Project 1: Belt Chair

This is a project that has consumed my creative senses for years but I've never gotten around to completing it. My future sister & brother-in-law have done a couple of these and I thought I'd give it a try. First things first. I got all my belts from thrift stores. Nickel or quarter a piece. I wouldn't pay more than that because you're going to (a) either poke a hole and ruin them, (b) rip them from pulling too hard or (c) find out they are either too short. BTW... I did all those so safe tip :) This was my first try at this so bear with me. My mom found this really chic antique chair at a thrift store for $5 and I was able to take the leather hide bottom off of the chair. I cleaned the chair with wet/dry rags and then sanded it down. At this point I'd recommend doing whatever it is you want to do to the chair (i.e.. staining, polishing..) unlike what I did. I laid my belts out to figure out what pattern I wanted. I had a small chair and I used 25 belts in all. It really depends on how big, thick, and types of belts you use. I'd recommend used worn belts that you can stretch out and poke holes in. Fabric belts are very easy. I used leather saddle soap to clean the leather belts before putting them on the chair and using leather wipes after to keep their hold. My chair needed some TLC with wood glue and sanding so it took me a littler longer to do this project.

Start by putting your belts on horizontally first. It'll be much easier to weave them vertically. Pick your pattern and go. I buckled them underneath the chair that way the worn pieces of the belt were on the underside. 2 people makes the job quicker but hey... solo is my last name. after finishing with the belts I wiped them down with the leather wipes. My mom recommended a matte wood finish which we brushed on. It sealed the wood polish/stain and gave it a nice matte coat. I loved it. The rustic feel was fantastic and I think it turned out great as my first try... behold...

Playlist

I'm looking for a new camera.. shopped at a few antique stores today for some new kitchen accessories. Bingo. Got home, decided to cram my iPod with new music and I figure I'd share my top 10 played songs with you guys. Take it or leave it but these songs get me through the day. :)

1. Ladyhawke- My Delerium (serious fist pumping)
2. Florence and the Machine- Dog Days are Over (hand clapping beat)
3. Grand National- Drink to Moving On
4. The Blakes- Don't Bother Me
5. Iron & Wine- Flightless Bird
6. Liam Finn- Second Chance
7. Sea Wolf- You're A Wolf
8. Delta Spirit- Trashcan
9. Greg Laswell- And Then You
10. Thirteen Senses- I Know

These songs are the shizzle :)

Caved in to society

It's official.. I've caved into society three times in two weeks. 1. I bought a smartphone. 2. I joined Twitter. 3. I've started this blog... where is my life going?? Actually, I've been wanting a smartphone for quite some time but just haven't had the excuse to get it until now.. *cough* (still working on the excuse). I'm using it all the time and find myself searching endlessly for apps. Anyone have any good ones to share? I have the Palm Treo Pro with Windows Mobile 6.1. It's hard to find useful apps that apply to my life but right now I have Pandora, SPB Skins, and Skyfire. Wow.. so little. I'm working on a Twitter client for my phone but it is really hard to find one that I like. I've gone through 4 already and I'm restless. I'll post my findings as soon as I find one I approve. Until tomorrow. adieu my loves.

First Words..

It is I... Carrie. My first official blog/post. I'm new to this so bear with me. I'll be adding and uploading segments as I go along. If you can read a map you'd know I live on the beach in Florida. I take advantage of that everyday and I plan on including that as much as I can. I love my playlist. Music is like a trigger in my life. I feed off of what I hear and I listen to alot of folk, indie, electronic music. Hence my understanding mind.. ^_^ I'll leave you with more to come.. pieces..