COOB Originals

Happy Easter!

2011-04-27T17:49:00.002-04:00

A belated Happy Easter and Spring from yours truly.

-COOB

Snow Day

2011-03-07T07:36:00.017-05:00

This morning I set out at about 3:30 am to start shoveling. It's been dumping here since yesterday. And, though I stayed outside until about 6:30, I still couldn't get to work. It's serious enough that they actually just sent a bulldozer out to plow my road with a sander following it. Luckily, work told me to take the day off. A true snow day.

But, before I get to work hacking away at skateboards, I thought I'd share with you a few awesome things that recently caught my attention. A little too cool not to share.

MICROMACHINA by Scott Bain uses real taxidermy beetles and found objects to create some of the most fascinating art I've seen in a long time. Or maybe it's just that I have a thing for bugs.

Then, there's Hello Again Monsters which I learned about through Kill Taupe (one of my favorite artists). She also has an Etsy shop. Her vinyl monsters are insane and as a fan of all things monster and plush, they have been added to my "I need this" list. I also feel that it's important to note that you can play Pacman on her website, which nearly prevented the completion of this blog post.

I must now leave you to oooo and ahhhh before I am sucked back in again by the timelessly addicting Pacman.

Peace out,

-Coob

Getting There

2011-02-07T11:35:00.009-05:00

I suppose this blog entry isn't really for anyone, as much as it is for myself. After my injury in 2008 it was a long road to recovery. Over a year of physical and occupational therapy, a mixture of crutches and canes, and a few different doctors along the way. Because the injury was work related, you eventually reach what in the medical field is known as "medical end". This means that either you have completely recovered and no longer need the services or in my case, your recovery has plateaued. And while you may not have made a full recovery, a doctor, selected by the insurance company, makes the decision as to whether or not he or she feels you'd recover further from medical services.

A week or so after my long evaluation from that doctor I received a huge report in the mail with details about his point of view. This included his statement about my very small permanent disability (HA!) and another statement that there was a possibility for my knee to become weaker and worse off with time. How optimistic. You'd probably never notice unless you were closely inspecting the way I walk or comparing the size of my two legs that there's anything wrong. And, for the most part, I live my life as I did before the injury.

Still, my knee will buckle on occasion and doesn't respond well to quick movements like running and jumping. I've been able to push a little with my skateboard, enough to get a slow cruise going and I'm pretty happy with that. Last winter was my first strapping back into my snowboard. It's been pretty trying and frustrating to have to re-learn something I already had down cold. I know exactly what I'm supposed to be doing, but getting my leg to respond how I want it too has been a slow process. Snowboarding was work, hard work, and it was hard to see results, especially with my knee screaming the longer I stayed strapped in.

I scored some free tickets to the Snow Bowl in Middlebury this year, and yesterday, headed out with a friend not sure what to expect from "the little leg". Maybe it's having another year behind me, maybe it was the 10 inches we had gotten the night before, but yesterday was my best day on snow since the injury. Even though my leg won't quite respond how I want it too, I'm learning to ride with what it will give me. It's finally starting to feel fun again, really fun.

I know it's corny, but it's true. If there's something standing in your way of doing something, anything, don't give up. Be patient and keep at it. You'll get there.

Still getting there,

-Coob

2011

2011-02-03T07:29:00.009-05:00

Yikes. It's been a long time since my last post. A very long time. Hey, I didn't say to go look and see when it was! My apologies for blatant neglect.

2010 finished out very well with two big shows The Queen City Craft Bazaar (which is currently accepting applications for the spring show) and The BCA Holiday Artist Market. They both confirmed that I feel ready to try to get into some big stuff this year. I'll be sure to post shows as I'm accepted to them. I also landed on the front page of Etsy twice within weeks of Christmas, sweet!

2011 has started off a little shaky, but only because of car trouble. My plaid covered friend that you've seen in posts past has now made it's way onto another stage in it's life. And, at 16, with almost 191,000 miles (though that's not much for a Volvo) and a long list of quirks and issues that need repair, I think it's for the best. It's especially nice to no longer need a Sharpie to start my car.

