What Are Your Hands Doing ? My name is Nick Cooper. I build surfboards in San Luis Obispo, California. M & R: So Nick, what are your hands doing? Describe a typical day in the shop? NC: My hands build custom surfboards from start to finish. My boards are 100% handshaped. No CNC [...]
Add To Cart“What Are Your Hands Doing?” Nick Cooper of Coop Deville Surfboards
What Are Your Hands Doing ?
My name is Nick Cooper. I build surfboards in San Luis Obispo, California.
M & R: So Nick, what are your hands doing? Describe a typical day in the shop?
NC: My hands build custom surfboards from start to finish. My boards are 100% handshaped. No CNC machining. I shape the board primarily with a 1950's Skill model 100 planer.
The boards are finished by hand with various hand planers, sanding blocks and sanding screens. From there boards go to the fiberglassing factory. The boards are fiberglassed by hand with squeegees and brushes. From there boards are fine tuned with sandpaper and polish to a smooth shine.
A typical work day for me starts in the shaping bay. I shape a couple boards in the morning. And from there I drive the boards to the fiberglassing factory. Our factory has a storefront that sells surfboard building supplies (fiberglass cloth, resin, surfboard blanks, etc) I open the store from 3 to 6 pm. After the store closes, I fiberglass into the night.
We fiberglass all "Coop Deville" boards, boards for other professional shapers, and boards for novice and first time shapers. A typical work day for me starts at 7am and finishes about 8-9 pm. But truthfully, work never really stops. I'm always thinking about it.
M & R: Like Minter & Richter you perform a lot of custom work. What are some of the benefits of working so closely with your client base?
NC: Getting to know each person, how they surf, what they like and dislike in boards, and trying to build them the best board they have ever ridden. That's what keeps me going. Bringing smiles to peoples faces.
M & R: I assume you are not only a shaper but a surfer yourself - What stereotypes about surfers are true?
NC: That all surfers smoke weed, are lazy, and show up for work half the time.
M & R: Untrue?
NC: Some of us prove that untrue.
Nick and his wife Kristen tied the knot in Hawaii this past winter. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. "Coop Deville" !
“What Are Your Hands Doing?” Nick Cooper of Coop Deville Surfboards
$What Are Your Hands Doing ?
My name is Nick Cooper. I build surfboards in San Luis Obispo, California.
M & R: So Nick, what are your hands doing? Describe a typical day in the shop?
NC: My hands build custom surfboards from start to finish. My boards are 100% handshaped. No CNC machining. I shape the board primarily with a 1950's Skill model 100 planer.
The boards are finished by hand with various hand planers, sanding blocks and sanding screens. From there boards go to the fiberglassing factory. The boards are fiberglassed by hand with squeegees and brushes. From there boards are fine tuned with sandpaper and polish to a smooth shine.
A typical work day for me starts in the shaping bay. I shape a couple boards in the morning. And from there I drive the boards to the fiberglassing factory. Our factory has a storefront that sells surfboard building supplies (fiberglass cloth, resin, surfboard blanks, etc) I open the store from 3 to 6 pm. After the store closes, I fiberglass into the night.
We fiberglass all "Coop Deville" boards, boards for other professional shapers, and boards for novice and first time shapers. A typical work day for me starts at 7am and finishes about 8-9 pm. But truthfully, work never really stops. I'm always thinking about it.
M & R: Like Minter & Richter you perform a lot of custom work. What are some of the benefits of working so closely with your client base?
NC: Getting to know each person, how they surf, what they like and dislike in boards, and trying to build them the best board they have ever ridden. That's what keeps me going. Bringing smiles to peoples faces.
M & R: I assume you are not only a shaper but a surfer yourself - What stereotypes about surfers are true?
NC: That all surfers smoke weed, are lazy, and show up for work half the time.
M & R: Untrue?
NC: Some of us prove that untrue.
Nick and his wife Kristen tied the knot in Hawaii this past winter. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. "Coop Deville" !
What Are Your Hands Doing ?
