Blog Featuring Boone's Hooks

Here is a link to a very nice jewelery blog that is currently featuring Boone's Hooks.

http://sassyglassdesigns.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2009-07-18T10%3A28%3A00-05%3A00&max-results=3

Cheers,
Smyth

Bathroom Remodels

Here is an article by LX.TV regarding redoing your bathroom featuring Boone's Hooks. The site is loaded with other helpful articles on decorating and design.

http://lxtv.com/helpme/article/10027

Cheers,
Smyth

Boone's Hooks on the Today Show

Here is the video clip of Boone's Hooks from today's Today Show on msnbc...

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Prototypes

I am in the habit of forging a prototype for most architectural commissions that I create. Not only does the prototype help me to figure out the pricing of a project, it also allows me to learn if the ideas and drawings are to scale and the right choices. The prototype comes after the drawings and the design concepts are realized.

Here is a close-up photo of a 3 foot prototype section for a balcony that I learned a lot about the joinery, sizes and textures...


For example... if I am commissioned to forge a railing...

First is the drawings and concepts for the piece. Then once the drawings are accepted by the builder/owner, I will build a measured section(usually 3 feet long) full scale. Railings are generally priced by the linear foot, therefore, I make a measured section( 3' for this example) and the amount of time it takes to create the prototype divided by 3 for this sample multiplied by my hourly shop rate gives me the price per foot to share with the builder/owner.

I also learn if I selected the right material sizes and techniques to see the project to its completion and on schedule. If there are things that need to be changed to make the project smoother or easier, the prototype is a great way to learn the project from the inside out. It also removes any mis-guided or unrealistic design concepts. This is also the time to make adjustments and corrections to make the project as quickly, professionally and efficiently.

While I create the prototype, I also figure out ways to make jigs and other helpful tools to hopefully speed up production once the design/prototype is accepted by the client. This means that hopefully the actual project will go faster than the prototype which can equal profit or simply allow for unforeseen delays in construction that can sometimes make one loose money on a project.

Cheers,
Smyth Boone

Blog Tunes!

Well a cool gadget just came my way that allows me to share music on my blog!

If you are like me, you know how important music is for your life and well being. Music is not only a cure for what ails a person, but also great for transformation, exploration, spiritual growth and good vibes.

I hope you enjoy the tracks that I have added to the blog. I just added a few tunes to begin with, but I am sure I will be expanding the collection for you to check out.

I am an avid listener and collector of music, a radio dj, a radio program producer and night club/party dj. One of my favorite things to do as dj is to introduce people to new music that they might not be familiar with, but totally enjoy!


I have been a radio dj on KVNF community radio, broadcasting in Paonia, Colorado, for 9 plus years. My show is called Room to Groove on Thursday afternoons(every other week) from 12-3pm MST. I also host a show on Saturday nights called Saturday Night Soundtrack, which I share with other dj's, and my show is the third Saturday of each month. Please feel free to check it out at www.kvnf.org

The beat goes on...

Cheers,
Smyth

Removing Candlewax from candlesticks

Here is a helpful hint on removing candle wax from your metal candle cups.

Just freeze the leftover wax and it will "pop" off!


If you can fit the candlestick into the freezer, just freeze it and the wax will come out easily all in one piece. You can also clean off the drips that have landed on the candlestick also. They just "pop" right off after being frozen.

If the candlestick is too large for a freezer, just set it outside in the winter (if you live in a place that gets below freezing at night) for an overnight and in the morning just "pop" off the wax.

I use a metal "screwdriver" shaped tool to remove the unwanted melted wax.


Naturally, drip-less candles do not require this at all. I happen to prefer natural beeswax candles personally.

I hope this is helpful.

Cheers,
Smyth Boone

Sierra magazine features Boone's Hooks!

Hello and welcome to the new year! I hope yours is wonderful and you manifest what you want. I am looking forward to a brilliant, prosperous, abundant, successful 2009.

Here is a great start...
Boone's Hooks is featured in the current January/February issue of Sierra magazine of the Sierra Club!
Sierra magazine is the award-winning magazine filled with spectacular nature photography and in-depth reporting on the hottest environmental issues from the largest non-profit lobbying organization dedicated to preserving the Earth's natural beauty.

The article, "Building Better: Cool Products for an Eco-Home", featuring Boone's Hooks is about building green and using green products in your current home/office situation. It is very insightful on how to retro-fit your current home to save energy and be more friendly to your family and to the Earth.

Here is the article from the Sierra Club website...

Hooked on Recycling
M. Smyth Boone calls himself an 18th-generation blacksmith and a descendant of Daniel Boone. But it's the fact that his designs are crafted from 100 percent recycled steel that is truly pioneering. Boone's signature piece is a leaf-shaped hook that can be used to hang towels, hats, or anything with a strap. He's also a sculptor and has crafted stair railings and a series of forged-steel sculptures of surfers. $34, booneshooks.com

I am honored to be recognized as a contributing part of such a great movement. Go Green, Support Local Business!!

Please visit the Sierra Club website at http://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/200901/cool.aspx

DesignShell.com

Here is a nice Interior Design web resource that I just found. The site contains helpful photos, ideas, blogs and resources. Please check it out...


DesignShell.Com is a free online home design resource, here you will find tips and tricks on everything you need to know about home design: interior design, furniture, bedroom, architecture, decor, living room, house, kitchen, bathroom.

http://www.designshell.com/

Cheers,

Smyth Boone

Design Style Guide

I would like to introduce a new website called Design Style Guide.
http://www.designstyleguide.net/


The site is a collection of amazing hand made art from artists that specialize in interior design. The site is a brilliant one stop resource for a growing number of artists and professionals in the home decorating industry.

A couple of my favorite things about the site is that it is simply a networking tool to get prospective buyers to individual artists websites and highlights so many great artists and buyers can see a ton of wonderful art all in one stop.

Design Style Guide is very easy to navigate, features treasuries, and only carries high caliber artwork that meets rigorous standards. The editors make sure every posting qualifies to their specific standards.

Here is the description on the Design Style Guide homepage:

If you are an interior designer, decorator, or home stager, this website is designed to help you quickly find that perfect accent to help you sell to your clients. You can search for items by style, color, room, or material, to help you work more efficiently and use less of your valuable time wading through the mountains of things available online.

Please check it out... http://www.designstyleguide.net/

Cheers,

Smyth Boone

Interview on ETSY

Here is a very nice interview on me and Boone's Hooks that is being featured on ETSY.com.

ETSY is a huge website/network/store featuring exclusively hand made products. It is like the size of "google" for artists. Please check it out, leave a comment etc...

Here is the link http://www.etsy.com/storque/section/spotlight/article/fresh-shops-booneshooks/2615/

Cheers,
Smyth