Weekly Blog - December 16th

[john]

Another snow storm has moved in and they are forecasting 14 - 16" and so far it looks like they won't be wrong. It's probably the same storm that Edski refered to in another post. Fortunately it is not as bad as that which hit some parts of the U.S. Mid-West. I had a close shave earlier today when I went to rake snow from the lower part of the roof. The first disturbance of the surface resulted in an avalanche of snow from the entire roof. Fortunately I was standing far enough away from the house that it missed me but it sure dumped a lot more snow on my walk than I anticipated shovelling. First time in 32 years that has happened.

I had my little sale at the local seniors residence and though I had told myself I would not accept any new orders for before Christmas, I broke down and agreed to make two lighted Chistmas trees for one of the handicapped residents to give as gifts. Again, it is interesting that none of the two lighted snowmen and two christmas trees sold at the big craft sale the week before, but sold immediately at this sale and I end up having to make two more. However, I will take the sale and be thankful. I also agreed to make two outdoor trees for one of my best customers as she says her display of lighed presents looks lonely without a background. so now I am busy again working to a deadline.

I started doing a sale at the seniors residence three years ago at the suggestion of my wife who volunteers there. It is quite a change for them to see something other than products devoted strictly to their needs. My wife and sister-in-law also participate with fleece blankets,and throws and other items that they appreciate. The residents always let us know how much the like it when we show up. The employees are the big customers though as it saves them time shopping and offers something you won't find in stores.

I have attached a couple of pictures of that tea light candle holder I mentioned last week. Part of my dificulty was that I had to cut the top and leg portions separately as there was a knot in the piece of ash and my piece of padouk was not long enough to span the knot and still have enough for the legs. Somehow the two pieces did not quite meet when I tried to join them. As you can see by the pictures, I can't match Chuck in the photography department.

Well I guess it's time for my pre-dinner libation and then back to the Christmas trees.

Have fun!

John

[sswoodworker48]

John,

I really like your tea light candle holder. Its very simple yet distinctive. Nice job.

[dougrl]

John these are very nice candle holders, the inlay, the corners . Very nice. Thanks for showing them. Cheers Doug

[charlese]

John - looks like a perfect tea candle holder to me. Particularly, I love the selection of the straight grained ash for the legs. Very nice photography also!

Around here is has been quite cold at night. I kinda feel like a wimp, reporting on cold while the guys in the North, Midwest and East are getting the type of white Christmas and chill that I fortunately can only remember. With low temps around 20 degrees every night the shop is gradually cooling down. The mass is cooling more at night, than warming during the day. So far my reflective space heater has been able to warm things up enough to get about 5 or 6 hours of shop time per day. Our highs are reaching into the 50s so as long as that continues, the shop will be functioning.

I reached back into old Montana ways, and in the mornings it's a "T" shirt, a flannel shirt, a wool sweater with another flannel shirt on top. Gotta make sure the sleeves are buttoned tight and held with rubber bands for safety. It works!

This week made up a frame for an embroidery we were given as a gift last summer. Also turned out another set of louver blanks and prepared stiles for the thickness planer.

Today our Son's family came up and we switched gift boxes (all wrapped of course) and had a nice visit and dinner out. We won't be together this Christmas, as we are going to visit our Daughter over in Mesa.

Got a nice project assignment from our Daughter-in-law. She gave me a set of weird shaped wooden blocks (maple) and asked it I could make more. She is a teacher for "special kids" and needs all sorts of props. It is a good feeling to help her out. She was given $150 to buy supplies - wanted more blocks and found they cost as much as $70 for one of the largest block - it's shaped like a letter Y. (about 10" high and 6" wide) She wants 4 sets of bocks! The other blocks are smaller and in different shapes. I am really delighted to do this project! This gives me a chance to try our the Pin portion of the OPR. After I get the wood and do a little work I'll post photos.

Have a happy week!