One Priceless Treasure

   I was inspired with this idea. I started drawing it last night. Can I say the math to make this even, yes was difficult. Also having to make sure im "getting the right look." Of course thats a loaded task at hand.   Its difficult to have a vision and turn it into a reality. Inspiration and action can be one of the hardest things to act upon. I determined I was in the mood to paint. I chose painting first because "its mellowed than carving." I love carving but sometimes a mellow activity is a good idea. I also had no clue exactly how to pull this off. So with paint it gives me an idea. Now should I carve this out of wood. I think so. Do I know exactly when, not yet. Can't rush the motivation and the idea development.  Here's to the next year of adventures and projects.

With the new year comes the usual "New years resolution." However, let's have a different perspective, with a question.  "Whats your dream?" Or "Whats going to challenge you?" Giving a perspective for a challenge, something new, and adventures. Setting your sights on creating "A new normal," The resolution to dream and try. The resolution to always be patient with yourself and to slowly try things which would be out of your comfort zone. The motivation explore, and try. Despite even if you dont have a clue and might be very nervous. The first step is always the hardest.  My question for you is. What treasured item would you like me to make? Whats your treasured dream? How are you going to create a treasured adventure this coming year?

       For Christmas I got a treasure box and other things to help stage my work for there "photo shoot." I can honestly say that I have no idea what I am doing. But then again "I had no idea what I was doing" when I started wood carving. However, despite things not being perfect and there is a learning curve. Its fun to try and see what things I can come up with. Its also fun learning and adding new tools to my tool box. It does help with the phrase "I don't know, lets find out." And "its not perfect, but I'm giving an honest effort." Learning is of course a challenge, and exhausting sometimes. I don't strive for instant perfection I strive for progressive, positive progress. I strive for honest effort and the treasure of the journey. Because it takes investment before perfection is possible. I of course am still trying to figure out what "perfect and perfection" is because each project, idea, is an independent adventure wi...

              I have had many ups and downs as probably many people have had. I have been pondering through this last year. One big thing that I have concluded is. I have pushed myself out of my comfort zone. The two biggest things that I have started doing this year and oddly have loved it. One started writing this blog. The second is making more videos and posting them on YouTube. There has been a lot of learning, problem solving, and of course the normal headaches. I know I have learned a lot and of course oddly have had fun. Can I say exactly what and how these adventures have helped me, no. But I do know that if I continue, the possibilities are endless.               For 2026 do I have any predictions. No, because I’ve had normal attempts and regular failures. The biggest prediction too and one thing will continue is. To continue to “push out of my comfort zone...

I love wood carving. But I also love the generally just working with my hands. To keep the creativey flowing and the heart full of adventures. Sometimes you have to act on random inspiration. Thursday I was watching Christmas movies.  I asked my mother if I was a crochet hook where would I be. Considering I tend to fig it with my hands. Little did I know I would be continue to be oddly motivated to finish the entire blanket. I worked on it about 2 hours Thursday and finished it Sunday afternoon.  I have mentioned that when I first was exploring different hobbies I determined crochet was not a good fit. However, just because its not a fit for a full time hobby doesnt mean you cant still have occasional and random fun. It helps to break things up at times. 

   The imagination of the moment. I had the idea of making another sword, but not exact plan. My initial plan was to finish another project however it wasnt ready yet to be finished so I shift gears.    I searched the station of logs to see if anything was saying "pick me" I had some fun creating a sword. Its it an ordinary sword no. Does it have to be of course not. Because being the creator your in control. I am in the process of creating a fantasy short sword and its assume. 

Episode 1 is posted on YouTube. The sanding and find details are coming along slowly. I appreciate all the support. Enjoy the time-lapse video. https://youtu.be/stVPxbaB3-I?si=T18ESenZQYZq6M_F  

   Some people might say, you can't make a mess. Well why not. They might say being mess shows you dont care. In reality thats kinda faults. You have to look at the purpose and reason behind the mess. Because creating a mess is a part of life. Its a part of hands on learning and becoming better. The mess shows you are putting in the work. That your taking a "seemingly impossible idea" and giving it your best shot.      The stress relief is because you are giving yourself a challenge, your giving yourself a chance to breath and focus on something fun. The stress relief is being open, being patient, and to enjoy the moment. Because when I see "a mess after carve" the reality is. I see potential, effort, and I see whats coming to life from my investment, my effort, and giving an idea a chance. 

Does it have to. Doesn't it have to be "what people expect" no. Because each Snowflake is one of a kind.  Do I know where I might take this random idea into cut out. No, I will just have to see where the moment takes me. 

