Bloody Hot

A bloody nose has been my new workshop sidekick. I wished for R.P. helping me in my garage but I got a bloody nose and friends being evacuated because of the La Canada Flintridge fire. I'm now refusing to hand over any more coins to the fountain. It's been unbelievably hot here (plus the fires close by) so my workshop is a toasty 100+ degrees and all I can think when I'm opening the garage door is why am I doing this? The air quality is so bad right now -- there's ash on everything that hasn't moved for 10 minutes. But I do anyway because if I don't, after a few hours in a closed garage with no cracked windows, I'm roasting and can't see through the veil of sawdust particles in the air.

I can remember back when I worked in a tall office building in downtown Chicago, we had a very different kind of pollutant scare. Someone sent fake anthrax to the office so naturally we were all sent home while the HAZMAT team examined the envelope and its powdery, white contents. It was a weird, scary feeling to think you may have just inhaled something horribly toxic. Ironically, living in LA with its gorgeous scenery and mostly blue skies, I forget that everyday I'm breathing in some form of toxic agent whether it be the smog, fire ash, or sawdust.

I'm thinking a nice mountain cabin in Colorado sounds really good right about now.

Read More

Lucky Diaz -- Musical Genius and Mod Mom Supporter

A few years back, when I first started Mod Mom Furniture, I posted a note on a site called Apartment Therapy, where loads of design-minded people go for inspiration. A super nice guy named Lucky offered to help me with a marketing piece (for free) that I had attached but wasn't functioning properly so no one could see anything I was talking about. I figured he lived in NYC but after a phone conversation, learned that not only did he live in LA but he loved what I was doing and genuinely wanted to help. That's not something that happens everyday. I built a few pieces for his adorable daughter in exchange for his web design experience. I think I got the better deal out of it. He designed my first fully functioning website in addition to fighting the good fight against some folks who weren't quite on board with what I was doing...without a design degree...in my garage. He's always been a huge supporter and I can't thank him enough for that.

Fast forward to a few years later when I learn that not only is he an amazing visual artist but he's also an extremely talented musician/singer/songwriter. Scott and I went to see him perform a couple of times and sat there in the audience like proud family members.

You couldn't find a cooler guy. A more genuine guy. And I couldn't be more thrilled to promote his album, Rainy Day Dimes. He plays with a group (Hitchcock Soundtracks) and also on his own. He's also coming out with a children's album that I know his five-year-old daughter is thrilled about!

Check out Lucky's music at the following places.

WEBSITE
http://www.luckydiazmusic.com/

FACEBOOK FAN PAGE
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lucky-Diaz/22535180158

LUCKY'S BIO
Lucky Diaz was destined for a life of music. Born in December of 1977, lucky has fond memories listening to radio hits in the backseat of his parent’s Oldsmobile Station Wagon. His biggest influences were and still include music legends like The Beatles, The Velvet Underground, Elvis Costello, Marshall Crenshaw, Joe Jackson and Stevie Ray Vaughn among others.After studying the acclaimed Berklee College of Music, Lucky based himself in Copenhagen, Denmark while touring Scandanvia. He also started composing songs for other artists, producers and various film and television projects.With an innate talent and musical ear, Lucky writes songs that leave the listener moved by their sincere emotion and catchy yet creative tune. Although his roots are firmly placed in Blues and Roots Rock, he draws inspiration from many different lyrical and musical influences. He describes his style as being funky and eclectic appealing to many audiences all at the same time. It is that versatility that has landed his songs in music compilations and feature films.Now back Los Angeles, Ca, Lucky is currently a session guitarist and busy promoting his newest EP Rainy Day Dimes

Read More

"Oh Spud! I'm a chain!"

Remember in Steel Magnolias when Spud (Truvy's husband) drives Truvy up to her new second location of her beauty shop called Truvy's West? I knew you would. Anyhow, she excitedly says, "Oh Spud! I'm a chain!"

That's exactly how I feel seeing all those boxes stacked three high with their official Mod Mom Furniture labels.

I'm just finishing packing up the last four of the fifteen toy boxes that are making their way to Canada on Wednesday. They were purchased by the new store Baby Bot (www.babybot.com) which will launch in September. Babybot will be the official carrier of Mod Mom Furniture in Canada so if you're Canadian and you're having a toy box emergency, they'll be available to buy (no waiting period) in September. Whoohooo!! I know, it's not as exciting as a nativity made entirely out of sparklers but it's something.

