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My Journey As A Creative Designer - Woodworking and Beyond

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7M views 13K replies 477 participants last post by  teaklight12 
#1 ·
Beginning this Blog

I recently was referred to this site by Steve Good, who has a wonderful, comprehensive scroll saw forum and blog page. Although I have been doing woodworking for almost fifteen years, I have finally reached a point in my life where I am able to make it the main focus of my activities. Since my life revolves around my woodworking and business, I believe that this blog will reflect that very clearly, although it will also be somewhat personal. But I think that woodworking is very personal anyway.

It has been a long journey to get to this point. There have been many good times and some not-so-good ones, but I appreciate every single step because I think that if even one thing was different, I would not be where I am today or who I am inside. It isn't only the positive events in our lives that make us what we are. Many times it is the negative things that mold and shape us and teach us to look at things in a certain way. I try to remember that when things are tough and move ahead.

I have learned that there is only one thing we can be certain of in life: change. Whether things are good or bad, we need to hold on and appreciate the moment, as we can be certain that things will be different before long. This helps us to not only appreciate the good days and things we have now, but also hang on when things are not so good, as we know that they will be different soon. I like this philosophy.

I liked reading about the new contest offered by this site in the newsletter. Fluidity. It is a perfect theme for projects because our existence itself is fluid. I am anxious to see what interpretations are going to be, as I am sure everyone else is. It will be an adventure for all of us for sure.

So why am I starting this blog? The other day I received a call from a customer who had a question for me. He kept saying how surprised he was that I answered my own phone. I have worked as a Contributing Editor for Creative Woodworks and Crafts Magazine for the past 13+ years and I guess in the scroll saw community, many people have heard of me. It seemed so odd to me that he would think I would have a secretary or staff. We kind of laughed about it, but it really got me thinking about his interpretation of my life. We all tend to form opinions of others from very limited information. We see the outside of a person as they are presented to us and many times are very quick to categorize that person in our minds. I do it myself.

But in my years of talking with and dealing with many people from many different places, I have come to realize that people are like icebergs. We only see the tip of them and below the surface is a vast, complex side of them that is the basis of their actions and thinking.

Everyone has a story. Everyone has traveled a journey. No two people have traveled identical paths. Thus, we are all unique in our thoughts, actions and creative processes. I enjoy hearing others stories. I think that listening to others and hearing their experiences helps us to understand each other. With that understanding, we learn.

I have used the phrase "Knowledge Is Power" in my signature since I have been on the web. Once someone told me that they thought it was quite arrogant of me to say that. He thought that I was implying that I knew more than anyone else and he found that offensive. I told him he couldn't be more wrong. My interpretation of the phrase is that our QUEST for knowledge EMPOWERS us to make better decisions about things in our lives. We are never finished learning. I learn every single day from my friends, colleagues, fellow woodworkers and students. We never know when we will learn something new. Sometimes you can learn from even a seemingly insignificant event. I feel the key is that we need to be open to learning.

Everyone has a story.

So I will close today with those thoughts. I don't know how often I will post here, but I hope to make it a habit. I don't know if anyone will even read this, but somehow it doesn't matter. Writing is a key in self-awareness. By writing things down we categorize our actions and it helps (me anyway) to keep my life organized. Organization leads to peace as far as I am concerned.

I am quite overwhelmed with the scope of the site here. I am still getting my footings and lurking around. I think for the first several days or maybe even weeks I will be more of a passive observer while I find my comfortable position among the others here. I want to upload the new things I am working on here. Like everyone else, I am anxious to see the response they get. I love seeing others projects and could spend my days just looking.

Although it is quite intimidating, the forum looks like it is full of friendly, knowledgeable and wonderfully creative people.

I think I am going to like it here.
 
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#2 ·
What a great post! Welcome to the LumberJocks community…I look forward to reading more about your woodworking journey. I couldn't agree more with what you said about not changing anything in your past, although sometimes I do speculate about my own, "what if?" moments.
 
#4 ·
Sheila,

Welcome and hope you become a regular. There is some good scroll work presented at this site and some impressive Intarsia.

Inlay is a current popular theme on LJ right now. Maybe you could add some insights to a merger between scroll and inlay.

Steve.

BTW - Does Steve Good ever sleep? For a one person blog he is into everything.
 
#6 ·
What a pleasure it is to have you as a part of our community, Welcome to LJ's….... and as said before, it truly is Addictive

Look forward to seeing more posts from you!
 
#9 ·
Hey Sheila, that was a great post! I can identify with so much of what you said. Wish I can express myself like that! At least I make good sawdust! Greetings to you from the bottom end of Africa and look forward to more postings.
 
#10 ·
I just bought my first "real" scrollsaw. It won't be arriving until the end of the month so I have decided to spend the next two weeks learning all I can on the subject. You're one of the experts here on LJ and I figure that If I can absorb 120 posts a day I can be caught up on your blog before the saw arrives!
 
#11 ·
LOL JOE! When I saw someone commented on post #1 I was curious as to why someone would go back so far. Heck - I don't remember that far back! Thank you for your ambitious following! I hope you find some good and useful information. :)

Take care, Sheila
 
#12 ·
The maple dresser tray

First of all, I want to thank you for all your positive responses. I was able to look at some of the work and it was so impressive! I am trying to put faces with comments and projects so I can get to know everyone well, but as my brain gets older, it somehow takes me longer to associate one with the other. I get so embarrassed when I don't remember someone. But there has been a lot of water under this bridge and after not traveling and living in the same place for the first thirty something years of my life, it seems that the last twenty years were filled with the adventures of three lifetimes.

I had a customer contact me last week who saw me from either Facebook or Steve's forum and asked me if I remembered him because he made the gymnast pattern for me. I truly tried, but I honestly couldn't remember who he was or associate him with any project. Did that ever happen to you?

First of all, I used to do gymnastics as a teen and I never remember anything about either making or seeing any type of gymnast pattern. Secondly, I have been doing my own designs from the get-go and I can't remember ever asking anyone to make a design for me. I am just not that kind of girl. I would have at least attempted to do it for myself if the need were there and I think I would have certainly remembered how I would have theoretically struggled to accomplish such a task. I am not one to ask for help when I know darn well I am capable of doing it myself.

Now I know I am approaching the half-century mark in my life and my memory isn't what is used to be (we all say that - but was our memory ever THAT good in the first place?) but for the life of me there isn't even a dim recollection of any sorts of this. It took up way too much of my thinking process for the day trying to remember, so after a while, I did what most humans would do: I convinced myself that he had me mixed up with someone else and that in reality, HE was the one that was mistaken! Now, of course I didn't call him on this. I politely told him that I didn't really remember specifically but I did have a vague recollection of the pattern. By saying this, I would not only save face and not look like an idiot to him, but I was also hoping he would elaborate on "my" design and pony up some additional information so that my brain cells would reconnect and I would be able to remember.

But alas, it wasn't to be.

So I sit here, still in the dark, wondering if that gymnast pattern I designed for him wasn't the greatest pattern ever made by a designer since scroll saws were invented. Of course it was! Silly me, I just forgot about it. I just came so easy to me that it got lost in the sea of patterns that I have made over the past years and filed under the 'all in a day's work' category. So (I convinced myself) if I could make THAT GOOD of a pattern and not even remember it, just think of the wonderful things I can make now! Boy, it was like lighting a match to a rocket. It sure is strange where we find our inspiration from, isn't it? Hey, whatever works for you. :)

And now back to reality . . . .

I had a good day yesterday. I had been working on a design for a couple of days for a small tray to set on your dresser to throw your keys and loose change in. I wanted to do some classic fretwork, and came up with this design that to me resembled Batten burg lace. I drew it a couple of days ago, but I had the task of writing instructions for the six or so new projects that I had finished in the previous weeks. (Writing instructions ranks just above doing the accounting in the list of things I need to do regularly for my business - and that is probably at the bottom of the list). This design looked good on paper, and I couldn't wait to cut it out and watch it come to life. So on Wednesday, I started cutting it.

I was right in the middle of sawing when 'zap' the electricity went out. It seemed my landlord forgot to tell me she was having the circuits worked on for the day. The scope of having no electricity is very far reaching in my life. I had no computer, no phone, no tv, no music, no stove, no clock and NO SCROLL SAW. For the first hour, I did some house cleaning. After all it was light out and that was OK. But once that was all finished, I paced around here like a tiger in a cage. I tried to read, but most of the magazines I had were about scroll sawing and I had read them before. This only fueled my need to cut. I looked at my half-finished project longingly and I even peeled half of the pattern off where I had already cut, daydreaming on how it would look when finished. Eventually, I did something that I very rarely do in the afternoon - I took a nap. If anything it helped to pass that time of anguish for me, as I am terrible at 'doing nothing'. By about five-thirty they were done, but then my window of opportunity had passed, as I had dinner and other thing to tend to. So I waited to be fresh the following day.

