Many woodworkers are technically skilled and able to create an item exactly as detailed in a plan. Some lack the willingness to take risks and push the boundaries. Technical skills are important, but they only get you so far. Creativity and problem solving are key skills for anyone making original work. For me, design is … Continue reading Roll With It
I'm beginning to catch up on posting some recently-completed projects which are now posted in my Store. The wood for these two cribbage boards is from a local apple tree. While I cannot guarantee one of these spectacular boards will improve your game, it may be enough to distract your opponent so that you can … Continue reading New Apple Cribbage Boards
While preparing for my presentation at PechaKucha Night (which is tomorrow, doors at 6:30, show at 7:30 pm, tickets $12 at the door) I found some new quotes which I have added to my page titled Quotables. Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep. - Scott Adams Out … Continue reading New Quote Added to “Quotables”
By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail. - Benjamin Franklin Preparing is not the same as planning. I think of planning as forethought specific to a task or project, such as creating detailed drawings, cut lists, or mock-ups. I would also include organizing construction steps in a logical sequence, which is often the extent … Continue reading On Preparation
While in Phoenix, Arizona, I visited Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home, Taliesin West. Tours of the property are offered daily and the grounds also serve as a school for the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture. At the school, the philosophy is simply: Learn by doing. Find this quote, along with many other interesting quotes … Continue reading New Quote Added to “Quotables”
I am reading Wharton Escherick: The Journey of a Creative Mind, written by Mansfield Bascom. It's a fascinating book, exploring Wharton's background and how he evolved as an artist. This quote, from page 232, speaks to the difficulty of making sculptural furniture. Almost yearly, some furniture manufacturer would seek a design that could be mass-produced, … Continue reading New Quote Added to “Quotables”
I am reading David Savage's book, Furniture With Soul: Master Woodworkers and Their Craft. It's a very interesting read full of insights and pictures and I would certainly recommend it to anyone passionate about woodworking, especially someone who likes to push the boundaries. This quote comes from page 220. The techniques are a starting place, … Continue reading New Quote Added to “Quotables”
I hope that you are enjoying watching my progress as I create the Maple Trestle Table, working out the design on the fly (maybe you're even following me live on Twitter). It is a very involved build and provides plenty of challenges. For your benefit I try to document my progress as authentically as possible, … Continue reading New Quote Added to “Quotables”
To do easily what is difficult for others is the mark of talent. To do what is impossible for talent is the mark of genius. - Henri Amiel Find this quote, along with many other interesting quotes on the page titled Quotables.
My friend Charles showed me this video about Ron Fuller who makes wooden toys and automata. His products are fun, but not particularly inspiring to me. However, I love his life philosophy. I've also added it to my list of Quotables. My philosophy of life, really, is to be able to do exactly what you want … Continue reading New Quote Added to “Quotables”