While we're at it, here are a few other good lines from that movie I've been known to throw out from time to time...

"A dirty mind is a terrible thing to waste."
"If you don't have somethin' nice to say, come sit by me."
"It looks like two pigs fighting under a blanket."

All this has me thinking I might just have to make a blood red cake in the shape of an armadillo to celebrate.

Read More

The Reason....

.....I haven't been updating my blog lately. Seriously, that's my living room. And there are eight more (as seen below) in my "clean" garage. You all knew I couldn't keep it clean, didn't you?

Read More

Childhood Memories

Today, I had to run out to a CNC wood shop that mostly cuts cabinet parts with its big expensive CNC machines. I've been doing this for awhile now. They cut some of the base pieces for me that way I don't have to run everything through my tablesaw. Anyhow, I had to take Grace with me and as we walked into the big warehouse of a building with all the machines going and all the guys waving hello, I had this sudden flashback.

I was elementary school age walking into my dad's weight room at the high school. He's been a football coach for many, many years and I couldn't be more proud of him. I have such fond memories of being in his weight room/locker room/coaching office, on occasion being on the field during practice, drawing pictures with chalk on his chalkboard in the athletic office during basketball games, and walking the field with him on Parent's Night. I could go on for days with all the little snapshots in my head.

I wonder if Grace will remember trips to the CNC shop like I remember trips to the football field during two-a-days? The smell of the sawdust in the air, the sound of the machines, the nice men helping me load wood into our minivan. But most of all, I wonder if later on down the road, she'll realize like I did, that those small moments shaped me more than my Dad or anyone could've possibly known. I hope she always feels like she belongs in both worlds. I just hope that she stays out of guys locker rooms until she's 35. Ok, maybe 30.

Read More

Platform Beds

Platform Beds

Never underestimate the potential of great design. Platform beds are completely stunning examples of the emotional response great design can generate. The smooth low profile look lends a distinct stylishness, sophistication through simplicity. An appealing bedroom setting that is elegant will be a bonus for the outcome when a sleek platform bed is the centerpiece of that bedroom. The low profile look of typical contemporary platform beds also creates an illusion of a bigger room for the seemingly small bedroom.

Platform beds are not the only highly desirable bed option for those looking for that low contemporary look. The sophisticated look of a typical platform bed disguises a highly desirable feature though, which is the lack of the need for a box spring. That’s right. They don’t need box springs. There is a new factor driving a desire for less when it comes to home décor: home owners whose plan to trade up for a more expensive mattress sets are on hold because of the slumping economy, as of late. However, when buying a platform bed, the customer only needs a mattress and not the box spring, thus saving money.

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Unlike typical platform beds, this bed in wenge finish sets out to address the need for hidden storage solutions. This platform bed with a wooden slat mattress support features a headboard with hidden storage as well as built-in lights.

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Here is the same platform bed as the above but shown in a cherry finish.

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Space-saving platform beds that offer ground-breaking, convenient storage solutions continue to top consumer’s must-have lists. This platform bed in ash finish is a true platform bed and has a wooden slat support. It features storage drawers on each side of the bed which have storage space measurements of 37”W x 22 ½”D x 5”H. This bed also features decorative lighting in the headboard with 2 on/off switches. The footboard features metal accents on each corner.

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Here is the same platform bed as the previous one but shown in a wenge finish.

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

The Portuguese construct their platform beds a bit differently. This bed is constructed from American beech wood veneer in wenge finish and sports modern geometric lines. Its unique design makes it literary look like it floats in the air. Like the other platform beds, it has a wooden slat mattress support.

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Here is the same platform bed as the previous one but shown in a high gloss white finish.

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Look all around and you’ll be hard pressed to find a curve anywhere. This contemporary platform bed is constructed from American beech wood veneer in a wenge finish and features a liner design. It’s also made in Portugal and like all the other platform beds it has a wooden slat mattress support.

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

The Canadians also construct their platform beds a bit differently. Addressing the storage needs of consumers is one of their top priorities with this bed. The headboard and footboard of this contemporary platform bed are secured with triple-clip hooks to ensure stability. This bed is available in 2 finishes. It’s also offered as an optional hydraulic lift and storage bed underneath. The optional lift bed boasts a large 60” x 72” storage area that is fully usable.

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

The Spanish add a bit of flair to their platform beds, as well. This bed has a leather headboard with decorative stitching and has a wooden slat mattress support. Nothing says contemporary like low hung platform bed.

