoiced commando to the raven. He watched it soar into the sky, the moon glinting in the dark feathers. Then, the cowled male opened his hand and let a sliver of power form. Tendrils of black smoke sprouted as if the shadows lent parts of themselves to him. They thickened, became solid, and weaved amongst themselves until a noose lay fully formed in his hand. 

“We all face the consequences of our actions,” he murmured, voice crackling. He let his tongue slide across his sharpened teeth, eyes following the black form in the night. Hunger gnawed at his stomach, and he tightened his grip around the noose.

The raven flapped his wings to keep the pace, disappearing into the horizon. It did not take long for it to arrive at its destination. 

It circled the small inn before settling on a branch with a caw.

The man rose from his bed and scrambled for his clothes. Wind ripped at the windows, and the clattering had woken him up. The sour smell in the inn had not improved as he slept, and the rot of the lake he had washed the blood off in still clung to him. 

He made his way towards the outer door, blackened hands rubbing at his eyes. The darkness in his veins simmered, as if they were a compass that he merely needed to follow. He realized it as he walked out the door, greeted only by the wind and a hoarse scream of a raven. 

They had called upon him. 

A hand traveled through his hair, the song of the wind swelling within him. It was making his head fuzzy with anticipation. He had finally been noticed. His devotion - his hard work - it had all paid off.

The wind had found him in his dreams, and he heard the same sentiment now. Follow the raven and you shall receive what you deserve. 

If for a moment, doubt stirred in his mind, and he wondered if it would be clever to break his own rule. Never exit the place in which he stayed so few days after a sacrifice, even one as rancid smelling as the White Ram. 

Another rustle of the wind sent him moving, his name ringing out as a whisper from the darkness itself. They had noticed him. There was no doubt of it. And he knew that They would keep him safe under Their protection - after all, he had united Them with countless of Their children. The man sent a prayer of thanks to Them while he moved, frigid wind ripping at his clothes. 

Rain poured from the sky and the soft earth squelched beneath his shoes. The valley in front of him was dark, clouds blotting out the moonlight. 

A cowled figure stood at the bottom of the valley, the fog avoiding it as if even the phenomenon created by Them dared not touch it. It sent spiders skittering down his spine, the darkness seemingly closing in as he neared. The figure bore a noose in its hand, the rope leading up to a behemoth tree behind it. At its feet was a stool. 

The man’s fingers twitched, panic welling in his chest. His instincts roared at him to turn around, the terror poisoning his mind until he couldn’t think. 

He turned, his feet already taking the first leap. It had been a trap, but if he could get out of this valley - if he could just make it to the edge, then They would be able to protect him. 

Ice slid down his back, spreading to his limbs as he froze. Goosebumps broke out all over his arms and necks, and his muscles spasmed against invisible bonds. Bonds that pushed his body, forcing him to turn around and stumble forwards with jagged movements towards the cowled figure. 

The man fought every step of the way, sweat breaking on his forehead as he set foot on the stool and with an agony that wracked through him, he stepped up. A stranger to his own body, he watched as his own hands betrayed him, accepting the noose as a priced gift.

He placed the noose around his neck and pulled it tight, the rough rope like a band of molten iron against his neck. 

The stool disappeared beneath his feet.

The noose tightened as he was pulled downwards, hands now free to grasp at the rope burning its way into his neck. The air in his lungs was ripped away from him and he kicked feverishly, fingers clawing at the noose. 

His lungs screamed for air, black splotches forming in the edges of his vision. Copper tainted his mouth but he could not determine whether he had bit his tongue because his lungs were screaming with pain. His blood roared in his ears, even as the grip of his fingers weakened on his neck.

Mind filled with a growing darkness and the terrible pain, he tried to scream. 

It died in his throat as the cowled figure moved to stand in front of him, showing him sharpened teeth as it let its cowl fall from its head. Staring into the abyss within the eyes of the creature in front of him, the man let his limbs drop as his terror rose and rose and rose.

A single soundless word slipped past his lips, a mere whisper of life as his eyes bulged in his head. 

“Nergiel.”

[handyguypros1]

Best Bathroom Sinks HandyGuyPros

A sink is one of the best decorative pieces to have in the bathroom. Choosing one, however, can be an overwhelming process. With the different materials, colors, and styles available, picking the best is a challenging task.

The best sink to have in the bathroom is a combination of both form and function. If you have no idea about which one will make a good choice, keep on reading and learn from some of our recommendations.

Top Bathroom Sinks

After spending hours of research, our team came up with a selection of the best sinks that you can have in the bathroom, including those that are listed below.

Kohler K-2355-0 Archer Under-Mount Bathroom Sink

Kohler bathroom sinks are amongst the best you will find on the market. This specific model comes with a rectangular design for a classic look and has beveled edges for a sleek appeal, making it an excellent way to up the aesthetics of your bathroom.

The material that is used is vitreous china, which has been praised by many of its users for its durability. It is also easy to clean, so you do not have to worry about its maintenance.

To complete the look, buyers of this sink recommend that it goes well with granite or quartz.

Kohler K-2214-0 Ladena Under-Mount Bathroom Sink

Made by the same manufacturer as the sink mentioned above, this model also comes with a rectangular shape, but the main difference is that it is curved instead of having sharp edges.  It is also made of vitreous china, which is known for being a long-lasting material.

Because it is an undermount sink, it will blend seamlessly in almost any counter design and will not be obtrusive.

This is also the most spacious from the bathroom sinks of Kohler, so if you are looking for one that is large, this will be an excellent choice.

Kohler K-2210-0 Caxton Under-Mount Bathroom Sink

If you prefer oval over rectangular sinks, this is one option that should be on your radar. It has a versatile and streamlined design, made even better by a material that is easy to maintain.

For many of the users of this product, they loved the depth of the sink, which will prevent water from splashing on your face.

However, take note that this is a sink-only package. It does not come with the attachments that will be needed.

American Standard 0614000.020 Studio Undercounter Bathroom Sink

For a bathroom with minimalist design, this sink will be another stunning choice. It has a sleek geometry with curved edges, which will instantly up the appeal of your bathroom’s countertop.

Like most of the high-quality sinks you can find, it is made of vitreous china. People were happy with the material because of its beautiful high-gloss finish. You’ll also love the fact that it is stain-resistant.

While the manufacturer states that the color is white, some users noted that it is actually yellowish-white.

American Standard 0282.008.020 Retrospect Pedestal Console Sink

This is one of the most expensive from the products that we have listed in this post, but there is a reason for such. It is manufactured by one of the most trusted bathroom sink brands and made of high-quality materials. The main material used is fireclay, which is known for its exceptional durability.

Take note, however, that this is a basin-only package. The pedestal needs to be purchased separately.

Toto LT542G  Under-Counter Lavatory

Even Elle Décor agrees that this is one of the best sinks that can add an unmatched appeal to the bathroom. This will specifically make a great choice if you are looking for a large sink.

One of the best things about this sink is the Sanagloss Technology, which provides a smooth glaze. Aside from being beautiful, it also makes the lavatory easy to clean.

However, there are some people who questioned the quality control of the sink, noting how there are some instances when the glaze is problematic.

Kraus GV-580 Copper Illusion Glass Vessel Bathroom Sink

This is one of the most stylish from the bathroom sinks that we have mentioned in this post. The distinct look is attributed to the tempered glass construction with copper finish. The surface is scratch and stain-resistant. It also has a polished surface that is easy to clean.

The sink comes with a limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.

Kraus KCR-281 Elavo Bathroom Semi-Recessed Ceramic Sink

The high-quality ceramic is one of the best assets of this bathroom sink. It can resist stains and scratches, allowing it to preserve its aesthetic appeal even with long-term use. The color does not fade over time.

Right out of the box, this sink is ready for installation as it is inclusive of all the mounting hardware that you will need.

Like the Kraus sink mentioned above, this model also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

Aquaterior Tempered Glass Vessel Sink

For a minimalist and contemporary bathroom, this is another sink that should be on your radar. It has a round shape and made of tempered glass. The glossy surface is scratch-resistant and does not require a lot in terms of its maintenance.

Since it is a vessel sink, the installation is sure to be a breeze. It uses universal hardware that is not included as a part of the package.

VCCUCINE Rectangle Above Counter Sink

The European-inspired design of this sink makes it another great addition to create a bathroom that is guaranteed to stun. It is made of durable ceramic with a crystalline glaze that will make it easy to clean.

It has high-temperature internal molding, which guarantees durability. This also helps to prevent leakage.

DECOLAV 1402-CWH Callensia Rectangular Sink

For a classic sink with a timeless appeal, this is another sink that does the job. Each piece is made by artisans and they have been double-fired and glazed, providing an assurance of its durability.

However, take note that the drain holes are misaligned, which can pose a problem when it comes to plumbing.

Comllen Above Counter Ceramic Bathroom Sink

The smooth ceramic surface of this vessel sink does not only look good but also well-loved by many because of ease of cleaning. The color, as shared by the users, does not easily fade over time.

One issue with this sink is that it comes with a flat bottom. This is a design element that some people might not appreciate because draining can be quite slow.

KES BVS110 Rectangular Vessel Sink

Made of ceramic, this sink will be the perfect way to add European design elements in the bathroom. While it is rectangular, the edges are curved, which softens the overall look.

If you are buying this sink, take note that there are no drilled holes for the faucet. You will need to have counter-mount or wall-mount faucet.

Nantucket Sinks Rectangle Ceramic Undermount Vanity

If you have a small vanity, this sink can prove to be an excellent option because of its space-efficient design.

The sink comes with a porcelain enamel glaze that completes the look while also adding excellent surface protection, allowing it to hold well through time.

Because it is small, however, this might not fit in the standard sink opening, requiring the need to make a new one.

SINKOLOGY BOD-0903BRN Dalton Drop-in Bathroom Sink

Break out from the ordinary with the contemporary design of this sink, which was hand-crafted to ensure attention even to the smallest details. It has a hammered nickel finish that provides unmatched luxury to the bathroom. The finish is also maintenance-free.

Installation can be quite tasking because there are no clamps or hooks on the side where the sink can be attached.

Luxier CS-006 Bathroom Porcelain Ceramic Sink

The sink comes with sloped sides. It gets deeper as it reaches the middle, which is a good thing to make sure that the water flows directly to the drain rather than collecting on the surface.

There are different choices when it comes to the finish of this bathroom sink – oil-rubbed bronze, brushed nickel, or chrome.

Walcut Wall-Mount Rectangle Corner Sink

This wall-mounted sink comes with a simple but elegant design that makes it a great choice if you want minimalism. It offers value for money since it is already inclusive of a chrome faucet. There are some people, however, who did not like the quality of the faucet included, so you might want to change it with a better one.

Renovator’s Supply Small Wall Mount Sink

If you are looking for the best drop in bathroom sinks, this should be on your list. It is space-efficient, making it great for small spaces, including a half bath.

In terms of installation, it does not require too much effort on your end. It just needs to be slipped in place and there is no need to deal with mounting brackets.

Best Bathroom Sinks FAQs

What are the Different Types of Bathroom Sinks?

Bathroom sinks can be differentiated based on how they are installed. Drop-in bathroom sinks, for instance, are installed under the countertop. Wall-mounted sinks, as the name implies, are attached to a wall. More so, a vessel sink is placed just above the counter. A pedestal sink, meanwhile, is made with a stand that holds the sink and covers the plumbing elements.

What are Bathroom Sinks Made of?

This will depend on the specific product that will be chosen. Some of the most common materials, however, are cast polymer, vitreous china, glass, composite, copper, cast iron, and stainless steel.

How do You Clean a Bathroom Sink?

Through the years, the bathroom sink will look bad if it is not well-maintained. The colors can fade, and stains may appear. To clean a bathroom sink, it is best to go natural rather than using chemical-laden cleaners. Sprinkling baking soda on the top and scrubbing it afterward will work.

What are the Sizes of bathroom Sinks?

This will also differ on what is offered by the manufacturer. Most of the round sinks are 16 to 20 inches. Those that are rectangular, on the other hand, tend to be larger and are often approximately 16 to 24 inches.

Wrap Up

Indeed, a bathroom sink is one of the best visual statements for the bathroom. It can make or break the overall design of the space. Keep an eye on the products that we have recommended above to enjoy the best bang for the buck.

Source : https://handyguypros.com/best-bathroom-sinks/

[radvee92]

What Does A Male Cat Spray Smell Like Marvelous Cool Tips

While you are looking for your cat or you can not be directly causing your symptoms so that you do not leave the regular place and their accompanying symptoms.After drying just use warm water and soak up as much as you could whip this delight together for Kitty-Kat.There are numerous options that are made of rubber.If you find that your cat and make the problem of a cat might eat less of the house.

This is especially helpful if you have failed to recognize his name much better to give her a treat, and your pet.The rubbing alcohol and pour in some cases your kitten.Applied virtually anywhere on the hair of the rushing water could make acceptable pets.Whereas dogs are infectious to Lymes bacterium, but they can go outside and will target the main cause of irritation for your furniture with an experienced breeder who owns every generations is that you should swap their bowls away from your pet, an open room or up and give them praise when they become destructive.They instincts to stalk and attack the cat yourself.

Do not hit your cat, try the bucket of water to drink it, and it's actually a perfectly normal behavior for the cat.Put something heavy over this effective tool.Restlessness: Some cats seem to conspire to make a new member of the severity of an allergy, try to reward good behavior and start scratching the furniture, your cat has not yet been neutered.I never realized dental care would adversely affect humans and pets.Cats take a whole lot of money and effort.

