The obligatory 'cathedral' view (Inside the Hooper Bay cargo kayak, showing various rib materials and options) Guiding an Umiak onto its trailer (they're not as reluctant as cattle, but not much smarter either) A new kayak builder and her boat Portaging an Umiak in the San Juan islands (this class built the boat) 'Fair' means it will go straight. Easiest to check by walking away and looking back. ... it's hard to walk away... That Floating Feeling: the Hooper Bay kayak sits symmetrically in the water.
Ernie's 'Skin on Frame' advice.
Why Skin on Frame:
Skin on frame boat building can be one of the fastest, most satisfying, skills-rich projects you can do.
It teaches you essential skills to build almost any wooden boat. It's not difficult, and you don't need to already have skills to do the work.
You get a boat you can be proud of, and use.
This is the most basic list of things you need to build a skin on frame kayak.
What It Takes:
time.
knife.
saw.
something to drill holes with.
string.
A plan.
materials for frame (wood).
skin material (nylon canvas, nowadays).
Kinda different than the tool list most projects require.
With these things, and a little care, you can construct a boat that will be light, strong, and seaworthy (at least, as seaworthy as its plan and owner).
The down-side of working with the most basic tools is: You pay in time ('til you have become skilled enough to use each of the tools to its full potential).
A Good Book
For your very first boat, a good book is a handy thing.
Even if you are taking a workshop, it's good to have a book. You can read the whole description and know what's coming, so you can do each step with more confidence.
Most books on building skin-on-frame boats have plans, tools, and methods the author worked out for a specific kind of kayak or boat. Mr. Morris's book has plans, tool lists, and easy to follow, step-by-step instructions. He also does not stop at kayaks; he goes on to European-style boats (all skin-on-frame) so you can learn from each
type.
Any book will teach you things that apply to most of the different kinds of skin-on-frame boats. There are many kinds, from the small 'sneak koryaks' to big umiaks.
For those who want to branch out, or don't like the look of certain kayaks, you can try Mr. Zimmerlie's web site. He has drawings of several types of kayaks: http://www.arctickayaks.com/plans.htm (Explore this site, it has more information than one would think.)
There is also a nice juicy site with museum-replica pictures by Harvey Golden here: http://www.traditionalkayaks.com/index.html, which I mention only for purposes of inspiration. You don't need bone rub-strips or baleen spacers to make a workable boat, and you probably won't want to try it out for the first time in that much surf!
To get answers to almost every question you might ever ask about skin on frame building, this is probably the most comprehensive group of kayak builders and users around: http://www.qajaqusa.org
Skinboats.org is also where most of us S-o-F builders get our stuff. Fabric, sinew, dyes, other materials, plans, books, and whatnot at your finger tips. (Unless you can hunt down a walrus, or have a local manufacturer who gives you insider deals.)
Doing It:
OK, you would rather read through this whole article than go get started. I'm touched. Seriously, that's all there is to it. Get a plan, get the materials, and start. But it speaks well for your stick-to-it-ive-ness that you are finishing this first, so I'll give you a few more tips.
Pick nice straight-grained lumber, cedar if you can get it. Grain stacked perpendicular, or flat, is best. (Not diagonal like for other woodworking projects.) See how it bends in the yard, asking "does it 'want' to be a boat?" Allow 10% extra for scrap.
Soak your ribs overnight to get decent pliability, whether or not you are steaming them. Especially cedar.
Fair your boat often (stand back and check that its curves are smooth, symmetrical, and pretty)
Follow the step-by-step instructions from your book or workshop.
If your instructor and the book, or two books, say two different things: They're probably both right. Pick one and stick with it.
A little note on learning:
You don't learn much from never making a mistake. Go ahead and make some while building these boats.
You can test them before you do the most expensive part (the skin). Wrap the frame in palette-wrap or Syran-wrap. Take it out and float it. If you test in the shallows, all you have to worry about is getting wet.
Original article and pictures take http://hubpages.com/sports/How-to-build-a-Skin-on-Frame-boat-and-why site
The canopy was too weak and a strong wind knocked it over, luckily I have some materials to build a new and improved one. This one will come with see though plastic curtains that we can use to block out the wind. I will buy a second hand gas motor, but keep the electric one as back up. I am also working on a mini wind turbine to put on the boat to generate electricity for the battery on the motor or anything else. We're planning on painting it to prevent it from rotting. Last but not least the bottom will be a complete overhaul, with two more barrels styrofoam to insulate it and possible sheet metal to cover it and make two big pointed pontoons.
The idea for a boat was around in my mind for a while; I never thought that I wound end up actually building it. The boat is built from scrap wood and large plastic barrels. My friend who helped build the boat with me and I are always finding ways to improve it. Spring/ Summer 2014 we will improve it even more to take long trips down the St. Croix river in Maine.