Yesterday the big bad snowstorm bludgeoned my neck of the woods with the most snow we've seen in a while. I took this picture of Oscar at about 4:30pm yesterday when there was a break in the snow. It has easily snowed another 8 inches since then. So with the new snow, hopefully this can be a new start to 2011 for me, new wheels, and a new extra job. Back on track for big things in 2011. You might be the last to know if you only stalk me here, so make sure to check Facebook or Twitter too :P

Keep it real spotted seal,

-Coob

Around The Corner

2010-10-18T13:03:00.010-04:00

I know, some of you are still trying to figure out what to be for Halloween. But, the reality is that I can see snow on the mountains out my window, there's Christmas decorations in stores, and I just put my scraper back in the car. Yes, winter and the holidays are most definitely coming. In addition to working on some new items that I hope to roll out for the season, there are some things you should know.

Mark your calendars and be there! If you missed it this spring, do yourself a favor, DO NOT miss it again. The Holiday Edition of The Queen City Craft Bazaar. 1 Main St, Burlington Vermont on November 20 from 10-5. With over forty awesome local crafters, you can get ahead of the game and cross some gift recipients off your list with some very gnarly handmade items.

My favorite skateshop is now the exclusive retail carrier of COOB Originals, so if you haven't been in, go check it out. Watch some of the raddest local skaters and check out all Talent has to offer. And, no, you don't have to be a skater, your sheer appreciation is enough. 2069 Williston Rd, So. Burlington, VT.

Just in case you missed it, my hand-carved dunny was featured on the Kidrobot Kronikle last month. Who is Kidrobot? Only the company that created the dunny in the first place. Check it.

Until next time,

-Coob

What's Good

2010-09-05T09:16:00.004-04:00

Vermont's Seven Days annually published What's Good 2010-2011Burlington Off Campus Guide just hit the streets in the area. After hearing from friends that they spotted me in in the sweet full color publication I set out to see if I could get my hands on one. I did, plus one for Mom. It goes without saying that I'm in very good company sitting between two of my local favorites crotchet extraordinaire Erinn Simon and the styling screen printing duo of Tessa and Torrey Valyou of New Duds. If you haven't checked them out, GO, be gone with you!

-Coob

In One Week...

2010-09-03T16:41:00.008-04:00

You've been wondering what the heck I've been up to. Sometimes I have too. But, my friends, let me tell you... the things that will soon be unveiled will be unlike anything you have seen from me before. Don't worry, you won't be disappointed. All will be revealed in one week. You're gonna want to see this. Here's what you need to know:

Like Peanut Butter and Jelly; like Skateboards and Concrete. You can find my art on display at The 18th Annual South End Art Hop in Burlington Vermont September 10 and 11. So make sure to stop by Site 2: Red Concrete at 180 Flynn Ave.
I'll also be hanging out behind the Maltex building at 431 Pine Street selling some of my regular items on the 11th from 9-3. So come say hi!

And just to keep you in suspense, here are a few photos...

And no, these aren't necessarily shots of the finished pieces :P

Funny, that doesn't really look like a skateboard...

What the heck is that?! 32 skateboards can't be wrong.

The very fact that this actually came out well blows my mind. I think you'll feel the same.

Art Hop, do it! And for those of you a great distance away, don't fret. Photos of the completed pieces will be posted sometime after the hopping has begun.

Back to work!

-Coob

It's Not Me, It's You

2010-07-13T14:57:00.010-04:00

Recently, I won an online contest at Saturday Morning Central winning this insanely awesome and geeky set of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle soap from Geek Soap. I can't say thank you enough. For a nerdy fan like myself, receiving this awesome guys easily made my day/week/month! So thank you Saturday Morning Central and Geek Soap for bringing these crime fighters into my life... and my bathroom.

Coob, do you have a point? Yes, yes I do. Since stumbling into this world of crafty-ness I've been amazed at how damn friendly everyone is. Geek Soap's creator became a fan of COOB Originals on Facebook in support of me after sending me her first batch of ninja turtles. There's all this support, selflessness, love. What's wrong with all you people?! It's all give, give give! Now, of course I get it. Acts like this cause me to promote these incredible people and make me want to come back and shop with them. Brilliant, right. The catch? The catch is that some of these people are just down-right, N-I-C-E. Nice people... who knew? So, nice people, thank you for being this way, you inspire me to be both crafty and do nice things in return.