My name is Nick Cooper. I build surfboards in San Luis Obispo, California.
M & R: So Nick, what are your hands doing? Describe a typical day in the shop?
NC: My hands build custom surfboards from start to finish. My boards are 100% handshaped. No CNC machining. I shape the board primarily with a 1950′s Skill model 100 planer.
The boards are finished by hand with various hand planers, sanding blocks and sanding screens. From there boards go to the fiberglassing factory. The boards are fiberglassed by hand with squeegees and brushes. From there boards are fine tuned with sandpaper and polish to a smooth shine.
A typical work day for me starts in the shaping bay. I shape a couple boards in the morning. And from there I drive the boards to the fiberglassing factory. Our factory has a storefront that sells surfboard building supplies (fiberglass cloth, resin, surfboard blanks, etc) I open the store from 3 to 6 pm. After the store closes, I fiberglass into the night.
We fiberglass all “Coop Deville” boards, boards for other professional shapers, and boards for novice and first time shapers. A typical work day for me starts at 7am and finishes about 8-9 pm. But truthfully, work never really stops. I’m always thinking about it.
M & R: Like Minter & Richter you perform a lot of custom work. What are some of the benefits of working so closely with your client base?
NC: Getting to know each person, how they surf, what they like and dislike in boards, and trying to build them the best board they have ever ridden. That’s what keeps me going. Bringing smiles to peoples faces.
M & R: I assume you are not only a shaper but a surfer yourself – What stereotypes about surfers are true?
NC: That all surfers smoke weed, are lazy, and show up for work half the time.
M & R: Untrue?
NC: Some of us prove that untrue.
Nick and his wife Kristen tied the knot in Hawaii this past winter. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. “Coop Deville” !
Related Products
“What Are Your Hands Doing?” Janice Davis of Brixton Studios
“What Are Your Hands Doing?” Janice Davis of Brixton Studios
Say It Like You Mean It. Our talented customer Janice creates handmade cards with plenty of pop (culture) and snark!
MR: So Janice, what are your hands doing? Tell us a little about Brixton Studios…
JD: After graduating from college a few years ago, I needed a creative outlet so I founded Brixton Studios, named after a nearby street. Though the shop used to be very “all of the above,” a year ago I switched to greeting cards after working with InDesign a lot as a journalist. I’ve always had a love for design and fonts. And sarcasm, of course!
MR: Where’d you come up with your ‘so-not-hallmark’ trademark style? What inspires your witticisms?
JD: A year ago, I started looking through Etsy cards for a good wedding card for a friend. I found a hilariously snarky, completely inappropriate card which sparked my curiosity. I didn’t know people made them, so I started exploring. I’m a writer and most of my protagonists are sarcastic and inappropriate so I like to put that into my cards. That and plenty of popular culture. I just design what I think people would like to see but definitely don’t when they go into a store.
MR: What are a few personal and customer favorites? Ever had any strange requests?
JD: One of my overall favorites seems to be the “Thanks, bitch” card. A lot of brides order them for their bridal party. And let’s face it, swear words are such a good way to say thanks. One of my newer cards, “You’re the ring to my Gollum, precious” is flying really fast. I had a funny request for a card that reads, “Here’s to hoping your mother-in-law doesn’t slash your tires for stealing her baby boy” as a bridal shower card. It came from a true story and was used as a way to point it out without “pointing it out” at the shower. Very White Collar of her.
MR: Why should people still send cards and letters?
JD: First of all, who doesn't like mail? Come on. You know you get giddy every time something comes in the mail with a handwritten address instead of the usual Times New Roman bill request. Secondly, it shows people you care about them -- about their wedding or birthday or Tuesday; at least more than if you sent one of those flash-powered e-cards with the horrible elevator music. And it also keeps the post office in business. And people like me (hint, hint).
MR: Any good anti-valentine’s day cards in stock for all of our alternative and ironic sweethearts out there?
