Showing posts with label diy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label diy. Show all posts

Monday, June 13, 2022

The Artisanal Pickle

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


The Artisanal Pickle #243
gouache paint on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm)
201707070
© copyright Mike Kraus Art Inc.

TODAY IS THE START
of the
Summer Art Party at:

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold thousands of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Home Is More Important Than Ever

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty



Our home should be a safe, entertaining, creative, and safe place for us and our loved ones.  And spring is the perfect time to start making our house our favorite place to be.  Here are some ideas: 

1) Make a design journal or Pinterest board - Save photos of rooms you admire.  And take notes about the things you like about a space.
2) Make a priority list - Does that broken chair need to be replaced now?  Did the spare bedroom turn into a work-from-home office without a desk?
3) Make a budget - Avoid stress by knowing what you can afford.  This can also be useful for determining your true priorities.
4) Designing - Take your ideas from your design journal or Pinterest and put your best ideas together. (ie - The wall color from one, furniture from another, and your heirloom painting frames).
5) Make a  Decision - Use painter's tape to see your space.  Outline where you'd put the furniture, shelves, and artwork.  Adjust what doesn't work and build around what you think is great.
6) Implement your plan - Go ahead and buy the paint, order the furniture, and commission the artist.  Put it all together.   


Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.



Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Building A Fire Pit: Having Fun During Coronavirus

Building A Fire Pit: Having Fun During Coronavirus



With all the concerns and anxiety about Coronavirus (COVID-19), we need to find ways to slow down, relax, and enjoy the time we have to ourselves.  To stay safe if we have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.  Take a break from the numbers about infections, hospitalizations, and deaths.  

Staying healthy also means time for relaxation.  The benefits of unwinding are: slowing heart rate, lowering blood pressure, slowing your breathing rate, improving digestion, maintaining normal blood sugar levels, reducing activity of stress hormones, increasing blood flow to major muscles, reducing muscle tension and chronic pain, improving concentration and mood, improving sleep quality, lowering fatigue, reducing anger and frustration, boosting confidence to handle problems (Mayo Clinic Stress Management).  And what can be more relaxing than a night talking by the fire?


1) Dig a hole the size you'd like for a fire pit.  This is about 40 inches x 40 inches with a depth of about 9 inches.  (Call 811 or your local utility provider before digging)


2) Once dug out, tamp or pack the soil tight and level (Not really seen in this photo).


3) Lay out the cinder blocks in a level square.  Fill in with some of the soil that you've dug out.


4) Next, lay some decorative bricks on top.  Once in place, dump soil or sand on top of the bricks and try to rub it into the seams.


 

Remember to follow local and state guidelines before burning.  And just so we don't add unnecessary stress, here's a link for building a fire: https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Fire.  Once completed, you'll have a simple, cheap fire pit that is easy to maintain, quick to fix, and simple to remove.  

DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN!
And, please feel free to contact if you have any questions or suggestions!


Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) No indoor activities
2) No sharing bathrooms
3) Wash hands before and after gathering.  Don't touch your face.
4) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
5) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
6) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).
8) Limit attendance.  Check local health department for guidelines and restrictions.
9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels.  Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:

Monday, March 2, 2020

What Are Your Plans For Spring?

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty



What are your plans for spring?  For your home, now is the time to start thinking about the changes you'd like to make.  Here are some ideas:

1) Make a design journal or Pinterest board - Save photos of rooms you admire.  And take notes about the things you like about a space.
2) Make a priority list - Does that broken chair need to be replaced now?  Are your relatives coming for a long-term stay?
3) Make a budget - Avoid stress by knowing what you can afford.  This can also be useful for determining your true priorities.
4) Designing - Take your ideas from your design journal or Pinterest and put your best ideas together. (ie - The wall color from one, furniture from another, and your heirloom painting frames).
5) Make a  Decision - Use painter's tape to see your space.  Outline where you'd put the furniture, shelves, and artwork.  Adjust what doesn't work and build around what you think is great.
6) Implement your plan - Go ahead and buy the paint, hire the carpenter, order the furniture, and commission the artist.  Put it all together. 

For more suggestions and ideas, please visit:
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/how-to-use-original-artwork-in-your.html

Your Friend,
Mike Kraus
MikeKrausArt.etsy.com



Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.



Friday, July 7, 2017

The Artisanal Pickle

The Artisanal Pickle #243
ink and marker on Bristol paper
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm)
201707070
© copyright Mike Kraus

10% OFF with coupon code JOINTHEFUN

This artist trading card or ACEO (Art Card Editions and Originals) is frameable, collectible, enjoyable and can be given as a special gift for a birthday, wedding, new baby, anniversary, thank you or other occasion.  It is a one-of-a-kind original work of art, NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION. It is signed on the back and lends itself to framing in a standard trading card frame or book.