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

This graceful platform bed projects time honored Spanish charm and makes this bed part of the most enduring furniture that is being crafted in Europe today. It features two-tone finish, lights in the headboard, and a wooden slat mattress support.

Read More

Platform Beds

Platform Beds

Never underestimate the potential of great design. Platform beds are completely stunning examples of the emotional response great design can generate. The smooth low profile look lends a distinct stylishness, sophistication through simplicity. An appealing bedroom setting that is elegant will be a bonus for the outcome when a sleek platform bed is the centerpiece of that bedroom. The low profile look of typical contemporary platform beds also creates an illusion of a bigger room for the seemingly small bedroom.

Platform beds are not the only highly desirable bed option for those looking for that low contemporary look. The sophisticated look of a typical platform bed disguises a highly desirable feature though, which is the lack of the need for a box spring. That’s right. They don’t need box springs. There is a new factor driving a desire for less when it comes to home décor: home owners whose plan to trade up for a more expensive mattress sets are on hold because of the slumping economy, as of late. However, when buying a platform bed, the customer only needs a mattress and not the box spring, thus saving money.

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Unlike typical platform beds, this bed in wenge finish sets out to address the need for hidden storage solutions. This platform bed with a wooden slat mattress support features a headboard with hidden storage as well as built-in lights.

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Here is the same platform bed as the above but shown in a cherry finish.

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Space-saving platform beds that offer ground-breaking, convenient storage solutions continue to top consumer’s must-have lists. This platform bed in ash finish is a true platform bed and has a wooden slat support. It features storage drawers on each side of the bed which have storage space measurements of 37”W x 22 ½”D x 5”H. This bed also features decorative lighting in the headboard with 2 on/off switches. The footboard features metal accents on each corner.

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Here is the same platform bed as the previous one but shown in a wenge finish.

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

The Portuguese construct their platform beds a bit differently. This bed is constructed from American beech wood veneer in wenge finish and sports modern geometric lines. Its unique design makes it literary look like it floats in the air. Like the other platform beds, it has a wooden slat mattress support.

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Here is the same platform bed as the previous one but shown in a high gloss white finish.

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Look all around and you’ll be hard pressed to find a curve anywhere. This contemporary platform bed is constructed from American beech wood veneer in a wenge finish and features a liner design. It’s also made in Portugal and like all the other platform beds it has a wooden slat mattress support.

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

The Canadians also construct their platform beds a bit differently. Addressing the storage needs of consumers is one of their top priorities with this bed. The headboard and footboard of this contemporary platform bed are secured with triple-clip hooks to ensure stability. This bed is available in 2 finishes. It’s also offered as an optional hydraulic lift and storage bed underneath. The optional lift bed boasts a large 60” x 72” storage area that is fully usable.

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

The Spanish add a bit of flair to their platform beds, as well. This bed has a leather headboard with decorative stitching and has a wooden slat mattress support. Nothing says contemporary like low hung platform bed.

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

This graceful platform bed projects time honored Spanish charm and makes this bed part of the most enduring furniture that is being crafted in Europe today. It features two-tone finish, lights in the headboard, and a wooden slat mattress support.

Read More

Neighborhood Friends

One of the advantages of working from home is that, on a occasion, you meet some really cool people who are just casually walking by your open garage. There's one in particular that I look forward to seeing by the name of Ray Kirkham. Ray works down the street at a paint store (and is brilliant at his job -- he's helped me a ton) so naturally, he walks past to go to his parked car daily.

Ray, who is of retirement age, shares his wicked sense of humor, wisdom, and thoughts on the world with me. He was even kind enough to give me a CD of his keyboard compositions. I think it's fantastic!! And I was honored he thought enough of me to hand one over.

Being alone in your garage gets old sometimes but knowing that folks like Ray may pop in from time to time makes it so much more enjoyable. Thanks, Ray, for always making me smile and for pushing me to get back to work when I'd rather chat with you.

Read More

Thank you DoMakeFindCreate!

Thanks to DoMakeFindCreate for this very kind article that I saw today.





Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Bring on the Toys




As any mother of a toddler can relate, the endless desire to find a storage solution for the growing collection of toys will make you crazy! I've used plastic tubs, baskets, bags... all of which I can't stand looking at. The backs of my sofas and chairs are now hiding places for eyesores. Today, however, I came across Mod Mom Furniture. This California mom's modern, handcrafted, eco-friendly toy boxes are so hip, you'll want to host playdate every week!



