Spaik Blog The Sims Resource Blogs2008-09-25T17:56:48Zhttp://www.thesimsresource.com/artists/Spaik/blogSpaikhttp://www.thesimsresource.com/artists/Spaik/blog http://www.thesimsresource.com/artists/Spaik/comments/?blogID=8665 2008-09-25T17:56:48Z Yes, it's exactly as you read it! I'm tired of free sets. Well, no, I'm not tired of setting my sets free, I'm tired of seeing just the news about free sets in my blog. So I've decided to talk of something else for once. That is my Brick Patio series: yes, it's not just a set anymore, it's going to become a series of sets. And it's so strange given the way it's born. Some time ago I thought that it was nice to have a few items to make a patio; this is used a lot in Italian modern (and not so modern) buildings, so I see that kind of elements a lot in my life. When I had finished the meshes and tested in game, it came to my mind that one could reach the same result using the "invisible" door-arches by Windkeeper and so I was very close to bin them. The only thing that kept me from deleting the files was that I put a great effort in making them join seamlessly with Maxis walls and I thought that maybe someone could be interested in them. Just when I started getting comments of people saying that door-arches need a tile on both sides, I realized that they couldn't be used the same way as these useless things I had made. I must admit that I felt really silly, as though I had never played the game. But at the same time I thought that if people (that is you) liked them, maybe I could expand on them. I had withheld a 2-storey column from the first set because it couldn't be used with the same arches: so the most obvious thought was to complete the 2-storey set. And here it is, with the matching arches 2, 3 and 4 tiles wide. (ceiling tiles shown in picture are courtesy of Cyclonesue: go grab them because they're amazing!) <img src="http://isc.thesimsresource.com/images/misc/blogImages_8172.jpg" /> And then our most wonderful forum admin, Tug©, asked me a one tile arch, and no matter how I made it, it never seemed to look right, basically because the column I had made was off-side, to avoid seeing it from inside the walls, and this didn't go well with a small, very curved arch. So I gave up and made a completely new set of column and arches, exactly as wide as the game walls, that could be place wherever someone wanted them to be without problems. And here's the result. Yes, the optical illusion makes the one-tile arch look strange next to the other, but they are exactly as tall. <img src="http://isc.thesimsresource.com/images/misc/blogImages_8173.jpg" /> All the meshes will use the repository and borrow the texture from the first column, so I won't clutter too much your downloads folder with recolours. I'm still tweaking the set, but it will be released soon. In the meanwhile you can enjoy the new recolours I've made, and also those made by Hatshepsut. Hagerks2 will also make some recolours of these soon.

Yes, it's exactly as you read it! I'm tired of free sets. Well, no, I'm not tired of setting my sets free, I'm tired of seeing just the news about free sets in my blog. So I've decided to talk of something else for once. That is my Brick Patio series: yes, it's not just a set anymore, it's going to become a series of sets. And it's so strange given the way it's born. Some time ago I thought that it was nice to have a few items to make a patio; this is used a lot in Italian modern (and not so modern) buildings, so I see that kind of elements a lot in my life. When I had finished the meshes and tested in game, it came to my mind that one could reach the same result using the "invisible" door-arches by Windkeeper and so I was very close to bin them. The only thing that kept me from deleting the files was that I put a great effort in making them join seamlessly with Maxis walls and I thought that maybe someone could be interested in them. Just when I started getting comments of people saying that door-arches need a tile on both sides, I realized that they couldn't be used the same way as these useless things I had made. I must admit that I felt really silly, as though I had never played the game. But at the same time I thought that if people (that is you) liked them, maybe I could expand on them. I had withheld a 2-storey column from the first set because it couldn't be used with the same arches: so the most obvious thought was to complete the 2-storey set. And here it is, with the matching arches 2, 3 and 4 tiles wide. (ceiling tiles shown in picture are courtesy of Cyclonesue: go grab them because they're amazing!) And then our most wonderful forum admin, Tug©, asked me a one tile arch, and no matter how I made it, it never seemed to look right, basically because the column I had made was off-side, to avoid seeing it from inside the walls, and this didn't go well with a small, very curved arch. So I gave up and made a completely new set of column and arches, exactly as wide as the game walls, that could be place wherever someone wanted them to be without problems. And here's the result. Yes, the optical illusion makes the one-tile arch look strange next to the other, but they are exactly as tall. All the meshes will use the repository and borrow the texture from the first column, so I won't clutter too much your downloads folder with recolours. I'm still tweaking the set, but it will be released soon. In the meanwhile you can enjoy the new recolours I've made, and also those made by Hatshepsut. Hagerks2 will also make some recolours of these soon.

