Traditional Totem Try

(above:) Here is an example of what is always in my mind as a "true" totem pole.

(below:) Mother (Carol) came up with these colors after some mind-storming. Then, I tried to apply the "eyes" theme that I like. I would make the black and white parts larger on the actual wood (like the above photo.)


thoughts?

Total Totem

When at the Smithsonian this spring, I snapped a couple shots of a totem in the natural history museum. Earthy tones are nice.

Totem coloring #2

Darren...nice work in PS. Here's mine with color input from Julie.

Totem Coloring Entry #1

I know that you Lands really appreciate your Microsoft Paint, but I thought I would give it some nice Photoshop production. I'm not sure what I'm going to win... but I want to win it.

I think it would look good to do a dark stain on the brown parts.

also did a paintbucket approach with some different colors...

Totem Coloring (Now YOU, at home, can do it too!)

I'm almost done with the carving and now I must decide on colors. I want the family (or anyone who wants to try a color scheme) to try their hand at winning the color contest.

The middle picture can be saved on your computer and opened in "Microsoft Paint." From there, you can easily fill in the white areas. The areas I designated are by no means the only way to separate it. Do what you want and I am EXCITED to get your artsy results.

ps. remember that this totem pole will last for millenia, so choose your hues WISELY!

W/D Pedestal

Julie was soooo sad when her washer broke down...the old one that came with our house in 2004. We splurged on the #1 CR rated, front loading Samsung set. To get matching pedestals is $200 each and they're only 14" tall. I figured I could weld one unit for both and while I'm making it custom, why not 20" ? Of course it had to be strong and resist wobbling--the washer weighs 275 lbs and spins 3x faster.

New Zealand Guidebook

Hey all,
Just letting you know of something I accomplished this past semester in one of my classes. I did a massive project for my Comparative Cultures class over a country of my choice. I chose New Zealand and I created an in-depth, guidebook of it. I wish I could post the document here on the blog, but that is not allowed i guess. I also made a shortened presentation on the material in class at the end of the semester. My guidebook was one of only a few that were chosen to be presented at the Research Symposium that was hosted back in April. Also, when I got my guidebook back in May, my professor told me that he put no comments on mine because he thought it was so excellent, so that was really cool and a little humbling. If you wish to see this guidebook I'm happy to bring it along to the lake when we gather this summer or I could simply email it to you. Let me know! Thanks!

Nothing but love,
Austin

P.S. A post about my choir trip to China is coming soon as well!!