For ordering and/or a list of retailers visit ModMomFurniture.com

http://domakefindcreate.blogspot.com/2009/06/bring-on-toys.html

Read More

Bunk Beds

Bunk Beds

It’s hard to beat classic bunk beds. Bunk beds solve the problem when the room is too small to accommodate 2 beds. If you decide to separate our bunk beds any time in the future, you can, because they turn into 2 twin beds. Our bunk beds are made with safety in mind because they all meet or exceed all Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and all American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) safety guidelines. These bunk beds are beautifully crafted out of birch solids. The bedrails from bunk beds are constructed out of veneered plywood and not MDF or solids in order to avoid splitting and warping. The beds don’t require box springs because every bunk bed, top and bottom bed, feature a slat-roll with canvas stretchers that eliminate the need for a box spring. The only predicament with our bunk beds will be deciding who will sleep on the top bunk.

Mission Bunk Beds

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Here is the Mission Bunk Bed in Natural finish. The storage/sleep trundle shown below the bed is sold separately and can be used as a secondary bed or as storage (trundle includes 2 removable dividers). This collection features additional pieces in natural finish (chest, nightstand, desk, desk, hutch, bookcase, etc.)

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Here is the Mission Bunk Bed in Pecan finish. The storage/sleep trundle shown below the bed is sold separately and can be used as a secondary bed or as storage (trundle includes 2 removable dividers). This collection features additional pieces in pecan finish (chest, nightstand, desk, desk, hutch, bookcase, etc.)

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Here is the Mission Bunk Bed in Cocoa finish. The storage/sleep trundle shown below the bed is sold separately and can be used as a secondary bed or as storage (trundle includes 2 removable dividers). This collection features additional pieces in cocoa finish (chest, nightstand, desk, desk, hutch, bookcase, etc.)

Classic Bunk Beds

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Here is the Classic Bunk Bed in Natural finish. This collection features additional pieces in natural finish (chest, nightstand, desk, desk, hutch, bookcase, etc.)

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Here is the Classic Bunk Bed in Pecan finish. This collection features additional pieces in pecan finish (chest, nightstand, desk, desk, hutch, bookcase, etc.

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Here is the Classic Bunk Bed in White finish. The storage/sleep trundle shown below the bed is sold separately and can be used as a secondary bed or as storage (trundle includes 2 removable dividers). This collection features additional pieces in white finish (chest, nightstand, desk, desk, hutch, bookcase, etc.)

Windsor Bunk Beds

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Here is the Windsor Bunk Bed in White finish. The storage/sleep trundle shown below the bed is sold separately and can be used as a secondary bed or as storage (trundle includes 2 removable dividers). This collection features additional pieces in white finish (chest, nightstand, desk, desk, hutch, bookcase, etc.)

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Here is the Windsor Bunk Bed in Natural finish. The storage/sleep trundle shown below the bed is sold separately and can be used as a secondary bed or as storage (trundle includes 2 removable dividers). This collection features additional pieces in natural finish (chest, nightstand, desk, desk, hutch, bookcase, etc.)

Twin Over Full Bunk Beds

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Here is the Twin over Full Bunk Bed in Cocoa finish. The storage/sleep trundle shown below the bed is sold separately and can be used as a secondary bed or as storage (trundle includes 2 removable dividers). This collection features additional pieces in cocoa finish (chest, nightstand, desk, desk, hutch, bookcase, etc.)

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Here is the Twin over Full Bunk Bed in Natural finish. This collection features additional pieces in natural finish (chest, nightstand, desk, desk, hutch, bookcase, etc.

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Here is the Twin over Full Bunk Bed in Pecan finish. This collection features additional pieces in pecan finish (chest, nightstand, desk, desk, hutch, bookcase, etc.)

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Here is the Twin over Full Bunk Bed in White finish. This collection features additional pieces in white finish (chest, nightstand, desk, desk, hutch, bookcase, etc.

How is the quality of these bunk beds? Here are some quality features in greater detail:

The bottom bed as well as the top bed from the bunk beds feature metal bracket supports on ends so the barrel bolts rest on metal and not wood thus reliving some of the pressure on the wood.

Shown here are the actual barrel bolts about to be inserted into the bracket supports.

