I just bought this video camera to use for Project Chaboo.

Its called the FLIP minoHD camcorder.  Its the world’s smallest high definition camcorder at only 3.3oz.  What I like about it is the simplicity.  There are no bells and whistles with very simple operation and surprisingly good image quality for such a cheap camera at only $230.

Another really cool thing with this camera is that you can upload any image and they will print it onto the case.  The software they have to do this is really intuitive and easy to use.  All this customization is free as is shipping.

I hope to integrate video into this blog and project.  Im not really sure how video will play into Project Chaboo at this point.  Documenting the artist’s process in video would be interesting and also interviewing them would be a welcome change of pace to the blog.

OK fine, ill admit it.  Its a christmas present to myself.  Im not the only one who does that you know…

Paul is an ex-shop mate of mine.  He insisted when it was over that “its not you, its me”.  Ive heard tha-t before.  Anyways, hes a grizzled veteran woodworker who everyone asks for advice and he never says no.  Contact him with any woodworking related questions. Hes the most helpful guy I know.  Here is his cell phone number:  (503) XXX-XXXX Just kidding Paul.

Pretty brave guy

Check out these super cool wooden bike fenders and other bicycle accessories that Paul makes through his company Sykes Wood Fenders (click on pic above).  His slogan is “Strong, Lightweight, Flexible, and Darn Good Lookin’”  Is he talking about himself or the fenders?  Hard to tell…. Youll see that there are some by Jennifer Mercede and MapleXO (Lindsay Holmes) both of whom are chaboo artists.  Layers of collaboration… I love it!  He also makes complicated display racks and cases for rug companies.

He did his signature polka dot inlays that he does on some of his bike fenders. I like how his work is delicate and doesnt dominate the chaboo.  The different angles of the grain directions creates movement. The random pattern was apparently inspired by his travels in Syria where they are obsessed with mother of pearl inlays on everything.

Snowday!  Well…not really.  I think snowdays are generally defined as days where the snow causes work/school to be canceled.  Its saturday AND snowing but I still worked.  Project Chaboo is exploding and there is no time to stay idle.

BUT there is time to have a good old fashioned roman candle fight at the shop.  Ya- not too mature or safe but you gotta have some fun sometimes!

*dont tell my mom*

Project Chaboo has really taken off since the last photo shoot.  The energy of the people involved drive the project further and further.  Revised participant list here.

Im doing a final round of recruiting and have met/talked to many interesting people who would like to be involved.  Here they are and some early ideas they have for chaboos

card design by Amy Ruppel

Amy Ruppel- painting, illustration > thick felt, natural tree branch

Maren Jensen- illustration > dry point etching

Sara Huston - furniture design

Jason Hernandez - wood > conceptual

Orange - salvaged materials

Marshall Ryan - architecture > new material selection

Erin Albin - screenprinting, fabric > removable cushion

Ryan Thomson - architecture > split design, fasteners

Lisa Kuhnhausen - interior design > string, wrapping, clothing

Sarah Bennet - wood/epoxy backfill

Brendan Budge - industrial design > steel, bamboo integration

Don Jensen - cantilevered chaboo

Megan Scheminski - painting > experiment with sumi ink

David Butts - inventor > kinetic sculpture

Marc Riera - architecture > sculpture, glass

Stephanie Beamer - furniture

Ryah Radomski - furniture > laminating aluminum blinds

John Paananen - interior architecture

Emily Steen - graphic design, environment design

Oluwaseyi (Shay) Sosanya - mechanical engineering> triangles

Tom Huang - furniture design > bamboo weaving

Potholders by Erin Albin of Appetite

My friend Dave L called me last wednesday night and asked me if I wanted to go see Buckminster Fuller….. in an hour.  His wife was sick and he had an extra ticket.  Not knowing what he was talking about but never afraid of something new  (or free) I showed up at Portland Center Stage.

The show was amazing.  Its basically one actor portraying Bucky just talking for two hours furiously switching from one subject to another all with spit flying everywhere.  After a while you forget about the acting and start to feel as if Bucky himself is up there, playing with triangles.

There was so much information that I dont remember anything specific at all really.  It was inspiring though- to learn about a man who has so many ideas and excitement that it was a miracle he never spontaneously combusted.

Ive been feeling that excitement lately myself with Project Chaboo.  Its really hard to fall asleep at night there is so much going on in my head.  It was great to talk to Dave too about the NEXT project.  Ya- im already thinking about the next one.  Im sure we will learn alot from Project Chaboo and that will help us for future community projects.  Fun!

Dave was talking about some CRAZY project he is doing where a special metal alloy is involved which explodes if you machine it or cut into it.  wow.  That sounds almost as much fun as playing with mercury!

Thanks for taking me Dave.