I hardy paid anything to make this boat, the wood was left over from a previous project, the barrels were from a old warf, the furniture was old, and the motor was left from a friends old boat. It can be a little tipsy at times but can easily hold five people. It is very slow, but still takes you where you need to go if it is not too windy. Its perfect place to chill out, do some fishing, grill some burgers, and have a few drinks.
Step 1: What you will need:
*Planks (I used a couple 2X4's don't know the exact measurements
so you will have to come up with your own, keep in mind of the barrel
size)
*Plywood
*Four or six (SEALED) barrels
*Tarp for the canopy
*Paint or stain (prevent rot, make it look cool)
*Motor
*Plenty of nails
*Straps
*Staples
Copy the frame pattern below and you should be fine. We used a electric saw to even you the ends and make the right length for each board. (remember measure twice, cut once)
Make sure the wood is strong enough to even hold a boat together and put in
plenty of nails. I added extra boards in the front and back just in case we ran into anything.
Now this is where you really need more than one person. Have your buddy hold up the frame for you and put all of your barrels in the intended positions. The frame should sit on top on the barrels like a crown. Now you need to strap the barrels to the boat, make sure they are strong enough to hold. You don't want to lose a barrel on open water.
Now take your straps and put them underneath the barrel and through the frame and off to the sides like in the picture. Now this is where you have to be careful; too much slack and you might loose a barrel and too little and you can't fit the plywood on top. I used big staples, hammered in on top and on both sides of the board.
We lucked out just had enough plywood for the deck, we fit the boards together like a puzzle and nailed them down. We used the one of the smaller boards as a door to little storage place underneath the floor. We build a small box under the door.
We painted the sign and the side of the boat. I gave the deck a quick stain from what was left in my basement. Then we got the left over wood and made a crude canopy. You might have to improvise mine was pretty shit. There were holes in it and the canopy frame eventually broke in half.
My friend and I made a make shift anchor out of an old paint can filled with rocks. We put the motor on, nailed down any furniture, stocked the boat up with supplies and life jackets, made a railing from rope, and put her in the water.
There you have it, your finished boat (for now). A project like this you are always finding new ways to improve it. I will update any changes to the boat.
P.s. Don't forget to add a cool pirate flag
If you have any ideas or suggestions, you want to show your own creation, or you are in the washington county area and want to have a boat party/ yatch club comment or e-mail me at welfitch@hotmail.com.
Don't forget to favorite and show your friends.
Original article and pictures take http://www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-Pontoon-Boat/#step0 site
Since the holidays are coming up fast and New Year’s Eve is right around the corner, I thought it was about time for me to do a holographic focused DIY. I’ve been loving this trend on pretty much everything (clothing, pillows, art, etc) and I figured that this time of year was the perfect way to weasel it into my DIY plans.
So, I partnered with Fiskars to try out their line of Thick Materials Punches to make a trendy holographic garland for NYE that is one part party decor and one part photo booth backdrop.
As you can imagine, having the right tools made this project super easy and much, much faster to make than if I was hand cutting stars and circles. Yay! The Fiskars Thick Materials Punches are great for thick papers and specialty items (they can even cut through aluminum cans, cardboard, balsa wood, milk jugs, and foam). So, needless to say they really came in handy for this project. I’d highly recommend ’em if you plan to tackle this DIY.
– Fiskars Star Thick Materials Shape Punch, available in small, medium, and large sizes (I used small, medium, and large sizes for both the circle and star punches)
– Holographic paper (mine which you can get on Amazon here)
– String
– Hot glue gun
How To:
1. Start by punching out the circles and stars using Fiskars Thick Materials Punches (in various sizes) from heavy cardstock (in my case holographic paper). You can do multiple sheets at once to save time too, FYI.
2. Once you have a whole lot of shapes cut out, start rolling out a long length of string (I think each garland strand I made was 5 feet long). Then, put a smallish bead of hot glue on the back of a star or circle (in the center) and press the string onto the glue before adding another piece of the same shape on top (right side up) create a sandwich.
Repeat this process for the entire garland and you’re good to go.
3. To create a fuller look, you’ll want to make multiple garlands and string them back in forth. This will be especially helpful if you decide to use them as a photo booth backdrop. I ended up making 6 or 7 garlands total, to give you an idea of how many it took to achieve the look in the photos.
Another way to add fullness fast, is by creating a garland made up close together strips of paper. Which we added at the end to vary the looks a bit more. You can do this by cutting 1/2 inch strips of holographic paper with the Fiskars Amplify Mixed Media Shears (which are great for all kinds of projects including thick and heavy materials – I literally use these scissors for everything). And then following the same process as step 2 but using the strips instead of punched pieces.
