Skateboard Shark for Stoked

I recently attended orientation for a youth mentoring program called Stoked. I won’t try to replicate it’s mission statement verbatim, but basically it’s a program which pairs at-risk youth with mentors via action-oriented sports (i.e, snowboarding, skateboarding, surfing, etc.). Growing up, I was heavily influenced by skateboarding. This influence was sometimes negative, as skateboarding in the 90’s was still somewhat of a counterculture. Graffiti, drug use, shoplifting, trespassing, and fights were commonplace. I believe kids who are exposed to these elements need a positive (and relevant) role model. That’s why I was very interested in Stoked.

Unfortunately, the program is currently focusing on snowboarding (of which I have no experience). In the meantime, I decided to give my skateboard a new paint job so when the rain and snow dry up, I’ll be ready to shred with the kids!

Bear Republic Painting

I recently aspired to fully furnish my apartment since I’m going to renew my lease. For a whole year it has been devoid of furniture, and now I’m looking to spruce things up and make my pad a little livelier and homey.

I was given a canvas for my birthday after complaining to a friend that my walls were bare. I didn’t know what to paint, and my friend suggested a bear for a bare wall. Although this was a joke, I found a little source of inspiration in this humor. Plus, I’m originally from California, so this is kind of an homage to the Bear Republic.

I’m stumped for now, as I don’t know whether to leave as is or further modify. I’m totally open to suggestions. I just need to put it aside for now since it’s keeping me from creating other things.

D.I.Y. Table

I decided to make my own table this weekend. I love IKEA, but what sucks about it is that it’s mass produced, so the chances of someone else owning the same product as you is highly likely. And no, this isn’t some anti-mainstream gripe of mine, I just believe in individuality across clothes, furniture, taste in art, etc.

For around $60, I built this table (but had to go to IKEA anyway for the legs, lol). I love it. If you want to know exactly how I built it and what I used, just let me know, but the photos are pretty self-explanatory (minus the drill, which isn’t photographed). I am not a handyman whatsoever, so if I can figure it out I’m sure you can. God bless the internet.