Handmade adventure

Creating things by hand is difficult. From having the idea, to motivation, and willing to invest money, and effort. The elegance that a handmade project can change the look of a room. About 11 years ago I was walking through the hobby lobby and found a clock that looked like a pocket watch. My mom had mentioned a few times she needed a new wall clock that she could see from the kitchen. The old one was not keeping the best time. I found my mom and pitched the idea of having a box with frames around it and the clock would hang in the center. I remember my mom’s eyes light up and her response was “go for it.” It was a fun adventure building it with my dad and figuring out how to finish it. I realized quickly after finishing the project I did the frames wrong. I made the center the exact size of the photo which doesn’t work. My mom used her problem-solving skills of colored paper to hold the pictures in place. However, this was my dad and I’s first adventure of making frames and didn’t realize what we did. Creativity sometimes involves skills of multiple people. Why I believe there is value is sharing what you know and asking for help when it’s needed.

            Fast forward to today and my newfound love and creativity, the wheels started turning when my mom said the magic words of “I wish the frames were not in a fixed position,” in reference to the original project. Don’t get me wrong, she still loved the design. We would randomly at times brainstorm ideas of changing the original project.

            My bravery for some projects I still don’t know where it comes from. I concluded for a Christmas present I would make a new clock for the wall, to make my mom’s wish come true. I determined that it would be cool to have a clock that takes up the entire space on the wall. I figure that I could carve the main 12, 3, 6, 9 and use frames to make the other spots. Math worked out, in which the frames could be mounted either vertical or horizontal position. The overall size of the clock is about 4 ft x 4 ft. With the size of the clock, I knew I needed to work through foreseeable elements involved. One of which is the hands needed to be elevated above the pictures so it wouldn’t interfere with the movement. It was also an adventure finding hands correctly sized. I knew that the clock needed to be securely mounted on the wall. Which intern brings a problem of changing the batteries when they die. I came up with a simple solution. Make the cover removeable. The best solution I found is for the mobile parts to use multiple magnets to keep them in place.

            Completed the foundational design, size, and general workings of the project. However, I had many unexpected hurdles, unknowingly I would need to jump before the finish line. The first hurdle was figuring out what design I wanted for the numbers. Drawing roman numerals was difficult and took a lot of research. Carving each number took a lot longer than expected, despite how simple the design was. I can’t count how many times I asked myself “will this really work.” One solution I found to help figure that out is I propped the numbers up to be able to look at them from across the room. Seeing if the design was readable no matter the light and angle. Once the carving was complete and I progressed to the sanding. Sanding you must work through the different grits correctly and you also must see it in different light and at different angles. I will warn you, it’s hard to get a good sanding finish with the small spaces. I have had to stop myself from getting frustrated. Because sometime sanding can feel like a never-ending process. One thing I found that helps is reminding myself it’s only one step, enjoy the whole adventure.

            As the project progressed, I honestly thought I ruined it. That is because when I got to the point of staining a mistake happened. I wanted to leave the numbers raw wood to help them be read better. Unfortunately, I spilled the stain, and it got all over the number part. I completed the staining the best I could. Once the stain was dried, I had a problem to solve. I have learned from other projects that when the stain is too dark it takes away some details and can make it hard to read. This also is possible when the stain color doesn’t come out even. I determined my only option was to sand the stain off where I didn’t want it. I learned how to lighten up and get a different look with sandpaper. It all depends on the sandpaper grit which you start with. However, you must work on the sanding back to the same grit over the entire project. If you don’t, the clear coat will not look right.

            I know I couldn’t build this clock at my apartment because of space limitations and needing clamps. I also couldn’t transport it fully built to my parents’ house. However, I knew everything needed was at my parents’ house. It was an adventure keeping it a secret from my mother.

            As I have created projects for people, there is a balancing act with creative freedom. I do want to make sure it will match the person’s house. Sometimes you must reveal the secret sooner than planned. I can’t remember what dilemma I had come up, but it was one that only my mother could answer. Because it was going to be in her house. My mom was a little girl on Christmas and loved seeing how it was coming together. I was shocked when my dad and I got it finished and put it up on the wall. It completely changed the look of the space. That was when I realized I had signed and dated the original project and how long it had been.

     When my family saw it, they loved it. My brother said as he sarcastically “how do you read this monstrosity.” Of course, all in the way of fun. It was fun to hear my family joking about making up the times. We would say it in the way of “dinner is half past,” the person in the picture. It was fun to see people’s reactions when they saw it in person. Pictures don’t do my work justice.

         Handmade projects give a sense of class and priceless value. That is because of the time and effort needed.  Friends have given me ideas that occasionally will turn into a challenge. Some ideas people have come up with, occasionally seem a little out of reach. Or so I thought considering my skill level at the time the idea was given. A friend who is a fireman gave me the idea about a flag and fireman symbol. When he said it, I remember my answer was “Um.”

         
   From the start and with each idea and project I have learned and came to appreciate the value of not limiting myself. He gave me the idea at the right time because I had just finished a project and was in the market for a new one. The rest of the day I kept asking myself the famous questions of “can I, how would I.” and with the questions and brainstorming the steps naturally started to come. Which resulted in “lets find out.” The project came out amazing and at this point of my adventure was classed as the best project I had made. I concluded when a person gives me an idea with no direct intention or purpose. I intern give them the chance what I call “first dibs.” I texted him after I finished and said something to the effect of, you gave me a challenge and I pulled it off, you get first dibs if you want it. Of course, his answer was “yes please.

            Handmade crafts have unfortunately started to become a lost art. Things have shifted to being created by robots and designed 100 percent on the computer. Not saying it’s bad or should be downplayed. With things that are handmade it brings unique elements that robots can’t do. Hand work gives slight differences to each piece. I believe these differences turn the work from ordinary to priceless. Knowing something is handmade and one of a kind can change how a person will look at it. Yes, I do use the computer to help with my design. I believe technology and handcrafting should work together. Just because you can sculpt something digital. Does that make you a sculptor if you were handed some clay. Does your handmade work have to be perfect. No, work does not have to be perfect. Striving for your best effort in relation to your current knowledge and skill level is more valuable. I have yet to figure out what exactly the perfect work of art is. Because I am enjoying the journey and seeing what else is possible.