I finished cutting it yesterday. I was glad I waited. If I learned anything in the years I have been doing woodworking it is that you don't do something tedious when you are tired if you don't have to. So far, my cutting was pretty good on this and I didn't want to blow it now. So as difficult as it was, I waited until I was fresh the next day to finish. Sometimes we have to be mature about these things for the greater good of the project.

I finished about 1pm in the afternoon and I was really pleased with the pattern. I had bevel cut the center of the circle so that the bottom of the 'tray' would push through a bit and the scroll sawn rim would sit up a little. Before I did the inside fret cuts, I routed both the inside edge and the outside edge with a round over bit to soften the shape. The resulting edges are very delicate looking and flow very nicely. I am very pleased.

I was fighting with whether or not I should put some kind of design in the center, but as soon as I peeled off the entire pattern, I was also glad I didn't. Sometimes simple is the best. The wood I chose for this tray was a piece of bird's eye maple and I felt the wood itself should be the focus.

In the old days, I would have pulled out the can of poly urethane and sprayed away and called it a day. The project would have been quite pretty, and adequately finished. But after looking at the portfolios of others both here and on my Facebook and other list, I realize that there are much higher levels that can be reached. (Remember I said I wanted to fit in?) So I sat down and put on a couple of shows and began hand-sanding. First with 120 grit to get the remaining planer marks off the surface, then to 220 grit (wow, this really looking nice!) Then I went to 320 grit and you could begin to see the 'shine' and layers of grain through the wood. It almost had curly undertones and they almost looked metallic. Finally, I got out the 600 grit paper and gave it a good polish. It was beautiful!

I decided somewhere in the process that I would use mineral oil to finish it. I had used that once on a walnut cracker basket and after several days of coating and re-coating, it sits there on my counter with the beautiful warm luster of the walnut glowing. I made that basket almost two years ago, and even though I realize it will be due for a touch-up soon, it still has that warm, beautiful glow.

So mineral oil it was. I applied a healthy coat using an 1/2" paint brush inside the fret cuts. This, of course absorbed like a sponge and I realize that I will not be able to buff it, so I gave it as much as it would take. I then used a soft cloth to work the oil into the surface, taking my time and really pushing it into the pores. After two coats like this, I dipped a small clean piece of 600 grit paper into the oil and wet sanded the oil into the pores. All in all I spent about 2-3 hours. It was a labor of love however, and the results is just what this piece of maple deserves. It has a warm, rich, satiny glow and the grain is beautiful. Although it is one of the simpler pieces I made, I am very, very proud of it.

I think I am going to finish it off with some paste wax, but I need to see what is available here in my area. I haven't really used that as a final finish before so it is new territory for me. Any suggestions would be helpful. :)

I am going to try to attach pictures to the post, but if it doesn't work, I will put them in my profile pictures. It was rainy yesterday and I had very little natural light to photograph it, but I will try again today, even though it is overcast. As always, the pictures just don't do it justice.

Thank you all for the inspiration. After seeing so much beautiful work done by everyone, I want to climb to a higher level. I hope you like the dish.

Sheila

!(Maple Dresser Tray)!
 
#21 ·
To submit or not to submit

It certainly is a beautiful morning here in Nova Scotia. The sun is shining and everything is quiet except the sound of the birds in the distance. The past several days have started out foggy and overcast, as many do being so close to the ocean. Usually by mid-morning things clear up and the sun burns off the fog.

The ocean stays pretty cold in these parts. I have only actually went for a swim in the ocean once in my six years of being here (if you could call it that - I got as far as my tummy and had to get out). We were in a place called Sandy Cove which is on the string of two long islands on the western side of Nova Scotia called Digby Neck and it was August and the water was still freezing cold. Besides the extremely cold temperature of the water, which never gets near a comfortable swimming level, almost all of the coast and beaches here are quite rocky. You have to be careful because the raising and lowering of the tides leaves the rocks with a slippery coating that is quite dangerous to walk on. So in most places wading is out of the question. If you were to safely make it to the water, it is only a matter of seconds before your ankles and feet go numb with cold. No kidding. When I was growing up in Chicago I used to swim until my mother said my lips were blue, but the water here is downright COLD. I guess that is why you never see any tourist commercials that want people to come to Nova Scotia to surf and swim. I never noticed that before.

There are, however a few strips of sandy beaches here and there. Sandy Cove is one of them. I love it because there are never more than a couple of families or groups on the beach at any given time and you can fantasize that it is your own private little paradise. I love the peace I find here in Nova Scotia. It is truly inspiring. When I lived in Digby (a town about 45 minutes up the coast from where I am now) I used to go to a little lighthouse five minutes away called Point Prim. I spent many days up there in the peace and quiet drawing. I would bring a lunch and a blanket and I found a perfect flat rock among the trees and sat in the sun for hours overlooking the ocean and reading or drawing. Occasionally I would see the ferry coming from St. John, New Brunswick and I would know it was time to pack it in for the day. Once in a while I would see seals on the rocks below. No kidding. It wasn't too often, but they were there occasionally and it was quite a thrill when they showed up. Now THERE'S an office!

Yesterday turned out to be a day of doing a lot and seemingly accomplishing little. I guess it depends on what you define 'accomplish' as. Physically, I don't really have anything new to show for the day (oh, but I did make a quick cheese coffee cake if that counts!) I did wind up doing a lot of desk work and correspondence. I tried to look around the forum here and get a good feeling for everything. I loaded up my pictures of the little tray, as many of you have commented on, but I was having trouble figuring out why I don't have a 'gallery'. I think I have it figured out that you need more than one project and then your gallery will be active. Someone pointed that out to me so I am going to try loading another project and see if that does it. I love the graphic effects of the Gallery here. Isn't it incredible? It really presents our projects in a cool way. I also love how you can flip the little pictures and read the information on the back. Way cool! We have a great thing going here!

I sent a picture of my little tray to my Editor for consideration as a project for the magazine. There is always mixed feelings when I do this. There is the part of me that wants to put the best things that I do in the magazine because it is work that I am proud of. Then there is the part of me that wants to offer it on my site right away and show my customers that I am 'on the ball' and still producing good work. If the magazine takes it, I have to forget about it for approximately six to eight months and pretend I didn't do it. When they take an item, they have what is called 'first rights' to it. That means that I can't sell it or anything until the magazine has presented it to the public. After that the rights return to me and the project is mine to do what I want with.

It is difficult to make a decision on something like this sometimes. It is as if you get a brand-new car and you have to keep it in the garage and not drive it for six months. You get to look at it. You know it is there. But you can't take that car out and drive it for six months. (Poopie!) As you all know, when you finish a project that you feel is pretty good, you want to share it with others. I think that is why we are all here. We like to share and learn from each other and it gives us a great sense of pride to be accepted by our peers. It helps to fuel and inspire us to work even harder or do even better the next time. That's human nature. Sometimes by the time something comes out in the magazine, I actually had forgotten about it.

Occasionally my editor will buy the rights outright from me and after publication. The magazine will then be the one to sell the pattern and I will forfeit all rights to it. I get paid a bit up front for this type of deal, but I find that I am not really liking doing business that way. In the recent past, when things were very difficult financially for me, I sold a lot of my designs this way because I couldn't afford to wait the six months or so to be paid for them (we get paid on publication). Now when I see my own stuff in the catalogs under the magazine's name, a little pain goes through my heart. Not only am I not able to claim my own designs as my own, but I am also competing against myself.

Now I was a big girl and I was the one who made the decision to sign off the rights, so I am not blaming anyone but myself. Everything was done fairly and I agreed to what I agreed to. I would just be lying if I didn't say to you that it hurt just a little, teeny, tiny bit. :) But I look at the glass as 'half full' and I am very, very grateful to the company for purchasing those rights when I needed the money. We gotta do what we gotta do to survive sometimes. I was very fortunate that they wanted the rights at all or who knows what would have happened to me. Things are slowly getting better now though and I am in a better position and hopefully, I won't NEED to sell off rights. I was worried because I kind of set a precedent and for a while there they wanted to buy the rights to most of the new stuff I had. I am the type of girl that has a hard time refusing someone - especially someone who has helped me in the past, but I had to take a stand for myself and the future of my business or I would be forced to quit doing this. I (hopefully) told them -very diplomatically mind you - that at this time I need to reestablish my business and replenish the new patterns for my customers so for the next year or so I really didn't want to sell the rights to anything. It seems simple, yet it was SO HARD for me to actually SAY it! But much to my relief, my editor took it as a good man would and respected my decision and didn't try to make me feel bad or guilty and left the door open for the future. That's why I love the magazine I work for. They class all the way.

