The New Briefcase

The New Briefcase

I needed a new briefcase... so I made one. With a little help from Instructables and YouTube I was able to complete my first leather project. Take a look.








Here is the completed case. It started with a vegetable tanned leather hide from Tandy leather. I purchased a very basic set of pricking irons, rivets, thread, needles and hardware along with the leather... that's it!

Double wrapped handle with a reinforced back bone. It should carry a load.

It took some time and some sore fingers but worth the effort. Thanks for taking a look please feel free to leave your comments below.

Kirk

The Craigslist Greenhouse

The Craigslist Green House

4/23/2014

The latest addition is the new construction of a 12'X12' green house from mostly reclaimed and materials purchased from Craigslist. 

The conceptual idea was started in Google/Tremble Sketchup. You can find the greenhouse in the Tremble SketchUp Warehouse.

Item procured through Craigslist.com sometimes were free althought there were some purchased Items an approximate breakdown goes something like this:
                Windows                               Free
                6 crank out windows             $250
                Doors                                     $100
                Stone for floor - from another project lying around - Free??
                Corrugated roofing clear       $350
                Screws / fasteners                  $150
                Fan and louvers                     X-Mas present
                Shelving and tables               Free wood and wire shelving
                2X4 and Misc Plywood        $500
                Paint                                      $80
                Electrical                               $200

Currently I am estimating the cost at less than $1,750 or there about...  below are a series of construction photos... I am very pleased with the final results. I would also like to thank my Father, Robert Lewellen for all his assistance and encouragement in this project. If it weren't for him there would be no Craigslist Greenhouse!

Leave me comments and let me know what you think!


Sketchup Plans - Created from an idea of a south facing windows at a latitude of 35 degrees. the rule of thumb is to add 10-15 degrees to your latitude to get the optimal winter sun. EASY! 45 degrees ot there about. I think this one is closer to 50 but it works great. From winter sun up to winter sun down there is light entering the glass all day long!

 

 

 

Framing and construction starts... This is a "temporary structure" therefore the are no building codes or restrictions however, the building codes person I spoke with stated that is a $75 fee for permit with the city but that in my area it was not necessary unless we lived in a deed restricted area. There are other outbuildings in the area so...

Test fit of the glass framework - it luckily came out to amost excatally 12'!

 

All framed up!

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cold Cold days of construction work...

More Windows going in...

 +

It is almost a structure....

all on the dry and when the sun hits it ....

 

Easy Back Yard Composting

Compost Bin Construction

A Grassy Pile and the start of my composting effort.

Construction Begins

Potting table adjacent to the composter...

Completed compost bins...

The Curtain Project

 Curtains for an outdoor living space created from Canvas drop cloths. suspended from hardware store pipe fittings.

The tools and hardware needed for assembly...

Jane sewing away!

 the finished panel...

 The pipe fittings to support the panels.

Once completed and tied back.... They'll look great!

The Curtain Project - More to follow...

Honey Bees on The Move

On a quick pass by the hives on this warm  February day  I noticed the bees were certainly on the move. They all seem to be moving about nicely. All of the hives here had plenty of activity and they were even bringing in pollen, some was white and some was yellow looking. Curious where they might be finding it. I have noticed a few dandelions blooming and there are some oak trees that have a few buds poking out but this is certainly unusual weather and I am sure the bees are as confused as we are.

In the Tennessee beekeepers hand book it is noted that starting in February that it is customary to start checking the hives and that February and March are the two biggest months to lose a hive due to starvation and critters...

It is also noted that it is this time when the Queen will start laying new brood for the comming season. We are hoping for a better bee year and a great honey flow with some healthy hives intact...