In 2021, with $1500 saved from a grocery store job, I purchased possibly the most abominable 2004 Honda Civic to ever be listed on Craigslist. It reeked of unspeakable odors often found in certain unkempt Seattle streets, and had heavy water damage and rust. In an effort to mitigate these issues, I began taking apart bits and pieces of the car, but one thing led to another until it was "gutted" to its bare bones. I made many mistakes through this process and learned a lot, but this passion project transformed the car into something beautiful, and in the end I was able to sell it for more than I bought it for. This is my biggest personal project to date and is covered the most in depth.
2021-2022 | 150 hours | $300 | Sewing, Electronics, Mechanics, Paint
Whether fueled by my inclination to take the position of the director or simply because of its great design, I have always loved director's chairs. I love things that take on many forms and are able to transform. Ordinary chairs don't DO anything, but foldable chairs are not only functional, but efficient, and the director's chair seemed the simplest of them all. However, it was nothing but simple when I tried to create one from scrap wood, old jeans, and an original design.
2021-2022 | 40 hours | $20 | Sewing, Woodworking, Finishing
I made this tote bag for a friend's birthday. Sewing denim is always tricky, as the fabric is thick and specific needles must be used, but I incorporated different materials in it as well, including fleece and polyester. As usual, I up-cycled old denim jeans and even incorporated features of the jeans into the bag. The rest of the fabric is what I found around the house. My friend loved the bag and I loved making it.
2022 | 15 hours | $0 | Sewing, Embroidery
A failure. A fun failure. :)
2023 | 10 hours | $0 | Bamboo, Woodworking, Carving
Apple products are great, but I can't say I'm a fan of the way they are nearly impossible to modify. The screen on my Macbook Pro one day began turning black once the laptop was opened more than 45 degrees, and I tried (and succeeded!) to repair it.
2022 | 20 hours | $20 | Soldering, Electronics, Hardware
I checked off this longstanding bucket-list item after a layover in Miami, FL when I came across a vendor in Aventura Mall selling whole cacao fruits for $14 a piece. Having just returned from Nicaragua and disappointed that I didn't get the opportunity to make chocolate there, this was the next best thing. Perhaps even better, because I got to figure it out myself through trial and error (usually the best way to learn things). It turned out well but I do think the locals would've done it better.
2024 | 25 hours ~ 2 weeks | $50 | Cooking/Baking, Fermenting
© Myra Ahlman 2025