All American Crafts (who owns Creative Woodworks and Crafts, as well as about 14 other magazines) has been like a family to me since I met them in 1996. They took a chance on me when I was new and just starting out have been there for me every step of the way. I have been asked why I don't have articles and projects in the other scroll saw magazines and I tell people one thing - Loyalty. Sure, I can make more money if I went to the other magazine too (assuming they would want my projects), but that is AAC's direct competition and it would be like playing both sides of the field for me. Jerry (Cohen - the Publisher and owner of AAC) is a family man and has been like a father to me. Going to help his competition would be like stabbing him in the back, as far as I am concerned. I just can't do it. I would honestly rather give it up than do that. Money isn't everything you know. It is temporary and although I realize it is a necessity to live, I really hate that part of the job. (Spoken like a true starving artist! LOL) Integrity is something you can't put a price on. If everyone guarded their integrity as much as they did their bank account, think about what the world would be like.

Just a thought . . . .

So today I am planning to finish up some instructions and work on my web site. I want to get the new patterns up there this weekend. I also need to finish writing another article for my site and also one I am doing for the magazine. I have a couple of projects to go to them that I want sent out by the beginning of the week, but I need to get my photographs in order and do a final on the instructions. I also want to get drawing again as my head is about to explode with the many ideas I have. That's a great place to be for a designer, so I am not complaining. I have a list of things 'to draw' and every time I knock one thing off, I add on another three. I guess I am not going anywhere for a while.

I think I need to get a piece of that coffee cake! :)
 
#22 ·
Sheila,

Thanks for the information on how the magazine publication world works. It makes sense the way you laid it out. I can only imagine the powerless feeling waiting while the magazine finds a publicatin window and then set you free to continue it on your website.

Steve.
 
#27 ·
The best laid plans . . .

How come if I get up at 7am it feels like I am late? And on a Sunday to boot! I have a long list of things to accomplish today and it will be amazing if I make it to the end.

I used to kid around with my children when they were young and tell them "If you achieve your goals, you are setting them too low". (Yes, I know. I was making them candidates for therapy!) They knew I was teasing them. Kinda/sorta. Unfortunately (or fortunately - depends on how you look at it) how they saw me behave and live my life kind of went with that. I am a very goal orientated person. I came from the type of family where if you accomplished ten things in a given day, they would always be asking what you were doing next. Reading back on that, I realize it looks harsh, but I honestly don't feel resentment or anger about that. If you read my previous posts, you'll remember that I look at things that happened to us in the past as building blocks to what we are today and I am comfortable with that, so it is OK.

As a parent of two, I realize that it is very difficult to teach kids the right way sometimes. After all, children aren't puppies. They don't mindlessly respond to the commends we bestow upon them with their reward being a treat or a pat on the head. They are complex, miniature human beings that question and challenge just about our every move. Ask any parent who has a teenager. I feel that children learn by example more than anything. They tend to emulate others around them. I think this goes back to the 'fitting in' philosophy of how as humans we have the need to fit in. If they don't find someone to emulate at home, they search for them at school or through their friends.

Teaching by example is a tall order. If we were perfect, it sure would make it a heck of a lot easier, but we aren't. We tend to lean on a 'do as I say and not as I do' policy. I notice this many times when watching woodworking videos. Lots of these guys (sorry - I haven't seen any instructional videos by women yet. Hey! There's an idea!) tell you to use safety glasses and ear protection. Then they go on to demonstrate the tools without it. Some justify their actions with saying something like "well, for demonstration purposes, we won't use them" and I guess in their mind it absolves them of their responsibility. I recently saw this in a video of a high school teacher introducing the scroll saw to students. He then went on to cut without either the glasses or ear protection. It gave the kids a real mixed message I think.

Now I really don't want to get into the discussion of safety right now. That alone will fill up a book. I am sure that I am eligible for woodworker's prison myself for not wearing all my safety gear. I recently saw a video by I believe, Stevinmarin that was great on safety. Besides being really entertaining and funny, it made lots of good points and in conclusion said that safety was our own personal responsibility. I liked that a lot. We need to take more responsibility for ourselves.

In any case, I guess I get up early because I can't wait to start my day. There is so much in front of me, I guess some would find it overwhelming, but I find it exhilarating. I have enjoyed these few days of writing this blog because it helps me to map out my day and also organize my thoughts. I have also met some new friends through these pages and had the opportunity to see your work and read about you. I have received many messages about this page and also my project, and I appreciate your helpful comments and suggestions and thank you for taking the time to both read it and message me. With working alone, it is wonderful to have feedback from fellow woodworkers whom I admire and respect. Although I haven't written each of you in response, I want you to know I am grateful for your input.

Yesterday I started off with wanted to finish the things that have to go to my editor next week. I had a couple of projects to write instructions for and I need to get the pictures for them in order and hopefully mail the box out early in the week. Then I was thinking . . . I had sent him the picture of the dresser tray for his consideration on Friday and I was waiting to hear from him on that. If he took it, I should just include it in the box of things that are going to him anyway. So maybe I would do something else . . . .

I had recently made a series of patterns which I called "See Creatures". See Creatures are wooden replicas of animal heads, sitting on a base, in which you use as an eyeglass holder. They are silly and fun and have been pretty popular. I made my samples of MDF because I also offered simple, yet colorful painting with the instruction. (My other passion is decorative painting and I have in the past couple of years, taken to doing my own original wildlife paintings - in my spare time). I taught some decorative painting for many years, which is what originally brought me to Nova Scotia, and one of the goals in my early days as a woodworking designer was to 'teach woodworkers to paint'.

Now I can almost hear the groans from many of you as I sit here and write. Why would anyone want to paint over beautiful wood?? Yes, I know. Over the almost fifteen years I have been doing this, I came to the realization that the two things are separate for a reason. Woodworkers don't want/like to paint as a general rule. So what the heck was I thinking when I made this See Creature design and put paint on it? I think I regressed to someone from ten years ago who was idealistic and had great dreams of woodworking and painting to unite in beautiful harmony. OK, OK. . . .we all make some mistakes.

So yesterday, I was sitting there and saw this current issue of Creative Woodworks on the table which had two of my darling See Creatures on the cover and I thought to myself "why don't I make them in hardwood to show my customer that it can be done that way?". Now, I don't for a minute claim that to be my own original idea. To be honest, I had seen it done by someone who had the magazine and pattern and also it was suggested by a woodworking friend who hates to paint. But I never presented it in that way.

Did you ever hear the saying "You can't see the trees through the forest"? Well, there I was, looking at the forest of painted trees and apparently I didn't see one tree that wasn't painted. And then all of a sudden, there it was! One little unpainted tree among the thousands of painted trees and the lights got brighter and the idea was born! Well, this was just amazing to me! I forgot all else I had to do and in what seemed not time at all, collected and cut out two new See Creatures 'au natural'. It rained yesterday, but I did the routing in between storms because I have to do my routing outside. I still have to sand and finish these two and should be able to show them here soon, but even in their rough state, they are just as darling and funny and cute as the painted ones! For the moose, I used mahogany for the head and ears and walnut for the antlers. I also made a white tail deer out of oak and again used walnut for the antler. It was a great way to use up the small pieces of wood that I was saving for who knows what and the cutting was so simple and fast, I finished within a couple of hours. I need to sand them today and finish them off, but I felt great that I did something completely unexpected AND productive - and it was only 3:30 in the afternoon when I was done!

After that, I decided that the dresser tray needed a companion piece to make a nice pattern packet. I realize it was pretty nice on its own, but in selling a packet, I like to give as much as I can. So I played on the computer a few hours and came up with an oval frame to match. The frame can either be recessed like the dresser tray and I will have a pretty scroll design in the center - not too busy, just a butterfly or flower or something like that. I will decide today - or I will show how to route it so that you can place your own picture in it. It will make a wonderful set. I immediately laid out the wood and began cutting and finished cutting the frame at approximately 10:30 last night. Now I have the finishing and sanding to do on it, as I did on the tray, and I also need to cut the motif in the center. I am also thinking of making a kind of easel so that you can stand the frame on the dresser next to the tray. It will make a beautiful little vignette I think. I can't wait to see the results.

So that's whats on the agenda for me today. (besides the other stuff that I didn't do yesterday for the magazine!) I guess I have a full plate! I also have to leave some time to look around here and read and answer posts on my other list and on Facebook so I can see what all my friends are up to. It is a good thing I can type fast anyway!

All in all it is going to be a good day.
 
#29 ·
What's so bad about Monday, anyway?