Here’s how the finished garlands look all together…
I know these are specifically for NYE, but since they’re essentially a version of metallic, they would totally work for Christmas too. So, I’d just hang them early and keep them up through the new year to get extra use out of them.
And then if you want to use it as a photo booth backdrop, instead of just a garland decoration, all you need is a roll of colorful paper (I went with pink). And then once that’s secure on the wall, hang the garlands and you’re ready for photos.
I feel like these would look great on a fireplace mantle or strung up on a stairway banister too, if you’re looking for some different options.
Think you’ll give this a try for NYE? And more importantly… What are your plans for New Year’s? Anything fun?
Seattle has a thriving houseboat culture with over 500 floating homes that dock upon its lakes with unobstructed views of the skyline, mountains and on a clear day an enormous volcano. Now I'm not talking about creepy, decrepit, "who would live there?" kind of homes. The houseboats of the day are not what they used to be; there is a new generation of modern and chic floating homes that just might make you consider leaving your land based dwelling behind.
Houseboats give off that carefree, romantic, in tune with nature kind of vibe that can be quite alluring to the passerby. When I read about house boaters describing their way of life it just seems like I'm missing out on something special and unique. For them there is no going back.
Most houseboats are small; there is no getting around that. They are typically between 500-1200 square feet,
but don't let that deter you. We have all seen what amazing and inspirational decorating can be accomplished with space challenged homes on our Small/Cool contest throughout the years. Now don't get me wrong, they aren't all small. If you have the means there are plenty of incredibly luxurious houseboats as well: the stuff dreams are made of.
Can we land dwellers just simplify our belongings and live in a small, modern, clean space that has been dropped on the water? I'm not sure if it floats my boat just yet, but I'd like to still daydream about it. You know what they say, "the water is always bluer ...".
For those of you who have a strong affinity to be on the water and can manage in a small space, then you may have a match made in heaven. Here are some examples of the modern day floating dwellings that are docked around town these days.
Grey Knitwear, Grey Layers, Grey Outfits... Grey Is A Trend - Just The Design
Grey: it’s a only short word, and you might not have much to say about it. We say that you should think again – whether you want soft and pale, to make a statement, or to play with textures and patterns, it’s all here, and it’s trending for winter 2014.
Blend layers of grey, and you’ll be surprised by its depth and diversity. There’s charcoal, marl, silver, pepper or granite, and then there’s mottled, flecked or pinstripes. Mismatch as Stella McCartney did, and you’ll bring out its best qualities. As well as layering your outfit, contrast collars and cuffs for a harder edge.
Yes, we can state categorically that grey on grey is having a moment, and this is nowhere more apparent than in knitwear. Wrap yourself in cashmere, or party in a draped jersey dress by Isabel Marant. Team a slouchy sweater with a full skirt, like those floating around at Dries Van Noten. Alternatively, pull it over a midi or a pinstriped pencil, and complement with brown boots. And if Jennifer Aniston dons a grey bouclé dress, and it’s by Dolce & Gabbana, we’ll go with that.
Team a mottled sweater with a black leather mini – Alexa Chung will show you how. Olivia Palermo plumped for a waist-cinched shirt dress, while Cat Deeley threw an embellished leather jacket over pale jeans and tee. Heidi Klum matched her maxi dress with a long scarf, but you could go for a dark ribbed version on a pale coat, or a turtle-necked knit.
Bright shades or pastels are stunning with grey, but they could swamp the subtleties of this surprisingly warm colour, so stick with the discipline of close relatives, to complement rather than compete. We’ve already mentioned black, but a white tee under a pale sweater will soften the whole. Team trousers of the same with a grey coat, or break the monopoly of head-to-toe sameness with white sneakers. Similarly, accessorise this trend with black in oversized bags, embellished clutches, and cut-out boots, and top with sunglasses plus a dark fedora.
Break out in keyhole fabric or its more delicate version, lace, for a lighter touch, perfect with a pop of silver in the party season, but take care – you may get to like your monochromatic self so much that you’ll be permanently hooked.
The featured photo is of Vanessa Hong wearing a grey knit turtleneck and skirt from Whistles, backpack from the The Row and the boots are from Zara
Why not combine various layers of grey through a blazer and jeans, like Mary Seng! The tight fitting nature of these jeans contrasts excellently with the oversized look of the blazer; we highly recommend this sophisticated style!
Boots: Stuart Weitzman.
Christine Andrew is looking effortlessly stylish in this grey on grey ensemble consisting of a wrap coat, a pair of grey skinnies and a cute fringe detailed top. This colour scheme is ideal for everyday neutral wear!
