Don your favorite bathrobe, cream that coffee and get comfortable with this week’s SolidSmack Weekend Reader.
The Weekend Reader features a handful of the most interesting articles featured on the ‘Smack over the past week ranging from tips and tricks to inspirational designs, processes, and more. So lay back, relax and take a load off while reading the top ten stories on SolidSmack this past week.
Oh and uh…don’t forget to shed some much-needed sunlight on your face, too.
How to Make a Cosplay Helmet from Mat Foam in 5 Simple Steps
“Yeah, you know any old helmet won’t do. And you definitely know that Lannister guard helmet you fashioned from a paper bag, gorilla glue and wood chips is looking pretty weak right now. Well, there’s a better way to make a helmet and you won’t believe how simple it is. This week on Tested, the process-crazed crew is joined by armor maker extraordinaire Evil Ted Smith, for a breakdown on how to easily build the base for your very own, pro-level cosplay helmets.”
The Grafton Everyday Carry Pen Takes the Headache Out of Buying Refills
“While it’s easy to overlook, having a favorite pen in your pocket to take to meetings or just around the office can be just one more of life’s small pleasures. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find a pen to stick with for the long haul that both fits your budget and feels right when gripped in your hand.”
Manufacturing Bus Blinds for Double Decker Buses is Like Screen Printing a Gigantic T-Shirt
“Although digital LED destination signs have become increasingly more common on public transportation vehicles since the technology has become more affordable to implement, they surprisingly aren’t the most favored method of signage on modern rail cars and buses on their way to pick up eagerly awaiting passengers.”
Candylab Launches New Collection of Handmade Midcentury Americana Wood Toys
“Having born a toy company out of his living room with the desire to revive the “glamorous ’60s American modernist vibe and carve it into awesome contemporary wood toy designs” for his two young daughters, Brooklyn-based architect and designer Vlad Dragusin has since expanded Candylab Toys into a team of four after successfully launching his first Kickstarter campaign and raising over $100K in 2013.”
How I Built an Ultra Quiet Shop Compressor from Refrigerator Parts
“I needed to build a very quiet, high-capacity compressor for making ID models and prototypes in my shop. The one I have is quite loud and doesn’t have the capacity I was comfortable with for urethane casting work. I sourced a 6-gallon air tank on eBay for $35, including shipping, from a fellow in Indiana. Next, I needed a refrigerator compressor.”
These Handmade Cruiser Skateboards Look So Good You’ll Be Afraid to Ride Them
“While the electronic Boosted Board skateboards may be taking over today’s streets, nothing beats the simplicity of an original cruiser board when it comes to getting from A to B. As a self-confessed “hater of plastic”, German industrial designer Tom Wilhelm set out to create a wood replacement to the plastic Penny board that just might be one of the best-looking cruiser skateboards we’ve ever seen.”
