Today is the first day of September. For many, that means school is starting soon; for me, that means a new season of seminars is here. In the fall season of seminars (September to November), I am leading six seminars at the Coquitlam Lee Valley store. Things get going quickly for me, as I'm scheduled … Continue reading Fall Season of Seminars at Lee Valley
Flair Woodworks on YouTube
Although I have always preferred writing over creating videos as a means of communication, my comfort level in front of a camera has increased, and with it, my output of videos. I've posted them on my YouTube channel, but as long as you're subscribed to this blog you won't miss any and, as a matter … Continue reading Flair Woodworks on YouTube
Overflow, Part XIV
The Sander Sitter is essentially a round crepe pad in a tray, mounted on bearings. The idea is that you set your random orbit sander down in the tray while it is running or spinning down and the crepe cleans the abrasive disc. I no longer own a 5" sander, so I'm giving it away. … Continue reading Overflow, Part XIV
I’m on TV!
Tri-Cities Community Television covered the Celebration of Wood show last month and I appeared on screen briefly around the 4:43 mark. The video segment is on YouTube and can also be seen on ShawTV, channel 4 in Vancouver. (Duration - 7:09) Yes, I'm still waiting anxiously to get the footage from my PechaKucha presentation.
Quality is Contagious: John Economaki and Bridge City Tool Works
All photos in this post are courtesy of Neil Clemmons. Last week, I took a 9 hour train ride south to Portland, Oregon for the opening of Quality is Contagious: John Economaki and Bridge City Tool Works, an exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Craft. An estimated 300 people were in attendance that night. The exhibit featured … Continue reading Quality is Contagious: John Economaki and Bridge City Tool Works
Possibilities Inspire Me
One of my greatest inspirations is the idea of improvement. I am not content simply reproducing existing designs - I always like to try new things and new ideas. Man seems to be a problem-seeking as well as a problem-solving animal. We are programmed to change, develop, and meet new challenges until we die. Anthony … Continue reading Possibilities Inspire Me
Purpose Helps Define a Design
Recently, I have been thinking a lot about chair designs. Last week, I wrote about my wishes for a modern chaise longue sofa and that got me thinking about why I liked that particular form. I decided that it was partly due to my admiration of the elegant form, and my appreciation of the function. … Continue reading Purpose Helps Define a Design
Is there Such a Thing as a Contemporary Chaise Longue?
Before delving into the topic of this article, I felt the need to comment on a couple of things: the original spelling was "chaise longue", which meant "long chair" in French. Here in Canada (and in other parts of the world too, I suspect), I have sometimes seen it written "chaise lounge"; and I have … Continue reading Is there Such a Thing as a Contemporary Chaise Longue?
Qualities of Creative Leaders
Being a self-employed artist definitely has its benefits but it's not for everybody. David Ogilvy, the "Father of Advertising", came up with this list of what he thinks makes a good creative leader. Qualities of Creative Leaders High standards of personal ethics. Big people, without pettiness. Guts under pressure, resilience in defeat. Brilliant brains — … Continue reading Qualities of Creative Leaders
Can We Be Replaced?
Is Technology a Threat? As technology improves and machinery becomes more affordable, many people feel threatened - they fear that they are being replaced and will one day be unnecessary. In the world of woodworking, the machine of primary threat is the CNC router. What is a CNC Machine, Really? I do not feel threatened. … Continue reading Can We Be Replaced?