Top/Jeans: Nordstrom.
A matching coat and trousers combo will always afford you with an elegant and collected style. Mandy Shadforth looks ultra suave in this double grey outfit, paired with an Aztec style printed clutch for added glam.
Coat/Trousers: Anna Quan, Sweater: Rachel Pally.
Combine the grey on grey and culottes trends to steal Jill Lansky’s awesome and individual style. Consisting of a grey turtleneck, grey culottes, and simple white sneakers, this look is perfect for work and leisure!
Brands not specified.
Mandy Shadforth is absolutely rocking this androgynous grey on grey suit, paired with a white tee and a matching grey cashmere sweater. Feminise this outfit with simple silver jewellery like Mandy if you want that sophisticated vibe.
Jacket/Trousers: MCQ Alexander McQueen, Shirt: MGSM.
Noor De Groot is wearing the grey on grey trend through a knit sweater and thigh high boots. Not only is this style perfect for the winter cold, but it is also sophisticated and classy, and we love it!
Knit: Asos Blouse: Asos Boots: Public Desire Bag: Chanel
Ann Taylor wears the grey on grey fashion trend in a sweater and matching cashmere skirt; two pieces which go together perfectly for a wonderful winter look.
Sweater: Madewell, Skirt: Theory, Pumps: Jimmy Choo.
Combining various shades of grey is always a good idea. Figtny wears a slitted grey midi skirt with a cute grey knitted sweater and a matching scarf. Both ideal for the winter cold and effortlessly stylish, this look is a winner!
Brands Not Specified.
Matching varying tones of grey can really enhance your everyday look. Alexandra Pereira wears a dark scarf with a paler knitted sweater and looks totally ready for work or play.
Try pairing casual grey wide leg slacks with a matching knit sweater and swanky white platform flats in your all grey outfit this fall. Via Diana Z Wang.
Grey Pants Outfit: Tamara Kalinic is wearing all grey, boots from Lacoste, suit from Sandro, great coat from River Island and the bag is from Proenza Schouler
Grey Outfit Trend: Caroline Louis is wearing a grey T-shirt from Alexander Wang and the matching hat is from Maison Michel
Grey Outfit: Dorota Jawinska is wearing a grey knit jumper from LeBrand and the grey hat is from River Island
Grey Sweater Outfit: Marie Ullevoldsater is wearing all grey, sweater from Lindex and the hat is from H&M
Charlotte Groeneveld is wearing a pale grey coat from Jaeger, grey knit jumper and trousers from Zara, bag from Chanel and Converse trainers
Lucita Yañez is wearing all grey, the coat is from H&M, the jeans, shirts and boots are all from Zara
Sandra Buisan is wearing grey on grey, most items from 080 Chic
Krystal Bick is wearing all grey, leather acket fromIRO, sweater from Everlane, jeans from J.Brand and the shoes and bag are both from Saint Laurent
Grey Outfits: C.J. is wearing a grey coat from Zara and grey skinny cords from Gap
Oversized Grey Coat: Sofie Valkiers is wearing a grey coat from Filles a Papa, trousers from 3.1 Phillip Lim, sneakers from Nike and the bag is from Proenza Schouler
Grey Outfits And Ideas: Courtney Trop is wearing all grey, top from 10 Corso, trousers and skirt from Tibi, bag from Chloe, scarf from Equipment and shoes from Rocha
Sheryl Luke is wearing a charcoal coal from 7 For All Mankind, grey jeans from Joes Jeans, sweater from J Crew and the bag is from Mansur Gavriel
Lovely by Lucy is wearing a grey knitted top from Asos, grey trousers from Selected and the white trainers are from Nike
Figtny is wearing a slit skirt from Jax, and a grey knit sweater from Prony and grey cashmere scarf from Helmut Lang
Joyce Croonen is wearing grey on grey, jumper from Acne, skirt from Monki and the brown boots are from H&M
Aimee Song is wearing a grey zip detail sweater from French Connection and grey slouchy jeans from AG
Grey On Grey: Joyce Croonen is wearing a pale grey coat from Cos, matching sweater gfrom Acne, white trousers from H&M and the grey scarf from Balenciaga
Zina Charkoplia is wearing a grey skirt and top from Zara, sneakers from Adidas, sunglasses from Marc Jacobs and the bag is from Celine
Just The Design is a fast-growing fashion blog with aspirational content showing off the latest in trends, outfits, wardrobe how-to guides and the best in clothing deals from the worlds biggest brands and retailers.
Original article and pictures take
http://www.justthedesign.com/grey-knitwear-grey-layers-grey-on-grey-grey-is-a-trend/ site