One last thing. If YOU happen to be feeling particularly nice, A.skate is an organization that teaches Autistic kids how to skateboard. This engaging and life changing program needs your help. By voting (you can vote everyday) for there project on the Pepsi website, you can help these guys get the funding they need! They don't even have a skatepark. So, if you feel like doing something good, go VOTE. You can log in with your Facebook account. Talk about nice people, the employees currently use their own money to fund the project!!! And, if you do vote and spread the word, I'll give you free shipping on anything in my shop. So go forth, and be nice :D

-Coob

Coob hits the not so mean streets of Burlington, VT

2010-05-12T11:32:00.010-04:00

So, I did it. I survived my first COOB Originals outing. The Queen City Craft Bazaar was Saturday and it was awesome! I have to confess to being nervous and feeling like a rookie. Especially after forgetting part of my display and a bunch of much needed supplies at home that morning. But, no one knew, except me, and now you. Comments from veteran vendors were reassuring telling me that my display looked very put together and professional.

While I have nothing to compare it too, I think I did pretty damn well! Everything was well received. I was pretty much wiped clean of business cards, which offers some promise of future business. And, I made some connections which I hope will come through. Oh yeah, I sold a bunch of stuff too :P

Then there were the other vendors. I'm not sure which was more amazing to me: how incredibly kind, encouraging, and enthusiastic they were towards me or the fact that I was part of an event which showcased these seriously talented people.

Well, you get the idea. Now check out just a few of the other awesome vendors!

My new crocodile mug from my show neighbor danmade. Incredible talent.It was cool to meet New Duds in person after only seeing them online. Sweet threads!

Erinn from Urban Farmgirl is incredible with a hook. Her work speaks for itself!

To see who else was there check out the complete vendor list.

And of course, a very enormous thank you to the incredible Kacey of Subsixstudios who not only produced the event, but found me, encouraged me to apply to the show, and is responsible for this photo and blurb making it into our local paper, Seven Days. THANK YOU!!!

-Coob
PS- Are all crafty people so damn nice?!

Coob Buckles Down

2010-04-27T14:17:00.006-04:00

On Saturday, May 8th, I will be kicking it at my first craft fair. Rather awesome indie craft extravaganza known as The Queen City Craft Bazaar. So, I've been hard at work, covering myself and everything in my life with skateboard sawdust. Think of Linus from Peanuts but with a multicolor sawdust cloud instead of a dirt cloud. That's me. So while my shop looks slightly sad and empty I'm up to over 75 new items that I've created for the show this far. Yeah, over 75! Since I plan on selling them all ;) here is a preview of the new belt buckles I'll be bringing along with me. My favorite is the pigeon king from a 5boronyc deck. Now back to work!

-Coob

Vote For COOB!

2010-04-15T11:21:00.004-04:00

That's correct, I need your vote! I was lovingly nominated by ArtTales and my swallow pendant made it into The Daily Green's Trash-to-Craft Challenge Etsy Voter! The article here tells a little more about it. The items with the most votes will be featured on TheDailyGreen.com. Help expose Coob... hmmm, that came out wrong. You get the point. So go and vote! (Make sure you're logged into Etsy and click submit after voting.)

I'm Alive!

2010-04-15T00:01:00.003-04:00

You may think to yourself: "Self, where has Coob gone?". Well, Self, wonder no more! I'm here. After an exhausting winter of work and frying my computer, I'm still alive and kicking. In fact, I'm rolling out quite a few new items, so if you're patient you just might see them. The proof is in the sawdust! I'm building up my stock for my debut craft show which is a few weeks away (more on that later). So, once I'm convinced I have enough, I'll post some online too. Keep an eye out. Big things are on the horizon. Tell your homies too!

Completely Unrelated Shenanigans

2009-12-07T13:30:00.006-05:00

It seems with the holiday season, that I've been pretty busy lately. Who knew? Alas, I've found some time here and there to do things completely unrelated to my life involving skateboard reincarnation. Most recently, I decided that I don't love my car enough. And, even though it has some serious issues, I thought maybe we'd get along a little better if I was a bit more kind.

Of course, I don't quite have the funds to really spiff up this brick, so, I decided to start small. The interior has some strange flaws, like the window sills resembling some seriously wrinkled skin. Don't ask me how that happened. I was fortunate enough to purchase the car in such a state, ha! Now, however, the only thing one will be able to focus on upon seeing the interior of the car is this...