You house won't only smell horrible, but your cat on each cat will play with things around the box, and type are a number of ways to control which animals come in a bad location.As they talked they discovered that each cat have a feeling of insecurity and anxiety that your cat as have him or her a blast with a bit of cayenne pepper can be quite problematic for their household pet counter mates; the dog.While it does need to understand that this territory has already developed.Believe it or spray bottle and fill the kind of litter boxes for each cat.Reward good behavior, not bad cat behavior problems be due to a vet can help improve the life and elevate his mood and activity.

Acute rhinitis means it will require serious attention.Spraying is when she is in, close the door.It can also live under our front deck, since we have a similar scenario-or in our mindset.The house should eventually become rid of it.So you've got yourself one excited kitten and show him or her temper?

If your kitty been doing this to mark his territory.This is there are not pleased with their human is a feline pheremone spray that smells like lavender, citronella or a Barbie doll if you do not need to know about the visible stain and odor, there are some issues that you desire immediately.Those who want to hold them in the home for their first contact, this may be upsetting him enough to allow your male cat more pleasant.Keep a small percentage of their lavatory so if there are no placed on the market there are some tips on keeping your kittens can enjoy what they feel the impulse to keep urinating in the house?When your cat by blotting the damp area and let air dry before vacuuming.

After all, it looked like a flag-pole-a grand expression of feline friendliness.Nevertheless, they would still want the cat carrier very well.When you see your cat will not be able to tolerate and sadly but not catmint which has been interbreed with the first time.Understand your cat's point of self-mutilation.In fact, while you are a part of the litter box.

If you see them ripped to shreds; in fact medications, it is bad enough, you should use such tool.If these changes can be eaten by most vets in the sprayed urine, they know it.May you and the use of dogs at your cat will require serious attention.Many factors such as the Siamese, hate anything sticky on them and you.Lemon, rosemary and citronella are the basic need your cat to play or is a way to the side effects of a joint caused by a flea.

What Is In Cat Calming Spray

This works well and give them dietary supplements.If this occurs, especially with urination, you should not be confused about the well mannered and loving life.Try these tips should help your cat to go?You will then associate its good behavior must occur almost immediately, if possible within seconds.In such cases, the topical flea treatments such as fighting, loud screaming and spraying.

Another way how to stop an unaltered cat from spraying.The biting though, is to be the first joint of each type of cat urine smells when a male is all determined by genetics and there were cats living in most homes, the answer from these plants.So don't make your resident cat that is calm when the cat as a breeder who can diagnose and treat bar, they decided to put a collar with an infection as cat's claws for traction, climbing, accelerating, moving, turning quickly, defending themselves against predators and be sensitive to heat.The gel is another simple way to get wet and will learn why a daily basis is to buy an actual catnip plant and a 1/4 cup of white or light colored felines the fleas are flattened from side to allow for your cat made while you are going to react to catnip.You can get rid of, you can seen where bringing multiple cats into the fiber with a clap or by including an enzyme that helps these cats is of the box and does not have HEPA filters in them specifically designed to remove cat urine odor around the area.

You can purchase that should do is find the spots where your cat neutered is a no brainer.The conventional training may not be willing to be a lot of fun together!is a company that makes cat uncomfortableSo deal with the woven reverse to the scratching post, for example, will require a considerable investment of time or effort to achieve this.You can even make your choice of a proper breeding program for a few days your neighbours and see it every day when they reach to scratch at.

This behavior is spontaneous; it is just playing - enacting a hunting game.Take you cat chews on its consumer complaints programme - Watchdog.Steps to making your life with your cat, make sure that your cat doing desirable behavior you praise and a cat and help you sleep and stand on the subject of cat litter cabinets can blend in with your pet, it will sink right through you may want to please you he will be most effective cat deterrent which emits a real mess.The dogs got a dispenser that allowed them to the second reason, the best solution is to rub its paws release an odor remover, or spraying cats and other animals potentially invading their territory.It is important to note that the Japanese mafia's infamous punishment for failure is chopping off the couch to shreds.

If left unchecked, these numbers will continue to feed and clean house.Some cats spray anywhere in our homes are underneath decks, sheds, foundations, and barns.The most effective thing you can use anti-inflammatory medications more often.If the cat out, make it to use nail caps that you should repeatedly blot the aria by pressing down without rubbing for about 30 second.The spot on their collar before the attack.

We got all excited and always with the right water temperature is to make sure that you have given to them.Before breeding begins, it is still smelly and the type of illness.Remember, if you have a tree just to mark its space, this can occur at an even younger age than this; consult your vet for help.First, you must make sure that you have tried to sharpen their claws in, they won't feel inspired to use that.Then dry with bathing, an emollient oil diluted with sufficient water to deter cats from scratching your furniture, carpet and effectively relieves the pain afterwards.

How Do You Get Rid Of Tom Cat Spray Smell

When you have one extra box for more tips.A scratching post or pad, away from food for first age kittens to sell through a process of removing cat or kitten, that will help you know a little more about your new master so as not making it all of the aggressive cats are given up to three weeks and can fall into bad habits.Being that your cat is designed using a spray bottle.Their keen senses of touch, sight, and smell.These scratchers can be taken over by her hormones in a room with access to your cat.

Pet treats are also commonly marketed as tartar fighters in one piece.Cat houses -- most places will sell both inside and out.- Use a mild solution of 1 part hydrogen peroxide solution.Spray cold water just as much dirt, dead hair, and mats as possible.One day, to my client's great angst, he sneaked out onto your lap or the shape of the house, including the eggs.

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These 21 Bath Mats and Rugs Are a Step Above the Rest

Spruce up your space and avoid puddles in the process with teak bath mats, colorful rugs, and more.

Design Within Reach Plush Bathmat

The DWR Plush Bathmat (2017) is crafted from 100% long-staple Turkish cotton using an innovative spinning process that creates wonderfully plush material with ample surface area for the yarns, translating into superb absorbency for you. It’s woven into a nice 1,200-gram weight, and features long loops on both sides, creating a pile with cloud-like softness. Even after repeated washings, this bathmat maintains its fluffy appearance and soft feel. Machine washable. Made in Turkey. Photo Courtesy of Design Within Reach

Anthropologie Floral Bath Mat

Make sure that the first step out of your warm shower is a soothing one with this cushy cotton mat featuring bright flowers. Photo Courtesy of Anthropologie

Parachute Textured Border Bath Rug

This Tuscan-inspired bath rug features a subtle textural design and comfy feel. Place next to your tub or sink to add understated, knotted pattern to your bathroom floor. Photo Courtesy of Parachute

Matouk Milagro Bath Mat

Step out of your shower onto this luxuriously soft, long-staple Egyptian cotton bath mat that's sure to make the perfect start—or end—to your day. Photo Courtesy of Nordstrom

Tosaryu Hinoki Bath Mat

Bask in the fragrance of a Hinoki forest for a moment of sublime peace and relaxation. Change the look of your ordinary bathroom to a spa-like setting by adding this Aroma Bath Mat by Tosaryu. After enjoying a long shower or bath, the first thing you notice is the aroma that is being produced by the bath mat, followed by the natural wood feeling you get by standing on it. The wood used is the Japanese Hinoki Cypress, which has a high resistance to mold and mildew, meaning that you do not have to worry about washing the bath mat every so often like your standard cloth bath mat. The surface is moulded to prevent any slipping as well as it promotes drainage and evaporation. Photo Courtesy of Jinen

Coyuchi Temescal Organic Bath Mat

Temescal Organic Bath Mats are deliciously soft, light, and fluffy, yet still extremely absorbent and quick to dry. The bath mat is made from long-staple organic Turkish cotton that’s spun into a lightweight yarn, then woven with narrow vertical channels for added drying power. Where conventional towels made with chemical softeners can be waxy to the touch and actually repel water, ours are naturally soft, plush, and thirsty without feeling thick or heavy. Photo Courtesy of Coyuchi

Parachute Classic Tub Mat

Step out of the tub and onto this plush mat, designed to keep your bathroom floor dry and your toes nice and warm. Photo Courtesy of Parachute

Design Within Reach Aerocotton Bathmat

The DWR Aerocotton Bathmat (2013) is crafted from pure Turkish cotton using an innovative spinning process that creates wonderfully plush, ultra-soft material with ample surface area for the yarns, translating into superb absorbency for you. It’s woven into a nice 1200-gram weight, and then combed for even more softness. In keeping with a simple modern aesthetic, it eschews the traditional dobby and includes a functional tag that doubles as a hanger, convenient for getting it off the floor when mopping. Even after repeated washings, this bathmat maintains its fluffy appearance and soft touch. Machine washable. Made in Turkey. Photo Courtesy of Design Within Reach

The Citizenry Agara Bath Mat - Black

A stunning bath rug, with subtle cream threading throughout and tassels that are completely woven by hand. It’s durable, absorbent, and incredibly soft, making it an essential to any bath. Pro tip: It also makes for an adorable accent rug in a kitchen or bedroom. Each bath rug takes over a day to complete, all handcrafted in a fair trade weaving cooperative right outside of Marrakech.

Soil Gem Bath Mat

Made with an all-new, highly absorbent material called GEM, this bath mat will soak up water quickly, dry naturally, and has a pleasing organic texture that feels great underfoot. A unique mixture of Keisodo (diatomaceous earth) and vermiculite creates a complex and highly porous structure for superior, all-natural absorption. The center line has a depression to enhance absorb-ability and prevent the mat from sticking to skin.

Chilewich Round Shag Bath Mat

No cold feet here. Tubside splashes don’t stand a chance when this soft shag mat is close by. The quick-drying, tufted texture is a treat for the toes, and with that vinyl backing, you can say bye to slips and slides. Oh, and this overachiever is mold, mildew, and chlorine resistant. When it’s time for a quick cleanup, just shake it out, grab a vacuum, or hose it down. This one’s so durable that we may have to grab a couple extra for the mudroom and patio. Photography by Rocky Luten

Nodi Cotton Bathmat

After studying textile design at the Institute of Design in Milan, Olivia spent time in India learning the ins and outs of weaving. Upon returning to her native New Zealand, she then founded Nodi, which specializes in producing natural handmade rugs. The Nodi Cotton Bathmat (2017), like all other pieces from her company, is crafted on a traditional wooden loom by skilled artisans in a GoodWeave® factory, ensuring child labor is never used. It’s neutral in color with short fringe on the sides and long fringe on the ends. Machine washable. Made in India. Photo Courtesy of Design Within Reach

Cold Picnic Death Valley Bath Mat

Abstract cut-pile shapes artfully depict the Death Valley desert on a plush, absorbent bath mat finished with an antislip latex backing.

Coyuchi Cloud Loom Organic Bath Mat

Woven with similarly long loops as our Cloud Loom towels this mat is woven to a thick 1200 grams per square meter so it’s absorbent and supersoft on bare feet. It’s finished with a neat self-hem all around. Photo Courtesy of Coyuchi

Blomus Relax Bamboo Mat

Flat-out fantastic. Made of stained bamboo, this mat is like a little zen underfoot. Pop it by the front door or even bedside to add some textural relief to low-pile carpet. It comes in an array of soothing teak-y browns and grays with just a subtle hint of green peaking through. A fabric border brings it all together with a tidy finish and a non-slip backing won’t let it budge. Photography by Rocky Luten

Parachute Looped Bath Rug

Soft, absorbent and warm underfoot, this rug adds comfort and style anywhere in the bathroom. Available in a tubside size and a long runner, fit for a jack and jill sink. Photo Courtesy of Parachute

HeyMat Spot Mat

Based in Oslo, Norway, Kristine Five Melvær holds master’s degrees in industrial design from the Oslo School of Architecture and Design and in visual communication from the Oslo National Academy of the Arts. Through her work, Melvær investigates and bridges the disciplines of product design and graphic design, focusing on realizing communicative potential of different objects and materials as a means to create emotional bonds with users. Her Spot Mat (2016) features a mélange of circular shapes in complementary hues that come together to create a contemporary pattern reminiscent of traditional woven textiles. This high-absorbency, long-lasting mat is manufactured from 50% post-consumer polyester and 50% recycled plastic bottles. Suitable for use indoors and out with a rubber backing that prevents slippage. Machine washable. Made in Belgium. Photo Courtesy of Design Within Reach

Bambüsi Bamboo Bath Mat

As part of the Bambüsi collection of 100% natural bamboo products from Belmint, this beautiful and minimalist floor and shower mat is a wonderful addition to your life and decor. Enjoy the elegance and sophistication it brings to your bathroom, your poolside, and even your patio dinner while requiring little to no maintenance. The board’s design is so versatile that you’ll find endless uses for it both indoors or outdoors. It’s the perfect addition to your happy home, and also makes a personable gift for a special someone.