JD: I have a “Screw this holiday & the cupid it rode in on” card for the very anti-Valentines person, but I also have quite a stock that are perfect for friends. Who says the big V-Day has to be for couples smoozing in the corner of a dimly lit restaurant? I don’t. Plenty of popular culture quotes and cards are perfect for friends, co-workers, or that slightly awkward guy you can’t figure out if you’re attracted to or not.
Happily Ever After... Janice's Sweetheart slipped "Pink Lady in Satin" titanium wedding band on her finger when they said "I do!" last year.
Thanks, Janice!
“What Are Your Hands Doing?” Janice Davis of Brixton Studios
$
Say It Like You Mean It. Our talented customer Janice creates handmade cards with plenty of pop (culture) and snark!
MR: So Janice, what are your hands doing? Tell us a little about Brixton Studios…
JD: After graduating from college a few years ago, I needed a creative outlet so I founded Brixton Studios, named after a nearby street. Though the shop used to be very “all of the above,” a year ago I switched to greeting cards after working with InDesign a lot as a journalist. I’ve always had a love for design and fonts. And sarcasm, of course!
MR: Where’d you come up with your ‘so-not-hallmark’ trademark style? What inspires your witticisms?
JD: A year ago, I started looking through Etsy cards for a good wedding card for a friend. I found a hilariously snarky, completely inappropriate card which sparked my curiosity. I didn’t know people made them, so I started exploring. I’m a writer and most of my protagonists are sarcastic and inappropriate so I like to put that into my cards. That and plenty of popular culture. I just design what I think people would like to see but definitely don’t when they go into a store.
MR: What are a few personal and customer favorites? Ever had any strange requests?
JD: One of my overall favorites seems to be the “Thanks, bitch” card. A lot of brides order them for their bridal party. And let’s face it, swear words are such a good way to say thanks. One of my newer cards, “You’re the ring to my Gollum, precious” is flying really fast. I had a funny request for a card that reads, “Here’s to hoping your mother-in-law doesn’t slash your tires for stealing her baby boy” as a bridal shower card. It came from a true story and was used as a way to point it out without “pointing it out” at the shower. Very White Collar of her.
MR: Why should people still send cards and letters?
JD: First of all, who doesn't like mail? Come on. You know you get giddy every time something comes in the mail with a handwritten address instead of the usual Times New Roman bill request. Secondly, it shows people you care about them -- about their wedding or birthday or Tuesday; at least more than if you sent one of those flash-powered e-cards with the horrible elevator music. And it also keeps the post office in business. And people like me (hint, hint).
MR: Any good anti-valentine’s day cards in stock for all of our alternative and ironic sweethearts out there?
JD: I have a “Screw this holiday & the cupid it rode in on” card for the very anti-Valentines person, but I also have quite a stock that are perfect for friends. Who says the big V-Day has to be for couples smoozing in the corner of a dimly lit restaurant? I don’t. Plenty of popular culture quotes and cards are perfect for friends, co-workers, or that slightly awkward guy you can’t figure out if you’re attracted to or not.
Happily Ever After... Janice's Sweetheart slipped "Pink Lady in Satin" titanium wedding band on her finger when they said "I do!" last year.
Thanks, Janice!
Top Wedding Trends for 2013
Top Wedding Trends for 2013
If you've been to a wedding lately but might have mistaken it for a music video, circus, or mountain expedition, you're not alone! Weddings have gotten freaky, fantastic, and far-removed from the traditional little white chapel occasions that dominated generations past. Weddings have gotten a little less fit-the-mold and a little more be-yourself. DIY has become the norm, and that's why wedding galleries like these never get boring!
iPhone Groom & Bride
2013 is going to be an exciting year - we've outlived the rapture and Mayan apocalypse and more states are legalizing same-sex marriage! Here at Minter & Richter we've got an inside look at what may prove to be some of the year's hottest wedding trends. Check it out!
1. COLOR: What's cool and refreshing in summer and spring (think mojitos), yet can also provide comfort and warmth in winter or fall (hot cocoa) ...?
MINT is the new green.
Mint is what you make it: retro, girly, clean, classy...
Mint Rapunzel doesn't let her hair down for just anybody.