http://www.thesimsresource.com/artists/Spaik/comments/?blogID=8314 2008-08-13T18:32:59Z Once more, here are the free sets for the next two months: From <strong>August, 14th </strong>to <strong>September, 11th</strong> the free sets will be: <a href="http://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/sims2/sets/objects/597360/" target=_blank>The Sentry Add-Ons</a> <a href="http://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/sims2/sets/wallfloor/573907/" target=_blank>Ferrara Brick Floors Set</a> <a href="http://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/sims2/sets/objects/534252/" target=_blank>Round Corner for Wooden Modular Stairs</a> From <strong>September, 11th </strong>to <strong>October, 9th</strong> the free sets will be: <a href="http://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/sims2/sets/objects/562315/" target=_blank>Ye Olde Armoury</a> <a href="http://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/sims2/sets/objects/562390/" target=_blank>Ye Olde Armoury - Lightwood REC</a> <a href="http://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/sims2/sets/objects/563612/" target=_blank>Ye Olde Armoury - Black REC</a> Hope you like the choices. I'm trying to vary the kind of free items and to set free always different things. Enjoy!

Once more, here are the free sets for the next two months: From August, 14th to September, 11th the free sets will be: The Sentry Add-Ons Ferrara Brick Floors Set Round Corner for Wooden Modular Stairs From September, 11th to October, 9th the free sets will be: Ye Olde Armoury Ye Olde Armoury - Lightwood REC Ye Olde Armoury - Black REC Hope you like the choices. I'm trying to vary the kind of free items and to set free always different things. Enjoy!

http://www.thesimsresource.com/artists/Spaik/comments/?blogID=7847 2008-06-17T11:39:39Z I'm still missing the time to update the blog, but I'm updating the freebies, for all of you who can't afford a sub. The free stuff for the next two months will be as follows: From <strong>June, 18 </strong>to <strong>July, 16</strong> the free sets will be: <a href="http://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/sims2/sets/objects/619760/" target=_blank>Enzo Dining Room</a> <a href="http://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/sims2/sets/objects/620246/" target=_blank>Enzo Dining Room - REC2</a> <a href="http://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/sims2/sets/objects/620463/" target=_blank>Enzo Dining Room - REC4</a> This dining room hasn't been all that popular, but it's got a shelving unit with a lot of space to put clutter, that has been very appreciated, and it's perfect for modern houses. As usual, it's a piece of modern italian style. From <strong>July, 16 </strong>to <strong>August, 13</strong> the free sets will be: <a href="http://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/sims2/sets/objects/580896/" target=_blank>The Spike Light - Outdoor Lamps</a> <a href="http://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/sims2/sets/objects/580914/" target=_blank>Preventek Tri-Luminlight Outdoor Lamps</a> <a href="http://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/sims2/sets/objects/444520/" target=_blank>The Sentry - Set</a> These Maxis-matching lamps have been quite popular, and the fences set was one of my "best sellers", when it was first published. Hope you like to see it free again. I'm also setting free forever some of my oldest sets, but you'll have to check in my minisite, because it would be a long list to put here. Enjoy!