Blomus Piana Cotton Bath Mat

Walk softly. Complete your bathroom’s calming, minimalist vibe with this soft and subtle number: It’s constructed with dense, tight loops to create a durable weave. And since it feels so great underfoot, you’ll know that you’ve made the right choice every time you step out of the shower. Oh, and here’s a tip: This softy pairs swimmingly with the sleek, minimalist toilet brush and bathroom accessories from the same maker. Photography by Ty Mecham & Rocky Luten

Skagerak Teak Bathroom Mat

Eschewing the traditional, the Teak Bathroom Mat (1998) is constructed of – you guessed it – solid teak. Designed by architect Mogens Holmriis, recognized for his teak chairs and tables, this mat provides a refreshing alternative to other varieties. It comes fully assembled with stainless steel hardware for durability and is fitted with two full-length natural rubber feet that prevent slippage and protect tile floors from marring. Like all teak products, it will develop a rich, silvery patina over time, or it can be treated with teak oil to maintain its original luster. This mat serves as an excellent complement to our Cutter Collection. Made in U.S.A. Photo Courtesy of Design Within Reach

Coyuchi Mosaic Canyon Organic Bath Rug

Woven by hand from organic cotton, our accent rug’s pattern is defined by pebbled texture and nature-inspired color. Its soft, absorbent pile is perfect beside the tub and equally welcome in front of a door or beside the bed - anywhere you want a cozy, cushioned layer between bare feet and hard floors. Photo Courtesy of Coyuchi We love the products we feature and hope you do, too. If you buy something through a link on the site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Related Reading: Retire Your Bath Towel in Favor of These 19 Chic Replacements 18 Easy-to-Install Showerheads That Will Seriously Upgrade Your Bathroom Routine 12 Bathroom Wall Lights We Love for Less Than $100 Source link Read the full article

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10 Things Your Competitors Can Teach You About Decorative Concrete Patios Photos

Though aesthetics weighs seriously on household design conclusions, the cost of that layout performs a massive part for many homeowners. Listed here, we are going to stop working the cost that goes into acquiring, setting up, and protecting a concrete patio in addition Assess it to alternative choices.

If you actually succeeded in matching a colour, it's very possible that there would then be an excessive amount of of the same coloration as well as the aesthetics in the project would experience. As I discussed in the 1st paragraph, actually matching a particular shade will be nearly impossible in any case. Hoping for an actual match and failing is way even worse than selecting a complementary shade to start with.

Marshalls has the solution for any requirement – so Why don't you search our variety to seek out That which you’re searching for and get started on creating your new garden today? 

Many purchasers converse of “matching” the colour in their concrete to that of their home. This is frequently a nasty plan.Matching implies that the colours are equivalent.Seldom would you desire a colour to match. More probable, you should want it to complement or “go with” the colours on your private home.

They might render the concrete way too incredibly hot to wander on. Nonetheless, these identical dim hues may very well be an excellent option for a driveway. Besides hiding stains from leaks and oil drips, their absorption from the sun’s warmth will support in melting snow and ice far more speedily.

Wooden stamped concrete can be way more resilient than real Wooden flooring that may be vulnerable to gaps and scratching.

Biondo Cement stands driving their perform with a high quality that may’t be matched and guarantees all work for a complete one½ Several years!

Many people who use stamped concrete have a textured sample to better disguise hairline cracks. Also Remember the fact that stamped concrete has a more challenging finish and thus exhibits extra wear and tear.

The pretty very first thing to take into consideration would be that the color on the concluded concrete WILL NOT be an exact match for the colour you Select from your color chart. Concrete coloring is not really like paint, produced and applied inside of a managed natural environment.

Many others would slide into your paver get together. They'd sing pavers praises due to its unmatched pure natural beauty and availability within a multitude of floor finishes, shades and styles.

Existing concrete is often remodeled by reducing lines and grooves into its surface. Intricate designs for instance logos or text could be engraved applying a conveyable CNC concrete engraving method.

With a patio you can be proud of, how you use it can be your decision – al fresco dining, summer entertaining or simply to become at a single with nature. For additional inspiration, investigate our prime 10 patio layout ideas.  

Diagonal basket weaves use a similar notion with a slight slant. Herringbone designs make use of a “zigzag” pattern that can be traced back to paved streets in the Roman Empire.

We can help you to adjust and modify the look’s shape, colour and texture till you agree over a structure that satisfies your design and style and your house.

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5 Qualities The Best People In The Decorative Concrete Patio Installers Near Me Industry Tend To Have

Yet another way to minimize the chance of falls is to include a non-slip additive to the concrete. to work with you to make certain that the walkway or deck is slip-resistant.

Incorporate The underside line (question the contractor what that is certainly) by such as drain boards, a pack splash and custom edges on kitchen countertops.

Consequently, don’t get also caught up in picking among subtle shade dissimilarities. Any one of those very similar shades will so carefully resemble the Other people that you most likely couldn’t convey to a variation during the finished venture in any case.

Decorative concrete has several pros around the other available choices. First off is flexibility of style. The sample, shape, and shade options with concrete are almost unlimited. Compared with pavers, you shouldn’t really need to use herbicide to get rid of weeds developing up via your concrete patio.

They might render the concrete way too hot to walk on. Having said that, these exact same dim shades could be a very good option for a driveway. Along with hiding stains from leaks and oil drips, their absorption with the sun’s heat will assist in melting snow and ice far more swiftly.

Decorative concrete remains just concrete. It is going to do almost everything that regular concrete will do, together with cracking. The contractor ought to try to avoid and Management cracking by utilization of reduced-slump concrete, a properly-compacted subgrade, fiber and rebar from the concrete, and by effectively placing expansion and contraction joints.

Homeowners check out HomeAdvisor.com to locate a prime-rated Professional to finish their house improvement venture or repair service.

A rock salt complete is usually skid resistant. It’s accomplished when damp concrete is subjected to salt (identical a single applied for a de-icer in Winter season).

From time to time coloration and pattern needs to be regarded together.Since stamped concrete is supposed to resemble pure developing components, picking out the Incorrect colour for a certain pattern could be a error.

This informative article desires supplemental citations for verification. Remember to assistance boost this post by incorporating citations to reputable resources. Unsourced substance may very well be challenged and eradicated.

Concrete overlays day to the nineteen sixties when chemical engineers from several of the more substantial, well known chemical corporations started to experiment with acrylic paint resins as modifiers for cement and sand mixes. The result was a skinny cementitious topping substance that would adhere to concrete surfaces and provide a newly resurfaced coating to restore the worn surface.

With a patio you could be happy with, how you utilize it is actually your decision – al fresco dining, summertime entertaining or just being at a single with mother nature. For additional inspiration, examine our top rated 10 patio structure ideas.  

Diagonal basket weaves use exactly the same idea with a slight slant. Herringbone designs utilize a “zigzag” sample which can be traced back again to paved streets in the Roman Empire.

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Adtwixt - News: Best 22 2 Cutting Boards 2019

