footprints in the snow

new studio needs some TLC

signed contract today for new studio in old worndown townhouse. it needs a little love... dewaanzinnigeschilder was kind enough to lend me his painting-equipment to blast some white paint on as many walls as possible

demolishing the ceiling

nothing works better to fight off the cold than a bit of physical labour. demolished the ceiling where we are going to build the new bedroom. This will give more headroom and extra cupboard space. only doing the rough outlines, so my partner (lovingly referred to as the furniture-fascist) can do the precision work. have to use everyone's best qualities, right?

Fred & Wilma in de Vinexwijk - maak van je huis een zelfvoorzienend paradijs -

finished my meeting today, walked back to Amsterdam Central Station, passed some nice shops and bought an interesting book on the way. it combines old methods and new inventions for living sustainable yet fashionable combined with living in a modern city. lots of tips how to do things like make cheese, filter water, heat your house, brew your own beer, live slower and more connected. living this way simplifies your life, as it is cheaper and you don't have to work too hard to earn money to buy stuff you can make yourself.
like it!

cauliflower-curry

tasty dinner:

fry
grated garlic,
grated fresh ginger,
cauliflower,
red paprika,
hot green or red pepper and onion in (coconut)oil.
add coconut milk and some bouillon and a spoonfull of masala and let simmer.

serve with rice.

photo below is with added celery

hairy bag

handmade hairy bag

toilet training cat

toilet training the cat, so far very proud of progress.

can't wait till spring...

Okay, I don't really need this, since I have the luxury of having a garden but I love the idea of growing your own food in your window, plus it is about as easy to keep as your average farmville farm. After installing the system it's selfsufficient, so all you have to do is harvest when your food is ready. Don't even need the neighbours to water your plants when you go on holidays...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fPZWJggyXY

can't wait till spring...

this man grows his tomatoes upsidedown.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=by0ttwUmvdw

Politically Incorrect

wanted to make a baggy filled with kitty litter for my car, heard that it helps to keep this in your car to keep windows fogfree.

started out with a frog-shape, as we had a little frog filled with rice that we loved to throw around the room as kids.
this turned out to be a little too sweet for my taste, so I ended up using a gun-stencil that i had and made a gun-shape bag.

since we live in a supposedly "bad" neighbourhood, I'm curious what the reactions will be when we leave our gun in the car...

also curious if it really helps to keep the windows clear. if not; we can still use the bag to wipe the windows. I am at least certain that will do the trick.

Controlled demolition

started demolishing the wall between kitchen and bedroom as start of our plan to build a new bedroom. breaking down piece by piece and throwing away plaster every time I had a full crate. very controlled work if i may say so. (neighbours might not agree)

(w)all gone! a lot faster when you work together.

Only the brave...

Yes, it's silverplated hose clamps. A present-day chastity-belt, or a too tight fitting wedding ring...
I made these for my partner and myself. Love the contradiction between silver and something so simple and domestic as a hose clamp.