I'm still missing the time to update the blog, but I'm updating the freebies, for all of you who can't afford a sub. The free stuff for the next two months will be as follows: From June, 18 to July, 16 the free sets will be: Enzo Dining Room Enzo Dining Room - REC2 Enzo Dining Room - REC4 This dining room hasn't been all that popular, but it's got a shelving unit with a lot of space to put clutter, that has been very appreciated, and it's perfect for modern houses. As usual, it's a piece of modern italian style. From July, 16 to August, 13 the free sets will be: The Spike Light - Outdoor Lamps Preventek Tri-Luminlight Outdoor Lamps The Sentry - Set These Maxis-matching lamps have been quite popular, and the fences set was one of my "best sellers", when it was first published. Hope you like to see it free again. I'm also setting free forever some of my oldest sets, but you'll have to check in my minisite, because it would be a long list to put here. Enjoy!

http://www.thesimsresource.com/artists/Spaik/comments/?blogID=7028 2008-04-03T11:51:31Z My latest tutorial has just been submitted. It's about adding a group, or subset, to an object mesh and if you have a look at it, you'll see that it's based on my Forked coffee table. <img src="http://isc.thesimsresource.com/images/misc/blogImages_6647.jpg" /> I made this table, and the matching lamp, on purpose for the tutorial, trying to make un unusual shape, but yet in my own style. And to allow you to follow the tutorial easily, <strong>all the set will be free forever</strong>, starting from tomorrow, so that everyone can download it, and if it's the case, extract the mesh from the package and try out the tutorial.

My latest tutorial has just been submitted. It's about adding a group, or subset, to an object mesh and if you have a look at it, you'll see that it's based on my Forked coffee table. I made this table, and the matching lamp, on purpose for the tutorial, trying to make un unusual shape, but yet in my own style. And to allow you to follow the tutorial easily, all the set will be free forever, starting from tomorrow, so that everyone can download it, and if it's the case, extract the mesh from the package and try out the tutorial.

http://www.thesimsresource.com/artists/Spaik/comments/?blogID=6976 2008-03-29T19:20:07Z I haven't had much time to update the blog lately, but I've updated the freebies all the same. The free stuff during the coming Spring will be as follows: From <strong>March, 24 </strong>to <strong>April, 21</strong> the free sets will be: <a href="http://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/sims2/sets/objects/565203/" target=_blank>Cielo Outdoor Lights</a> <a href="http://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/sims2/sets/objects/565535/" target=_blank>Cielo Outdoor Lights - Recolour set</a> These outdoor lamps have quite un unusual shape, taken from an Italian designer, and are perfect for modern homes or futuristic settings. From <strong>March, 25 </strong>to <strong>April, 22</strong> there will be another free set: <a href="http://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/sims2/sets/wallfloor/551206/" target=_blank>Modena Pastels - Set</a> simple walls and floors that look definitely better in game than in the preview. From <strong>April, 21 </strong>to <strong>May, 19</strong> the free sets will be: <a href="http://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/sims2/sets/objects/416267/" target=_blank>Modern Staircase Set</a> <a href="http://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/sims2/sets/objects/539119/" target=_blank>Modern Staircase Recolours Set</a> This staircase, together with the recolours, was one of my "best sellers", when it was first published. Hope you like to see it free again. And I'll probably add a surprise set to these later on. You'll have to check my minisite. From <strong>May, 20 </strong>to <strong>June, 17</strong> the free sets will be: <a href="http://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/sims2/sets/objects/461872/" target=_blank>Altitude Attitude Add-Ons set</a> <a href="http://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/sims2/sets/objects/524776/" target=_blank>Folding Staircase set</a> <a href="http://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/sims2/sets/wallfloor/529349/" target=_blank>Softened Stone Set</a> Another very appreciated, and unusual staircase, plus some Maxis revamps and some stone floors. After this period, I think I'll change the kind of free items, just to be sure you don't get bored of staircases. That's all. Enjoy!