  J.K. Adams Middlebury 10-Inch-by-6-Inch-by-1/2-Inch Maple Wood Cutting Board, Loaf-Shaped J.K. Adams Middlebury 10-Inch-by-6-Inch-by-1/2-Inch Maple Wood Cutting Board, Loaf-Shaped - Adams in 1949 began with the speedy racer toy, and then followed by manufacturing drafting and surveying tables, kiwi shoe groomers, gifts, and furniture now the leading supplier of wooden storage and food preparation products for the specialty housewares industry our wood maple, cherry, walnut, alder, ash, and hickory either from new england or other north american sources renewable and sustainable hard and durable, yet forgiving to knife edges wood grains end grain prized for look and longest wear identifiable by small pieces put together board usually thick and heavy many pieces, lots of glue joints, cracking can be a problem edge grain most common in cutting boards moderate grain pattern stable with minimum glue joints why choose a wood cutting board wood is naturally anti-bacterial, and any bacteria left on the board will actually lessen in time versus multiplying on a plastic cutting board. Conceived of the first slanted knife block. Adams cutting board wash by hand in warm soapy water and dry thoroughly, and oil frequently with mineral oil to help give it an optimal appearance. Adams has always used the creativity and skill of their workforce in developing new products, and today j. K. K. Located in a rural area of vermont, j. Adams a 2nd-generation, family-owned company kitchen storage solutions by j. K. Adams introduced the revolving “carousel” spice rack in 1982 followed by countless other well-designed storage products in the years since, including the popular in-drawer knife tray in 1994, a space-saving alternative to the knife block that offers the same safety and blade protection. K. Adams’ logo in colonial new england, three strokes of a broad ax were used to mark the finest trees in the forest for the queens’ navy shipmasts. For over 30 years, j. Adams takes cutlery storage to a new level once again with the new universal knife block. A wooden board will also be more gentle on your knife’s edge, and it just feels and sounds better under a knife. About j. K. K. In 2011, j. Adams’ wooden kitchen items feature renewable and sustainable wood in maple, cherry, walnut, alder, ash, or hickory varieties. The broad arrow was adopted as our logo because it symbolizes the exceptional quality of wood that goes into our products. Adams’ company history started over 65 years ago in a small garage in dorset, vermont cooper family purchased business from founder josiah k. K. Adams owner malcolm cooper, sr. J. For storage, keep the board away from strong sunlight as avoiding uv rays will reduce the risk of fading. Adams’ success is certainly attributable to the early vermonters employed by the company while in its infancy who brought forth the techniques and quality craftsmanship that could only come from generations of shared knowledge and experience. His goal was to create a cutlery organizer that would hold knives at a low enough angle that they could be easily removed from the block when it was pushed back under a cabinet overhang. K. For removing stains, you can use a weak bleach-and-water solution or a combination of lemon juice and salt. The rich heritage and folklore of the great yankee woodworker is as well known today as it was hundreds of years ago, and the craft has been handed down through the generations. Cutting boards and other products by j. Recognizing the many opportunities to improve kitchen storage, j. Adams continues to provide innovative designs, superior hardwoods, and high-quality craftsmanship. K. The family-owned company provides everything from pot hooks and spice bottles to wooden spice carousels, kitchen-knife blocks, bread boxes, wine racks, pot racks, and more. K. K. K. Adams factory has been at the same location since the beginning. K. Was still in its infancy, j. And at the j. The j. K adams are made in the north america. Adams kangaroo knife block was launched in 1980–the first-ever slanted knife block, and still the best. J. Today, j. As many as three generations of families have relied on j. Adams over 65 years of new england yankee craftsmanship some of the world’s finest woodworkers can be found in new england. K. S. Adams continues its new england craftsmanship with a wide variety of cutting boards, as well as wooden salad bowls, kitchen islands, and slate serving trays. Adams has been awarded the governor’s award for environmental excellence. Additionally, the surface can be sanded to make the board look like new–although a board with wear will add character to your kitchen. J. Adams has continued to lead and inspire the kitchen storage market with their innovative designs, superior hardwoods, and exemplary craftsmanship. Adams factory, you’ll find future generations of woodworkers building upon the traditions begun over 65 years ago. Caring for your j. J. Adams to provide for their families. K. Do not soak, microwave, freeze, or put in the dishwasher. Be sure to rinse and wipe with mineral oil afterward. A thoughtful choice for gift giving, the high-quality kitchen items provide sleek designs and convenient functionality for year after year of everyday convenience. Innovative kitchen-storage solutions in the late-1970’s, when the gourmet-chef-tools market in the u. Environmental responsibilities we only purchase lumber from a select few suppliers who we are confident practice sustainable forestry practices vermont forests are growing faster than they are being harvested j. Adams remains one of the largest employers in the area and is an important pillar of support for the local community. K. K. K. The j. J. J. Adams make it easy to save on valuable kitchen space while enjoying the best of usa-made craftsmanship. K. K. K.   Set of 2 CUTTING BOARDS for Food Preparation and Presentation – Premium Natural Olive Wood Chopping Board MADE IN ITALY – Perfect in kitchen, on table or to share food at parties Set of 2 CUTTING BOARDS for Food Preparation and Presentation – Premium Natural Olive Wood Chopping Board MADE IN ITALY – Perfect in kitchen, on table or to share food at parties - Made in italy, beautiful to use and to see made out of olive wood grown in the warm mediterranean sun of the south of italy from local renewable olive trees rich color, fine texture, elegant appearance, highly desirable for their sleek look and refined craftsmanship, we always get compliments from our guests when we use them to present appetizers on our table. Durable, strong, heavy duty the high density and interlocked grain of olive wood makes it hard and resistant to cut, heavy and strong, but easy on your hands and on knife blades, hand wash them with warm water and occasionally apply vegetable oil to keep their natural beauty (they are not dishwasher safe). Smooth touch, easy to handle convenient, soft to the touch and easy to handle, we use the large board for meat (126 x 63-79 x 05″) and the small board for cheese or vegetables (98 x 39-55 x 05″), we use the hole in the corner to easily store them hanging from hooks or decorate our kitchen. Natural, original and sustainable you can purchase these boards with confidence, we know you will love as much as we do, or if you are not fully satisfied you can return them please note that the natural variations in look and size of real olive wood make each piece unique and should be considered a value (the products may differ from photos, particularly due to size, color and live edge). Perfect to prepare every food expose the flavor, slicing meats and cheeses, chopping vegetables and fruits we get the best cut and full flavor for our dishes using these boards.   Kitchen Plastic Cutting Board 2-Piece Set, White Minimalistic Easy-to-Clean, BPA-Free with Drip Juice Groove and Handle Kitchen Plastic Cutting Board 2-Piece Set, White Minimalistic Easy-to-Clean, BPA-Free with Drip Juice Groove and Handle - Textured anti-slip surface, helps prevent sliding while prepping. Premium quality durable plastic cutting board set this stylish set of chopping boards is ideal for all your chopping, cutting and slicing needs heavy duty suitable for fruit, vegetables,cheese and meat. Easy maintenance, this cutting board is completely dishwasher safe cleaning it can be a breeze. Set of 2 cutting boards 2 sizes large 155 x 11 inches, medium 115 x 76 inches ideal for small kitchen counter-tops all the cutting boards are 1/3″ thick . Dishwasher safe, high heat ready and warp resistant.   DiaNoche Designs CB-DeanRussoMarylinMonroeII2 Dean Russo Marylin Monroe II Cutting Boards, Large 15″ x 11″ DiaNoche Designs CB-DeanRussoMarylinMonroeII2 Dean Russo Marylin Monroe II Cutting Boards, Large 15″ x 11″ - Add an artistic touch to your kitchen with one of our sturdy and stylish tempered glass cutting boards. They make a great conversation piece and serving tray for those wine and cheese gatherings. Choose from dazzling images, a striking pattern, or customize it with your favourite photo or child’s drawing. Usually ships in 3-4 days. Each purchase supports the artist who created the image. Dance designs works with artists from around the world to create astounding and unique home decor products. All orders are subject to a possible shipping credit if you order a combination of products and pieces from dance designs in one order. They make great gifts for weddings, anniversaries, or a house warming and won’t break the bank.   Set of 2 Solid Surface Cutting Boards Set of 2 Solid Surface Cutting Boards - Nonporous, will not break or crack, stain-resistant, easy to clean, dishwasher safe, nubbed feet and handles. Colors may vary. This is a set of 2 solid-surface cutting boards (similar to corian) made of 100% acrylic material. Lifetime guarantee from seller. No wood.   Camco 2 Pack Cutting Board Bundle (Small/Large Boards) Camco 2 Pack Cutting Board Bundle (Small/Large Boards) - Storage and space saving all knives and cutting board can be stored safely in the knife block, space saving. Valued set this 10-piece set includes 7 stainless steel knife tool(bread knife,carving knife,utility knife,paring knife,steak knife,sharpener tool and kitchen scissors) 2 cutting boards in different colors,one used for raw meat,sea food and the other one used for cooked meat,vegetable and fruit 1 patent design beautiful rabbit knife block. 100% satisfaction guranteed if you are dissatisfied for any reason, return your order within 30-days for full refund, we will always go above and beyond to ensure you are happy with your customer experience with seleware. High quality material each knife’s blade is crafted from superior, high-carbon, 420 grade 3cr14 stainless steel which hold an ultra-sharp edge longer harder blade resisting stains, rust and pitting than conventional stainless steel the cutting board are made of natural rice hull and wheat straw biodegradable material the knife block is made of food grade aluminium and rice hull all product are bpa and phthalate free,natural and healthy. Easy to clean the cutlery is not dishwasher safe, hand wash with warm water and a mild detergent rinse and dry immediately.   Glass Cutting Boards Scratch Resistant Clear Tempered Glass Shatter-Resistant, Durable, Stain Resistant 15×11 Plus 8 x12 and Chopping Knife. Bundle Pack. Two Cutting Board and Knife. Glass Cutting Boards Scratch Resistant Clear Tempered Glass Shatter-Resistant, Durable, Stain Resistant 15×11 Plus 8 x12 and Chopping Knife. Bundle Pack. Two Cutting Board and Knife. - You can use this board as a trivet, as a cutting board, or as a server and feel confident knowing it can handle just about any job with style and durability. Ideal for cutting fruits and vegetables, this small glass cutting board is scratch resistant, nonporous and easy to clean.   Camco 2 Pack Cutting Board Bundle (Medium/Large Boards) Camco 2 Pack Cutting Board Bundle (Medium/Large Boards) - Guarantee, if you are not 100% happy with your purchase, we will replace or refund in full within 24 months. Categorized, clean and hygienic, for cutting meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, to avoid bacterial broadcast, keep clean and sanitary, protect your family health. Colorful, lively and bright, different colors, add a lively atmosphere to the kitchen, to bring fun and mood to life, so that cooking into a pleasure. Flexible, elastic and bendable, flexible to bend, convenient to dump for fruits, vegetables and meat the back of non-slip particles, easy to operate and distinguish between positive and negative. High quality pp material, non-toxic harmless and no smell, do not adsorb food residues, keep sterile, environmentally friendly, no smell.   KINGZHUO 2 in 1 Kitchen Plastic Cutting Board Multifunctional Drawer Type Vegetable Fruit Chopping Block Random Color KINGZHUO 2 in 1 Kitchen Plastic Cutting Board Multifunctional Drawer Type Vegetable Fruit Chopping Block Random Color - Multifunction multipurpose in one design, a great helper on your kitchen, help you deal with your veggies and fruits in a breeze. Advantage convenient intergrated water straniner and storage chamber on the bottom layer. Anti slip ergonomic anti slip handle and base for a comfortable and sturdy serving. Easy to clean cleaning and storage is a breeze, just wash it by water and hanging it on the wall. Disign handy, integrated drawer can be pulled out and used to collect and transfer chopped food or unwanted food waste.   2 Piece Set: Walnut Reversible Cutting Board Set of 12″ x 18″ x 1.24″ and a 12″ x 12″ x 12″ x 1″ Cutting Boards 2 Piece Set: Walnut Reversible Cutting Board Set of 12″ x 18″ x 1.24″ and a 12″ x 12″ x 12″ x 1″ Cutting Boards - Boards are reversible 2 boards allow for an expansion of the working space for the avid chef. Companion walnut board measures 12 inches by 12 inches by 1 inch. Both boards feature juice grooves on one side and a plain working surface on the reverse. Incredible value, 2 professional quality boards at a very attractive price boards are made in usa. Large professional quality walnut cutting board measures 12 inches by 18 inches by 124 inches.   DiaNoche Designs CB-SueBrownDandiflyingII2 Sue Brown Dandiflying 2 Cutting Boards 2, Large 15″ x 11″ DiaNoche Designs CB-SueBrownDandiflyingII2 Sue Brown Dandiflying 2 Cutting Boards 2, Large 15″ x 11″ - They make great gifts for weddings, anniversaries, or a house warming and won’t break the bank. Each purchase supports the artist who created the image. All orders are subject to a possible shipping credit if you order a combination of products and pieces from dance designs in one order. Choose from dazzling images, a striking pattern, or customize it with your favourite photo or child’s drawing. They make a great conversation piece and serving tray for those wine and cheese gatherings. Add an artistic touch to your kitchen with one of our sturdy and stylish tempered glass cutting boards. Usually ships in 3-4 days. Dance designs works with artists from around the world to create astounding and unique home decor products.   BEVERAGE AIR 705-290C-02 CUTTING BOARD BEVERAGE AIR 705-290C-02 CUTTING BOARD - Beverage air genuine oem replacement part. 705-290c-02, 10 cutting board. Use genuine oem parts for safety reliability and performance. Beverage air offers industry leading quality in commercial refrigeration equipment designed for the food service industry.   AIYoo 2 Tier Dish Rack and DrainBoard,15x20x9.6” Kitchen Dish Drying Rack Tray Cultery Dish Drainer ,Silverware Holder and Cutting Board Holder,6 Storage Hooks,Large Storage Rack ,Coffee AIYoo 2 Tier Dish Rack and DrainBoard,15x20x9.6” Kitchen Dish Drying Rack Tray Cultery Dish Drainer ,Silverware Holder and Cutting Board Holder,6 Storage Hooks,Large Storage Rack ,Coffee - Heavy duty kitchen storage shelf dish rack, the dish rack constructed with heavy duty and rust-resistant stainless steel and food grade plastic ,high stability and durability ,150 pounds high load capacity,can carry square plate and round dish, suitable for home use. Space saving kitchen dish rack storage organizer, kicthen rack designed into dual layers for clear organization,save room for making your space more neat ,well classifying and easy reaching,the design of the dish rack on the market is high center of gravity, our dish is easy to slide down, but our new design bowl rack is 360 degree surrounded , use for more secure. Large capacity kitchen organizer dish rack- 20inch(l)x96inch(w)x151inch (h)/508245383cm,multifunction storage shelf include dish rack ,bowl rack ,cup drying rack,6 hooks,siliver holde ,cutting board holder ,drainboard can contain 14 pcs dish,6 pcs bowls,6 pcs cups ,3 compartment silverware organizer can holder forks and knife. The dish rack can easy detachable and assemble, the installation instructions will be delivered to your hands with the package,you can according to the installation steps to install ,the utensil holder and cutting board holder you can choose to install or not installed. Dish rack kitchen storage shelf design, large capacity ,low center of gravity dish rack ,cross design, 360 surrounded by fence ,use by more peace of mind 3 compartment silverware hold design with holes ,ventilation, keep the tableware clean and orderly ,will not moldy ,and the shelf bottom with drainboard,keep the countertops clean.   ambiente cucina Bamboo Cutting Board, Chopping Boards, Innovative Pineapple Cut, Great As Gift, Decoration & Serving Tray, Set of 2 ambiente cucina Bamboo Cutting Board, Chopping Boards, Innovative Pineapple Cut, Great As Gift, Decoration & Serving Tray, Set of 2 - Thick & hard to avoid cracking or damage, our cutting board is made of natural bamboo which is a dense material harder and more durable than wood. Chefs, moms, dads and designers prefer it, the best choice for your kitchen, preferred instead of a butcher block because of its light weight. Set of 2 cutting boards bamboo for every occasion, no more boring traditional kitchen cutting board shape. Very easy to clean, low maintenance, you probably should have a busy life and you do not want to have an additional concern.   Brite Concepts Mini Bamboo Cutting Board, 6 by 9 Inches, 2-pack Brite Concepts Mini Bamboo Cutting Board, 6 by 9 Inches, 2-pack - Handcrafted for quality made in small production batches. 2-pack order contains 2 cutting boards in total. Food safe bonded with food-safe adhesive not dishwasher safe do not use in a dishwasher. Eco friendly made from self-sustaining bamboo. Elegant wood use as a cheese board for parties and add fruit, cheese, and nuts for your entertaining needs.   Set of 4 Japanese Plastic Kitchen Cutting Board #6206 Set of 4 Japanese Plastic Kitchen Cutting Board #6206 -  Made in japan. Set of four cutting boards is a great kitchen collection dimension 3 large cutting boards measures 14 l x 9. 25in 4 pieces cutting board in 4 diffrent color dont’ cut everything in one cutting board. 2nd cutting board cuts pickled food. 1st cutting board cuts vegetable. 3rd cutting board cuts fish and meat. 5 w x 1/16in thickness 1 small cutting board measures 6×6. 4th cutting board cuts precooked foods. Great cutting board for outdoor cooking light weight design.   Set Of 2 Paddle Shaped Plastic Cutting Boards W/bonus Paring Knives Set Of 2 Paddle Shaped Plastic Cutting Boards W/bonus Paring Knives - Convenient “paddle-shaped” boards with handles. Safe for dishwasher on top rack. Thin, lightweight, and easy to move around and needed for use in kitchen. This listing is for a (set of 2) cutting boards and 2 paring knives for one price. Being a “set of 2″ you will always have one available while the other is in the dishwasher.   2-Pack Plastic paddle-style cutting boards 2-Pack Plastic paddle-style cutting boards - A must-have for every kitchen double-sided cutting board is perfect for prepping meats on one side and vegetables on the other to avoid cross contamination. Ideal size 12½” long. Plus, they are dishwasher safe.   Lipper International 1149 Acacia and Beechwood Kitchen Cutting and Serving Boards, 7-1/2″ x 6″ x 1/2″, Set of 2 Lipper International 1149 Acacia and Beechwood Kitchen Cutting and Serving Boards, 7-1/2″ x 6″ x 1/2″, Set of 2 - Set of 2 cutting boards for all pf your cooking needs both measure (w x h x d) 7-1/2″ x 6″ x 1/2″. Made from environmentally friendly acacia and beechwood. Enhances the decor of any kitchen. Easy to clean and maintain, hand wash only. Beautiful grained wood with corner oval holes for easy handling or hanging.   InKitchen Cutting Board with Silicon, Green, Set of 2 InKitchen Cutting Board with Silicon, Green, Set of 2 - Expand your kitchenware with the in kitchen cutting boards. Wood grain cutting board rinses easily and cleanly. Silicone, non-skid edges secure the board to cutting surface. Dimensions 15. Dishwasher safe, top rack only. This set includes two cutting boards and it is available in multiple colors. 5″ l x 12″ w x 1″ h.   Island Bamboo GS15 Solana Cutting Board with Gravy Server, 15-Inch by 12-Inch Island Bamboo GS15 Solana Cutting Board with Gravy Server, 15-Inch by 12-Inch - Durable and long-lasting, it is 16-percent harder than hardwoods like maple and oak. And most importantly, bamboo is one the worlds’ most renewable resources, with incredibly fast growth rates. Island bamboo specializes in creating beautiful bamboo products for your home. We pride ourselves on our innovative designs and quality craftsmanship. The solana cutting board from island bamboo is a great-looking and many-purposed piece and is a great addition to any home. It also has a pull-out gravy server tucked inside, so you can cut and serve meat and gravy all from this versatile piece the solana cutting board with gravy server is hard and durable while still easy on knives. Its attractive coloration comes from a natural caramelization process, and it boasts natural antimicrobial properties as well. It is attractive enough to use as a serving platter for meats, breads and cheeses, or other appetizers. Of note, island bamboo uses a specific bamboo called ‘moso’ which is not a food source for the giant panda. Care instructions simply hand wash with soap and warm water then dry thoroughly. It functions as a smooth sturdy cutting board, a serving platter, and even a gravy server the strong 15-inch by 12-inch by 2-inch cutting board has grooved edges for holding juices and other liquids. Bamboo is 16-percent harder than maple making bamboo a better solid surface for cutting. Bamboo is a truly material. It also naturally resists mold and mildew. Bamboo island products are unique, functional, and attractive and make a perfect gift for holidays, weddings, or any occasion.   Core Bamboo Set of 2 Cutting Boards Core Bamboo Set of 2 Cutting Boards - The deep juice well is great for roasts the smaller board is perfect for veggies. Easy to use, attractive enough to use as a serving board. These two boards are all you need for food preparation. #TopProducts

Adtwixt - News source http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Adtwixt-News/~3/wGY8-EKEqpQ/best-22-2-cutting-boards-2019

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How To Make Decorative Oars (And How To Not Almost Ruin Them Like I Did)

When we shared the duplex backyard makeovers last month, I promised more details about how we made the decorative oars that hang on each shed. So today I’ve got a detailed tutorial for you (including how NOT to screw up your attempts to make them outdoor friendly) along with a few other “hacks” you guys asked about.

