Upper Arlington resident turns interest in home projects into paycheck
The world of Chris Gardner is a study in contrasts: abundant in bric-a-brac, yet oddly meticulous.
A dude's dude, he reasons, is allowed to be proficient with a sewing machine.
Budget chairs from Ikea can share space with expensive midcentury-modern furniture as well as wall ornaments of handmade whimsy (the silhouette of a deer head, for example, cut out with a jigsaw and covered in wood-patterned shelf paper).
A junky pair of pants can be sliced, diced and resealed with ironed-on duct tape to become a hipster-friendly tool belt that, naturally, features a built-in beer "koozie."
And, as he recently learned, an oversize framed replica of his-and-hers thumbprints can make a superior Valentine's Day gift.
Such curious undertakings are considered prime fodder for Gardner, an Upper Arlington resident who writes full time for Curbly.com - a blog, based in Minnesota, about crafts and home decor - and ManMadeDIY.com , a spinoff he launched last year.
"If you have something interesting to say and have eyeballs (readers)," said Gardner, 28, "you can make a living on the Internet."
Monthly page views for the ventures average 1.2 million combined - enough traction to spur a recent book-publishing deal along with custom projects funded by Dutch Boy, Sylvania and other brands.
Supported mainly by advertising, the sites consist of a mix of link and video sharing - a vital practice in the tightknit, hyper-connected circles of niche blogs - plus original how-to content.
The mostly gender-neutral guides - also showcased on a YouTube channel - boast an ethos of equal parts Martha Stewart and Bob Vila: craft knives and circular saws, Photoshop and power drills.
"I think men are inclined, when they do hands-on stuff, to do that geeky, technological repair - the Home Depot sort of thing," said Gardner, a Cincinnati native.
"I try not to perpetuate the ways ... (ideas) are gendered - how to lay pipe and hardwood floors while women make the drapes."
He not only fashioned curtain rods for his living room from galvanized-steel piping but also sewed the curtains.
Much of his town house reveals similar efforts: the homemade pillows, the Shrinky Dinks made from takeout salad containers, the industrial-chic shelving constructed of pipes and hardboard.
Parlaying them into a career was less expected.
With a degree in comparative religion from Miami University in Oxford, Gardner sought a master's in theology from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio and considered work as a minister.
Wood Craft Ideas - News
But after becoming a box-office star, Wood opted for smaller projects and supporting roles in films like Sin City, Everything Is Illuminated, and Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind. His latest pet project (no pun intended) is, at first glance,
"He wants to know more about different aspects of craft and how to become a more activated human taking an interest in life." Content from a series of three Curbly.com e-books - for which Gardner conceived and wrote about half the projects - was
Men's crafts often fall into that comical, playful category, says Bidwell, or can be more traditional and serious: metal, wood, leather, ceramics, glass. And while men may share the same crafts as women, they often put a male spin on it, Bidwell says.
Collect 12 bottle tops and a round board, either recycled wood or cloth-covered particle board. Glue tops where the numbers on a clock would appear. In craft stores or online you can purchase clock movement kits for just a few dollars that let you
At Contigo, it's an owner who'll drink Pearl but appreciates craft beer and knew to consult with Tipsy Texan David Alan for a concise cocktail list. Haddingtons has one of the best alcohol programs in the city. Contigo works simple magic in the kitchen
A Must Have For Anyone Who Works With Wood : Woodcraft Magazines ...
But if it is how-to information you are looking for, you will also find plenty of detailed blue prints so you do not have to draw up your own. If you already have drawn up your own plans, you can ensure that you have not made any mistakes and that you’re on the right track. Blueprints being included in the magazines are very helpful to many people.
There are many different types of woodcraft magazines like Fine Woodworking, American Woodworker, Woodshop News, Popular Woodworking , and Woodworkers Journal. Each of these magazines has their own unique touch on woodworking and you might find that one of them fits your woodworking niche.
Fine Woodworking is designed to provide practical information to woodworkers about using specific techniques when working with wood, using certain tools, and materials that can provide lasting value in your creations. The information provided from this magazine comes from experienced woodworkers who are very accomplished and can provide very useful information that you may be looking for.
American Woodworker is an excellent resource for anyone who likes to work with wood because it provides detailed information about hands-on techniques on how to build certain things. You can find useful tips and troubleshooting issues and what not to do. You also can find some creative projects that you might be interested in pursuing.
Woodshop News magazine is an excellent trade publication for both amateurs and professionals who love to work with wood. If you’re a cabinet maker, furniture maker, remodeler, or just into crafts then you might be interested in this magazine as a useful guide to helpful tips and tricks of the trade.
Popular Woodworking magazine is another favorite for wood workers who are hobbyists with building things with wood. This magazine is packed with projects that you can do at home with easy steps to guide you through building fun projects. Each magazine has at least fifteen projects you can work from.
If you’re a woodworker, then it’s a good idea to subscribe to one or more a woodcraft magazines so you can stay up-to-date on all of the latest and greatest wood working ideas and projects.
Please evaluate this content cautiously, the case and the techniques have various versions. For help in picking the right woodcraft magazine as well as subscription information visit http://www.woodcraftguide.com , a popular website devoted to anyone who likes to work with wood. You will also find information on the woodcraft supplies you will need to make any project a success.
The best Christmas craft ideas to do with kids all incorporate wood products and a little imagination
The best Christmas craft ideas to do with kids all incorporate wood products and a little imagination Wood Craft Ideas - Bookshelf
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Classic instructions for roughing it, camping, hiking, firemaking, cookout, shelters, miscellaneous wood lore.Celtic Woodcraft, Authentic Projects for Woodworkers
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Camping and woodcraft, a handbook for vacation campers and for travelers in the wilderness
ILLUSTRATIONS PAGE Wall Tent, with Fly 29 Extension Fly 36 Tropical Tent 37 Bobbinet Window 39 Mosquito Curtain 39 Asbestos Pipe Guard 4° Locating Corner of ...Woodcraft and Indian Lore, A Classic Guide from a Founding Father of the Boy Scouts of America
An essential guide-and great fun-for anyone hiking, camping, canoeing, exploring, or any experience of outdoors life.Casual Walkthroughs Directory
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Wood Craft Ideas. If you remember making toy houses with popsicle sticks in your childhood, you could come up with many creative wood craft ideas like those. ...
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