Well, here we are. Another weekend under our collective tool belts and starting off a new one. I sit here knowing when I check my Facebook account the usual barrage of grumblings and comments about Monday will be waiting there to greet me. It seems everyone has something negative to say about Monday. I fell like asking people "What did Monday ever do to you anyway?"

My friends on Facebook are by now used to my bright and chipper attitude on Monday. I purposely turn it up a notch on Monday and try to find some wise and witty quote or something that will make them smile. I realized early in my Facebook life that being happy or cheerful on Monday is definitely not socially acceptible behavior. It is like putting yourself in front of the firing line. After all, why spread sunshine on a good rain storm? If people want to find comfort in their collective misery, who am I to ruin it for them by being happy?

Oh, well, I guess they are used to me by now. If they really didn't like my bright and cheerful peepings every Monday, they know where the 'block' button is and how to use it. Actually, it forces me to look harder to think of something clever to post on my status. The more response the better. I think it is good to shake things up a little bit and I think that they have come to expect it of me. I like to get their brains thinking and moving and think that maybe - just maybe - I provoke a little fun.

I have received responses which range anywhere from asking me if I was on drugs to downright angry at me for because I dare to like Monday and am happy ("What are YOU so happy about anyway!") I usually respond with - "Whats NOT to be happy about?"

I have always looked at Mondays as a fresh start. A new week. A new beginning. When I worked in the corporate world, Monday would be the first day back after two days of rest and fun and time to refresh ourselves and remember what we are working for. It made the job make more sense to me.

When my kids were young and I had assigned certain chores to them, or they would have to do something to earn their allowance or extra spending money, they would sometimes grumble and moan and ask me "Why do I have to do that, Mom?". My favorite response to them was "That's why they call it 'work' - because no one would do it for free". I wanted them to grow up with the attitude that we ALL have to work for the things we want. Very few are privileged to have everything handed to them just because they exist. I think that working for something tends to make us appreciate it more also, but what's new with that way of thinking?

I actually feel a bit guilty because I like my job so much. It is hard to see my friends and people I care about have to go and do something they don't like to do five days a week. But everything in life is a bit of a compromise, isn't it? Lately the financial pay off hasn't been that great. Anyone who owns their own business can probably relate to that. It takes a lot of true love and dedication for what you are doing to work your own business. I see people who have been in the furniture and various woodworking businesses for 20 years or more and all I can think to myself is 'There is someone who is happy and doesn't hate Mondays!'.

My partner sometime tells me that if I got paid by the hour, I would probably be making about twelve cents. Although I know he is exaggerating, he is probably not too far off some weeks. But you know what? I don't care. I learned to live with less because it is more important for me to get up every morning and like my life than be surround by 'things' and hate my job and life five days out of seven. I am serious. As a designer, I have had my good years and my lean years. I really have little security when I get older, and I guess to be responsible I need to start thinking about that soon, but I honestly can't see another way of life for me.

Fortunately there are several different directions that this job can take me. I love to teach, and in the past have taught both woodworking and decorative painting. (Now finding people who want to learn and pay to learn, that is another story, but hey, there are some if you look hard enough.) I could also move back to the city and hopefully, my field experience will help me find a job of doing graphics or writing somewhere. My computer skills are pretty good and even though I don't have the diploma to show it, I have been doing what I do for almost fifteen years so that may count for something. In any case, I hope I don't have to think in that direction. I am hopeful that things will get better and the economy will recover and skilled trade people like many of the people will once again be in great demand when people get tired of the cheaply made furniture and stuff that is out there now. But for now, I will just keep doing what I am doing and be happy. :)

I got a lot done yesterday - much further down my list than I anticipated. I finished two of my See Creatures eyeglass holders 'au natural' that I left a natural finish instead of painted. I did a Mahogany moose with Walnut antlers and an Oak white tail deer (although you can't see his tail) also with Walnut antlers. They are just variations on patterns that I had available that have painted versions of now 12 different animal eyeglass holders. Especially after looking around here, I realized more than ever that many woodworkers disliked painting. By not showing both versions of these designs, I feel it may have hurt the sales of the patterns because many people need to be shown the variations of a pattern in order to think in another direction. I noticed this with my painting group that I used to belong to. Some of the girls we so frightened to deviate from the pattern even a little bit that they would never think of it. I also receive letters and emails from customers asking my permission to do something differently on my pattern. I really have trouble understanding this. Of course you can change it! It's YOUR pattern you bought! I think people are so copyright-paranoid they think I will hire a lawyer if they paint the eyes blue instead of green on something! You know I am exaggerating, but not by much I am afraid. I had one of these calls last week from someone who changed the top of a box I designed and wanted to sell it at a fair. He called and wrote me an email asking my permission to do so. I appreciate the respect he gave me in doing so, but I can't help but feel how all these lawsuits have robbed people of their creativity in instances like this. It's scary.

I also finished drawing the center design for the frame that matches the dresser tray that I showed here earlier last week. I have the frame cut out, and I can't wait to cut the inside today and do the sanding and finishing on it. I also want to make an easel for the frame to stand on so it can be displayed next to the matching tray. It will look cool like that, I think.

I didn't get to the stuff for the magazine yet (Shhhh! Don't tell!), but I will be finishing up that as I go along. It should still get out this week and they are probably knee-deep working on the Holiday issue. That is their big issue and our stuff was due to them a couple of weeks ago. I am waiting to hear from my editor on if they want the tray or not, so I guess it gives me an excuse to do other things in the mean time. I have to get the new stuff up on my site, too. I have about ten new patterns that need to be posted there. And I am donating a pattern to SAW (Scrollsaw Association of the World) for their next newsletter. I had asked the editor in February when the stuff was due and the first email I received from him in replay was this past FRIDAY saying it was due this week! (SHEESH! Nothing like giving a girl some time!) Oh well, I am driven by deadlines and it makes me push a bit harder. :)

So with that said, I had better get to it. I will be posting the new See Creatures on my project page soon. I really think they came out cool. I finished them (again) in mineral oil. I think I am becoming a mineral oil junkie! I love how it looks and the ease of application and lack of smell. I will again put paste wax over them in a couple of days after a couple more coats.

There's a lot of fun to be had today! Aren't Monday's great?
 
#33 ·
Self-Framing Picture Frame Finished

Yesterday turned out to be a pretty productive day. Among other things, I finished cutting my matching self-framing picture frame, which will be the companion piece to the dresser tray I designed last week. In designing this pattern, I was fighting with whether I should or should not do additional scroll work in the center of the tray. To me it seemed that it was interesting enough on its own. I wanted the scroll work border to be the highlight of the piece, along with the beautiful character of the bird's eye maple. I think I accomplished this with the tray, but it just didn't seem like enough to offer in a pattern packet. I like to give a couple of versions of things, or at least make the designs versatile enough so that people can adapt it to their own need and change it to what suits them. I guess that is the teacher living within me. I always seem to want people to push themselves just a little to a higher lever. I believe that success feeds confidence and also inspires one to go just one step further. I have witnessed this many times when teaching and it is an incredible feeling to watch someone realize their own potential.

So many times when I taught decorative painting, my students would come into class and say 'I could never do that!" as they look at the final piece. I found the best way to teach was by breaking the process down into baby steps that people can understand and grasp and didn't find it so intimidating. I would usually paint the design in stages, and drop off a stage after each step, resulting in sometimes five to ten separate stages of the design that I would present to them one at a time.

"Do you think you can do this?" I would ask as I showed the first step of blocking in the base colors. "Well, yes" most of them would usually reply (even the ones with the least self-confidence). Then when they were comfortable with that stage, I would move on to the next "Well, now do you think you can do this?" and if they said "no" at a given point, I would demonstrate and ask what part of the process they felt unsure of and we would make sure that they felt at least reasonably confident before proceeding to the next step.

The interesting thing I found was that even as the steps may have become progressively more difficult as we continued, the confidence that the student or students felt from accomplishing the prior steps seemed to drive these students to move ahead with a new sense of pride and self-assurance. It was as if they fed on the success of the previous steps and it was as if a fog lifted and they went from being afraid and intimidated, to being eager and accomplished. I loved seeing that! I think attitude is far underrated. We follow where we focus. If we focus on what we CAN do and accomplish, it will far outweigh our shortcomings.

This is my favorite way to teach. I have a painting on my site called "The Cheetah" which I feel is one of my best painting accomplishments. I was happy that when I painted it, I had the foresight to take progressive pictures of it and I have a series of them there to show it being 'born'. I have received many, many 'How did you do that''s about that picture and when I direct people to those pictures they can see that it isn't magic. It is by organized steps and thinking. We need to look at the parts, not at the whole.