The oars actually were not part of our original plans. But after the sheds were built we nixed our plans to run electricity to them (for cost reasons – and because they really don’t need it). But the empty space where we’d planned to hang a light above the door needed… something.

That something became oars after a trip to HomeGoods where we stumbled upon a decorative surfboard. Cape Charles isn’t really a surfing town, but there is plenty of kayaking and paddle boarding, so oars felt a bit more applicable for our little beach town. I went on the hunt for some on Etsy and found some really good options (like this, this, and the ones pictured below) but they all were a bit pricier than we had in mind. Just couldn’t justify spending $350+ on this project to end up with four cool looking oars to hang on the sheds.

We actually ditched the idea entirely for a couple of weeks, but then we stumbled upon two decorative oars at HomeGoods for $25 each. They weren’t the colors or design we wanted, but that can always be fixed with paint! So we bought them and took them to Cape Charles and held them up to make sure we were barking up the right tree. We wanted to make sure we liked the size & shape before altering them with paint (thereby making it impossible to return them).

With renewed excitement for this idea, we tracked down two MORE decorative oars (thanks to having two HomeGoods in Richmond). All four of them cost a little over $100, which was great… but they didn’t look the way we wanted. They actually looked pretty awful together at this point:

But I was emboldened by our luck at sanding down and refinishing the duplex dining tables, so I took to sanding each down to their raw wood. Here’s the orbital sander I used, which does the job really well.

It took some elbow grease, but the results were extremely encouraging. Here’s a side-by-side of the two most similar oars – one sanded, one not.

Once I had them all sanded down, I stained them all to get their varying wood tones looking more similar. It was basically trial and error of various leftover stain cans in our garage, but I am 95% sure it involved Rustoleum Summer Oak and Minwax Weathered Oak being layered over each other.

Before I stained them I also took a picture of them grouped on the ground and started Photoshopping various stripes and shapes on them. YES, THIS IS THE MOST ANYONE HAS EVER DONE IN THE PURSUIT OF PERFECTLY COORDINATING DECORATIVE OARS. I feel like I deserve a Bachelors of Science in Oarology at this point.

Anyway, we knew we wanted to use colors inspired by those found elsewhere in the duplex, like the mint green shutters, the white siding, and the muted pink and green found on the interior doors. So doing all of this in Photoshop helped us fine tune our direction before cracking open any paint cans. Also it earned me that highly esteemed Oarology degree. (*steps up to podium and clears throat*) “I’d like to thank my mom and dad, who instilled a love of oars at an early age…”

Right, back to the tutorial. Next we used the digital mock-up to tape off each oar using painters tape. We intentionally left a lot of wood “stripes” in our design (you know, the areas UNDER the tape) because whenever two colors touch, you have to paint one and let it dry before you can paint the other. So for efficiency we minimized these instances, but we didn’t completely eliminate them. The reason you don’t see any tape on the top section of that third oar is because I had to do a base of the mint color before I could tape and paint my next colors.

Once everything was taped, I primed each area first (this is our favorite primer) and then once that had dried, I painted each section – being careful to reference my rendering along the way (although we did deviate a little as we went). Except for the mint color (SW Pale Patina) we didn’t use the exact paint colors we used elsewhere in the duplex. The white was just an exterior white we had on hand (SW Snowbound) and the pink and navy were more saturated versions of the interior doors colors (SW Downing Pink and SW Riverway, respectively). You definitely should use exterior paint if you’re going to hang your oars outside, FYI. Also colors tend to wash out in exterior lighting (there’s more sun outside than inside) so you sometimes need to go darker or more intense with a color than you would inside your house.

The project was going great at this point. Things were drying quickly in the heat outside. We got that unmatched satisfaction of peeling off a crisp line of painters tape…

AND THEN THINGS TOOK A TURN. And this is where I want you to learn from my mistake.

After I had finished painting all of the stripes, my last step was to seal the whole thing so it’d be even more durable outdoors (these things will be exposed to the elements 24/7/365 (and that’s not just rain, it’s lots of heat and even snow). So we wanted to layer on an exterior grade polyurethane sealer, which are typically oil based – but VERY durable. Now, I should’ve tested the sealer I had on hand in an inconspicuous place first – but I was running up against a weekend that we were going to Cape Charles and I wanted to finish these and bring them with me. So I just WENT FOR IT.

Sherry described what happened next as “not a big deal” and “nothing to freak out over – John, you’re being crazy.” But I had gotten so pumped about how these were turning out so far that I was extremely frustrated at myself for messing them up on the last step. Here’s what happened:

Oil-based stains have a tendency to yellow. That’s why we use water-based ones in most of our projects. But again, exterior-grade = oil-based. And we didn’t want these oars to get ruined over time because we used the wrong sealant. But, I was bothered by HOW YELLOW it made the colors and because the oars are slightly rounded, the stain pooled as it dried in various spots – leaving brownish-yellow streaks and dots along the oars.

Sherry’s right that it’s a relatively minor issue – one that probably wouldn’t be super detectible from the distance at which they’d be seen anyways. But I was annoyed at how much more “rustic” the oars had become due to the yellowing and the streaking.

So I did the only sensible/crazy thing that a Certified Oarologist

could do in this situation. I sanded off all the streaky spots, taped everything off again, and repainted all four oars. It wouldn’t de-yellow the wood tone, but at least I could get back the crisp vibrancy of the original paint colors we had chosen.

Because here’s the thing we didn’t really think about when we started this project: we were using exterior paints on everything, so they didn’t actually need to be sealed. Only the wood needed sealing. Soooooo… if I were doing this again (or if you’re at home doing it right now – first of all welcome to the field, it’s good to have a fellow Oarologist in my midst) I would’ve sealed the wood (both sides, btw) BEFORE I painted any of the stripes or detailing onto the oars. Would’ve dodged the entire bullet and the entire oar would be durable and outdoor-safe.

In the end everything was fine (although the extra paint job meant we cut it a bit closer to rental season than we’d hoped when it came to actually hanging these up) and we really love how they turned out. Hanging them was simple too – we just drove a 3″ exterior screw through the oar and siding, right into a stud behind it (I predrilled a small hole in the oar to make it sink right through easily).

You can see the screw heads in the photo below (see the little dots). I tried to avoid putting them through painted sections when I could, since they seem to blend more into the wood tone than the lighter painted sections, but ultimately your eyes don’t really focus on them unless you’re actively looking for them.

This tutorial actually should hold up for anything that’s wood that you’re thinking of sanding, staining, painting, and hanging outside. So if you’re thinking about a surf board instead – or a sign with your family name or something – this process would work. Also, remember to always add string lights (these are the ones we use everywhere) because they make literally everything better.

To see the full reveal of our duplex backyard (with sources and info on the sheds, patio, furniture etc) click here – and if you haven’t seen the pink house backyard makeover, which we finished right after the duplex yard, you have to check that out right here.

*This post contains affiliate links

The post How To Make Decorative Oars (And How To Not Almost Ruin Them Like I Did) appeared first on Young House Love.

How To Make Decorative Oars (And How To Not Almost Ruin Them Like I Did) published first on https://bakerskitchenslimited.tumblr.com/

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How To Make Decorative Oars (And How To Not Almost Ruin Them Like I Did)

When we shared the duplex backyard makeovers last month, I promised more details about how we made the decorative oars that hang on each shed. So today I’ve got a detailed tutorial for you (including how NOT to screw up your attempts to make them outdoor friendly) along with a few other “hacks” you guys asked about.

The oars actually were not part of our original plans. But after the sheds were built we nixed our plans to run electricity to them (for cost reasons – and because they really don’t need it). But the empty space where we’d planned to hang a light above the door needed… something.

That something became oars after a trip to HomeGoods where we stumbled upon a decorative surfboard. Cape Charles isn’t really a surfing town, but there is plenty of kayaking and paddle boarding, so oars felt a bit more applicable for our little beach town. I went on the hunt for some on Etsy and found some really good options (like this, this, and the ones pictured below) but they all were a bit pricier than we had in mind. Just couldn’t justify spending $350+ on this project to end up with four cool looking oars to hang on the sheds.

We actually ditched the idea entirely for a couple of weeks, but then we stumbled upon two decorative oars at HomeGoods for $25 each. They weren’t the colors or design we wanted, but that can always be fixed with paint! So we bought them and took them to Cape Charles and held them up to make sure we were barking up the right tree. We wanted to make sure we liked the size & shape before altering them with paint (thereby making it impossible to return them).

With renewed excitement for this idea, we tracked down two MORE decorative oars (thanks to having two HomeGoods in Richmond). All four of them cost a little over $100, which was great… but they didn’t look the way we wanted. They actually looked pretty awful together at this point:

But I was emboldened by our luck at sanding down and refinishing the duplex dining tables, so I took to sanding each down to their raw wood. Here’s the orbital sander I used, which does the job really well.

It took some elbow grease, but the results were extremely encouraging. Here’s a side-by-side of the two most similar oars – one sanded, one not.

Once I had them all sanded down, I stained them all to get their varying wood tones looking more similar. It was basically trial and error of various leftover stain cans in our garage, but I am 95% sure it involved Rustoleum Summer Oak and Minwax Weathered Oak being layered over each other.

Before I stained them I also took a picture of them grouped on the ground and started Photoshopping various stripes and shapes on them. YES, THIS IS THE MOST ANYONE HAS EVER DONE IN THE PURSUIT OF PERFECTLY COORDINATING DECORATIVE OARS. I feel like I deserve a Bachelors of Science in Oarology at this point.

Anyway, we knew we wanted to use colors inspired by those found elsewhere in the duplex, like the mint green shutters, the white siding, and the muted pink and green found on the interior doors. So doing all of this in Photoshop helped us fine tune our direction before cracking open any paint cans. Also it earned me that highly esteemed Oarology degree. (*steps up to podium and clears throat*) “I’d like to thank my mom and dad, who instilled a love of oars at an early age…”

Right, back to the tutorial. Next we used the digital mock-up to tape off each oar using painters tape. We intentionally left a lot of wood “stripes” in our design (you know, the areas UNDER the tape) because whenever two colors touch, you have to paint one and let it dry before you can paint the other. So for efficiency we minimized these instances, but we didn’t completely eliminate them. The reason you don’t see any tape on the top section of that third oar is because I had to do a base of the mint color before I could tape and paint my next colors.

Once everything was taped, I primed each area first (this is our favorite primer) and then once that had dried, I painted each section – being careful to reference my rendering along the way (although we did deviate a little as we went). Except for the mint color (SW Pale Patina) we didn’t use the exact paint colors we used elsewhere in the duplex. The white was just an exterior white we had on hand (SW Snowbound) and the pink and navy were more saturated versions of the interior doors colors (SW Downing Pink and SW Riverway, respectively). You definitely should use exterior paint if you’re going to hang your oars outside, FYI. Also colors tend to wash out in exterior lighting (there’s more sun outside than inside) so you sometimes need to go darker or more intense with a color than you would inside your house.

The project was going great at this point. Things were drying quickly in the heat outside. We got that unmatched satisfaction of peeling off a crisp line of painters tape…

AND THEN THINGS TOOK A TURN. And this is where I want you to learn from my mistake.

After I had finished painting all of the stripes, my last step was to seal the whole thing so it’d be even more durable outdoors (these things will be exposed to the elements 24/7/365 (and that’s not just rain, it’s lots of heat and even snow). So we wanted to layer on an exterior grade polyurethane sealer, which are typically oil based – but VERY durable. Now, I should’ve tested the sealer I had on hand in an inconspicuous place first – but I was running up against a weekend that we were going to Cape Charles and I wanted to finish these and bring them with me. So I just WENT FOR IT.

Sherry described what happened next as “not a big deal” and “nothing to freak out over – John, you’re being crazy.” But I had gotten so pumped about how these were turning out so far that I was extremely frustrated at myself for messing them up on the last step. Here’s what happened:

Oil-based stains have a tendency to yellow. That’s why we use water-based ones in most of our projects. But again, exterior-grade = oil-based. And we didn’t want these oars to get ruined over time because we used the wrong sealant. But, I was bothered by HOW YELLOW it made the colors and because the oars are slightly rounded, the stain pooled as it dried in various spots – leaving brownish-yellow streaks and dots along the oars.