Minter & Richter - "When the Light is Gone, Love Remains" Titanium Wedding Band
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the one who doesn't want to blend in with the walls?
Minter & Richter - "Midori" Sandblasted Titanium Wedding Ring
2. BEAUTY: What happens when simple knots and twists are taken to the next level...?
Back to the basics with BRAIDS.
Elegant, Romantic, and won't sneak into your cake or kiss!
Go with the flow on your wedding day...
DIY wow.
3. DECOR: Did you ever cut out a paper heart in elementary school for somebody special...?
CUT-IT-OUT. Laser Cuts wow by adding a modern or vintage look to dress, decor, invites, you name it.
Vintage Lace gets a modern twist.
Bold design.
Honeycomb-cell bracelet.
Elevated. Overstated.
4. FOOD: What's often fruit-filled, and always fantastic....?
PIE takes the cake!
Cuts like cake, smashes like pie.
Eat your heart out!
Hap-pie-ly Ever After.
5. JEWELRY: What could be more traditional than a ring that will maintain its shining strength and beauty generations beyond gold and silver?
TITANIUM is getting hot, hot, hot! Extremely durable, 100% hypoallergenic, and with a lower price point than many other metals, titanium wedding bands continues to surge in popularity. MOKUME meets titanium:Featuring uniquely patterned metal-stock styled in the Mokume Gane tradition of Japan, our new M3 line of titanium rings are a modern interpretation of an ancient metal art. Originally created in 17th century Japan as adornment for samurai sword handles and sheaths, Mokume Gane reflects the finest hour of craftsmanship - reproducing the intrinsic beauty of mother nature herself. Bold!
Minter & Richter "Lava"
Mokume
Minter & Richter "Into the Universe"
Mokume earrings
Minter & Richter "Katana"
What do you predict will be big in weddings for 2013? We'd love to hear your thoughts!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Top Wedding Trends for 2013
$If you've been to a wedding lately but might have mistaken it for a music video, circus, or mountain expedition, you're not alone! Weddings have gotten freaky, fantastic, and far-removed from the traditional little white chapel occasions that dominated generations past. Weddings have gotten a little less fit-the-mold and a little more be-yourself. DIY has become the norm, and that's why wedding galleries like these never get boring!
iPhone Groom & Bride
2013 is going to be an exciting year - we've outlived the rapture and Mayan apocalypse and more states are legalizing same-sex marriage! Here at Minter & Richter we've got an inside look at what may prove to be some of the year's hottest wedding trends. Check it out!
1. COLOR: What's cool and refreshing in summer and spring (think mojitos), yet can also provide comfort and warmth in winter or fall (hot cocoa) ...?
MINT is the new green.
Mint is what you make it: retro, girly, clean, classy...
Mint Rapunzel doesn't let her hair down for just anybody.
Minter & Richter - "When the Light is Gone, Love Remains" Titanium Wedding Band
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the one who doesn't want to blend in with the walls?
Minter & Richter - "Midori" Sandblasted Titanium Wedding Ring
2. BEAUTY: What happens when simple knots and twists are taken to the next level...?
Back to the basics with BRAIDS.
Elegant, Romantic, and won't sneak into your cake or kiss!
Go with the flow on your wedding day...
DIY wow.
3. DECOR: Did you ever cut out a paper heart in elementary school for somebody special...?
CUT-IT-OUT. Laser Cuts wow by adding a modern or vintage look to dress, decor, invites, you name it.
Vintage Lace gets a modern twist.
Bold design.
Honeycomb-cell bracelet.
Elevated. Overstated.
4. FOOD: What's often fruit-filled, and always fantastic....?
PIE takes the cake!
Cuts like cake, smashes like pie.
Eat your heart out!
Hap-pie-ly Ever After.
5. JEWELRY: What could be more traditional than a ring that will maintain its shining strength and beauty generations beyond gold and silver?
