Hippo 3D model

After much foot dragging at last I got a 3D hippo model laser cut. At a TechShop visit I learned a speedy path from a car designing fellow named Ryan I leaned how:
Thingieverse
123D Design

By going to those two websites free 3D models can be had but they are usually for 3D printers and not sized for cardboard scale laser cutting. So with a bit of tweaking and alot of asistantce from my partner we got a few done last night. The big victory after the jigsaw puzzle complexity of assembly was understanding the importance of thickness of material and cutting line and how that impacts the form. Basically the smaller hippo is a bit to elongated and less hippo accurate. The second larger version is nicely detailed but we learned the direction of the planks all should be north to south and putting a few east to west we found the transparency is ruined by the “cross grain” of the coorigation. Lots of fun to be successful. Huge learning curves to make our own forms, but up for the challenge.

Japanese Apron by way of Santa Fe

Last week I had the pleasure of visiting Santa Fe NM with my mom. We wanted to see the local Folk Art museum and galleries for a few days before the summer season brings more tourists. We had the pleasure of staying at the Inn on the Alameda. It was quite convenient and charming. I especially enjoyed meeting Lisa the chef and checking out her cool apron. She was kind enough to let me trace it and make a copy. Here it is.
It is a very simple design, with three button side closure, finished edges with bias tape for long wear, busy but not nuts, looks great on and even has two pockets. I made it up in 100% cotton icot fabric in browns. It came out very nicely and I plan to make a few more. It looks good enough to wear around town as well as in project mode in the kitchen and beyond.

If you love it you can have it if you act now.
Raychil’s Apron