My journey to

    

    I love every project that I have created and will create. I have explained different things I have learned from the project. I look back at my old work with a different perspective because of my experience and with my improved skills. While I look back, I critique my work and figure ways I could have made them better. Unfortunately, this can be dangerous because you lose appreciation for the foundation you worked so hard to build. I would not change anything with my projects. The priceless moments through creating and being able to give them away is worth more. The foundation from where I started is too valuable and priceless to me. My work is an example of the true value of investing time, effort, and patience. The effort with trying different things and “seeing what happens.” I do not regret any projects, even the ones I have considered to be a failure. A failed project is either when a major mistake happened, or I put it to the side and loose interest. However, I do not discount the learning and the experience. That is because I still was and did work on different techniques I was able to try. How the different bits cut into the wood. It also gives me material I can try innovative ideas. Keeping myself motivated to try different ideas. When random ideas come and I do not know if they are possible, I have learned to say, “I don’t know let’s figure it out.” Of course I have found limitations through my journey, however if an idea is remotely possible you should consider trying. I have created multiple different clocks, picture frames, art pieces, necklace pendants, key chains, refrigerator magnets, and now artistic weapons. My brother unknowingly gave me the idea about making a sword. It started creative brainstorming to see if it was possible. I am happy to say it came out sweet.

With my journey I watched different videos which did become very overwhelming. I have found it effective to focus more on fundamentals. More on the videos that explained the tool and simple techniques. I learned watching full artwork videos is fun, and the work was amazing, however those projects are from artists with years of experience. Something which can help people want to strive for, but it loses the important question of “how do I get there.”  After years of work and improving your works of art, it is hard at times to remember and still enjoy your first pieces created. I love my work because each piece has a unique story, priceless learning experience. As I was learning I started asking myself what is possible. Which transformed to asking myself “can I,” and “how would I.” I have developed a striving effort to see what else I could try. By opening my creative potential and not limiting myself. Potential of the material and tools I have collected. These questions lead to finding out answers, whether looking online or “just trying.” How I learned that diamond bits can also engrave glass and stone. I also learned how the stone bits work, and that rubber ones existed. It is one thing to read online about how; however, it is another when you try. For me to really understand how the bits work and what results they can produce, you must try. As I have said, you need to develop your technique and skills. This helps your creative potential and produces what you want. Making the project yours and not limiting yourself.

            I started to joke with my family that I have creative mice in my head, which inspiration will come randomly. I was at work and saw a sign with a train on it. I carved a train and put clock workings in the center. I also found online a picture of a train coming out of a tunnel. I dabbled into pyrography and put it on a clock with the words cherish today. Does the picture have to relate to the words? No, you are the artist and should decide.

            As I have tried something new, I get the normal response of “wait, how did you do that.” I did glass engraving and when I showed my mom. She wanted to try it. I absolutely showed and helped her try, because “it’s fun.” You should want to show and share things that you have learned by trying. Mind you I did have to preface with “I’ve only done it once.” When you engrave glass, you need to make sure it is thicker glass, because you must be careful about your depth. If you are not careful it’s possible to break the glass. I think. Thankfully, it has not happened to me, well not yet. My knowledge of engraving glass will expand with more time. The fun part is “possibilities are endless.” The other fun part with engraving glass is that I was able to help multiple people create Christmas presents and a trophy. The other fun part with glass engraving is, it is easy to keep the idea simple. The hardest part is the stencil and placement.

            Picture frames are an interesting challenge because you want to make them elegant but not too busy to distract from the picture. I also feel that picture frames should tell a story. The story can be simple in the way of creativity, courage, elegance. It also can have a theme. I have made frames with the “family adventure” as the theme.

            Picture frame fundamentals are basic and boring. There are, however, important things to remember. The major one is the opening for a 4x6 photo is really 3.5 x 5.5. Because a 0.25 lip for each side. Which allows the picture to stay in. An inlay from the back needs to be the correct size to fit the desired photo. The depth of the inlay needs to be proportional to the material thickness. Unless you are going for a tunnel vision display. Watching online I learned about under cutting the material. This gives a disconnected look and how it can give more depth to your piece. I found the bits and love adding these details to the right project. I also learned with the bits that I have I could use this in more ways than expected. I have made frames where I undercut the background in the right way which allows a photo to be framed. Downside is no glass, but the plus is you do not have to have a photo in it.

            Through my journey it has helped me to be patient with myself. The hardest part is having the right idea for a project. On the other side I must be patient with myself and not try and force creativity. Time it takes for each project is variable. I cannot count how many times people have asked me the famous question of “how long did it take you.” My answer is always the same “I don’t pay attention to that.” Sometimes I know a rough time estimate.

With each completed project, one question in the back of my mind. Question of “could I have done more.” Now to be honest, has there been projects I should have done more work with sanding and finishing details, absolutely and probably should have. My focus towards the finish line of a project tends to dwindle because of the inspiration for future projects. I learned to strive for honest effort with each project that I make.