Category Archives: Crafts

How to build a Little free library

Posted by BRYAN on November 11, 2014 in Crafts, Stories

A little pad on my back, I’ve done it. After 6 months of researching wood, finding tools, and injured friends. The Little Free Library is proudly standing in front of the house for folks to enjoy and share a good book.

I am having a little opening party to the library on the 23rd August, 9am. Feel free to drop by and grab or donate some books. More info will be up on Facebook soonest’

This picture (right) of the Little Free Library during my travels in Berkeley, California.

Tips
1. Don’t attempt to build without the right tools
I figured this out the hard way during the later half of the construction of the library. Basically, having the right tools will shorten construction time by A LOT! (see picture below)

2. Choice of wood
I used Marine Plywood because of budget constrains while able to withstand outdoor weather conditions. You could also use wood such as Chengal and Balau.

3. Workshop for rent
XPC over at Singapore Home-Fix Head Quarters provide workshop space and wood equipments for rent.

4. Paint job
Depending on your preferred choice of look, I gave the library a few layers of weather protective paint. You are able to substitute with wood varnish.

Resources
Little Free Library – everything you need to know about the library
Library construction plans – plans i’ve used for the construction of the library
Secure the pillar into the ground – Youtube tutorial

I wanted to give a personal shout to Yadin and Rafie from Plane and Bevel who gave generous amount of help with the Little Free Library 🙂

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Inspiration Monday 01

Posted by BRYAN on June 1, 2014 in Crafts, Decor, Food, Stories, Travel

It’s been ups and downs trying to solve the hacking situation to the blog. Overall, it has been a learning journey and Hellagood is back. I am start a new series of Inspiration Monday to share a collection of web links that have inspired me.

Have a energized week ahead, boys and girls. Here are a few links for your enjoyment…

Inside a textile factory in America

An entire city of fish house

The latest invention in the make-up industry

A great guide to lens and DSLR

Simple Watermelon salad for the week

Next diving adventure, Sunken Civilization, Heracleion

Beautiful Origami Lamp from Holland

A tribute to Maya Angelou; an video interview with Dave Chapelle

Photo via Chris Payne Photography

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WORKING WITH METAL SCULPTOR

Posted by BRYAN on February 18, 2014 in Crafts, Decor, Stories

The best part of this trip was randomly meeting inspiring people all over the world. Today, I introduce you, Kristen Hoard, an artist and a friend who constantly scared the shit out of me. She is also a Burning-Man preacher, Couchsurfer and a Hella-hardworking individual.

My visit with Kristen in Sacramento, California filled me with awe. She graciously hosted me in her gallery (her house) which even included a Bathroom gallery. I immediately insisted on a studio tour.

Upon stepping in, all I see is HEAVY Metal and foreign looking machine that spits Plasma Rays. If I didn’t know she was an artist, I might call the cops and report the hideout of a Super Villain. Below, is the Lotus flower is what she used on a normal BBQ night for Smores and Sausages which also double up as a Heater in the cold desert during Burning Man. How is it not the coolest-house in California?

Every month, Kristen hunts for scrapped metal at the salvage store and ‘Plasma‘ it into beautiful art pieces at her workshop.

What was usually never shared in most stories is Kristen, despite being badass at her work and selling at art fairs, also hold a day job to pay for her necessities and an assistant. Life is not easy as an artist, she does what she can and loves every minute of it. For that, I respect her. Instead of complaining about her busy life, she works hard to do what she wants as a passion. Every time I imagine myself working with those metal, I suspect that Kristen is Superwoman in disguise.

Kudos and much respect to this woman, Kristen Hoard.

See more of her artwork at http://www.kristenhoard.com.

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MY FAVORITE POST OF 2013

Posted by BRYAN on January 20, 2014 in Crafts, Decor, Food, Stories, Travel

Let me start by saying that Year 2013 was the “Year of cool Grandpa” because I know 40 years down the road my grandkids would be gathering around my rocking chair, begging for another story from this year. “Oh.. when I was volunteering in Nueva La Merced, Guatemala…”

When writing this post, I went through all my posts. It was amazing that the blog has a total of 85 post already and I love all of them! *some self love going on here* It was an Awesome year, despite getting robbed of everything precious I owned, not showering for an entire week, and having hot llama blood smeared on my face, I love every single moment of it. If I were to die of some weird disease that consist of me staring at the computer screen for too long, just know that I am happy and you should be for me too. (P.S. Don’t tell this to my mum)

Mexico, my favorite country in this trip. I ended up going back again to Mexico and stayed a total of 10 weeks. When I looked back, it might be because of the road-side taco stands and Corona. Definitely also go to Puebla which is 2 hours away!

I want to thank everyone who graciously accepted me into your home with welcoming hugs. It takes huge courage to invite a stranger to your house and for that you all deserve the Nobel Brave Award. You guys are great and I have learnt so much from every single one of you. Most cool stuff in the house: Lyn, the hoarder.
Most creative house: Lam Le.

Favorite wedding: Sarahbeth and Tyler

Favorite Recipe: Twice Baked Potato

Favorite Craft Project: Valentine Surprise Poster

I learnt to be kind to people and you will be delightedly surprise: Random acts of kindness

Finally, guess what was the favorite post from you guys – me being a bum! (153 likes!)

Singapore, here I come!

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Sneek Peak: Chinese Jewelry Crafter, Nanuchka Yang

Posted by BRYAN on January 14, 2014 in Crafts, Stories

It is of great honor and excitement to introduce Nanuchka Yang, a Chinese jewelry designer, “business” hippie, traveler and also a dear friend. Nanuchka mainly work with silver, wood and also macrame (knot tying) for her jewelries. Every Sunday, she goes hunting in the local vintage market for rare Chinese Stone such as old jade. I was delighted to have make acquaintance and work along side with her, even though, only a day.

My first time meeting with Nanuchka was to hit a ride to Lijiang which is arranged by our common friend, who didn’t make it because she was sick. We met at her shop. The initial thought was that “it was a nice shop”. I always thought that she was just a friend of the shop owner, till I met Hania. I realized Nanuchla is the owner/crafter of the shop. Nanuchka was very kind to allowed me observed her working and work on simple tasks of some of the pieces.

My first task was cutting the wood piece (below) into half. It took me almost 2 hours to cut it. I know I am new at this job but 2 hours for a small piece of wood is ridiculous! Nanuchka petted me and say “good job”. She then put the wood in water. Guess what? It sinks. She explained that it is an African wood which is very dense and sturdy making it a good material for jewelry.

I will never look at wood the same again after this!