All Hands On Deck

This summer has been full of projects around the house. It seems that each one has revolved around the deck remodel though. After our big hail storm in April I figured it was time to redo the deck the way we always wanted to. We get afternoon sun that just beats on the back of the house and makes it uncomfortable to enjoy the deck until the sun goes down. We tried an outdoor steel/canvas canopy from Target that was nice but didn't quite cover the whole deck, however it did provide some relieve from the heat. I've been envious of pergola's and shade structures for a long time so decided it was time take back our deck from the big ball of fire. I researched different shade fabrics, sails, and solid top structures. I figured we wanted the versatility of shade, but aesthetically pleasing at the same time. I used all reclaimed wood from a friend of mine that was remodeling his deck and then just started building. I had an idea of a flat straight lined Manhattan terrace that you would see in a Manhattan penthouse loft. However this Kansas and this is what I came up with. Thanks to my father in law for the labor of the structure and two of my good friends for the wood donation.

This is an outdoor rug that I free handed a zebra pattern onto. I seamed two 6x9 rugs together to create a larger rug.

I used canvas drop cloths for the outdoor curtains hemmed about 6 inches on the top and bottom for a more finished look. The rods are galvanized conduit and the rings are just normal clip rings to hold the curtain. I plan on doing a chevron stripe on these soon.

That chandelier was made from a bradford pear that I trimmed up this summer. I chopped up some of the larger branches and stapled them together with my air nailer. The string light is just randomly wrapped around the branches and wired into the light outlet so it can be controlled from an inside switch.

I always liked the louvered look of steel awnings and wanted to somehow incorporate this into the design. I think this finishes off the slight overhang of the shade structure too.

I did the floor in a gray color to match the shade fabric and to break up the black.

I wanted some natural wood tones also. Reclaimed cedar pickets from a fence is what I used to wrapped the lower half. It provides shade and hides my sons toys and my lumber for other projects.

Another floor view with the rug.

A view of the shade structure and fabric. It cuts out about 80 to 90% of the sun and still allows good ventilation.

Now that the extreme heat is over it is time to enjoy this bad boy. No invitation needed, just stop by and relax.

Swings On The Playground

Last week Ki started kindergarten. It has been an emotional few days around our house. Lots of changes happening - early bed times, little bits of homework, bus rides. All in all he did great on his first week and is more relaxed and excited for his second week. Hang in there buddy, only 12+ more years.

New beginnings



Me and Ki - another new beginning



Ki's new beginning as an "otter"

Pipes, Pine, & Paint

Got a nice little project in the works with these 3 elements. Should finish it up this weekend.

Can't Wait For These

I hope to see these in poduction sometime soon. Great idea and it looks awesome rolling too.


Project Aura: Bicycle Safety Lighting System from Project AURA on Vimeo.

Brunch

Like brunch isn't already expensive.

What Did You Do This Weekend....

Well here is what I did. It was only 105 degrees out Saturday so I decided it would be a great day to pour a concrete countertop for a friend of mine. He is in the process of building an amazing deck and is putting in this huge bar equipped with a grill, small fridge, and sink to take full advantage of the outdoor living space that is so inviting and popular these days. He had been talking about different surfaces for the bar and I suggested concrete, after having fabricated a few bar tops, kitchen countertops, and vanities in the past. Soon it will be complete with a few shade structures, rock veneer wrapped bar, and lounge furniture. But until then here is how it started. A few pics of the forms and freshly poured and then the edge forming removed. More pics to come but it's starting to take shape.

So Looking Forward To This

This is going to be awesome, and they are super excited and pumped about it. KC needs this. Classic styles and no embellished back pocket flared out denim, graphic dragon climbing over your shoulder button downs....you get the idea. Just well thought out classic one white rivet american made style.

Baldwin Men's Shop from Baldwin on Vimeo.