I was looking at Charles Neil's Lowboy blog yesterday and thought "Holy Moley!" Now there's a process! In reading at the time and care of each step, it seems quite overwhelming to me. But the way Charles explained and document every step of the way, even though I am not a cabinet maker (yet!) I really understood what he was trying to point out. There's a good teacher for you! That's why I like this forum so much. People are willing to share and teach and help just for the sake of helping.

So back to my little picture frame. I took some pictures to share with you so you can see some of the process. Many people who don't use a scroll saw can't fathom its capabilities. To me, again - it isn't magic. It is using the right tool for the job and is really quite easy once you have it down. The blade I used for the inner design on the frame is a 2/0 reverse tooth blade. Now all that means is it is a very small blade, which is needed to make these detailed cuts and the 'reverse' means that the bottom inch or so of teeth are turned in the opposite direction (face up) so that there is minimal tear-out on the bottom of the piece. The last thing you want to do on a delicate design is heavy duty sanding. I use reverse-tooth blades most of the time, just because when I was young my grandmother taught me to embroider and told me that you can tell a good design by the BACK. Somehow I held that thought throughout my life and I make sure that the backs and unseen parts of the things I make are just as finished as the fronts. Nothing is worse than seeing a beautiful piece of furniture or wood or anything and opening a drawer or turning it over to sloppy workmanship. It makes a difference to me.

So following are some pictures that show how simple the process was:

I first used a #2 reverse tooth blade to cut out the frame (80 holes for those who want to know!) The #2 is a little bigger than the 2/0 blade but I feel it is more stable and easy to control in the 1/2" thick maple. I wanted this part of the design to be very precise and didn't want the blade to wander so I use the biggest blade I can for the task at hand


This is a picture of the 2/0 reverse tooth blade. For all you girls and guys who are used to band saw blades and table saw blades, it is a bit different!


Here is a picture of me cutting the design. It really isn't that difficult when you practice a little. Like anything it just takes getting to know your wood and tools. The little blade makes it easy to cut even intricate details.


This was probably the most difficult part of the cutting (or maybe I should say the part that allowed the least amount of error) The curl. The trick here is to cut the inside line of the curl first, as the wood would then be a bit weaker depending on how tight the curve is and the type of wood. Cutting on a scroll saw is a continuous string of decisions of where to cut first. As you are more familiar with the process, you begin making these decisions sub-consciously and it becomes second nature. Just like with other types of woodworking.


A scroll sawing really is just removing pieces of wood, one piece at a time. I had to take a picture of the piece of the curl that was removed to show how thin it is. You don't have to remove the pieces in one step like this, as a matter of fact, usually you divide each section up and remove it in several steps. This came out in one piece however, and I guess I just had to 'show off' a little! It is amazing how strong that thin piece of maple is!


And here you have the finished frame. Total time to cut was about 2-3 hours. I didn't really time myself. I have a DeWalt saw and the blade change is a breeze and I put on some good music and it is so relaxing and fun, it isn't even like work!


I spent the rest of my day sanding and finishing the frame. I still have several coats of mineral oil to apply, but I wanted to take a picture of the completed project before it was too shiny.

As for today, I absolutely, positively am going to work on my stuff for my editor. I got an email from them yesterday and they are still working on the Holiday issue and needed some additional pictures. They took four (yes, FOUR) of my projects for that issue and even though I am not sure if they are using them all in that one magazine, I am pretty darn proud. I have never had four things in one magazine before. I feel fortunate when I have even two! (or even ONE for that matter) I was on a good roll and didn't even show them all of my stuff that I had so that was pretty good, I thought.

I also have to do the thing for SAW today and I am going to donate a painting pattern and instructions to a wood show they are having in Wisconsin this August that I can't attend. They wanted me to teach painting there, but I just can't make it so I am sending the stuff to one of my former students and she will be doing the class. It will be fun and at least I can help in some way and feel like I am part of the show.

So I had better get hopping. I hope everyone makes a lot of sawdust today!
 
#41 ·
Exploring New Territory

"Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow." - Ralph Waldo Emerson.

I read that quote the other day and I liked it so much that I posted it on my Facebook status. I like reading and finding little nuggets of wisdom like that because not only do they make us think a bit deeper, but they also can sometimes inspire us. Emerson is great for that. I also like Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) because he had a knack for stating the obvious. I love his directness.

Sometimes all it takes is a little thought for us to remember things like this. For being such a short phrase, these words are quite powerful.

We all like our comfort zones. We learn to do something, which at first may seem awkward, but for some reason or another we push to finish and in the process we become comfortable with our own abilities and finally we accomplish. There are great feelings associated with accomplishment. Feelings of pride and acceptance and sometimes even importance. I believe that most of us like to stay in these comfort zones and that is why doing something that is so familiar to us gives us so much pleasure. There is little stress and the rewards are pretty good. That is what having a hobby is all about.

But what happens when we do something so many times that it becomes routine or mundane? After the initial exhilaration of discovering something new and exciting that we were able to do, sometimes it can become a bit stale and somehow loses the fun and sparkle. I guess it would depend on how often and how much time we are able to devote to it. If we only get a couple of hours a week in the shop, I would imagine that the anticipation of having the time to create would only add to the fun and satisfaction of the time spent there. For others, who do this for a living, the thrill of doing a certain type of work or project may lose its luster a little faster.

Many times I have had people say to me 'If I had to do this for a living, I would not like it and it would take the fun out of it'. There is one man I know in particular that said it recently. He is a wonderful intarsia artist and makes beautiful pieces. He does have a side business doing that, as he has a 'regular job' besides. His work is well-renown, published, and you would think that is his only source of income. I was surprised when I learned it wasn't. But he works his job daily and his treat to himself is working on his intarsia pieces. For him, it keeps it fresh and there is no pressure and he calls the shots and wouldn't have his life any other way. I admire him and I am happy to see that someone can have such a wonderful outlook on his own life. It really makes me happy to see.

For myself, I enjoy doing woodworking and creating as my business. I never get sick of it. As some of you know, I also paint and it seems to me that if I find myself getting caught up in one aspect of my work or business, there are several other choices I have in which I can switch gears and do something different. And then there is always something new to learn. I guess that is why I like coming here so much. I love to see what everyone else is up to and I learn so much from seeing their interpretations and creativity. It makes me want to stretch farther and get out of my comfort zone and try some new things.

I saw the project in the gallery yesterday called "Nude on Wood: My Wife" by Div where his wife had done a beautiful painting on a pretty piece of wood he had. The painting portrayed a woman in an impressionistic style which reminded me of Monet. It was simple, yet beautiful and I caught myself looking at it for a long time. I do that with wood pieces and projects also. I see some of the projects in the gallery and I find myself gazing at them as they take me to another place. I guess that is what art is all about.

With working for the magazine and as a designer, I live under the 'what have you done for me lately' way of thinking. No matter how popular or well-received a project or pattern is, it will run its course and soon people will be looking for something even better then next time around. I don't consider this a bad thing. It is the nature of the beast and it forces me to not sit on my laurels and get out there and think. It keeps my job fresh and exciting and as rewarding as it was when I was first published. It also helps me reach my potential. (Do we ever reach our full potential? I really don't think so.) I'll rephrase that - it helps me reach a higher level.

I found out yesterday that my editor wants the little dresser tray for the magazine. This was great, but it was a bit of a double-edged sward. I had lots of positive response from the pattern since I presented it this weekend and people wanted the plans as soon as I could write them. However, it will now be under the holding period that I had talked about before and I would not be able to offer it for at least several months. There was one customer in particular that was emailing me for the plans, saying (kiddingly) he would be at my door until I get them done because his wife loves the tray. I have the undesirable task of emailing him today to let him know that I can't provide plans to it until a much later date. I will direct him to the magazine, so he can get them a little sooner, but somehow I don't feel that will be a great consolation to him. I did, however, say when I showed the piece that it was subject to approval by the magazine, so I think I gave a good heads-up to everyone. Somehow I don't think that will help. I really hate disappointing people.

It is a shame that it put a little damper on things. On the very positive side, it will drive me to create more types of similar projects and get me really moving. I am thrilled that my editor feels it is good enough to be featured. It seems that even after all the years of having things published, I never take it for granted and I am relieved and proud and joyful each and every time something is accepted. I try to look for new ideas and combine different woodworking techniques and try to get people interested so that they stretch a little.

I was so pleased to hear from several people - both on the comments and in private emails - that they were going to drag out their old scroll saws and maybe give them a try again after seeing my projects. I also have had several questions regarding scroll sawing which made me see that I have increased awareness in some of an aspect of woodworking that they may not have thought about in a while, or ever. It felt good to answer questions and encourage others to give something new a try. That, my friends, means more then any paycheck to me! If I have inspired even one person, I have done a good job!

With that said, I had better get moving today. I find myself longing for some 'shop time' when I can do some cutting again, but I need to proof read some instructions, do computer work and also some book work for the business today. I also need to do some drawing so I have something to cut. :) That's OK though, it will make that shop time all the sweeter when I get there!

I hope everyone has a great day and tries something new today!
 
#42 ·
This is a well thought out and entertaining blog, Shiela. I've experienced similar things here at LJ's. I only got my old bandsaw out because some work of Patron's I saw inspired me. Now its a regularly used tool again. Box patterns used for cutting boards etc. etc. All things that have happened since fetching up here.

My time in the shop makes doing my day- job seem worthwhile. The former I do for pleasure and because it challenges me and the latter pays for the former. Perfect.
 
#46 ·
Necessity Breeds Invention

It's funny how innovative we can be when we have to. I grew up with modest means and learned early in life not to waste things and to take care of what I have. Things didn't come easy for us so we had to use what we had and make it last. I don't see anything wrong with that. I think it is a good way to think for many reasons.

I had a friend who used to tell people he loved to lend me his tools because when he got them back, they were cleaned and looked like new again. This person had a shop that was every woodworker's nightmare. He was the kind of woodworker that bought tools mainly just to have them. He bought a full Incra Jig set up that I never saw him use once in the seven or so years I was associated with him. He had so many tools, it would make your head spin. He 'worked' out of a 2.5 car garage and you couldn't walk in there. In order to get to the particular tool you wanted, you had to move several other things and wade through - well, crap - to get to it. There wasn't one full set of anything, but several partials of each. Does that sound like anyone you may know? I used to cringe when he worked because I was waiting to call the ambulance because the work environment was such a mess and hazard that I figured it would only be a matter of time before a serious injury would occur. Fortunately that never happened - at least when I knew him.

So back to the story . . . .

As I have stated here, the past several days I have been trying to complete a project for the magazine that had been accepted a couple of weeks ago. It is a frame with a scroll sawn saying in the middle and overlays of little segmentation pieces all around. It is a cute, fun and whimsical project that I hope will generate some interest in doing some segmentation and then intarsia. Each little overlay is a mini-project in itself and not very intimidating. I think it is a great baby step to get someone started.

So one of the reasons I haven't finished and sent it on its way is that I can't seem to find any 'turn buttons' so that I can secure the center picture into the frame. I have been on this quest for about a week so far, and although I realize that I can probably get them mail order, they are worth about ten cents each and I don't feel like spending the base eight dollars or so for shipping them to me.

I first tried around town here at the two local hardware stores. When I didn't see them on the shelf, I inquired about them and got the look from the gentlemen as if I asked for a two-headed dragon. I tried to explain to them that they were the little pieces of metal that held the picture into place on the back with a screw and it swiveled into place, but unfortunately, I got the "she doesn't know what she is talking about - silly woman" look from both of them.

Now I have pretty much gotten over the initial lack of respect that most have for a woman in woodworking (I know you girls know what I am talking about). It really doesn't bother me, and sadly, I have kind of come to expect it. But this second guy kind of got to me. It was probably because of the frustration of not being able to find such a simple piece of hardware, but his attitude didn't help. He even tried to sell me mirror clips (the big clear plastic ones) and said that no one would know if I used these instead. Besides not fitting properly for what I was doing, they would have looked really dorky and stupid. So I did something I rarely do - I played the 'Contributing Editor' card.

He finally asked me "What do you need those for anyway?" and I casually said "Oh, I designed a frame for an article I am doing for the woodworking magazine I work for and need to show them done with the real thing."

Well, that got his attention.

He went on to ask what magazine and I went on answering his questions. I will admit that I laid it on a little thick, saying that I didn't want to show my readers the wrong hardware to use and have them have to rig the frame (which was true), but it was amazing how his attitude toward me changed. Sadly, this happens a lot. When I go into a lumber place or hardware store with any male by my side, they tend to migrate to the male and even when I make it evident that I am the one who needs their services, many still tend to look to him for the answers. Oh well, it is what it is.

So after making a trip to Yarmouth, which is about 45 minutes away and trying the stores there that may possible have the evasive turn buttons, I was still unable to find them. I wanted to finish up the project yesterday and call it a day so I decided that I was going to make my own turn buttons. I used 1/8" Baltic Birch and I even got the idea that I can make this as one of the free downloads on my site for others so they can make their own too, if necessary. After reading Martyn's blog yesterday, I realized that many of us are in rural situations and don't have the means to get things at a moments notice. I'm not living in Chicago anymore! (By the way - yay Hawks!)

So I made up a little mini-tutorial so you can make your own turn buttons on the scroll saw. I made 20 in about 10 minutes, and that was with taking pictures along the way.

First apply pattern to 1/8" plywood. Cut some scrap pieces of a similar size and apply double sided tape to them. Remove the backing on the tape and press the four pieces firmly together.


Select the proper size drill bit for the screw to fit in. In my case, it was 11/64ths. I use a brad point drill bit for the most accuracy.


Drill the holes in the turn buttons. Use a piece of scrap wood underneath so that there is minimal tear-out on the back of the bottom layer.


Use a small scroll saw blade (I used a #2 reverse-tooth) and cut out the pieces. I cut the two end pieces first because I didn't apply the tape from end to end. This left less to remove when finishing cutting.


After separating the pieces and removing the tape, use a countersink bit to drill depressions in each turn button so the screw sits flush. After a quick hand-sanding, you are ready to go!


I guess I didn't take a 'final' picture, but you get the point. These will work fine in a pinch and are yet another reason to dust off your lonely little scroll saw and give it a run.

I know it is a simple process, but I figured all levels of woodworkers are here and I just wanted to show that when you can't find something - just make it! It cost nothing but a few minutes and then you can spend your time on your projects instead of driving all around town looking for something.

I will have pictures of the finished frame up by tomorrow, as I am doing all the final writing and photos today. Until then, happy woodworking!
 
#47 ·
Thats it. I want a scroll saw.

Are there any plans on how to make one? I like making my own tools (see my drum sander blog).

Only joking, on the making one front, but if nothing else they do look a darn useful tool. Now I'm going to have to look away for a bit. For me the cycle usually goes.

1. See a tool I like. Think 'No I don't need that'.
2. See it again in another guise or used in a different way. Think 'No I can't afford that'.
3. See it again. Think 'Can I make one and save money that way?'. If I can start the project.
4. If not. Think about how useful it would be. Agonise.
5. Start thinking up reasons it would save time and effort.
6. Buy it or forget it.

I've seen some beautiful scroll saw work on LJ's. I don't think I'm up to those standards or have that level of patience but something that can make small useful things, welll….............

Great Blog, Shiela

ps The tool collecting is probably a man thing. The one who dies with the most tools wins!
 
#55 ·
Big Things Coming From Small Places (My Shop)

Last night when I was just about 'done' with stuff at somewhere around 10pm, I was picking around this site. I noticed that many of you had maps on your home pages which showed exactly where you lived. I liked that feature very much, as it helped me learn more about each woodworker and the proximity of his or her location.

Nova Scotia always sounded so exotic to me when I lived near Chicago. I pictured icebergs floating with little penguins and polar bears lounging on them and harp seals swimming freely in the ocean. When I first came here, it was far from what I had pictured in my mind, albeit beautiful. In actuality, it was much farther south than I had realized and just across the Bay of Fundy from Maine. As a matter of fact, the landscape is quite similar to the northern Maine coast and you would barely tell the difference when driving other than the ocean being on the other side. :) So I proceeded to map my location for others to see when they were exploring the scope of the site.

This morning, I woke to a couple of responses to my mapping (something which I didn't even think would be noticed) and they requested pictures of my 'shop'. Well, that really caught me by surprise. I guess it is expected, because I myself love to see the pictures of all the shops of fellow woodworkers here. It is amazing to me to see all the cool tools, storage and space that people have to work with. There are so many incredible places that I thought, "No wonder they create such beautiful items."

Thinking about taking pictures of my 'shop' made me cringe. Due to some personal circumstances in my life the past several years, I am lucky to have a roof over my head - let alone a shop! (I said in the beginning that this would be a bit personal, but I am not going to go into it further than that, but it is the honest truth). To make a long story short, mine had a happy ending. I changed the circumstances in my life and as of last year, I have been back to the 'old Sheila' (so my friends have told me) and on the upswing. I now, however live in a small - although modern, peaceful and clean one bedroom apartment which is on the end of a sprawling ranch house across from the Meteghan River. The area is beautiful as I said, and although there isn't a lot of room, I love the surroundings and the peace that living here has brought to my life and it has been very conducive to my inspiration and productivity.