I haven't had much time to update the blog lately, but I've updated the freebies all the same. The free stuff during the coming Spring will be as follows: From March, 24 to April, 21 the free sets will be: Cielo Outdoor Lights Cielo Outdoor Lights - Recolour set These outdoor lamps have quite un unusual shape, taken from an Italian designer, and are perfect for modern homes or futuristic settings. From March, 25 to April, 22 there will be another free set: Modena Pastels - Set simple walls and floors that look definitely better in game than in the preview. From April, 21 to May, 19 the free sets will be: Modern Staircase Set Modern Staircase Recolours Set This staircase, together with the recolours, was one of my "best sellers", when it was first published. Hope you like to see it free again. And I'll probably add a surprise set to these later on. You'll have to check my minisite. From May, 20 to June, 17 the free sets will be: Altitude Attitude Add-Ons set Folding Staircase set Softened Stone Set Another very appreciated, and unusual staircase, plus some Maxis revamps and some stone floors. After this period, I think I'll change the kind of free items, just to be sure you don't get bored of staircases. That's all. Enjoy!

http://www.thesimsresource.com/artists/Spaik/comments/?blogID=6831 2008-03-15T00:53:03Z It's quite about time to close my latest poll. I simply didn't have the time to write down a summary until now. The question was: <strong>Which of the following build mode items do you use in your lots? Check all that apply.</strong> Well, a lot of people took part to this poll, exactly 432. And the results are quite interesting too. Awnings <strong>28.57%</strong> (124) Columns <strong>48.39%</strong> (210) Connecting Columns/Arches <strong>30.41%</strong> (132) Elevators <strong>30.88%</strong> (134) Half walls <strong>67.28%</strong> (292) None of the above <strong>14.29%</strong> (62) I've chosen the answers among the "neglected" build mode categories. Half walls got most of the preferences and I've already made some of those. I'm planning to make more half walls, as well as columns, as soon as I've finished a couple of other projects.

It's quite about time to close my latest poll. I simply didn't have the time to write down a summary until now. The question was: Which of the following build mode items do you use in your lots? Check all that apply. Well, a lot of people took part to this poll, exactly 432. And the results are quite interesting too. Awnings 28.57% (124) Columns 48.39% (210) Connecting Columns/Arches 30.41% (132) Elevators 30.88% (134) Half walls 67.28% (292) None of the above 14.29% (62) I've chosen the answers among the "neglected" build mode categories. Half walls got most of the preferences and I've already made some of those. I'm planning to make more half walls, as well as columns, as soon as I've finished a couple of other projects.

http://www.thesimsresource.com/artists/Spaik/comments/?blogID=6697 2008-02-27T16:24:02Z Ok, this is my first fix since I became an FA. I was wondering when it would happen. Not IF, but WHEN, since I try so many new things that I often mess up everything. But until now I was so lucky to be able to clean up everything before release or to hide the proof under the rug. This time someone told me that pets weren't able to use the staircases. After some investigation I discovered that it was completely my fault (well, I knew it even before investigating). I don't play so much with pets, and when I play, I keep everything they need on first floor. So I didn't realize that they have four legs instead of two and that they need more space than Sims to use the stairs. The good news is that I've fixed the problem and updated the stairs. Both meshes will be free to download for a few days starting from tomorrow, just in case your subscription has expired. Please download them again and overwrite the old ones. The links to get to them fast are: <a href="http://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/sims2/objects/buildmode/stairs/668870/" target=_blank>Curved Staircase - MASTER MESH</a> <a href="http://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/sims2/objects/buildmode/stairs/668866/" target=_blank>Curved Staircase - RIGHT MESH</a> Thanks to dmt1914 for letting me know of the problem.

