Bululu Studio's Blog

New projects...

2010-07-28T09:23:00.003-04:00

Mini Canvas

Hello guys! Long time no see.

I've been working on a lot of projects now ... I had to be a Geminis...multitasking person, right? I have many ideas in my head ... that's how I roll.

Bululu's anniversary is coming, I'll probably do a giveaway... I'll let you know.

I want to inform you that I'm expanding my line of "home decor", adding some super cute mini canvases...is that a word? ...and a variety of upcycled shadow boxes. They look great on a shelf or on a table; I enjoyed making them.

Kelly Spring Water Park

We have enjoyed this summer, spending quality time with my daughters and Mr.Bululu.

See you soon guys. :D

PS: Did you notice something different on the blog? ...take a guess.

Caring for Pearls

2010-06-24T08:05:00.001-04:00

This is the birthstone for all those people who were born in June. Pearls are classics, every woman should have a pearl necklace or at least a pair of earrings made of pearls.

Pearls are softer than other gems and should be handled with care. Pearls should be wiped with a soft cloth after they’re worn, since body oil, makeup, hair spray and perfume can spot the surface. Use mild soapy water to clean pearls; do not use cleaning solvents or put them in an ultrasonic cleaner. Store pearls in a soft cloth or pouch.

Let's celebrate Soccer!

2010-06-11T09:46:00.002-04:00

Picture by Zaperoco

Every four years we celebrate the world’s party, it’s a celebration of soccer. It's a long wait for fans of the sport, where 32 countries participate. Soccer is the sport that is played and most watched worldwide, is enjoyed by thousands of millions of people. It’s played by both sexes male and female. Soccer not discriminate social class, not discriminate age. You only need a ball and the desire to play. This year will be held in South Africa from June 11th until July 11th.

Although “El Deporte Rey” (the king of sports) is played worldwide, only nine countries have won the championship. In Europe are Italy (4 times), Germany (3) England (1) and France (1) and between Latin American countries there are only three champions, which are Brazil (5 times) champion, Argentina (2) and Uruguay ( 2).

Each country celebrates its own way, but must be similarities in the celebration of this event. The Inchas (fans) do everything possible and impossible not to miss a minute of each game. Many come to miss work, “become ill”, do not go to school, look for any excuse to keep glued to the television. They take it as their religion, they pray to their saints, to God, to Yemaya, to Buddha, Allah, the Virgin of Guadalupe and whoever they need to make their team comes out the winner and to protect their favorite players.

But pray to make no mistake, the greatest expectation is generated by the grand final. Where in this case all the above is tripled, the fever for soccer makes its fans go crazy of passion for their sport. On one occasion Pope John Paul II asked to change his agenda to peacefully enjoy the final world cup, just to name some of the personalities.

This year logo

We placed flags, we paint our faces, paint our cars, play drums, fireworks light up, go out in caravans, main streets are closed to people out to celebrate the triumph of our team and show their pride for the sport. They play with flour and water war, whistles, rattles and of course yell chants, cheer their players. In addition, large amounts of money is bet and the host country will be economically very good for the tourist attraction that brings a great income.

And at the end of all this excitement only one team will win and the inchada may scream, jump, dance and show off their new champion for the next four years; and they eagerly will wait to come soon the the next four years. It is the biggest and most important party of the world. It is the largest and most important festival in the world.

You can search the term soccer at Etsy to find more fun soccer goodies.

Goal!!!

Father's day is coming...

2010-06-08T14:41:00.003-04:00

Yay! I'm in Etsy's blog "the Storque" with an article about how difficult is to buy a present for father's day. But we have the solution. I want you to check it out here it's very funny.

Bubble Gums a second life.

2010-05-14T09:15:00.001-04:00

Picture by Lauri

Did you know bubble gums are harmful for the environment? Yep, they are. Let me explain. I was watching a show about eco-friendly ways to help our planet and they mentioned that bubble gums are NOT biodegradable. (and must people think it is) so I thought hmmm I'd share this info with my fellow readers. Fingers to the rescue!.

I started researching more info about Bubble Gums. When people throw bubble gums on the street on the ground, it makes a mess right? cleaning up that mess cost thousands of dollars each month to every city and not just that, also causes harm due to all the chemicals uses in the process. All those chemicals used to clean the streets full of bubble gums are contaminants, because those chemicals are going to the drain of water reaching lakes and then to the oceans causing the deterioration of the marine flora and fauna just by a simple bubble gum. This is a cycle that becomes harmful. Well not so simple, we do things that we do not know the fatal consequences.

There's a designer in London that upcycles Bubble Gums as medium. Her name is Anna Bullus. She invented a new product called Gumdropbin , it's a bin for collecting used bubble gums and give them a second chance in life, with them she reused them and makes more bins.

I'm not saying do not chew bubble gums, just be aware of where you dispose them. I suggest just to wrap it in a piece of paper and them throw it away in a trash can.

Happy Earth Day

2010-04-22T08:54:00.002-04:00

The Earth Day has been celebrated in the last 40 years thanks to the U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson as an Environmental Teach-In Held on April 22, 1970. This is a day to reconsider on our actions, that we must change our attitude, how to improve our quality of life and think that this planet will be inherited by our children.

In this post here you'll find great ways to Be Greener every day. Here I present this video i got.

8 Uncommon uses for nail polish

2010-03-31T15:23:00.012-04:00

I was cleaning my bathroom's cabinets and noticed I have a bunch of old nail polish bottles that I'm not going to use anymore, and I started to think what I can do with all of these without throwing them away? then I remembered these old tricks:

To Stop a small hole from getting any bigger by brushing a little clear nail polish over the spot. This is great for those pantyhose.

For IDs to mark a key, a lunch box or any metal, ceramic surface and make it yours. Colorful nail polish is great.

For beading with elastic threads, when you finish let's say a bracelet to seal the knots clear nail polish is perfect.

As paint in mix media art. They offer a beautiful varieties of color, also great for painting on metal.

And these are some other wonderful tricks that I found when using nail polish:

Stop tarnish Keep costume jewelry from turning black with a coat of clear polish.

Seal an envelope Worried about whether the glue will hold? or getting a paper cut? Brush polish on the underside of the flap.

Smooth a hanger If there are rough edges on wooden or plastic hangers that could snag clothes, don’t throw the hangers out. Just brush polish over edges.

Secure a screw Tighten loose screws on cabinets or pot handles by brushing some clear nail polish on screw threads. Insert the screw and let dry before using again. (Bonus—polish
also keeps them from rusting.)

My workspace ...the before and after.

2010-01-31T17:32:00.009-05:00

After 2 years and 5 months of having my Etsy store, I finally have my space to create things for Bululu Studio. Those years were very difficult for me, I felt uncomfortable at any place to work, I got discouraged and often did not want to design in such circumstances. I used to work at the kitchen on the dining table.

Last Thursday my husband and I decided to wait no more. We began to look for ideas, furniture which suits my needs, we spent several hours looking for information, pricing and measurements.

This Saturday we went to buy the things we needed and spent the rest of Saturday and Sunday assembling the furniture. It was exciting, we really enjoyed it.

Hubby assembling the furniture

Almost ready

Ta da!!

But now, I feel much better having my own space. I hope to spend long hours creating in and getting great results.

A little more about me

2010-01-08T21:44:00.004-05:00

Hey guys Happy New Year! Long time no see. hehehe!

I want to informed you that I've been interviewed by the FEST team (Florida Etsy Street Team) I'm very excited for the interview, I really enjoyed. I love this team is very dynamic a bounch of wonderful people here.

Thank you so much teammies for this great opportunity. If you want to read the questionaire and know a little more about me here is the link.

Cork Mud Mat DIY and Upcycled Project

2009-12-04T09:35:00.000-05:00

I love the way she upcycled things, I'm a fan :D For those of you who collects wine corks, this is a great way to put them in good use. Another to implement them could be kitchen trivet, small coasters, and pins board. Those are very useful goodies. What ya think? I think I'm gonna start my own cork collection, the problem is I don't drink any kind of alcohol... (scratches head)

We Need To Be Blue, Too.

2009-11-16T09:21:00.000-05:00

I’ve been really worried lately about the water crisis. I don’t let my kids to play in the bathtub while taking a shower. I’ve been nagging them for some month now. It’s really hard for them to understand how important is water for our lives and planet. Today I woke up and as usual checked all my emails, facebook, etc. and I read a comment of someone whining about the water restrictions in this person’s country. I was pretty sad to see that this person was complaining about what the government it’s doing to conserve water. :S I started to doing a research… fingers let’s work.

The water restrictions are a global problem. The planet is covered by a 70% water, right? But only 2% is fresh water. Water that is optimal for human consumption.

100 Ways To Conserve

Tip #1

There are a number of ways to save water, and they all start with you.

When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.

Some refrigerators, air conditioners and ice-makers are cooled with wasted flows of water. Consider upgrading with air-cooled appliances for significant water savings.

Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.

Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.

Choose shrubs and groundcovers instead of turf for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips.

Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.

Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.

Plant in the fall when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful.

Tip #10

For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.

Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks.

Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.

Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.

Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants retains moisture and saves water, time and money.

Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk and save water every time.

If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the showerhead with a water-efficient model.

#17 Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, then reuse it to water houseplants.

If water runs off your lawn easily, split your watering time into shorter periods to allow for better absorption.

We're more likely to notice leaks indoors, but don't forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.

If you have an automatic refilling device, check your pool periodically for leaks.

Check the root zone of your lawn or garden for moisture before watering using a spade or trowel. If it's still moist two inches under the soil surface, you still have enough water.

When buying new appliances, consider those that offer cycle and load size adjustments. They're more water and energy efficient.

Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you'll save up to 150 gallons per month.

Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models.

Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn shades roots and holds soil moisture better than if it is closely clipped.

When cleaning out fish tanks, give the nutrient-rich water to your plants.

Use sprinklers for large areas of grass. Water small patches by hand to avoid waste.

Tip #28

Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.

When running a bath, plug the tub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.

Walkways and patios provide space that doesn't ever need to be watered. These useful "rooms" can also add value to your property.

Collect water from your roof to water your garden.

Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash.

Rather than following a set watering schedule, check for soil moisture two to three inches below the surface before watering.

Install a rain sensor on your irrigation controller so your system won't run when it's raining.

Don't use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator for water efficiency and food safety.

Tip #36

Use drip irrigation for shrubs and trees to apply water directly to the roots where it's needed.

Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. It's simple, inexpensive, and you can save 140 gallons a week.

Reduce the amount of lawn in your yard by planting shrubs and ground covers appropriate to your site and region.

When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.

Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.

Remember to check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the sprinkler heads in good shape.

Tip #42

Use a water-efficient showerhead. They're inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up to 750 gallons a month.

Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.

Don't water your lawn on windy days when most of the water blows away or evaporates.

Water your plants deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.

Know where your master water shut-off valve is located. This could save water and prevent damage to your home.

To decrease water from being wasted on sloping lawns, apply water for five minutes and then repeat two to three times.

Group plants with the same watering needs together to avoid overwatering some while underwatering others.

Use a layer of organic material on the surface of your planting beds to minimize weed growth that competes for water.

Use a minimum amount of organic or slow release fertilizer to promote a healthy and drought tolerant landscape.

Trickling or cascading fountains lose less water to evaporation than those spraying water into the air.

Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.

Avoid recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.

Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month.

Use a rain gauge, or empty tuna can, to track rainfall on your lawn. Then reduce your watering accordingly.

Encourage your school system and local government to develop and promote water conservation among children and adults.

Learn how to shut off your automatic watering system in case it malfunctions or you get an unexpected rain.

Set a kitchen timer when watering your lawn or garden to remind you when to stop. A running hose can discharge up to 10 gallons a minute.

If your toilet flapper doesn't close after flushing, replace it.

Make sure there are water-saving aerators on all of your faucets.

Tip #61

Next time you add or replace a flower or shrub, choose a low water use plant for year-round landscape color and save up to 550 gallons each year.

Install an instant water heater near your kitchen sink so you don't have to run the water while it heats up. This also reduces energy costs.

Use a grease pencil to mark the water level of your pool at the skimmer. Check the mark 24 hours later to see if you have a leak.

If your dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.

Use a trowel, shovel, or soil probe to examine soil moisture depth. If the top two to three inches of soil are dry it's time to water.

If installing a lawn, select a turf mix or blend that matches your climate and site conditions.

When you save water, you save money on your utility bills too. Saving water is easy for everyone to do.

When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it the most.

Make sure your swimming pools, fountains, and ponds are equipped with recirculating pumps.

Bathe your young children together.

Consult with your local nursery for information on plant selection and placement for optimum outdoor water savings.

Winterize outdoor spigots when temperatures dip below freezing to prevent pipes from leaking or bursting.

Insulate hot water pipes for more immediate hot water at the faucet and for energy savings.

Wash your car on the lawn, and you'll water your lawn at the same time.

Tip #75

Drop your tissue in the trash instead of flushing it and save water every time.

Direct water from rain gutters and HVAC systems toward water-loving plants in the landscape for automatic water savings.

Make suggestions to your employer about ways to save water and money at work.

Support projects that use reclaimed wastewater for irrigation and industrial uses.

Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car. You'll save up to 100 gallons every time.

Share water conservation tips with friends and neighbors.

If your toilet was installed before 1992, reduce the amount of water used for each flush by inserting a displacement device in the tank.

Setting cooling systems and water softeners for a minimum number of refills saves both water and chemicals, plus more on utility bills.

Washing dark clothes in cold water saves both on water and energy while it helps your clothes to keep their colors.

Leave lower branches on trees and shrubs and allow leaf litter to accumulate on the soil. This keeps the soil cooler and reduces evaporation.

Report broken pipes, open hydrants and errant sprinklers to the property owner or your water provider.

Let your lawn go dormant during the summer. Dormant grass only needs to be watered every three weeks or less if it rains.

Plant with finished compost to add water-holding and nutrient-rich organic matter to the soil.

Use sprinklers that deliver big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller water drops and mist often evaporate before they hit the ground.

Listen for dripping faucets and running toilets. Fixing a leak can save 300 gallons a month or more.

Water only when necessary. More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering.

One more way to get eight glasses of water a day is to re-use the water left over from cooked or steamed foods to start a scrumptious and nutritious soup.

Tip #92

Adjust your watering schedule each month to match seasonal weather conditions and landscape requirements.

Turn off the water while you wash your hair to save up to 150 gallons a month.

Wash your pets outdoors in an area of your lawn that needs water.

When shopping for a new clothes washer, compare resource savings among Energy Star models. Some of these can save up to 20 gallons per load, and energy too.

Apply water only as fast as the soil can absorb it.

Aerate your lawn at least once a year so water can reach the roots rather than run off the surface.

When washing dishes by hand, fill the sink basin or a large container and rinse when all of the dishes have been soaped and scrubbed.

Catch water in an empty tuna can to measure sprinkler output. One inch of water on one square foot of grass equals two-thirds of a gallon of water.

#100

Turn off the water while you shave and save up to 300 gallons a month.

#101

When you give your pet fresh water, don't throw the old water down the drain. Use it to water your trees or shrubs.

#102

If you accidentally drop ice cubes when filling your glass from the freezer, don't throw them in the sink. Drop them in a house plant instead.

#103

To save water and time, consider washing your face or brushing your teeth while in the shower.

#104

While staying in a hotel or even at home, consider reusing your towels.

#105

When backflushing your pool, consider using the water on your landscaping.

#106

For hanging baskets, planters and pots, place ice cubes under the moss or dirt to give your plants a cool drink of water and help eliminate water overflow.

#107

Throw trimmings and peelings from fruits and vegetables into your yard compost to prevent using the garbage disposal.

#108

When you have ice left in your cup from a take-out restaurant, don't throw it in the trash, dump it on a plant.

#109

Have your plumber re-route your gray water to trees and gardens rather than letting it run into the sewer line. Check with your city codes, and if it isn't allowed in your area, start a movement to get that changed.

#110

Keep a bucket in the shower to catch water as it warms up or runs. Use this water to flush toilets or water plants.

#111

When you are washing your hands, don't let the water run while you lather.

Spanglish Team First Anniversary Giveaway.

2009-11-13T12:37:00.004-05:00

Piñata made by Lolos

Come join us as we are celebrating our first anniversary as a Team. We are so happy to have such wonderful and friendly members. It was not easy for us to create this team. It is a huge challenge but we trusted our feelings and good energy to do it! We had the good luck to find amazing people during our journey and we thank them for all your support, trust and friendship.

So today is our celebration and we invite you to be part of this great and amazing day!

Let's celebrate together! Go Spanglish Team!

To enter visit Spanglish Team blog here and celebrate with us.

Good luck to the lucky winner.