After seeing the pictures of the wonderful shops here on LJ, I felt quite silly when I thought about my workplace. Here I am a Contributing Editor to a national magazine and I probably have less room and less big tools than 98 percent of you. However, I am what I am, and I realize that it isn't the tools that make the craftsman (or craftswoman), but how we use them and what we produce that counts.

As I said before, I grew up with limited means. We weren't poor, but we certainly weren't considered 'upper-class'. I know I could have taken a different path in my life and made a ton of money doing something that I didn't like to do, but I studied classical piano in university and I chose to make designing and art and teaching my livelihood because it is what I truly love to do. I still think that I am much happier than some people I know with lots of money. So I stand by my choice and I am pleased with it.

So without further adieu . . . . ladies and gentlemen . . . . MY SHOP!

Here is the "nerve center" of most of my work - my DeWalt scroll saw and Sears craftsman drill press. It is located on the opposite side of the kitchen, which is behind the sofa.


Another view of my work station. ( I didn't notice when I took the picture that Richard, my short-haired orange tabby was in the background) This pic is from standing near the kitchen table.


Every square inch is used for storage. In the cabinet I keep my little wood pieces, some finishing supplies, 1/3 sheet orbital sander, clamps, glue and sand paper. In the drawer are scroll saw blades, drill bits, scissors and tape.


I also sew and made a little Chococat stool cover for my stool. It makes it fun and looks cool! (I love cats!)


This closet holds my cordless drill/circular saw/ kit, my router (I like using a laminate trimmer because it is smaller and easier to handle for me), my Dremel and accessories, router bit sets and other misc. things like computer wires, etc.


My other closet holds some thin boards that I use for ornaments and small boxes and plaques. The shelves opposite also hold small boards for little projects.


I also have several pieces of dressed boards of a variety of hard wood that I keep in my bedroom. I keep the boards flat under the dresser and also on top of the longer dresser and on a deacon's bench I have in there. Most of the boards are under six feet long so they fit well laid flat. I keep gallon sized water jugs on top of them to keep the boards from twisting and it does work pretty well. I do admit that if you go in there you know I do woodworking, but when you are in the rest of the house, you really wouldn't know.

I didn't do a 'fast cleanup' just for the pictures. I clean things up with a quick vacuum when I am done and that is that. Because the scroll saw uses tiny blades, there really isn't a great deal of dust. I do the routing and sanding on the front deck so there isn't dust there. All the dressing and planing of the wood is done at my friend Bernie's shop. Bernie is a master craftsman and lives in Digby which is about 45 minutes north of me and he has built over 100 houses and literally thousands of pieces of furniture. He is 'retired' now and works in his shop six days a week from 7am until 5pm at night. I first met him when I lived in Digby and needed some planing done. He gave me the key to his shop shortly afterword and I have full use of all of his tools whenever I want. It is people like that who make this world a great place. I love woodworkers so much. He has taught me a lot and I must say I have even taught him a couple of things from time to time which really makes me proud.

All in all, it works for me. I am getting back on my feet and saving to get my own place again and you can bet it will be a place with a nice shop. But for now, I feel very fortunate with what I have and it hasn't seemed to stop me from being productive. This has been one of the most productive years I have ever had.

I guess it goes to show that good things can come from small places. We just have to learn to use what we have to make it work for us. :)

I hope I didn't disappoint you guys too much. My editor wanted me to write an article about my little shop and he thinks it may inspire those with small spaces and limited means. After writing this blog entry, I may just do that. I hope that seeing how I do things lets others in similar circumstances know that there is always a way!

On another note, I am posting my latest project after I am done with this. This will be going to the magazine and shows the finished turn buttons that I worked on yesterday. If you want to see them in place, I will have pictures in my project section.

Happy Friday everyone!
(Every day is Friday when you love what you do!)
 
#66 ·
Some Days are Just Frustrating

Did you ever get out of bed and before you were done with your first cup of coffee wish you could start the day over again? I guess it happens to all of us from time to time. I guess this blog isn't going to be too much about woodworking today, but it does have to do with running a woodworking business and all that entails, so I forewarn you if you are looking for a tip or to see a project, this may not be the place - at least for today.

I promise this won't turn into too much a rant. (maybe a little whining though!) However, I may vent a little frustration. After all, if I were Mary Sunshine every day it would probably make everyone sick and want to slap me. :) I guess those of you who also run a business can relate to much of what I am going to say - we have our good days and we have our not so good days. It is only 7:30 here on a Saturday morning and I have only been up for a little over an hour and already my stress bucket is pretty full. I wonder how I will be by tonight?

Over the years, I have learned not to sweat the small stuff. Life has taken me on a winding path so far and after seeing and experiencing some not so nice things, I learn that getting upset about little things can be classified as over reacting. I try generally to be a positive person. What's a little rain? Or even a storm now and then? As long as you are able to keep reasonably dry you should be ok. I wait for the big ones to run for cover. I try not to worry about what may be and think more about what is. I think that is a healthier way to do things.

So anyway, I spent most of yesterday writing articles and working on my web site. Having a web site can be a full time job in itself. As I said earlier, I have been pretty productive this year. I have had many new designs both for the magazine and also for my personal sales and wholesalers and with that comes the job of managing everything. My partner is great with computers, and blissfully he has taken over much of the web site work and maintenance. We make a good team because he does a lot of the higher technical stuff (I am a lower level tech than he is!) and I do most of the PR (I am the 'yakkity' one who likes to socialize and write the introductions, updates and correspondence with others - I bet you couldn't tell!) So it balances out pretty well.

In any case, I spent yesterday updating my part of the site. I had eleven new products to upload, including writing enticing descriptions for them as well as adding some pictures and stuff into the Customer's Gallery and writing a new News page and composing a bulk email to go out to customers who signed up for updates (this is voluntary and I don't send stuff to people who don't ask for it). I also polished and uploaded two new free articles for them to download. We had just updated the site about 2-3 weeks ago, but this one was a much better one with lots more new stuff. I was really excited about it.

So after working on the computer until almost 11pm last night, everything was ready to go. Everything on the site was up and running and the test email was ready to send (I always send one to myself first to make sure that everything looks good and works properly). So I send the email and thought when it was OK, I would send it to the 800+ customers on the list and go to bed. I hit the send button and usually it pops right up in my email box within seconds. So I waited. And I went for a glass of milk. And I waited. And I went to brush my teeth. And I waited. The screen was stuck on 'Sending messages - please wait' for over half an hour and no email arrived. I tried rebooting and resending, but it was stuck on that screen. I copied and pasted the email into a new one and tried to resend and the same thing happened. This time it was past midnight and I thought, OK, it will go in the morning.

So I get up this morning and still no email. I get online with customer support chat from my host and they said that I was running old software (which was THEIR software) and they had problems with the bulk emails there. They were working on it. So NOW I am getting frustrated. I asked why I wasn't asked to upgrade when the new software was available and she said she didn't know. I have been working with that host for over seven years now and the site is on a kind of template. It is OK for someone new, but quite restrictive and we have been overriding many of the HTML things to make it look and perform better. So I was still pretty calm and asked her to upgrade me. She said I have to write them and send in a consent and back up my whole site and transfer it over. And I thought . . . . WOW! It was like being hit in the face with a pie like you see in the old TV shows.

Now as I said, I am pretty big on technology. I have Windows7 64 bit, and keep everything up to date. I certainly would have taken the opportunity to upgrade my software if I was told I needed to. My partner has been at me since we started really working on the site this year to change to a new host and get off the template. I know he is right, but I have over 400 products and things that have to be moved, changed and reuploaded along with the pictures and all that building a site entails. My site has been doing well this year and shows the care and attention we have been offering it. I had more in sales the first three months of this year than in 2008 and 2009 combined. It has become a integral part of my sales and I have been really proud of the work we have done on it. The thought of scrapping it and starting over just seems like looking up at Mt. Fugi to me.

So I left the conversation with the help line politely, not knowing when I will be able to send my email out. I put in a request for the upgrade on the software, but I cringe at the thought of what that will entail. I am almost ready to jump on my partner's wagon and scrap the whole thing and start from scratch. :( I still have the unpleasant task of breaking the news to him, too. I am sure since he will be doing most of the gut work, it won't make his day either.

So with that said, my rant is over. It is funny how you think when you are going to do woodworking full time you think you are going to do just that - woodworking full time. Unfortunately, there are other things like book work, purchasing, marketing, and the other things that go with running a business that get in the way - not to mention cooking, laundry, cleaning and well . . . . life! I haven't been able to draw in over a week and I haven't worked on the saw since Tuesday or so when I cut the frame out. It isn't because I have been goofing off, either. I read the blog by kolwdwrkr called "Get Away Sometime" and I was really glad he posted it. It reminded me that as with anything in life, if you have too much of a good thing, it sometimes isn't that good. Sometimes we need to change gears and do something unrelated so we can refresh our mind and soul. It was a great post.