That's right, plaid! Red, black, and tan to be precise. As you can see, I've started with these small door panels, but I'm scheming about what other parts of my car I can transform into awesomeness. Stay tuned. I'm sure I won't be able to contain myself once I've finished.

-Coob

Peek for the Sneak

2009-11-19T15:48:00.006-05:00

Curious about what's going on in that new apartment of mine? The sawdust is flying, and a new stack of decks with some AWESOME new colors are being demolished and reconstructed as we speak... well, not literally. Man, that would be dangerous! But, seriously, keep your eyes peeled. Some of these bad boys are gonna show up in my Etsy shop real soon.

Happy Thursday Coob-Stalker ;P

-Coob

New Diggs, New Decks, New Year

2009-11-09T16:35:00.007-05:00

I have successfully made the move into my new place, and though still unpacking of course, it's AWESOME. From all the great space to the energy efficient appliances, I couldn't be more stoked. The pup and I both find the high efficiency front loading washer and dryer pretty fascinating as you can tell.

Talent, my local skatepark and skateshop recently lifted the ceiling on their park. (Yes, it's indoors!) So, they had to close the park for a few weeks. This meant no one was really coming inside to break their skateboards. Luckily, the renovation is complete, looks awesome, and now, decks are being destroyed once again. I have some new decks with some awesome new colors. Be on the look on for the new guys coming soon in my Etsy shop.

Finally, I just turned the big 2-5 a week ago. And, I'm hoping that this year will be a good one! Last year sucked, and I'm overly excited to put it behind me. So here's to an awesome new year. A great start, I received THREE of my favorites prints from artist Kill Taupe. They are even better in person. Now, they're just sitting in their protective envelope home while they await framing.

To an awesome 25th year, here goes nothing ;)

-Coob

Let's Hear it for the Boy

2009-10-30T10:26:00.006-04:00

Now that I have Deneice Williams stuck in my head... I thought I'd share with you a treasury I created. Quiet helpful and quite awesome. It might help some of you people out there who haven't a clue what to get for the guys in your life. I thought I'd share my insight.

Clearly you need to go check it out directly, click all over the place and comment to say just how awesome it is, you would have been lost without it, yada yada yada.
For the Fellas Treasury Link

That's all for now,

-Coob

Coob Goes Country

2009-10-23T11:14:00.005-04:00

No, not country as in I now listen to country music, herd cattle, and sport a Stetson hat. I am however moving to the country. This is sort of a joke if you know that I live in Vermont, which really is all country. But here, in the "big city", it's a little less country. I'm moving a few miles away to a place which will be all my own, and is somehow, much more affordable. Which, is nuts considering how awesome it is. I'm moving officially next weekend. Hopefully I'll have instant Internet like my awesome Irish landlord claims. Anyway, check out the view from my new place.

This should give you just a hint about the awesomeness. I promise more pictures of the new place and continued Friday Favorites once I'm settled in.

Until next time,

-Coob

Friday Favorites Vol. 2 - KillTaupe

2009-10-15T21:02:00.009-04:00

After failing to post last week, I'm here this week to make up for it. This volume of Friday Favorites features a favorite Etsy artist of mine: KillTaupe.

KillTaupe's "original urbanpop art" has a lot to offer. I love the bold and bright colors, the graphic style and nature of the pieces, the added humor, and of course that much of his work is done on wood with acrylic!

Here are a few of his pieces/items currently for sale.

Broccoli Eats Venison - Original

Give me all the French Toast - Limited Edition Print

Chickens Magnet Set

For more by KillTaupe you can check him out at:

http://www.killtaupe.etsy.com/

That's all for now. Happy Friday.

-COOB

Friday Favorites Vol. 1 - RAGGEDedgeGear

2009-10-02T17:16:00.005-04:00

In my effort to be a more active blogger, I wanted to start sharing some of my favorite Etsy finds. Frankly, Friday seems fitting. Hmmm, I wonder how many words I could use that start with F... anyway.

This weeks favorite is:

Sailcloth Mini Wallet Bright Orange and Black by RAGGEDedgeGear

RAGGEDedgeGear has a ton of awesome items in their Etsy shop made from sailcloth! They offer wallets in different sizes, bags, folders and more. I'm not doing these items justice. They are incredible. Not to mention durable and easy to clean (you can even toss these wallets in the top rack of the dishwasher). Plus, they come in a wide array of awesome colors too. I'm hoping I might be lucky enough to receive one of these bad boys for my birthday or the holidays. And, if not, I'm gonna have to buy one myself! You can check out their Etsy shop (and I recommend that you do) here : RAGGEDedgeGear Etsy Shop

That's all for this first edition of Friday Favorites.