Both beds of the bunk beds have a slat roll with canvas stretchers and 2 screws per slat. By having a slat roll the box spring is not needed. The slat roll acts as the actual box spring.

Read More

Bunk Beds

Bunk Beds

It’s hard to beat classic bunk beds. Bunk beds solve the problem when the room is too small to accommodate 2 beds. If you decide to separate our bunk beds any time in the future, you can, because they turn into 2 twin beds. Our bunk beds are made with safety in mind because they all meet or exceed all Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and all American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) safety guidelines. These bunk beds are beautifully crafted out of birch solids. The bedrails from bunk beds are constructed out of veneered plywood and not MDF or solids in order to avoid splitting and warping. The beds don’t require box springs because every bunk bed, top and bottom bed, feature a slat-roll with canvas stretchers that eliminate the need for a box spring. The only predicament with our bunk beds will be deciding who will sleep on the top bunk.

Mission Bunk Beds

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Here is the Mission Bunk Bed in Natural finish. The storage/sleep trundle shown below the bed is sold separately and can be used as a secondary bed or as storage (trundle includes 2 removable dividers). This collection features additional pieces in natural finish (chest, nightstand, desk, desk, hutch, bookcase, etc.)

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Here is the Mission Bunk Bed in Pecan finish. The storage/sleep trundle shown below the bed is sold separately and can be used as a secondary bed or as storage (trundle includes 2 removable dividers). This collection features additional pieces in pecan finish (chest, nightstand, desk, desk, hutch, bookcase, etc.)

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Here is the Mission Bunk Bed in Cocoa finish. The storage/sleep trundle shown below the bed is sold separately and can be used as a secondary bed or as storage (trundle includes 2 removable dividers). This collection features additional pieces in cocoa finish (chest, nightstand, desk, desk, hutch, bookcase, etc.)

Classic Bunk Beds

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Here is the Classic Bunk Bed in Natural finish. This collection features additional pieces in natural finish (chest, nightstand, desk, desk, hutch, bookcase, etc.)

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Here is the Classic Bunk Bed in Pecan finish. This collection features additional pieces in pecan finish (chest, nightstand, desk, desk, hutch, bookcase, etc.

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Here is the Classic Bunk Bed in White finish. The storage/sleep trundle shown below the bed is sold separately and can be used as a secondary bed or as storage (trundle includes 2 removable dividers). This collection features additional pieces in white finish (chest, nightstand, desk, desk, hutch, bookcase, etc.)

Windsor Bunk Beds

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Here is the Windsor Bunk Bed in White finish. The storage/sleep trundle shown below the bed is sold separately and can be used as a secondary bed or as storage (trundle includes 2 removable dividers). This collection features additional pieces in white finish (chest, nightstand, desk, desk, hutch, bookcase, etc.)

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Here is the Windsor Bunk Bed in Natural finish. The storage/sleep trundle shown below the bed is sold separately and can be used as a secondary bed or as storage (trundle includes 2 removable dividers). This collection features additional pieces in natural finish (chest, nightstand, desk, desk, hutch, bookcase, etc.)

Twin Over Full Bunk Beds

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Here is the Twin over Full Bunk Bed in Cocoa finish. The storage/sleep trundle shown below the bed is sold separately and can be used as a secondary bed or as storage (trundle includes 2 removable dividers). This collection features additional pieces in cocoa finish (chest, nightstand, desk, desk, hutch, bookcase, etc.)

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Here is the Twin over Full Bunk Bed in Natural finish. This collection features additional pieces in natural finish (chest, nightstand, desk, desk, hutch, bookcase, etc.

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Here is the Twin over Full Bunk Bed in Pecan finish. This collection features additional pieces in pecan finish (chest, nightstand, desk, desk, hutch, bookcase, etc.)

To purchase this product go to FOWfurniture.com

Here is the Twin over Full Bunk Bed in White finish. This collection features additional pieces in white finish (chest, nightstand, desk, desk, hutch, bookcase, etc.

How is the quality of these bunk beds? Here are some quality features in greater detail:

The bottom bed as well as the top bed from the bunk beds feature metal bracket supports on ends so the barrel bolts rest on metal and not wood thus reliving some of the pressure on the wood.

Shown here are the actual barrel bolts about to be inserted into the bracket supports.

Both beds of the bunk beds have a slat roll with canvas stretchers and 2 screws per slat. By having a slat roll the box spring is not needed. The slat roll acts as the actual box spring.

Read More