The Sketchbook Project: Mystery Maps

I received my sketchbook yesterday and couldn't wait to get started. My theme? Mystery Maps.

the sketchbook project

theme: mystery maps

journal: black moleskin, size: 5.5 x 8.5

media: technical pens, copic markers (W5: Warm Gray, PM-170: Peach, G40: Dim Green)

So...what is a map? 


Well, by definition a map is " a representation, usually on a flat surface, as of the features of an area of the earth or a portion of the heavens, showing them in their respective forms, sizes, and relationships according to some convention of representation."


To me, a map is much more. A fingerprint, a computer circuit board, a family tree, a memory. It can be a physical tool to locate a place or time. It can be a journey to finding someone or something. Through my sketchbook, I plan to explore the possibilities.

What is a map to you?

The Sketchbook Project

Heard of the sketchbook project? If not, you should check it out. The Sketchbook Project is a national art project based out of Brooklyn. Essentially, it will be a huge collection of sketchbooks gathered from thousands of artists that are based on a variety of preselected themes.  Anyone can participate.

The sketchbooks will tour the states being showcased in museums across the nation.  After the tour, the project will become a permanent exhibit at the Brooklyn Art Library. Pretty cool, eh? But there's something cooler. The sketchbooks can be checked out like library books. Each book comes with a barcode. Every time your barcode is scanned, you'll receive a notification. So, you can track the popularity of your book. Neat.

REVAMPING A DANISH CHAIR: STRIPPING IT DOWN

Whenever you refinish a chair, don't expect it to be done quickly. Not if you want it done well. It takes a lot of time and patience but it is oh so rewarding when you start to see the raw wood underneath.

WHAT YOU NEED

• A wood sanding sponge. My favorite kind has a rounded corner, a sharp angled corner and 2 right angle corners. These are great for sanding curves and nooks and crannies.  
• A handheld electric sander.
• Various grits of sandpaper. (For this I started with a 100 grit and finished with a 220)
• Safety glasses 
• Unless inhaling wood dust is your thing, a handkerchief to cover your nose and mouth.

SANDING THE FRAME

THE HARD TO REACH SPOTS 

I painstakingly sanded the first side of the frame by hand, which took 6 hours and resulted in the loss of several of my fingerprints. On the next side I wised up. I used the electric sander for the majority, and sanded the hard to reach spots by hand. Praise the electric sander. It cut my sanding time down by more than half...and salvaged my remaining fingerprints.

ONE DOWN, ONE TO GO

ALL DONE!

REASSEMBLED WITH OLD UPHOLSTERY

I sanded the entire frame with 100-150 grit paper first. Then, I went over it again with 220 grit to give it a smooth, even finish. Keep in mind that sanding with fine grit paper will effect the amount of stain that can penetrate the wood, giving it a lighter appearance. If needed, you can just do a few coats. 

Stay tuned for the next installment!

REVAMPING A DANISH CHAIR: THE CHOSEN ONE

Before we begin, a word about Danish Furniture. I love Danish Furniture. I would fill my entire house with it if I could and, actually, am well on my way to doing so.  I love the Danes. I love them so much, I have a Great Dane. A Great Dane and a house filled with Danish furniture.

Moving on.


First of all, you'll have to forgive me. I got so excited about finally refinishing this chair that it was in pieces on the floor before I realized I didn't have a proper "before" picture. So, you'll have to settle for the one below. 

EXISTING CHAIR

FRAME

EXISTING UPHOLSTERY

I picked this baby up at Lounge Lizard for only 35 bucks. It's been pretty abused. My temporary solution was to cover it with a nice lamb skin throw, but the time has come to give it a new life. A prettier life. As you can see, someone dared to, not only paint the wood, but paint it a lovely solid brown covering up any indication that there's actually wood under there. The orange terry cloth upholstery looked great in it's prime, I'm sure, but is now in pretty shabby shape. But enough of the negative. This chair has already got low self esteem. It's got great lines and great potential. When I'm finished with it, this chair will be fabulous.