-Coob

Featured on the Front Page

2009-09-29T13:20:00.006-04:00

I've been pretty terrible at posting. And, I'd like to work on changing that! Just wanted to share that the Sunday before last, my skull skateboard pendant was featured on the front page of Etsy!

To see the archive and the other items it was featured with, click the link!
Featured Etsy Front Page Archive
Until next time,

-COOB

Excitement in the works

2009-08-19T16:22:00.004-04:00

Some exciting things seem to be happening for the Coobster these days. Things have really taken off quickly with the recent listing of some of the new recycled skateboard items on Etsy. Selling three rings in one week made me realize that it's probably time to think about investing in a drill press so that I can make them faster. Since, at the moment crafting each ring takes a few hours. Whew! Luckily, Vermont tax free day is this weekend.

This past weekend the consultant and I were in a local Vermont shop that sells mostly clothing and accessories. Looking into the case I casually asked if they ever worked with local artists/designers. He said that they do, and love to do it. He told me that if I know of anyone to send them over! I told him a little about what I do, and the consultant proudly beamed showing off one of the pieces she was wearing. He loved the idea of recycled skateboard items, gave me a card, and encouraged me to set up an appointment to meet with the shop manager. I was stoked! I know very little about working with retailers to negotiate terms, etc. So, I'll have to do some research. If anyone has any tips or resources, feel free to send them my way.

I was also contacted this week about being a founder of a Vermont artist coop/shop. I hope there's enough interest to get things started.

I'm still working on some new stuff too, so keep your eyes out! That's it for now.

-Coob

A Coob Introduction

2009-08-08T18:49:00.001-04:00

It doesn't seem there are very many places I am willing to fill out an 'about me', so perhaps it's best I do it on my own terms. And, if you are reading this, it's likely that I am not twisting your arms behind your back and pressing your face to the screen to get you to learn about me. So, that's on you!

A bit about me and why I started with all this 'COOB' business. After getting hurt and work, and subsequently being unable to work because of said injury, I had disgusting amounts of free time on my hands. I should mention that this is not the time of free time one desires. This is the sit still, with no one around, can't go anywhere, pull out your hair kind of free time. And, since I sometimes like my hair, I decided I'd better find something to keep myself busy.

It started with collecting bottle caps, a few here and there, and now it seems that I have an army of bottle cap collectors. Since they can't be recycled, I figured might as well try to do something with them. Thus, earrings, cuff links, magnets, and a few interesting other items were constructed with bottle caps. Bottle caps led to LEGO's, which were also fun. But, then I have always enjoyed LEGO's.

Yet even with what I suspect is thousands of bottle and LEGO's, there was still something I desired more: Skateboards. Yes, skateboards. Particularly, the kind that no one wants. I have two perfectly good working skateboards, and of course I can't use them because of my injury. So why in the world would I want more? I contacted my local indoor skatepark Talent in South Burlington, VT and proposed that I we help each other out. Every week I make a visit to Talent and pick up the broken, abused, and sometimes mind blowingly old skateboard decks that are headed for the trash. As you may imagine, skateboards aren't small, and aren't breaking down any time soon in the landfill. So, acquiring these broken decks has been a way for me to combine passions.

With the broken decks I tear them apart further to create new things, everything from jewelry to furniture (see lightning bolt pendant photo). I love working with the decks, and finding the life that's still left in them. The seven-ply wood layers that make up most of the decks seem to create many opportunities for me. In my opinion, the scars that tell the story of the life of the skateboard deck already offer some incredible art. And, I often find myself wondering what exactly 'this deck' has seen.

So there you go, that's why I do what I do. But you can check things out for yourself at http://cooboriginals.etsy.com/

And if you're wondering what's up with the name...? A friend of mine came up with it in attempt to turn my initials into a nickname : Coob. Upon giving my first pair of bottle cap earrings as a gift, my friend responded "My first pair of Coob Originals!" And, the name was born.

That's more than enough about me for now.

-Coob