Friday, July 26, 2013

Truth of Triangles

As you may have noticed we've been really into triangles lately. Something so simple and true about the 3 sides and 3 angles. 

Most recently this cabinet. We used a light turquoise and sage to paint triangles on front and sides while leaving lots of raw wood exposed. We used gloss yellow to paint the vintage knobs and alternate feet.








Before that we did this small table. Found the metal piece in a backyard and then cut the wood block and painted triangles. Sealed with wax and tongue oil. 







The first piece we did with triangles was this work table we built from a butcher block someone was using as an door. We cut a bigger hole in the door to fit an Eppendorf beaker with work tools and cut a second symmetrical hole for another beaker or cords. We used metals legs given to us and cut corner blocks from scrap wood. We painted the table with long black triangles to look like a giant backgammon board. Waxed and sealed with tongue oil to give it an inlaid look.










Tuesday, July 2, 2013

July First Friday is Upon Us!

June flew by and now its almost First Friday! Please join us at WALRUS to hang out, nosh, sip and see what's new on Friday July 5 from 6-9pm.

We are having another painting workshop on July 28! Its a steal: for $35 we will provide paint and other supplies to help you do your own small piece of furniture in Temescal Alley, while you enjoy adult refreshments! This price can't last forever so register now at http://shopwalrusjuly.eventbrite.com/.

This month we are featuring the beautiful family photography of Lori Fuller as the Artist of the Month!





Lori is offering a raffle for those customers who come and sign up in-person on First Friday (or this Sat or Sun). Good luck to all!










Saturday, June 15, 2013

Stencils can be fun!

Here are some of our latest stencil adventures:




WALRUS intern, Natalie Freed, created these cool spirograph stencils using an computer program she wrote and then sending the vector file to her laser cutter. They're cut in vinyl decal material, stuck onto the dresser and painted over, then decal removed to create the stencil. Pretty techie cool, huh?

Then I decided to try the blue and white color combination using the faux inlay kit that Camille found and has used for a few lovely black and white pieces. I think blue and white works too!












Sunday, June 2, 2013

June First Friday and other news at WALRUS

Can you believe June 7th is First Friday again? WOW!


We have many exciting things going on this month! We're featuring paintings by multi-talented Tabi Musselwhite who is painter by day, bartender by night. :)







Tabi will be mixing a special drink for our First Friday reception! This month we are also part of Temescal Summer Art Hop which will bring some art lovers into the Alley.


As usual,  we'll be rearranging the shop to add some new pieces. We are also getting some newly forged  iron hooks and nails from local blacksmith Joseph Karr of bohemianblacksmith.com. This will complement many of our rustic items and give you a cool way to hang them!

We also have a workshop coming up this month open to our customers! Its our third or fourth workshop but the first one dedicated to helping you paint a small piece of furniture. Find details and sign up here.


Haven't made plans for this coming Friday?  Stop by, say hello, and have a special cocktail mixed by Tabi and some snacks.

Looking forward to seeing you!

Temescal Alley's First Friday
and Temescal Summer Art Hop
470 49th Street
Oakland, CA  94609
6-9pm

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Something Special for Him








We just got this small and cute Dad's Day Display up at WALRUS. Its the first holiday display we've ever managed to do! I hope we do more like it because it was fun to think of which of our items would be good for the man or dad in your life, such as:
  • reclaimed wood wine stoppers
  • handmade wood sanding blocks and other wood tools
  • reclaimed wood handturned bowls, boxes and candleholders
  • vintage shaving sets
  • handmade reclaimed wood frame with nail image
  • vintage bottle candle holder       

One of our most special items that is totally unique and would make an amazing present for a dad is sitting on top of the display. Can you spot it? Its the upcycled vintage golf woodie coat or hat rack. Its made from old teak futon frames!



Here is a link to learn more about Tricia Wright from Re-wind Lab who makes these really special items for us. 

Hope to see you soon!  

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Oakland Museum Here we Come!


We will be showing work next weekend at the Oakland Museum of California as part of the long-running "We Customize" show. Wendy will be conducting an open studio at OMCA on Friday May 17 from 5-8pm to demo making broken pieces into something wonderful, as we always do! She will do the same on Sunday from 1-4pm. The pieces she is creating will be a surprise so go check it out!
Click here to learn more about the WeCustomize show.

Monday, May 6, 2013

Another Great Feature!



 We were recently interviewed for the online site, Pure Wow, "a digital publication dedicated to finding ways to make your life more interesting, beautiful and manageable."  They ran a story about Temescal Alley and we were honored to be one of four shops included in the piece.

 To read the article, click here.