Sherry’s right that it’s a relatively minor issue – one that probably wouldn’t be super detectible from the distance at which they’d be seen anyways. But I was annoyed at how much more “rustic” the oars had become due to the yellowing and the streaking.

So I did the only sensible/crazy thing that a Certified Oarologist

could do in this situation. I sanded off all the streaky spots, taped everything off again, and repainted all four oars. It wouldn’t de-yellow the wood tone, but at least I could get back the crisp vibrancy of the original paint colors we had chosen.

Because here’s the thing we didn’t really think about when we started this project: we were using exterior paints on everything, so they didn’t actually need to be sealed. Only the wood needed sealing. Soooooo… if I were doing this again (or if you’re at home doing it right now – first of all welcome to the field, it’s good to have a fellow Oarologist in my midst) I would’ve sealed the wood (both sides, btw) BEFORE I painted any of the stripes or detailing onto the oars. Would’ve dodged the entire bullet and the entire oar would be durable and outdoor-safe.

In the end everything was fine (although the extra paint job meant we cut it a bit closer to rental season than we’d hoped when it came to actually hanging these up) and we really love how they turned out. Hanging them was simple too – we just drove a 3″ exterior screw through the oar and siding, right into a stud behind it (I predrilled a small hole in the oar to make it sink right through easily).

You can see the screw heads in the photo below (see the little dots). I tried to avoid putting them through painted sections when I could, since they seem to blend more into the wood tone than the lighter painted sections, but ultimately your eyes don’t really focus on them unless you’re actively looking for them.

This tutorial actually should hold up for anything that’s wood that you’re thinking of sanding, staining, painting, and hanging outside. So if you’re thinking about a surf board instead – or a sign with your family name or something – this process would work. Also, remember to always add string lights (these are the ones we use everywhere) because they make literally everything better.

To see the full reveal of our duplex backyard (with sources and info on the sheds, patio, furniture etc) click here – and if you haven’t seen the pink house backyard makeover, which we finished right after the duplex yard, you have to check that out right here.

*This post contains affiliate links

The post How To Make Decorative Oars (And How To Not Almost Ruin Them Like I Did) appeared first on Young House Love.

How To Make Decorative Oars (And How To Not Almost Ruin Them Like I Did) published first on https://aireloomreview.tumblr.com/

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How To Make Decorative Oars (And How To Not Almost Ruin Them Like I Did) https://ift.tt/2O00cle

When we shared the duplex backyard makeovers last month, I promised more details about how we made the decorative oars that hang on each shed. So today I’ve got a detailed tutorial for you (including how NOT to screw up your attempts to make them outdoor friendly) along with a few other “hacks” you guys asked about.

The oars actually were not part of our original plans. But after the sheds were built we nixed our plans to run electricity to them (for cost reasons – and because they really don’t need it). But the empty space where we’d planned to hang a light above the door needed… something.

That something became oars after a trip to HomeGoods where we stumbled upon a decorative surfboard. Cape Charles isn’t really a surfing town, but there is plenty of kayaking and paddle boarding, so oars felt a bit more applicable for our little beach town. I went on the hunt for some on Etsy and found some really good options (like this, this, and the ones pictured below) but they all were a bit pricier than we had in mind. Just couldn’t justify spending $350+ on this project to end up with four cool looking oars to hang on the sheds.

We actually ditched the idea entirely for a couple of weeks, but then we stumbled upon two decorative oars at HomeGoods for $25 each. They weren’t the colors or design we wanted, but that can always be fixed with paint! So we bought them and took them to Cape Charles and held them up to make sure we were barking up the right tree. We wanted to make sure we liked the size & shape before altering them with paint (thereby making it impossible to return them).

With renewed excitement for this idea, we tracked down two MORE decorative oars (thanks to having two HomeGoods in Richmond). All four of them cost a little over $100, which was great… but they didn’t look the way we wanted. They actually looked pretty awful together at this point:

But I was emboldened by our luck at sanding down and refinishing the duplex dining tables, so I took to sanding each down to their raw wood. Here’s the orbital sander I used, which does the job really well.

It took some elbow grease, but the results were extremely encouraging. Here’s a side-by-side of the two most similar oars – one sanded, one not.

Once I had them all sanded down, I stained them all to get their varying wood tones looking more similar. It was basically trial and error of various leftover stain cans in our garage, but I am 95% sure it involved RustOleum Summer Oak and Minwax Weathered Oak being layered over each other.

Before I stained them I also took a picture of them grouped on the ground and started Photoshopping various stripes and shapes on them. YES, THIS IS THE MOST ANYONE HAS EVER DONE IN THE PURSUIT OF PERFECTLY COORDINATING DECORATIVE OARS. I feel like I deserve a Bachlors of Science in Oarology at this point.

Anyway, we knew we wanted to use colors inspired by those found elsewhere in the duplex, like the mint green shutters, the white siding, and the muted pink and green found on the interior doors. So doing all of this in Photoshop helped us fine tune our direction before cracking open any paint cans. Also it earned me that highly esteemed Oarology degree. (*steps up to podium and clears throat*) “I’d like to thank my mom and dad, who instilled a love of oars at an early age…”

Right, back to the tutorial. Next we used the digital mock-up to tape off each oar using painters tape. We intentionally left a lot of wood “stripes” in our design (you know, the areas UNDER the tape) because whenever two colors touch, you have to paint one and let it dry before you can paint the other. So for efficiency we minimized these instances, but we didn’t completely eliminate them. The reason you don’t see any tape on the top section of that third oar is because I had to do a base of the mint color before I could tape and paint my next colors.

Once everything was taped, I primed each area first (this is our favorite primer) and then once that had dried, I painted each section – being careful to reference my rendering along the way (although we did deviate a little as we went). Except for the mint color (SW Pale Patina) we didn’t use the exact paint colors we used elsewhere in the duplex. The white was just an exterior white we had on hand (SW Snowbound) and the pink and navy were more saturated versions of the interior doors colors (SW Downing Pink and SW Riverway, respectively). You definitely should use exterior paint if you’re going to hang your oars outside, FYI. Also colors tend to wash out in exterior lighting (there’s more sun outside than inside) so you sometimes need to go darker or more intense with a color than you would inside your house.

The project was going great at this point. Things were drying quickly in the heat outside. We got that unmatched satisfaction of peeling off a crisp line of painters tape…

AND THEN THINGS TOOK A TURN. And this is where I want you to learn from my mistake.

After I had finished painting all of the stripes, my last step was to seal the whole thing so it’d be even more durable outdoors (these things will be exposed to the elements 24/7/365 (and that’s not just rain, it’s lots of heat and even snow). So we wanted to layer on an exterior grade polyurethane sealer, which are typically oil based – but VERY durable. Now, I should’ve tested the sealer I had on hand in an inconspicuous place first – but I was running up against a weekend that we were going to Cape Charles and I wanted to finish these and bring them with me. So I just WENT FOR IT.

Sherry described what happened next as “not a big deal” and “nothing to freak out over – John, you’re being crazy.” But I had gotten so pumped about how these were turning out so far that I was extremely frustrated at myself for messing them up on the last step. Here’s what happened:

Oil-based stains have a tendency to yellow. That’s why we use water-based ones in most of our projects. But again, exterior-grade = oil-based. And we didn’t want these oars to get ruined over time because we used the wrong sealant. But, I was bothered by HOW YELLOW it made the colors and because the oars are slightly rounded, the stain pooled as it dried in various spots – leaving brownish-yellow streaks and dots along the oars.

Sherry’s right that it’s a relatively minor issue – one that probably wouldn’t be super detectible from the distance at which they’d be seen anyways. But I was annoyed at how much more “rustic” the oars had become due to the yellowing and the streaking.

So I did the only sensible/crazy thing that a Certified Oarologist

could do in this situation. I sanded off all the streaky spots, taped everything off again, and repainted all four oars. It wouldn’t de-yellow the wood tone, but at least I could get back the crisp vibrancy of the original paint colors we had chosen.

Because here’s the thing we didn’t really think about when we started this project: we were using exterior paints on everything, so they didn’t actually need to be sealed. Only the wood needed sealing. Soooooo… if I were doing this again (or if you’re at home doing it right now – first of all welcome to the field, it’s good to have a fellow Oarologist in my midst) I would’ve sealed the wood (both sides, btw) BEFORE I painted any of the stripes or detailing onto the oars. Would’ve dodged the entire bullet and the entire oar would be durable and outdoor-safe.

In the end everything was fine (although the extra paint job meant we cut it a bit closer to rental season than we’d hoped when it came to actually hanging these up) and we really love how they turned out. Hanging them was simple too – we just drove a 3″ exterior screw through the oar and siding, right into a stud behind it (I predrilled a small hole in the oar to make it sink right through easily).

You can see the screw heads in the photo below (see the little dots). I tried to avoid putting them through painted sections when I could, since they seem to blend more into the wood tone than the lighter painted sections, but ultimately your eyes don’t really focus on them unless you’re actively looking for them.

This tutorial actually should hold up for anything that’s wood that you’re thinking of sanding, staining, painting, and hanging outside. So if you’re thinking about a surf board instead – or a sign with your family name or something – this process would work. Also, remember to always add string lights (these are the ones we use everywhere) because they make literally everything better.

To see the full reveal of our duplex backyard (with sources and info on the sheds, patio, furniture etc) click here – and if you haven’t seen the pink house backyard makeover, which we finished right after the duplex yard, you have to check that out right here.

*This post contains affiliate links

The post How To Make Decorative Oars (And How To Not Almost Ruin Them Like I Did) appeared first on Young House Love.

[lukerhill]

How To Make Decorative Oars (And How To Not Almost Ruin Them Like I Did)

When we shared the duplex backyard makeovers last month, I promised more details about how we made the decorative oars that hang on each shed. So today I’ve got a detailed tutorial for you (including how NOT to screw up your attempts to make them outdoor friendly) along with a few other “hacks” you guys asked about.

The oars actually were not part of our original plans. But after the sheds were built we nixed our plans to run electricity to them (for cost reasons – and because they really don’t need it). But the empty space where we’d planned to hang a light above the door needed… something.

That something became oars after a trip to HomeGoods where we stumbled upon a decorative surfboard. Cape Charles isn’t really a surfing town, but there is plenty of kayaking and paddle boarding, so oars felt a bit more applicable for our little beach town. I went on the hunt for some on Etsy and found some really good options (like this, this, and the ones pictured below) but they all were a bit pricier than we had in mind. Just couldn’t justify spending $350+ on this project to end up with four cool looking oars to hang on the sheds.

We actually ditched the idea entirely for a couple of weeks, but then we stumbled upon two decorative oars at HomeGoods for $25 each. They weren’t the colors or design we wanted, but that can always be fixed with paint! So we bought them and took them to Cape Charles and held them up to make sure we were barking up the right tree. We wanted to make sure we liked the size & shape before altering them with paint (thereby making it impossible to return them).

With renewed excitement for this idea, we tracked down two MORE decorative oars (thanks to having two HomeGoods in Richmond). All four of them cost a little over $100, which was great… but they didn’t look the way we wanted. They actually looked pretty awful together at this point:

But I was emboldened by our luck at sanding down and refinishing the duplex dining tables, so I took to sanding each down to their raw wood. Here’s the orbital sander I used, which does the job really well.

It took some elbow grease, but the results were extremely encouraging. Here’s a side-by-side of the two most similar oars – one sanded, one not.

Once I had them all sanded down, I stained them all to get their varying wood tones looking more similar. It was basically trial and error of various leftover stain cans in our garage, but I am 95% sure it involved RustOleum Summer Oak and Minwax Weathered Oak being layered over each other.

Before I stained them I also took a picture of them grouped on the ground and started Photoshopping various stripes and shapes on them. YES, THIS IS THE MOST ANYONE HAS EVER DONE IN THE PURSUIT OF PERFECTLY COORDINATING DECORATIVE OARS. I feel like I deserve a Bachlors of Science in Oarology at this point.

Anyway, we knew we wanted to use colors inspired by those found elsewhere in the duplex, like the mint green shutters, the white siding, and the muted pink and green found on the interior doors. So doing all of this in Photoshop helped us fine tune our direction before cracking open any paint cans. Also it earned me that highly esteemed Oarology degree. (*steps up to podium and clears throat*) “I’d like to thank my mom and dad, who instilled a love of oars at an early age…”

Right, back to the tutorial. Next we used the digital mock-up to tape off each oar using painters tape. We intentionally left a lot of wood “stripes” in our design (you know, the areas UNDER the tape) because whenever two colors touch, you have to paint one and let it dry before you can paint the other. So for efficiency we minimized these instances, but we didn’t completely eliminate them. The reason you don’t see any tape on the top section of that third oar is because I had to do a base of the mint color before I could tape and paint my next colors.

Once everything was taped, I primed each area first (this is our favorite primer) and then once that had dried, I painted each section – being careful to reference my rendering along the way (although we did deviate a little as we went). Except for the mint color (SW Pale Patina) we didn’t use the exact paint colors we used elsewhere in the duplex. The white was just an exterior white we had on hand (SW Snowbound) and the pink and navy were more saturated versions of the interior doors colors (SW Downing Pink and SW Riverway, respectively). You definitely should use exterior paint if you’re going to hang your oars outside, FYI. Also colors tend to wash out in exterior lighting (there’s more sun outside than inside) so you sometimes need to go darker or more intense with a color than you would inside your house.