TITANIUM is getting hot, hot, hot! Extremely durable, 100% hypoallergenic, and with a lower price point than many other metals, titanium wedding bands continues to surge in popularity. MOKUME meets titanium:Featuring uniquely patterned metal-stock styled in the Mokume Gane tradition of Japan, our new M3 line of titanium rings are a modern interpretation of an ancient metal art. Originally created in 17th century Japan as adornment for samurai sword handles and sheaths, Mokume Gane reflects the finest hour of craftsmanship - reproducing the intrinsic beauty of mother nature herself. Bold!
Minter & Richter "Lava"
Mokume
Minter & Richter "Into the Universe"
Mokume earrings
Minter & Richter "Katana"
What do you predict will be big in weddings for 2013? We'd love to hear your thoughts!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Win a $200 Minter & Richter Gift Certificate!
Win a $200 Minter & Richter Gift Certificate!
Okay, so we've pinned. We're on board. We get it! Now we want to mix it up and have a little fun. We want to know:
Enter our Pinterest 'Ring-spiration' Contest Today!
WINNER WILL RECEIVE A $200 MINTER & RICHTER GIFT CERTIFICATE!
RULES FOR ENTRY:
1) Follow Minter & Richter Designs on Pinterest.
2) Create a board inspired by a Minter & Richter Titanium Ring (maximum of 6 pins including ring).
3)Title the board Minter & Richter 'Ring-spiration' Contest/ Your Name.
4) Submit your board URL to lynn@minterandrichterdesigns.com by DECEMBER 13.
4)We will select and re-post our five favorite boards on the Minter & Richter Pinterest page on DECEMBER 14th and open voting to the public for one week to determine a winner.
5) The winner will be announced on DECEMBER 21st at NOON.
**Limit One Entry Per Person**
Thanks for Playing!
Win a $200 Minter & Richter Gift Certificate!
$Okay, so we've pinned. We're on board. We get it! Now we want to mix it up and have a little fun. We want to know:
Enter our Pinterest 'Ring-spiration' Contest Today!
WINNER WILL RECEIVE A $200 MINTER & RICHTER GIFT CERTIFICATE!
RULES FOR ENTRY:
1) Follow Minter & Richter Designs on Pinterest.
2) Create a board inspired by a Minter & Richter Titanium Ring (maximum of 6 pins including ring).
3)Title the board Minter & Richter 'Ring-spiration' Contest/ Your Name.
4) Submit your board URL to lynn@minterandrichterdesigns.com by DECEMBER 13.
4)We will select and re-post our five favorite boards on the Minter & Richter Pinterest page on DECEMBER 14th and open voting to the public for one week to determine a winner.
5) The winner will be announced on DECEMBER 21st at NOON.
**Limit One Entry Per Person**
Thanks for Playing!
Favorites Photo Gallery: ‘Ring-scapes’
Favorites Photo Gallery: ‘Ring-scapes’
Receiving photos from our customers is like having a fresh bouquet of flowers delivered to the office...
Bringing light, color, passion and.... pumps!
We're an online business, so it's not often that we actually get to meet our customers face to face. They come from Poland and Pennsylvania, Bhutan and Boston - with love stories as varied as the landscapes and languages they live in.
Kiwi Couple
Sometimes pictures are the simplest of translations.
Here are a few of our favorite "Ring-scapes"...
Ring's Best Friend
Wild Thing
DJ Love
The Sword and the Ring
Thank you kind and beautiful customers for sharing your happiness :)
Favorites Photo Gallery: ‘Ring-scapes’
$Receiving photos from our customers is like having a fresh bouquet of flowers delivered to the office...
Bringing light, color, passion and.... pumps!
We're an online business, so it's not often that we actually get to meet our customers face to face. They come from Poland and Pennsylvania, Bhutan and Boston - with love stories as varied as the landscapes and languages they live in.
Kiwi Couple
Sometimes pictures are the simplest of translations.
Here are a few of our favorite "Ring-scapes"...
Ring's Best Friend
Wild Thing
DJ Love
The Sword and the Ring
Thank you kind and beautiful customers for sharing your happiness :)
Facebook
Twitter