         Life has been crazy with many adventures and the normal and abnormal or unexpected up's and downs. The common thing which comes to mind when thinking of "investment" is money or something tangible.     I was organizing all my tools to make the trip to my parents house for Christmas. Yes, the joke in my family is "I live in the garage." Can you blame me I have "Full Freedom," as long as I clean up after myself. With organizing and cleaning it got me thinking. I see my work space and the money I've invested. However, the unexpected investment is "what's more valuable," to my creating and craft adventures.     The unexpected investment goes two ways, inward and outward. The inward investment of learning and seeing " whats possible?" Building the foundation of "whats a treasure?" A treasure is the story behind and within the art work.    The inward investment is seeing different perspectives to giv...

My original plan for the bigger design was to leave it square and have the heart look "sculptured." However, when I returned today to continue work, I decided to change my mind. I chose to make the heart be independent like its smaller counter part. Because this design resembles how love and courage is molded and built between two people. But also the courage to love and trust yourself. Well, I cut the sides at an angle. Yes, I do it by hand and its a challenge to cut and straight line. Part of the reason for the odd cut is, well I dont know sometime it just happens. Most likely its related to how I use the saw and how the work is oriented in the bench clamp. To many factors to consider and its added character thats unique to each pieace.  The challenge is 2 small holes came to the surface. The dilemma is what todo? Is the project a complete waste? Do I have to completely revamp my idea? Can I fix it?  The character of the pieace is independent to each work. Its t...

Ideas come and go. Some ideas will seem really crazy and possibly out of reach when your in the moment. However, despite seeming impossible as you look at all the eraser marks and mess ups, feeling down because you "havent found the right idea." The potential is still there. The right idea will come alive as long as you remeber. Remeber to be patient and to breath. Remeber to not force yourself to "find the right idea." Because creativey comes from the heart. I look at the ideas I have come up with and ask myself "did I really do that." Ive also said "I have no idea how to carve this." Potential is there, however takes time to mature. Sometimes you just have to have a little fun coloring the picture. Yes, I started carving the idea on a smaller scale. Its interesting how the same drawing can be different.  The link is to my YouTube. I made a short of more drawing ideas. And one i had fun coloring. The Book

The complexity of a Snowflake and how each are so beautiful but yet so different. We each have a special gift, mission and story to write. Yes, this Snowflake is my first attempt and draft. However, will not be the last. Because there is beauty and purpose to learn and enjoy along the way.

  The random pages with many lines and eraser marks. Spending hours today seeing what possibly could be created. However, nothing was looking right. There is and will always be the struggle finding the next idea. However, is the time wasted when nothing is found.  I spent hours drawing and then erasing. With each page that I dont erase shows potential. Each page shows something was developing However something wasnt right. Despite great effort of burning brain cells. The right look wasnt coming.  With each potential idea the special details and elegance takes time to develope. Because a good story and treasure takes time to mature. The right look doesnt come, especially if you over think it. Im unfortunately guilty of this. I probably will continue to be guilty. I dont believe I wasted today. Because the potential is there. I know that as crazy as it sounds my heart will see whats possible at the right time. I know with each...

                Love the journey you are embarking on even with all the ups and downs you remember. Remember to cherish the precious moments. The moments you spend with people you love. The simple things that put a smile on your face and laugh in your belly. The precious and unexpected moments which reminds you to breathe. Taking the moment to relax and enjoy. Enjoying the moment and reminders that you are loved, your valued, your brave, and your not alone. The moment to balance yourself. A moment to breath is powerful. This moment not only will remind you to love, to be patient, and courageous. A moment to breathe above all is the time to enjoy and cherish the priceless treasures and priceless moments which come along the way.                                    

                                                                                     Don’t fear the creative unfortune           When you’re attempting a crazy idea, exploring a craft, or even just being creative to have fun and try. There is always the possibility that it will not work out. The reason why something might not work is infinite. Reason can range from simple to unfortunately catastrophic. The reason can be your current skill leave, idea drawing, plan for execution, and even how you attempt to execute the plan. The other end of the spectrum is the material itself in the process decides not to cooperate.               I have recentl...

Youtube Video Wood, it tends to have a mind of its own. Where it wants to look a certain way. Or it breaks especially if you’re working with the grain of the wood. It’s the most fragile part of the wood. If a project breaks, does that make it a waste? If a project is not going as planned, does that make it a waste?             Today I was working on a small project, and things didn’t go as planned. I had the crazy idea to cut parts off. The general idea looked like a zigzag theme. In the process I proceeded to get inspired to cut at the fold to help transform the back of the work. However, I had already put deep cuts on one side to help create the look. With this and then doing the through cuts. Ya, it broke one me. The small part went first. I continued and of course it broke again.             The first break could have been classified as “a clean break.” Which I translate...