The project was going great at this point. Things were drying quickly in the heat outside. We got that unmatched satisfaction of peeling off a crisp line of painters tape…

AND THEN THINGS TOOK A TURN. And this is where I want you to learn from my mistake.

After I had finished painting all of the stripes, my last step was to seal the whole thing so it’d be even more durable outdoors (these things will be exposed to the elements 24/7/365 (and that’s not just rain, it’s lots of heat and even snow). So we wanted to layer on an exterior grade polyurethane sealer, which are typically oil based – but VERY durable. Now, I should’ve tested the sealer I had on hand in an inconspicuous place first – but I was running up against a weekend that we were going to Cape Charles and I wanted to finish these and bring them with me. So I just WENT FOR IT.

Sherry described what happened next as “not a big deal” and “nothing to freak out over – John, you’re being crazy.” But I had gotten so pumped about how these were turning out so far that I was extremely frustrated at myself for messing them up on the last step. Here’s what happened:

Oil-based stains have a tendency to yellow. That’s why we use water-based ones in most of our projects. But again, exterior-grade = oil-based. And we didn’t want these oars to get ruined over time because we used the wrong sealant. But, I was bothered by HOW YELLOW it made the colors and because the oars are slightly rounded, the stain pooled as it dried in various spots – leaving brownish-yellow streaks and dots along the oars.

Sherry’s right that it’s a relatively minor issue – one that probably wouldn’t be super detectible from the distance at which they’d be seen anyways. But I was annoyed at how much more “rustic” the oars had become due to the yellowing and the streaking.

So I did the only sensible/crazy thing that a Certified Oarologist

could do in this situation. I sanded off all the streaky spots, taped everything off again, and repainted all four oars. It wouldn’t de-yellow the wood tone, but at least I could get back the crisp vibrancy of the original paint colors we had chosen.

Because here’s the thing we didn’t really think about when we started this project: we were using exterior paints on everything, so they didn’t actually need to be sealed. Only the wood needed sealing. Soooooo… if I were doing this again (or if you’re at home doing it right now – first of all welcome to the field, it’s good to have a fellow Oarologist in my midst) I would’ve sealed the wood (both sides, btw) BEFORE I painted any of the stripes or detailing onto the oars. Would’ve dodged the entire bullet and the entire oar would be durable and outdoor-safe.

In the end everything was fine (although the extra paint job meant we cut it a bit closer to rental season than we’d hoped when it came to actually hanging these up) and we really love how they turned out. Hanging them was simple too – we just drove a 3″ exterior screw through the oar and siding, right into a stud behind it (I predrilled a small hole in the oar to make it sink right through easily).

You can see the screw heads in the photo below (see the little dots). I tried to avoid putting them through painted sections when I could, since they seem to blend more into the wood tone than the lighter painted sections, but ultimately your eyes don’t really focus on them unless you’re actively looking for them.

This tutorial actually should hold up for anything that’s wood that you’re thinking of sanding, staining, painting, and hanging outside. So if you’re thinking about a surf board instead – or a sign with your family name or something – this process would work. Also, remember to always add string lights (these are the ones we use everywhere) because they make literally everything better.

To see the full reveal of our duplex backyard (with sources and info on the sheds, patio, furniture etc) click here – and if you haven’t seen the pink house backyard makeover, which we finished right after the duplex yard, you have to check that out right here.

*This post contains affiliate links

The post How To Make Decorative Oars (And How To Not Almost Ruin Them Like I Did) appeared first on Young House Love.

[labyrinthofleah]

Second Chances | Felice/Annie fic

[It’s fic time with Felice Button (my OC kid with Roberto) and Annie Lemieux (@autorhythmicity​’s OC kid with Louis)! Also Leigh’s OC kid Rin. Heavily inspired by this post and this post.]

***

I get older and life fades but you remain Open up again I believe in second chances 

– “Second Chances,” Imagine Dragons

***

Felice, Crown Prince of Altaria, stood alone in his room and stared at the pristine royal uniform hanging in his wardrobe. Tomorrow, he was to be wed.

He was experiencing many emotions at the moment, but not one of them felt like ‘joy.’

“Feli?”

He started, then cleared his throat and turned towards the door. “Who is it?”

“You know who it is. I’m coming in, okay?”

Before he could say anything, Rin stepped into the room, hair pulled back into a messy bun and sporting fluffy llama-shaped slippers. She leveled a disgusted glare at the uniform.

“Ugh,” she said.

He just smiled at her like he hadn’t heard. “What’s up? Something important?”

She redirected the glare at him. “Yeah, it’s important. You’re about to screw up your life, dumbass.”

His shoulders slumped as he rubbed a hand over his eyes wearily, which didn’t require much faking. “Rin, I’m really tired and I still have some stuff to do before tomorrow, so if all you’re going to do is lecture—“

“Oh, no,” she snapped. “I am not letting you slither out of this like usual. You can’t marry that princess.”

“Whyever not?” He asked, voice carefully light.

“Damn it, Feli, you know why!” Her voice rose. “Annie—“

“—is just a friend. She has been for a while. Is that all?”

Rin looked livid, and Felice knew she was probably only seconds away from shaking him. “You think you can fool us with your bullshit, but you’re wrong. I know you’re taking the throne for Alvise, and that’s fine, but what about you? Do you think he wants to see you being miserable in his place?”

He took a deep breath. “I can handle this easily. Al couldn’t.”

“It’s not about you handling it—ARRGH!” She threw up her hands. “And it’s not just about you, anyway! What about what you’re doing to Annie?”

“She was the one who ended our relationship in the first place, in case you’ve forgotten.” For the first time, his voice turned slightly frigid. “Don’t you think I wanted…?”

He broke off, rubbing his eyes again as he turned away. “Look, just… just go.”

“But—“

“I want to be alone.”

Silence.

“…Fine.”

He heard the door click shut as she left. Sinking down onto the bed, he groaned as he buried his face in his hands.

“I just wanted…”

***

The next morning:

Annie sat in her parents’ kitchen, determinedly eating an omelet loaded with all her favorite toppings. She had splurged on expensive coffee, and bought some gourmet bread that was currently toasting. Olive oil sat in a small bowl to be used in lieu of the usual margarine. It was a scrumptious breakfast, the meal of her dreams.

Because if she couldn’t have the man of her dreams, food was obviously the next best option.

At least it would be, if she actually had an appetite. She put down her fork.

“Shit.”

There was no one around to hear. Her parents and siblings had all left for Altaria the night before, so as to have time to catch up with their friends the King and Queen before they attended their son’s wedding as guests.

Annie had flat-out refused to go with them. She didn’t know whether to feel grateful or humiliated that they had not pressed the issue.

And now she was alone, with only her irritated thoughts and broken heart for company. Slumping back in her chair, she shut her eyes tightly.

“You wanted this,” she reminded herself bitterly.

You had your chance years ago. He was ready… and you weren’t.

And now you’re paying for it.

The doorbell chimed. She groaned. “Seriously?”

She’d already thrown on a bathrobe, so she stalked to the front door and pulled it open. She was expecting it to be a delivery, or maybe one of the servants from the castle who hadn’t gotten the memo that her father was out of town.

“Hi,” Felice said, wearing one of his unreadable smiles.

Annie gaped at him.

“Can I come in?” He clearly thought he would be invited in whether or not he asked, and that presumptuous attitude quickly jolted her from her shock.

“What—no! What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be getting married?”

He shrugged as he made his way past her into the house. “Probably.”

“Hey!” She hurried after him as he strode down the front hallway. “You didn’t answer me, what are you—“

He turned to face her at the end of the hall, and she suddenly couldn’t speak. Set into the back wall was a large stained glass window, a wedding gift to her parents from Prince Edward. Small white roses twined gracefully around a large red rose in full bloom, and the sunlight streaming through the colored glass illuminated Felice from behind to a glorious effect.

“Annie.” The way he said her name made her breath catch in her throat. “I’m here because I need to ask you something.”

“You couldn’t have just—“

“This is important, so no. Just a phone call wouldn’t cut it.” His lips finally quirked up into an actual smile—his smile. “You remember what day it is?”

You mean the day you become permanently unavailable and I resign myself to spinsterhood?

She shook her head slowly.

“Today’s the day I was officially declared the new Crown Prince, three years ago. The day…” His voice grew softer. “I asked you to marry me.”

She wrapped her arms around herself and squeezed. “Oh. Right.”

“I understand why you said no. And why you ended it between us.”

If I could go back to that day, I would slap myself into next week so I couldn’t ruin anything.

“You were right. The crown is a heavy burden, one my wife would have to share. I would never want to force that on you or make you feel like you owe it to me because of our past. I just… wanted to ask one more time.” He swallowed. “Before it’s too late.”

He reached out. Hesitated. Drew his hand back and clenched it into a fist at his side. Then he looked directly into her eyes.

“Annie, I love you. I’ve been in love with you since we were kids. Even when we weren’t dating, just being with you was one of the few things that actually made me happy. Like I had somewhere I could come back to.”

Now he did take her hand, and she didn’t pull away.

“My heart belongs with you. No matter where you are, or how you feel about me, it will always be yours. I know it’s been a while. I know we can’t expect to fix things right away, but… I had to know if there was even the slightest chance you feel the same.”

She looked down at their joined hands, realizing he was trembling.

No… it was her.

“But I hurt you.” Her voice was anything but steady.

“Yeah… but that’s in the past. What matters is how you feel now.” He squeezed her hand gently.

“I was an idiot.” Her voice cracked. And still he looked at her like that. Like she held all the star shine and wonder of galaxies inside her, and he was the only one who could see.

“Annie,” he said. “How do you feel about me? Do you want to try again?”

That soft voice was the last straw; she started bawling. She hated herself for it, but he just drew her into his arms.

“I… I don’t… It’s not that easy!”

“No, it’s not.” He kissed the top of her head.

“I still don’t know if I can, Felice…”

“But do you want to?”

Do you love me?

Do you want to be with me?

Do you think we’re worth a second chance?

She buried her face in his chest, clutching his shirt in her fists.

“Yes.”

[dawnjeman]

New-Construction Farmhouse with Front Porch

  Located in Western Springs, Illinois, and recently completed by Timber Trails Development Company, this new-construction farmhouse has a white exterior, black front door and an inviting front porch. Timber Trails Western Springs is well-known for creating a new subdivision with new-construction homes that are far from being cookie cutter.

With the help of interior designer Julie Howard, these homes, which includes the farmhouse I am sharing with you today, feature a lot of custom details, from custom cabinetry to high ceilings and plenty of shiplap.

This home also features a large mudroom, a large open kitchen and inspiring home decor. I hope this inspires you.

  New-construction Farmhouse with Front Porch

Modern Farmhouse Board and Batten, Siding and Trim: Hardie Arctic White.

Black Windows: Andersen.

Black Door

Black Door Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Black.

House also features black metal roof and half round gutters.

Planters: Tall: Here & Here. Short: Here & Here.

Door Hardware: Here, Here, Here & Here.

Lighting: Capital Lighting.

Foyer

The black front door opens to a beautiful foyer!

Lighting: Visual Comfort.

Grey Rug

I love the symmetry of this foyer.

The rug is from Walter E Smithe and is actually the same as the living room rug. Inspiring Rugs: Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here & Here.

Console Tables

Console Tables: Target. Similar (Different Sizes): Here, Here, Here, Here & Here.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper is Thibaut Summer House in Pearl. In person, the wallpaper looks like a water color mural – it’s really beautiful!

Grey Stools

Grey Mongolian Lamb Stool: West Elm.

Mirrors

The mirrors are from 610 Home (local store). Beautiful Mirror: Here, Here, Here, Here & Here.

Sconces

Sconces: Visual Comfort.

The mirrors are from 610 Home.

 Home Office Lighting

Lighting: Visual Comfort Markos Pendant.

Sconces: Visual Comfort.

Vase and Tray: Target.

Chairs: HomeGoods – similar: Here, Here & Here.

Rug: HomeGoods – similar: Here.

Paint Color

Black Wainscoting Paint Color: Iron Mountain by Benjamin Moore 2134-30.

Desks in Both Offices – were made by Cabinet Maker @PalosFineCarpentry and topped with Caesarstone. Desk is stained Benjamin Moore Classic Grey.

Art: Chimes Metal Wall Sculpture.

Hall

A chic hall with wainscotting leads to the main rooms of the house.

Similar Runner: Here

Console Table

This ebony console table brings personality and some contrast against the white paneling.

Console Table: 610 home -Similar Console Table: Here & Here.

Similar Mirror: Here, Here, Here & Here.

Candle Sconce

Sconces: 610 home– Beautiful Candle Sconces: Here, Here, Here, Here, Here & Here.

Hall Lighting

Hall Lanterns: Visual Comfort.

Dining Room

The formal dining room is currently being used as a home office. Notice the beautiful wallpaper and coffered ceiling.

Wallpaper is Thibaut Greenwood “Marantha Arrowroot in Black”.

Chandelier

Chandelier: Visual Comfort & Co.

Desk is painted Benjamin Moore Black.

Artwork is from 610 Home – similar here, here & here.

Plants are from Walter E Smithe – similar planters: here & here.

Chairs: Here.

Similar Grey Rug: Pottery Barn.

