The Finished Outdoor Feature Wall Using Old Pallets-- By Scott Hathcock

A few months ago I blogged about building an outdoor feature wall using old pallets....AND, NOW THE BIG REVEAL!
 

 

One significant change you will notice from the original concept rendering (pictured on the left) is that I ended up doing a patchwork layering rather than a precise lining of the planks.  I've learned it is rather difficult to find pallets with similar lines and wood types, so I had to embrace all types of pallet wood, including the split pieces.  But, with using so many variations of pallet wood types, one of my favorite outcomes is that it is texturally pleasing as well.  Weather will certainly continue to play a major role in the overall color pallet of the wall, so that should be interesting to watch. If we should ever grow tired of the colors, repainting will always be an option.  Vertical gaps left between some of the boards have allowed for removable shelving for the occasional row of candles.

I call her "Mod Pioneer." For no money and little time, I am very pleased with the outcome. 

For renters with small or large patios, the feature wall may be a great design option without breaking the bank or losing a deposit.  Free pallets are everywhere, so have fun and start creating something with them today.           

Read More

Met up with Shark Tank entrepreneur, Shelly from SHOWNO

I'm proud to call Shelly Ehler a friend.  We met when she reached out prior to her episode of Shark Tank airing and I instantly knew I really liked her.  We even have similar experiences (job loss, struggle, building something from our homes, and our spiritual beliefs).   Shelly is the owner/designer of SHOW NO - poncho style towels for you and your kids. www.showno.com

We recently met for lunch at Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles in Hollywood and snapped the picture you see above.  To top off our fantastic lunch, we got to meet Little Richard who was seated one table away.  He gave us both books about "Finding Peace Within," which was amazingly kind and generous. And ironically, we were talking quite a bit about peace and spirituality over well, chicken and waffles, before a very kind gentleman in Little Richard's entourage handed us the books. It was surreal to say the least.

I'm finding more and more that amazingly good, caring, genuine people are coming into my life while others are or have moved out of my life.  And I don't think this is a coincidence.  In my experience, nothing really is a coincidence, not even the hard stuff.

I feel like Shelly and I, despite our past trials and tribulations, have found our peace.  And a fantastic friendship.

Don't miss Shark Tank on May 4th -  there's a follow-up for Show No and some fantastic things happening for Shelly since accepting Lori's deal in the Tank.

Read More

You win some, you lose some

I've learned a lesson this weekend.

My best design work is done when I'm actually building the prototypes.  This past Friday, Fed Ex delivered an impeccably built Chase Toy Box design but as it turns out, I'm not really sold on my design.  The Amish construction quality is exceptional as always but I'm just not a fan of this piece.  Funny how the one I design on paper and don't build in my garage is the one I'm not really so sure about.  I think I've learned that I am very much a hands-on designer, at least when it comes to toy boxes.  I can design things on paper (beds, dressers, etc) and they turn out just fine but somehow, the toy box is surprisingly harder to make happen on paper for me.  I have to be able to see how the elements look together in real life before I commit.  I know what I want to do to change the Chase so I'll work that out from a design and a manufacturing cost standpoint (and will reveal it soon!) but I think the lessons learned are priceless.

Time to get some sawdust in my hair again!

Read More

Embrace the Happy Accident, by Scott Hathcock

When I took art in college, I learned a valuable lesson-- never point out "mistakes." Professors tended to always reward choices over admitted mistakes and excuses.  Design like life, is about working with whatever life throws at you-- expected or unexpected.  Do not fight for control over something you have absolutely no control of but rather learn to create design that works with it.  You will find that much like professors, the universe will reward you.

The "happy accident” can include anything from your accidentally spilling paint on a canvas that you carefully and methodically prepped, to your basement flooding, or to a store not carrying the paint color you had in mind.  Happy accidents should always be embraced and turned into “artistic" choices and new directions.  You just might be surprised at how relinquishing a bit of the "presumed" control you have and just enjoying the creative process works to your favor.     

Read More