For more information or custom order, please visit:


Want to see my work in person?  Then visit these galleries:

Art Cats Gallery 1845 Lakeshore Dr, Muskegon, MI 49441 (231) 755-7606 http://artcatsgallery.com/

Rochester Contemporary Arts Center (RoCo)  137 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14604 (585) 461-2222 http://www.rochestercontemporary.org/

Whitman Works Co1826 Penfield Rd, Penfield, NY 14526 (585) 747-9999 https://www.whitmanworks.com/

Friday, July 24, 2015

The Adventures of Giant Jenga

Have you ever thought, "you know what would make this game great?  If it was huge."  Then Giant Jenga is for you.

 Step 1: Have a crazy mother-in-law that comes up with these ideas
Step 2: Purchase 8 2x4x8s 

 Step 3: Measure out 10 1/2 inches and cut with the saw.  

 Step 4: Sand off edges and rough spots

Step 5: PLAY! 

 Step 6: Choose blocks wisely

 Step 7: Make sure no dogs are around during an unwise choice

Step 8: Reset



GOOD TIMES WITH GIANT JENGA!

Monday, January 20, 2014

The Galleria of Michael Kraus

Cleaned out my childhood bedroom last fall to make room for a new home office.  Found some stuff that I hope you enjoy.

"State and Madison Streets, Chicago", Pen and ink, 1999: The first piece of art I created at the School of the Art Institute (SAIC).  This was the view from my dorm (the Chicago building, which they renamed Jones Hall).  Classes hadn't started yet and I was trying to get use to moving from a town of 22,000 to a world-class city of 2.9 million people.  First thing they teach you in art school is to use something nicer than 20lbs copy paper.  This is an example why...

"Dorm", pen and ink, 1999: Another drawing I did in my dorm right before classes started.  This is a view of my roommate's side of the room.  

This was a series I started and never finished in 2004.  I believe this was for some project or show that never took place or something.  I forget.  But, it did lead to me creating a bunch more of these that I gave away to quite a few people.

"Leaving Iraq", scratchboard,  2004:  

"The Pizza Man and His Girlfriend (dark)", scratchboard, 2004:  

"The Pizza Man and His Girlfriend (light)", scratchboard, 2004:   

"Jacquie", scratchboard, 2004:  

"Back Alley", scratchboard, 2002:  Again, another view from my dorm at SAIC.  But, this the 162 N. State St. building.  The side of the Oriental Theatre is to the left and the ABC 7 building is straight ahead.  I was never bored living at an art school dorm in downtown Chicago.

"J.T. Law self titled cassette album cover (original)" pen and computer, 1999: Punk rock!  You couldn't get more DIY than this.  The artwork is a collage of photographs from various shows and activities we participated in.  A police officer that tried shutting down one of our shows actually made it in three times.  Hand drawn logo and band information.  Some snazzy work using scissors and glue with the song titles.  A friend of ours that worked at the copy shop of an office supply store printed a ton of these for us for free.  And, that's doesn't include recording the music ourselves in the studio.

 "J.T. Law Kids Flyer (copy)", computer, 1999: Nothing like appropriating strange photos for punk show flyers.  For the band, zine, etc, I use to have stacks of images from newspapers and magazines to use for various promotional items.  I'd pass out hundreds of these school and then drop them off all over town after 3pm.  The Big Wheels was a local powerhouse out of Montague.  J.F.K. (Just For Kicks) was a group with played with a few times out of Grand Rapids.  And Hoppin' Mad was from the Detroit area, I think...

"Monkey On a Hog Flyer (copy)", computer, 1999: Another show at Palmer Hall.  I remember going through the yellow pages calling every banquet, bingo, and reception hall in the county to try to find a place that would allow a minor to put on a concert.  They were one of a very few and they allowed me to do so frequently.  If I still lived in Muskegon, I'd love to buy that place and turn it into a venue as we always did well there.  I'd love to see the Wack Trucks, Temple of Doom, and "a mystery band" again.

"J.T. Law Tape Release Show with Liver Dye! (copy)", computer, 1999: The Ice Pick was an infamous venue.  The owner was in a constant battle with the police.  The graffiti all over the plywood walls.  The worst bathroom you could imagine.  Beer bottle dodging for every member of the band.  And, that's the tame stuff...  This was a memorable show.  And, if you've ever seen Liver Dye, you'll never forget them.

"Schism Zine One-Year Anniversary Show Flyer (original)", mixed media, 1999: By far, the greatest show I've ever been a part of.  Stephanie Rose was amazing at pulling this off.  For six hours, you could see Misled Youth, JFK, J.T Law (before I joined the group), The Big Wheels, The Addictives, Skeptics, and the Bounty Hunters.  To be in the show, we required each band to print and distribute at least 500 flyers.  It worked really well because we had people from as far as Detroit and Chicago show up.  It turned into a parking nightmare and when the only two police officers of the town arrived they decided it was better to pretend they didn't know this was going on than to try to shut us down.  If only I had a VCR, because I found a video tape that someone recorded and gave to me of the show as well.

And, if you're looking for some art, let me know.

To see more of my stuff, please visit:

Thursday, November 7, 2013

How To Fix Your Broken Lid Switch On Your Wash Machine

ARG!  It wasn't that long ago when I had a landlord that took care of all the junk that broke down.  Homeownership...  Anyway, our Kenmore 80 Series wash machine stopped working the other day.  Well, not completely.  It would run until it reached the "spin cycle" and stop, leaving the clothes sitting in dirty water.  Checked the hose in back and it was clear.  Looked at the lid switch, which tells the machine that the door is closed, and saw loose plastic.  I could pay $200 for a repair man to come out or fix it myself for $11.  As a new homeowner, I thought this might help others in the same position.

First, unplug the washer so you don't electrocute yourself (the doctor bill would be larger than your repair man bill defeating the purpose of this exercise).  Then pop the plastic covers on the edge of the control panel.

Unscrew the control panel located at the bottom corners.  The cheap screws they used here were all corroded and stripped when I went to remove them.  So, you may have to sweet talk them out.

Gently lift the control panel.  See, this looks manageable.  It's 1908 technology and way less complicated than your cell phone.

Unhook the wire connection by lifting the hook in front and then pull upwards.

On both sides of the control panal, pop the latches using a screwdriver.  On the second one, make sure you hold the back of the machine and rest it against the wall.  You say, "Mike, that's an allen wrench, not a screwdriver."  You are correct, but the only screwdrivers I own all have fat handles for some reason.  I'm sure Crocodile Dundee would have used his knife.  Be creative.

Now, put on a pair of gloves as there are sharp edges.  Lift the cover and place it on carpet/towels/or something soft.  Be careful as it can be heavy and cumbersome.  If you have a dog, this part will startle them the most.

Inside the washer cover near the lid is a grounding wire.  Disconnect it.

This is a closeup of the busted lid switch.  You would think a machine that is full of water and people stick in their damp basements would be designed using non corrosive parts and have higher quality plastic.  But, knowing some engineers, it was probably well designed before the accountants got to it and then had it manufactured by slave labor in some poor developing nation.  But, I digress...

See those two screws on top of the cover?  Remove them.

Back inside the cover, pull out all the wiring.  There are a couple of wire harnesses that will require a screwdriver for removal (or an allen wrench if you feel adventurous).

Use a wrench to squeeze the wire connection on top of the cover and push it through.  This is the final step for removing the old lid switch.

New lid switch.  Sears sold this part for $33 + shipping.  Supply Edge on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aag/main?ie=UTF8&asin=&isAmazonFulfilled=1&isCBA=&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER&orderID=&seller=A3D6BWDT3Y49Q4) sold the same part for $7 + shipping.  It ended up being about $11.  For this machine, the lid switch was part #3949238.

Now, we do it all over again, just in reverse.  Take the wire connector from your new lid switch and push it through the bottom of the wash machine cover. 

Fish the wires through the harnesses.  Pull the wires nice and tight.

Line up and screw the lid switch back into place.  See what I mean about fat handled screwdrivers?

Reconnect the ground wire.

Carefully place the cover back on the machine.  Again, be careful as it can be heavy and cumbersome.  First, slide the front under the base using your foot to hold it in place.  Slowly lower it on the base on the sides.  Gently pull the control panel on the back toward you.  Now, you'll probably notice that things don't quite seem right.  On the base of the sides are tabs.  You have to place the tabs through the holes on the bottom of the cover.  It's not difficult, but it can be a little infuriating. 

Place the clasps back into place on the base of the control panel using a screwdriver (allen wrench).  Once this is in, the wash machine should feel as solid as it was before you decided it was a good idea for you to do repair this yourself.

Reconnect the wire connection of the lid switch with the rest of the control panel.

Gently lower the control panel into its original position.  

Screw the control panel back into place.  If your machine is like mine, the screws were all corroded and easily stripped despite never being opened before.  I didn't tighten them all the way so I can remove them again if necessary.  I'll replace them with higher quality screws the next time I'm at the hardware store.    

Put the plastic caps back on.  Pretty nice hand modeling, eh?

If your wash machine is full of stinky water, this is the most beautiful sight.  The spin cycle works again and the water is leaving the drum.  

So, in a half hour, you just saved yourself $190 (About $600 if you were so frustrated and were just going to buy a new one).  You should treat yourself to a nice microbrew tonight.

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