Cedar Porch Swings

So we just finished our last group project. And though I enjoyed them all, I am excited to begin the individual projects. This cedar swing was fun. Up next for tonight, a tool box.

 

Cabinet Carcass *updated*

I missed class last week, so I had a lot of catching up to do. My son's 5th birthday was more important to me. I managed to get caught up though, and I have to say, it was as rewarding as it was successful. So far so good. The cabinet carcass, (yep, that's what it is called) is square and straight. Not bad for my first one, and I only stayed 20 minutes longer than the folks that made it to class last week. I think I found my calling. I look forward to finishing it. I can't claim to smell very good right now and I feel like I lost a fight with a gorilla, but a shower and some sleep is all I need.

 

Toe kick and base added

 

 

Face added

 

Picnic Tables *updated*

Last night we finished our first group project. It was a late night, full unexpected issues, but we all managed to create beautiful picnic tables. Unfortunately, I only got one shot of the table before we put them away. This is a shot taken about 20 minutes before it was completed. It kind of felt like we were operating on large wooden animals.

A few more pictures in slightly better light.

Second night of class

So... my second night of class was great. This time around I met my instructor for Cabinet Making 1. She was just as pleasant as my other teacher, and like him, she has been teaching a long time. It says a lot about a person when they do something the love for so long.

First night of class

So tonight was my first exposure to my Intro into Woodworking class and I couldn't be more pleased. My teacher is hilarious, thoughtful, and you can tell that he thoroughly enjoys teaching. My classmates for the most part, all seem as equally as interesting. I honestly hope so. Usually, as a personal game for myself, I'll create back stories for a few of them and see how close I am on the last day of class. Below is my laboratory.

Thank you to the trees

First of all, I would like to thank the trees. Since even before we peered above the tall grasses and took our first upright steps, trees have given us so much. Things like: shelter, fire, food, clean air, inspiration, and of course the ability to create the tools we imagined and needed to enjoy our short lives.
Recently, I had a dream that I could suddenly hear the trees talking. Oh the things they said... From what I gathered, they hated us. After realizing that I could hear them, one old tree took an interest in me. It told me that things hadn't always been this way. Below is a small part of our conversation.

"Long ago, when your people climbed down from our loving arms to the ground below things were good. We loved you. And even when you walked your first elevated steps, things were good and we loved you. We felt proud that we could help you and enjoyed watching your little minds grow and learn. And things were good and we loved you. Even when you first cut us down to burn our bodies to warm yourselves in the cold or to make a shelter, a tool or a weapon, things were good. Eventually, you came to respect us, and you honored our fallen. You immortalized them in functionally beautiful pieces of art or furniture. But now, now you waste us. You make us into useless garbage, poison us, and tear us down to make room for a strip mall. Just so your environment doesn't look too different from the others like you. Instant satisfaction, cheaply made crap, and a detachment from where the things come from that you place temporary value upon rule the day...."
The old tree didn't hold back, and It was right. We, as a species, lack empathy and the basic understanding of effort. The pride associated with craft is lost on us. It doesn't sit well in our sterilized and spoiled lives. I didn't say much to the old tree. I think I blurted, "My bad..." or something like that.
We should all be thankful for trees. I am not saying that you should go out and hug one. Just start out with a simple "hello" or a "thank you."