Ok, this is my first fix since I became an FA. I was wondering when it would happen. Not IF, but WHEN, since I try so many new things that I often mess up everything. But until now I was so lucky to be able to clean up everything before release or to hide the proof under the rug. This time someone told me that pets weren't able to use the staircases. After some investigation I discovered that it was completely my fault (well, I knew it even before investigating). I don't play so much with pets, and when I play, I keep everything they need on first floor. So I didn't realize that they have four legs instead of two and that they need more space than Sims to use the stairs. The good news is that I've fixed the problem and updated the stairs. Both meshes will be free to download for a few days starting from tomorrow, just in case your subscription has expired. Please download them again and overwrite the old ones. The links to get to them fast are: Curved Staircase - MASTER MESH Curved Staircase - RIGHT MESH Thanks to dmt1914 for letting me know of the problem.

http://www.thesimsresource.com/artists/Spaik/comments/?blogID=6637 2008-02-21T10:58:04Z I haven't released much lately, but I was working hard on a new set of stairs. These are one of the favourite results of the "Staircase" poll I did some time ago (see older blog entries), but it took me a lot of time to make them work and so they're ready now. They come in the same colours and style as the Winding Staircase and I'm working on matching fences/balustrades to complete the set. Hope you enjoy them. <img src="http://isc.thesimsresource.com/images/misc/blogImages_6366.jpg" width="570" height="340" />

I haven't released much lately, but I was working hard on a new set of stairs. These are one of the favourite results of the "Staircase" poll I did some time ago (see older blog entries), but it took me a lot of time to make them work and so they're ready now. They come in the same colours and style as the Winding Staircase and I'm working on matching fences/balustrades to complete the set. Hope you enjoy them.

http://www.thesimsresource.com/artists/Spaik/comments/?blogID=6194 2008-01-06T12:18:51Z The new year has brought me back to my first love: build mode stuff. I've just released the Rhomb staircase with matching fences in wrought iron style and now I've decided to make some half walls. They are a bit neglected in our database, but from the poll that I've put up a few days ago they seem to be quite appreciated and used. The first set is a smaller version of the Half Centurion that came with OFB; I've made it thinner and took away some decorations on the moulding. And last but not least, I've made it in the colours matching Maxis walls. There are tons of those with the lower wooden panel or simple moulding and a lot of furniture uses the same shades of wood. There shouldn't be problems in matching these half walls. I've added a black one, that can be used almost everywhere. <img src="http://isc.thesimsresource.com/images/misc/blogImages_6016.jpg" width="570" height="340"/> This set will be released in a couple of days. In the meantime I'm working on others that will match Maxis windows and doors. If you want something particular, this might be the right time to make your request.

The new year has brought me back to my first love: build mode stuff. I've just released the Rhomb staircase with matching fences in wrought iron style and now I've decided to make some half walls. They are a bit neglected in our database, but from the poll that I've put up a few days ago they seem to be quite appreciated and used. The first set is a smaller version of the Half Centurion that came with OFB; I've made it thinner and took away some decorations on the moulding. And last but not least, I've made it in the colours matching Maxis walls. There are tons of those with the lower wooden panel or simple moulding and a lot of furniture uses the same shades of wood. There shouldn't be problems in matching these half walls. I've added a black one, that can be used almost everywhere. This set will be released in a couple of days. In the meantime I'm working on others that will match Maxis windows and doors. If you want something particular, this might be the right time to make your request.

http://www.thesimsresource.com/artists/Spaik/comments/?blogID=6036 2007-12-24T00:19:50Z I love Christmas. I'm getting everything ready for the holiday with my family. And I'm trying to send out as many Christmas wishes as I can. If I've missed you, I want to give you my wishes here. In italian it sounds like: <strong>Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo</strong>. <img src="http://isc.thesimsresource.com/images/misc/blogImages_5924.gif" />

I love Christmas. I'm getting everything ready for the holiday with my family. And I'm trying to send out as many Christmas wishes as I can. If I've missed you, I want to give you my wishes here. In italian it sounds like: Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo.