One Priceless Treasure

 I have started to explore and add to my crafting adventure. The use of 3d modeling to see if i can get a visual on my crazy ideas. 

 I have been pondering the design. Well idea of making my own style of a chess set.      The first is... I will make my own way and style. Because, I love creating new things and making my own work. There is nothing written that say "A chess set only can be made one way." Yes there is themes that I could find. There is general piece ideas. I have seen some magical sort of things. Now, would my own way and style be reinventing the game. I don't know, it would depend on what I come up with. It would also depend on your definition of "reinventing."  Of course, before I can get that far I need to figure out some fundamentals of the project. The first is what am I making. The needed pieces:      2 sets; 1 king, 1 queen, 2 bishops, 2 knights, 2 rooks.      The next of course is the board itself. Which of course needs 8x8 squares with a boarder.  The project size: Do I use the common measurements found online. Or do I make it my own s...

 Counting to have some fun. The adventure of batman symbol but incognito.  What should I make next?

 I know these are the may collection. But in fun to have the highlight videos of all of them.  

  I posted a video of trying to create an illusion of sorts. The idea is hard to explain. With the difficulties im still trying to figure out how to make it possible. Which means alot of trial and error.  The most important part is. Being patient, exploring options, learning and trying. Of course, not give up. Because challenge your creativity is a marathon not a sprint. 

 Another bow tie. Had absolutely no plan for design. I just had some fun. The cool thing with this is the wood came from my parents yard. 

 Was just having some fun being inspired and trying to figure out an idea in a smaller scale. Ad it progressed it kinda shows a different chess piece style. Been pondering potentially going down this idea endeavor 

 I have made one bow tie and loved it. This is number 2. I took some time recently to make the blank shapes for more bow ties in the future. Considering these are way easier to cut with a machine then by hand. Considering I have made collections of necklace pendants. The pendants needed another collection of bow ties.  This design was requested by my nephew for his birthday. I wonder what other designs I will come up with. 

 Had some fun putting the burrs under my microscope and looking at the fine details. Its interesting to see how the burrs are made differently. It shows there are similar but differences between burrs. This first picture shows that tops might be similar however, the one on the right has a different angle. The next two shows that sometimes the tops are flat and will not cut. And sometimes they have the ability to cut. Tip: the top is for smoothing the surface. Its not for primary cutting. The edge cuts better. Diamond bits are good for fine details. They come in different grits. I wish I knew that sooner. More videos and blogs coming soon. They will be tips / tricks, and excision examples. youtube video

  When I originally tried to edit this video it was dull boring and difficult. I went a different way and made a project breakdown instead.  Today... well yesterday was a day of bravery. I used the material to explore the powers of editing and styles. I dont know exactly how it will do or if people will like it. But thats the least of my worries. I had my fun in the editing process. 

  This project I used only 3 bits. The ones you see in the picture. 

My mission is to have my work help and impact as many people possible. Overtime I have found limitations for how much one person can share. I have considered my options and concluded I needed to arm the right people and small charity organization with my treasures. The direction I give is simple to do good for others. I am a firm believer in the work Rocky Mountain Service Dog Project does. There work is incredible to help train and place service dogs for veterans and first responders. I know arming the founder with a few treasures Ive made will help continue her mission. (It helps she's a neighbor because I dont have alot of small charity organizations connections. Yet) Rocky Mtn Service Dog Project https://share.google/i15YMANXmAAXcv5Bt

    As you are aware I like to randomly doodle in my book of secrets. It came in handy the other day. My dad mentioned he needed an idea for a gift. I gave him my book to look at for inspiration and possible idea considerations. I showed him ones that had not been attempted yet. He found one he wanted to tackle.  My dad primarily enjoys wood burning. Yes, its my idea and I have my ways of being the idea to life. However, I do believe in value of giving others a chance to run with an idea as well. Because the ideas are usually the hardest part to come up with. And we all have unquie character in our own work. 

  Explore my multiple attempts to bring an idea to life. The stencil you see in the photo below was the original idea.  I had the crazy idea and still want to figure out how to make this design 3D. Which is just as hard as you expect. I have been having the idea for awhile. I attempted multiple times and different ways trying to figure out how to draw this design is like a flat 3d. Well broken up so the it could be rapped around the log and I could make my lines. However nothing seemed to look right.  The videos below, are the first attempt to make this design come alive. I took a leap of faith to see if I could "figure it out," in the moment. Which some people might call brave, or crazy. The design looked good and I could see "life." However, as the project progressed the "math" was not adding up. Its hard to explain but it was the "vision" I had in mind.  Some people might say, You are crazy for trying. Or they might say "why try" if ...

From what kind of rotary tool to buy and what bits are available. It took my some time learning ans figuring it out. This video is explaining what I call the starter pack. The bits that ive seen included with the rotary tools.  My plan is to write and show application of each. Im just slow. It does take creativity to keep the videos short and hopefully entertaining, im mean educational.  Nothing special about this log. Other then it looked cool, shows creative potential. Plus im random in my crafting process. Im seeing a birdhouse stand. What do you guys see?

