One Priceless Treasure

  I have been trying to write a blog about being a craftsman who explores other types of art and why it’s important. I wanted to include how a master craftsman spends countless hours learning the material and tools for the trade of choice. I wanted to include how with all the investment of time, they are 100 percent dedicated to their work and craft. Of course, there is nothing wrong with that.             I have found recently that after completing my last projects. I have been thinking about the other forms of art and exploring how it’s done. I say this because creating art is possible in many forms and with many different materials. I have learned that each type of art takes a special set of talent, skills, and understanding. You can’t create the same perspectives and depth into a piece that is made from wood verses being painted onto a canvas. They, however, are special and amazing in their own way. There is a decent lear...

     As I wrote in the blog entitled “is it an oops?” I talked about different wood stains and how much of a learning curve there was. I also talked about how I explored airbrush painting in the blog “something missing.” I must admit that choosing colors and figuring out “what matches,” I have never been good at it, nor really been interested in figuring it out. I tend to like simple colors and themes.             When I concluded to “redo” the paint of a project I was honestly nervous. Considering the question “what will make it look better?”   I started sanding, and more sanding which can seem never ending. I initially did not think I would be able to remove the glass and epoxy inlay. Guess it had other plans because it came out relativity easy. In the rest process it came obvious crazy fast that it would be incredibly difficult to take the entire project back to raw wood. Especially considering all the small...

  The craftsman sits at the desk drawing out an idea. Enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and some fun music. The idea is drawn and its time to start the work. The craftsman has a big decision to make. The decision of where to start and what is the overall look. Is the final goal to have “a perfect piece of art,” or “is it to have character and elegance of imperfection.” The craftsman chooses the more important choice, to enjoy the work and see what happens. Each project has its own way of speaking and changing as it comes to life.             The craftsman starts to by laying out the background depth concluding a flat background wasn’t a good fit. Waves of elegance and character started come to life, showing how things can last a life time. It also shows how taking a simple break from the regular hussle is a good idea. The mins turns into hours as the craftsman's focuses on her work and doesn’t have another care in the world. W...

  I have been trying for the past few days to write a blog called “treasured blueprint.” Writing instructions for how I wood carve and create my different projects. However, I have been completely unsuccessful for many reasons. But ultimately the biggest reason is because “it’s not what my heart wants to say right now.” I have also come to realize that the instructions which I follow and have learned may not work for another. I also realized that I can’t give exact instructions because “I don’t exactly have any.” I could share different techniques, but it is up to the person to see “what works.” Honestly, to really learn a technique you have to be shown. It’s usually easier that way. I could share “how I got that finish look.” Unfortunately, most of the time I don’t know how exactly I got it and don’t know if I could repeat it for the same outcome.             I could try and write how different projects come to me. Honestly,...

  I have created a lot of projects over the years. One of the hardest things that I have had to figure out is “the finishing process.” I mainly finished my projects with wood stain. Stain has limited colors and can be expensive. There are also limitations as with any finish.               With finishing with wood stain, I have learned the type of wood “really does make a difference.” Each wood responds to the stain differently. I have realized even the same kind of wood will not come out the same either. When I stained my first three projects I used three different kinds of stain. I realized the first one was away to dark, ironically the stain was “dark walnut.” I progressed with lighter kinds of stains. I later learned there was a “pre-stain,” which helps get an even color across the work.             With these different projects I realized one thing looking back...

Want to carve a pen out of wood. Yes this is not a unique idea. The normal way is to use a lathe and maybe a drill press, which I dont have. First attempt for drilling a straight hole wasn't very good. Need a better way to hold the piece. Yes, I have a bench clamp however it has its limitations. But I will not let it stop me. I will just go back to the drawing board to figure out a way.  

I used the idea of a chain and built a picture frame collection. I started with a small piece of wood to anchor the top. It was also a good way to gauge the size and space the pictures out. Of course, the burning question was “how to mount the pictures together.” Especially since I wanted them to be free hanging. I also wanted flexibility with how the picture could hang. With vertical or horizontal positioning and possibility to rearrange the pictures.             Carving the top was easy. Building the picture frames took some time. I also had to use the Christmas lie because it was for my mother and “she a snoop.” Plus, for simplicity it was easier to build in their garage.             Everything was going together until it didn’t. Of course, nothing bad, I just had to “adapt on the fly.” When I was laying out the hooks, I didn’t have things lined up. So unfortunately, it ...