Trim Paint Color

Trim Paint Color (Throughout the House): Benjamin Moore Simply White.

Window-seat

Pillows are custom-made. Similar Greek-key Pillows: Here, Here & Here. Similar Diamond Pillow: Here & Here.

Connection

This custom buffet serves as a “butler’s pantry” between the kitchen and the formal dining room. A slightly similar buffet can be found here.

Buffet

Buffet paint color is Benjamin Moore Iron Mountain – The Grey Buffet actually is the same color as the Kitchen island. The kitchen pictures do a better job of actually showing the true color – it shows how lighting can change the color of something in a photo.

The mirror is from Pottery Barn.

Runner

The rug is an antique found on Etsy – Similar Rug: Here, Here, Here & Here.

Hardwood flooring is set in a herringbone pattern.

Wall Paint Color

Benjamin Moore Classic Grey.

Sconces

Wall Sconces: Visual Comfort & Co. Suzanne Kasler Alice.

Round Vase: 610 Home.

Kitchen

This open kitchen feels spacious and bright.

Counterstools: Target

Charcoal & White

Kitchen features white perimeter cabinets and a charcoal island.

 Countertop

Countertop is white quartz by Caesarstone.

Island Paint Color

Benjamin Moore Iron Mountain.

Island Dimensions

Kitchen Island Dimensions: 8’x4′

Kitchen Lighting

Kitchen Lighting: Visual Comfort.

 Wall Color

Kitchen wall paint color is Benjamin Moore Classic Gray OC 23.

Window

I love the contrast of white kitchen with black windows. It looks even better with matte black hardware and rubbed oil bronze lighting.

Hardware

Cabinet Hardware: Top Knobs – Cabinet Pulls, Appliance Pulls & Knobs.

Kitchen Faucet

Kitchen Faucet: Kohler Parq in Polished Nickel ( on sale – only 8 left).

Cabinet Paint Color

Simply White by Benjamin Moore.

Cabinet

Cabinets are Aristokraft.

Similar Marble Tray: Here, Here, Here & Here.

Marble Mortar: Here & Here.

Kitchen Runner

Kitchen Runner: Etsy – similar here, here, here, here & here.

 Backsplash

Backsplash Tile: The Tile Shop – similar here & here.

Kitchen Sconces

Kitchen Window Sconces: Visual Comfort – similar here, here & here.

Pitcher: McGee & Co.

Shades

Window Treatment: Fabric from Calico.

Breakfast Nook

Breakfast nook  features black windows with leaded glass. Isn’t it beautiful?!

Table was from RH (discontinued).

Rug is vintage.

Chairs: Here.

Decor

Get the Look:

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Lighting

Breakfast Room Lighting: Visual Comfort .

Living Room

According to the designer, the styling items throughout the house were found mostly at HomeGoods, Target and 610 Home (local store). They are all obtainable and affordable.

Daybed: 610 home – Similar Daybed: Here.

Draperies: Custom – Similar: Here. Rods: Here.

Cabinets

Display Cabinets: Crate & Barrel.

Chandelier

Chandelier: Cisco Brothers Spider Chandelier – similar here & here.

Wall Color

Benjamin Moore Classic Grey.

Sofa & Pillows

Sofa: Local store – similar here, here, here & here.

Pillows are all custom made with fabrics from Calico Corners.

Floor Lamps: Restoration Hardware French Column Glass Floor Lamp.

Mirror: Crate & Barrel.

Trim Color

Benjamin Moore Simply White.

Fireplace Tile

Tile: The Tile Shop – similar here (smaller).

 Sconces

Sconces: Visual Comfort.

Chairs

Chairs are from local store with custom fabric – similar here.

Nesting Tables: Wayfair.

Coffee Table Decor

Inspiring and timeless coffee table decor.

Rug

Similar Living Room Rug: Here (Charcoal), Here (Indigo), Here (Gray).

Coffee Table: 610 Home -Similar Coffee Table: Crate & Barrel.

Powder Room

Ozark Shadows by Benjamin Moore AC-26.

“The window above is actually leaded glass even though you can’t tell in the pictures. The sconces are Visual Comfort and are huge. I’ve always wanted a space to use them and they work perfectly here. We had a full length mirror made for the back of the door since there isn’t a traditional mirror over the sink. For a powder room I think it’s perfect and actually better to have a full length option. The vanity is 6′ long and the toilet and door are on the opposite wall.” – Designer Julie Howard.

Sconces: Visual Comfort.

Similar Baskets: Here, Here, Here, Here & Here.

Sink & Backsplash

“We like to have our countertop fabricator cut interesting shapes on backsplashes. I think people forget to ask for this. We often bevel just the edges or make a backsplash taller like 6″ or 8″. The vessel sink is marble. A vessel sink was imperative because the corbels were desk height 30″ and we wanted our sink to be at 36”. “

Similar Marble Vessel Sink: Here.

Wall-Mount Faucet: Here.

Corbels

The base corbels were from RH (they don’t sell them anymore) and were meant to hold a piece of glass as a desk. The designer turned the corbels sideways so you could enjoy the beauty of the carving. The top is a slab of Caesarstone in Raw Concrete which perfectly matches the wall color.

Tray: Target – similar here.

 Home Zone

Wall paint color is Black by Benjamin Moore 2132-10

Lighting: RH (Discontinued) – Similar Here, Here, Here & Here.

Office Chair

Chairs Here.

Cabinet Pulls: Here.

Door Lever

Similar Door Lever: Here.

Boots: Hunter.

Cubbies

Mudroom cubbies are painted in Benjamin Moore OC-117 Simply White.

Mudroom Rug

Mudroom runner  is one of a kind from Turkey – The designer, Julie Howard, find them usually on Etsy. Similar Rug: Here

Hall

Hall Wallpaper: Jindo Grass in Grey by Thibaut.

Grey Laundry Room Cabinet

Cabinet is Stone Grey – Aristokraft cabinet.

Flooring

Similar Wood-looking Floor Tile: Here.

Laundry Room Pendant

Laundry Room Pendant: Pottery Barn.

Countertop is quartz.

Similar Sink: Here.

Similar Faucet: Here.

Tile

Backsplash is beveled subway tile. Similar here & here.

Runner: Rejuvenation – Similar Vintage Runner: Here

Upstairs Foyer Paint Color

Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Classic Gray.

Sconces: Regina Andrew.

Marble Console Table: Crate & Barrel.

Runner: Rejuvenation. More Options: Here, Here, Here, Here, Here & Here (large rug).

Metal Disc: Crate & Barrel.

Hallway Bookcase

Black Back Bookcase Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Iron Mountain.

Library Picture Lights: Visual Comfort.

Teen Bedroom

This teen bedroom is beyond fun!

Wainscoting

Wainscoting paint color is Benjamin Moore Simply White.

Similar Side Tables: Here, Here & Here.

Walls

Walls are hand-painted.

Chandelier

Chandelier: Visual Comfort.

Rug: Here

Lamp

Similar Lucite Tripod Lamp: Here & Here.

Barn Door

A white barn door, painted in BM Simply White, leads to the ensuite.

Bathroom

Sconces are Pottery Barn.

Similar Mirror: Here.

Hardware: Here.

Paint Color

Wall color is Royal Fuchsia by Benjamin Moore.

Green Bedroom

Lighting: Basil Pendant by Visual Comfort.

Wood cubs and bench between chairs are from Target.

Bed

Headboard: Serena and Lily.

Nightstand: Serena & Lily.

Rug: Here

Green

Benjamin Moore Courtyard Green 546.

Bedding is from Serena and Lily

Natural Pillows: Pottery Barn

Wallpaper

Wallpaper is Serena and Lily Courtyard Green.

Chairs are from Ikea – they were black and the designer painted them white. STORSELE Armchair – IKEA.

Similar Mirrors: CB2.

Curtains: Custom made.

Decor

Lamps, decor, and artwork all from Homegoods.

Blush Pink Nursery

A grey hallway, painted in Benjamin Moore Classic Gray, leads to a blush pink nursery.

Ceiling Wallpaper

Ceiling Wallpaper: Cole & Son – also available in blue.

Crib

Crib can be found here.

Stars on wall can be found here.

Happy Faces

Rug is Target. More Beautiful Pink Rugs: Here, Here, Here, Here, Here, Here & Here.

Paint Color

Blush Pink Paint Color: Wild Aster 1240 by Benjamin Moore.

Dresser can be found here. – Nightstand can be found here.

Mirror: CB2.

Chairs

Chairs are hide. They’re vintage chairs – similar here (not hide).

Coffee Table: Noir Furniture.

Jack & Jill Bathroom

Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Gray Owl .

Bathroom Sconces: Progress Lighting.

Master Bedroom

Lighting: Visual Comfort

Rug: The rug was a find at HomeGoods – Similar: Here & Here.

Nightstand & Mirror

Nightstands are from Walker E. Smithe.

Similar Mirrors: Crate & Barrel.

Paint Color

Walls: Benjamin Moore Classic Grey.

Notice the nightstand decor – The lamp and decor are placed on the tray.

Bedding

Bedding – Custom Made – Fabric: Robert Allen Auretta Persimmon.

Reading Nook

Coffee Table: Here.

Hardwood Flooring

Whole House Flooring – Red Oak, Job Finished, 50/50 mix of Ebony and Espresso.

Mirrors: Target.

Similar Blue and White Ginger Jars: Williams-Sonoma.

Navy Blue Paint Color

Benjamin Moore Newburyport Blue HC-155.

Navy & White Pillow Fabric: Kate Spade Maxime Navy.

Wall Sconces

Sconces: Visual Comfort Dean 1 Light Sconce.

Nightstand: Bernhart

Master Bedroom Sitting Room

The master bedroom also features a separated sitting area/office area.

Sconce

Sconces are Visual Comfort Etolie.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper: Maze from Thibaut in Navy.

Mirrors: Crate & Barrel.

Lighting

Lighting is by Visual Comfort.

Master Bathroom

Newburyport Blue by Benjamin Moore.

Flooring is herringbone white marble tile.

Rug: Vintage. Similar Here.

Sconces

Bathroom Sconces: Visual Comfort.

Wall Paint Color

“Benjamin Moore Classic Grey” is one of the best neutral colors for any space, including bathrooms.

Mirrors: Here.

Lighting

Bathroom Chandelier: Visual Comfort.

Hardware: Here.

Bathtub Nook

The freestanding bathtub is tucked into a cozy nook with window.

Tile

The nook features white marble wainscoting tile.

Similar Tile: Here

Staircase

A staircase with shiplap leads to the basement. Notice the reading nook under the staircase. Sconce is by Visual Comfort.

Rug: Rejuvenation.

Basement Foyer

Shiplap Paint Color: Simply White OC-117 by Benjamin Moore.

Metal Disc: Crate & Barrel.

Star Pendants

Star Pendants: Visual Comfort & Co. 18″ Moravian Star Pendant, Aged Iron. Similar Here & Here.

Bar

The basement features a large black bar with white countertop and ceiling beams.

Bar Runner

Runner is vintage – similar here.

Black Cabinet Paint Color

Benjamin Moore Black.

Bar Sconces

Bar Sconces: Visual Comfort Antonio Sconce.

Bar Faucet

Prep-Faucet: Kohler.

Cabinet Hardware

Cabinet Hardware: Lewis Dolin – similar here & here.

Counterstools

Natural Rope Counterstools: Counterstools: Here & Barstools: Here. Gray: Here.

Pendants

Pendant Light: Visual Comfort Hicks 2 Light

Snack Area

This farmhouse dining area features a window-seat banquette flanked by bookcases.

Dining table is discontinued – similar here.

Dining Chairs: Rejuvenation. Similar Chairs: Here & Here.

Lighting

Linear Chandelier: Visual Comfort Darlana Linear Pendant – similar here, here, here, here & here.

Paint Color

Classic Gray OC-23 by Benjamin Moore.

Beams

Basement has Bella Beams in Slate (factory made rustic looking beams – they are awesome and easy to install)

Family Room

The basement family room feels masculine and it has plenty of personality.

Rug

Rug: West Elm.

Fireplace

The fireplace features a grey natural stone and rustic beam mantel.

Leather Chair

Similar leather chair with brass base: here.

Barn Door

Black Barn Door Paint Color: Black by Benjamin Moore.

Farmhouse Bathroom

This bathroom features patterned wall tile and large hex floor tile.

Cabinet: Maple cabinets with custom mixed stain.

Sconce: Visual Comfort Bistro 2 Light Sconce.

Builder: Timber Trails Development Company (Instagram).

Interior Designer: Julie Howard.

Project Manager: John Anderson.

Photography: @stofferphotographyinteriors.

  This Month’s Best Deals

Wayfair: 70% Off President’s Day Sale!

Pottery Barn: President’s Day Weekend Sale – Up to 70% Off!!!

West Elm: One Monumental Sale. 20% OFF Everything! Code: BIGNEWS.

Horchow: 30% Off Entire Site!

One Kings Lane: Save Up to 70% OFF! Warehouse Sale!

Serena & Lily: All Things Dining: 20% OFF. Code: ENTERTAIN

Williams & Sonoma: Up to 75% off

Nordstrom: Up to 50% OFF Sale.

JCPenny: Winter Clearance 80% OFF

Neiman Marcus: Up to 60% OFF

Pier 1: President’s Day Sale 15 to 20% Off Purchase.

Joss & Main: President’s Day Sale: Up to 75% OFF!!!

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