  There is two ways to look at projects "or hobbies." Yes, it does depend on the hobby to a point. The first is material which you use to create the artwork. The second way is the tools required to have success. You can explore both the material and the tools. This has been an interesting challenge for me, because I have many options to explore, try, and of course learn different skills.  Which brings me to the bell. This bell has been on my parents house for over 20 yrs and honestly cant remember nor can my parents. I of course, have gone random inspiration many times. Its interesting to what you act on, and what you don't. The advise which I have is this "learn and have fun." If you set limits on yourself you hobby, skills and adventure will only go so far.  The first step was some research to learn the process. I have done a little work with brass. I took a leap of faith and had some fun. The result is speechless. Yes, its not perfect but the first time, and ...

I was brave and had some fun with this one. I attempted to weave the chain through the wood. I do really like it. Let me know if you want me to post the unedited video of the process.  

 Its hard to know what tools to buy when your starting out. In my 4 years of experience I have tried multiple different ones. The picking is simple with keeping this in mind.     1-     Cost          - Average is important to start because to cheap it will break easy. The second is to expensive can cause fear and other hiccups as well. Especially since its guaranteed there will be failures starting out.      2   -    Size          -     Its important because there is pro and cons with each. Bigger tends to have more power, however versatility cant be harder especially for the smaller and finer details.      Bigger also can be harder to hold     -     Smaller: better for fine details and general carving. Usually not the best when you need to remove alot of bulk material. There is better options. (This is project specific) 3- How it feels in...

This video is my explanation of drawing tips that I have found work for me. Like graph peppermint, I mean graph paper.  Stencil application with how to line is up, mounting to the work piece. Also my biggest headache of removing the stencil to soon.   

  I will first start by saying, drawing a butterfly is harder then expected. I wanted the heart to be included for the inspiration of the piece. I will relieve that later. I came up with the design and of course butterflies are symmetrical which again "drawing difficult. Especially when you have curves are involved. Now the tricky question is. What option are you going to use? Or well, how are you going to make the art come to life. The options that I have in my arsenal is to "paint it" (not my ideal option, and still need alot of practice.) Painting for me is a fun way to mix things up, especially if I am not sure "how to." The second option is to wood burn it. It am getting better at this but I still have plenty to learn. Especially when it comes to different wood types. I was away that different kinds of woods burn differently. "yes some are toxic so do your research and stay staff." I can attest after this project, hard wood with straight ish grai...

The breakdown video The regular Video I am certainly not a public speaker, and this was my first attempt. It was not scripted and spur of the moment for what I saw in the video. Ultimate goal is to point out important parts, keep in simple, and to the point. Still in the working out and figure out the formula for my idea. But have to start somewhere.  

 Its been fun making these highlights history episodes.  Im thinking about making a mix of how and execution breakdown videos. But with a twist there simple and to the point. Yes, ive been 2 so far of the "No Fluff". 

  To the point tips for crafting   1-                      First step is always the hardest a.     There are many different crafts don’t hesitate to try multiple crafts to find “WHAT YOU LIKE.” 2-                      It’s your journey and crafting investment a.     Keep it simple b.     Be patient with                                                     i.       Yourself             ...

 

 

I got the idea to make a video of the pictures of my projects. I was going to call it "the evolution." Where it would show how my skills have evolved and improved through the years. Honestly however, Looking back I have one made more than I expected. And two, I have no idea exactly the order the projects were made. The only projects that I remember are the first three. Does it really matter. Nope. When I was making the video, I also realized that if I included every picture of the different progress photos. The video would be ridiculous long. Here's to more exploring, learning, seeing what's possible. Most importantly "Having fun while doing it."    

 

 Episode 2  These videos have been fun to make. Being able to look back at different projects. Seeing how my skills have improved as well.  New project release tomorrow 

I edited down 4 project videos into one short episode. Should I do more?  

It is set up that it could be made into a clock. My original plan was to put it on wood and I had the idea for how to execute the plan. However in the moment things shifted and I saw the glass jar. Had no idea but "IT JUST LOOKED RIGHT" so I took a leap of faith. 

The adventures what creating. I original was going to put the chain on the usual way. But I got a different idea in the moment. Another cool project. Still excited to see what thr future creating has in store.  Full video is on YouTube. Its been fun exploring and trying different video formats. Trying to stay simple and enjoyable.  Video Link

  This was by far one of the hardest things which I have made. However, there were mistakes from the start. Mistakes in the design which I really didn't see at the start. Ya, I could keep the failures a secrete. However, that is not apart of or the purpose of my Why.  The why I do what I do. The why creating and having a hobby is important. I am a firm believe in the human factor. I am a firm  believe there is more value is enjoying creating, enjoying trying and exploring.  Most importantly a successful project comes in two ways. The first of course "something beautiful" the second is "learning to do more and be better." You cant know unless you try.  

Its all apart of the process. Ya, some might say your wasting your time or others will say "why even..."Seeing the first photo you might hear "just stop there." But why?  Its easy.... maybe It looks good.. well of course  Why do more it looks OK. Which is true but... Why stop when your invisioning something different.  Why stop when you see potential of making it better.  Why stop when there is more to learn and try. I of course will acknowledge this is project specific and it is possible to over do. You cant however learn whats "To much" untill you get there. One way to avoid the "to much" is taking projects a little at a time. I have learned when my you has to many potential options. The right choice is to take a break. The answer will come with a second look and patients.  True, I am probably crazy and destroyed my idea. Which some would classify that i wasted alot of time, money, effort etc. But I took a leap and tried. The leap t...