I have some family stuff to do today and as I look out the sun is shining and it is beautiful. Besides my quest for turn buttons and a couple of trips for groceries, I haven't been out in a couple of weeks except for a funeral of a friends grandma. I can't really call that recreational time off. I live 2 km from the ocean and haven't had a nice walk on the beach this year yet. I think the time to plan a short road trip is in order. I probably won't be able to go until next weekend, with today's responsibility, but I think it is time to take the top down on the 'ole Mustang and crank the music and let her stretch her wheels and go for a ride. I need a day where the only wood I will be looking at is still living and growing.

Life is too short.

:)
 
#71 ·
New Days Bring New Ideas

With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts. - Eleanor Roosevelt. I read this quote and thought about it for a couple of minutes. It is short and to the point, but full of hope and a sense of adventure. The words are few, but very powerful.

My day yesterday didn't turn out so badly after all. I think it could have easily gone south, but all in all it was a good day. I learned a lot, got to reflect on some things, and also had an inspiration for another project. So how can that be bad?

Learning to deal with adversity is a very under rated trait, I believe. Let's face it, we all experience bumps in our road of life nearly every day. Some are little pebbles and some are downright craters. It isn't the number of bumps we come across that is important, I believe. It's how we react to and deal with them.

Now yesterday started off very bumpy for me with the internet things going on. As of today, my emails still have not gone out from my site. However, I am far calmer today regarding the issue because yesterday I did something about it. I am not the type to sweep my life's problems under the rug or hand them over to someone else and let them fix it. It just isn't my style. Call it impatience or control or whatever you like, but I don't think it is a bad thing. Many times I have people ask me 'How do you know how to do so many things?' and I usually reply 'Because I learned to do them for myself'. I realize that we can't do everything ourselves, but my somewhat impatient nature taught me at a young age that by the time you wait for someone else to fix something for you, you can usually fix it yourself. Not only does that alleviate the anxiety of waiting for something, but it also gives a sense of pride and accomplishment in learning a new skill. Thus began my career of being 'creative'.

My impatience of waiting for my site host to send my emails out caused me to look into the other alternatives I have regarding my site. I probably would have let it go if I were given a reasonable time frame, but with them not being able to give me any promise whatsoever as to when it would be fixed was unacceptable and for me the catalyst which forced me to take things into my own hands.

With the help of my partner, (who I must say took the 'no mail' news far better than I did!) we obtained a bulk email program, exported the list of contacts and sent the messages ourselves. We realize that it is a band-aid for now and doesn't ultimately solve the problem, but it worked for us for now and got things up and going in a good direction for now.

There was however a slight bump in that road too. As we were sending the list of 800 emails, we noticed that after the first hundred or so, the addresses started to show up as being unsent. At first there were a couple of spotty red 'x's' next to the names, but as you went down the list, it soon turned into ALL red 'x's', meaning the emails weren't sent. What the heck?

So we researched and found that GMail (my mail server) and most other mail accounts limit you to the number of emails you can send at a time and in a day so they can cut down with SPAM. Well, now what? Apparently if you send over 500 emails in a 24 hour period, they can and DO shut down your email account for 24 -72 hours. YIKES! It made sense to me, but I never knew that. So now what? This wasn't SPAM, as it was 800 people that actively ASKED me to notify them with sales and specials. Do I have to break down my list further and email in batches over several days? What a pain that would be!

So I read some more and I came across what they call Google APPS which was geared more for businesses and I think I am going to have to go that way. Apparently you can get a different type of account that will allow you up to 2000 emails sent per day. The kicker is that is cost I think $50 per year. I am not a cheap person, but like lots of people, money is tight so I am taking this under careful consideration. I even wrote the company for more information - a practice I rarely do because I, myself hate to get all the SPAM crap that comes with asking a mere question, but I felt it was important enough to warrant an email from me and give them my email address and (egad!) my phone number.

I am telling you this story because I realize that there are many small business people here on this list and I try to keep myself informed about these type of things but I must say I was thoroughly shocked when I heard of this limit. The thought of no email account for 24 hours is probably one of the worst punishments that Google could implement on someone like me and certainly got my immediate and full attention. I was pretty proud to see my mailing list growing to over 800. In fact, I want it to grow to 8000 one day (or 80,000 - why aim low?). As a business person growth is a very understandable goal. Little did I know that as that number climbed, I was heading closer and closer to the abyss in the Google SPAM department's eyes! So take heed fellow businesses! Look at your business and mail server and READ and LEARN its limitations. (Remember - Knowledge IS Power!) I will keep you posted on the issue and let you know what my ultimate action will be when I make that decision, so stayed tuned.

The rest of the day went pretty well. I got out of here for a couple of hours and had some things that needed attending to and the change of scenery did wonders. I had some work to do in a house that was located overlooking the ocean and although I wasn't quite on the beach, I was close enough to bask in its serenity and beauty. (I am planning a get away for next weekend. A road trip, if you will. The first of the year and one that I feel I have earned. It will just be for a day, and I don't know where I am going yet, but it is something to work toward the entire week and look forward to. I am excited just thinking about it!)

After returning home, I had some maintenance on my mailing list again and did some computer work. This time, though, there was no anxiety and it actually felt great to 'clean house' on my computer. When that was done, I began researching the next project that I will be creating. My next several projects will be geared toward Christmas again, as the catalog cutoff dates are usually sometime in July. The magazine cutoffs for the Christmas projects were late April so it just seems that I finished Christmas things. But as I told you earlier, they took four of my projects for publication so my Christmas projects are few. I did put a few new ornament sets up on the site with the new renovation of it and they are already selling well, so I had better get moving in that direction and do some more. I do feel excited and rejuvenated and raring to go. The projects will be nothing like Martyn's wonderful "Impossible Challenge", but they will be fun to do all the same.

So with that, I will get to it. Thanks for all the support you all have given me. My new favorite past time is to browse through the site and see what everyone is up to and what they are saying. I find the scope of the work absolutely incredible, from the beautiful duck inlay head board in the project section yesterday to the awesome photography that "tyskkvinna" has on her site to everything in between. I have been on other sites before, but never have I seen the wonderful scope of talent, as well as the personal friendship and caring for each other that I see here. It really is a great place.
 
#72 ·
Sheila, I'm flattered but you really should think better of your own work. We all have out stregths and weeknesses.
I suppose the other thing is about learning. I find that a big part of this is learning how not to do things. So I wouldn't feel to bad about the mail problems. Now you have a better idea of how to tackle IT (pun intended).
 
#74 ·
Tying Up Loose Ends

As I sit down to write this morning, I feel as if I have little of interest to talk about. I pretty much am finishing up the things that have to go out to the magazine. I can proudly say that in the box I am sending three projects and two articles. The box won't go out until tomorrow, but it will ensure my presence in another couple of issues of the magazine. How many? I don't know. I guess that is up to the editors and the amount of space they need to fill. I can usually count on a couple of things per issue lately, and have seen as many as three. He likes to have a stockpile of things to choose from sitting in his office. My inventory of projects with him was getting rather low, as I was refocusing on my own business and getting new stuff both to my suppliers and my website.

I often feel as if I live in an Alice In Wonderland time-warped environment: Christmas in summer, Spring in October, Summer in December. Well . . . you get the picture. I guess working with wholesalers and the magazine is as good as falling down the proverbial rabbit hole as far as designers are concerned. I have given in to leaving a little skinny 5-foot artificial pine tree up in my living room all year round. When my daughter was small, we used to decorate it for every season and holiday. Hearts for Valentine's day in February, bird houses for summer, Halloweeniee stuff for Halloween, etc. I keep white lights on it so that it goes with any season.

I still keep that tree up all year, not only because it reminds me of Danielle, but because I am making and photographing ornaments and things all year round. I call it an 'all-season tree' and when visitors inquire as to why my Christmas tree is up in June, I am able to decidedly reply that it is an 'all-season tree', NOT a Christmas tree as if it is the most natural thing in the world. (I'M not the crazy one, you know!) I think some people just chalk it up to me being an eccentric, artist/designer- type. Others may just figure it is because I am blond.

So with that said, I will keep this post short and sweet today and "get on with it" as the saying goes. (Hey! I hear that cheering in the background! No need to be rude!)

I am going to post a new project in my gallery. This is one I choose to keep for myself and not offer to the magazine. It is a set of two-dimensional, fretwork ornaments which are slotted together and each have a beautiful Swarovski crystal ball hanging in the center. The crystal gives the ornament a little bit of 'bling' (I love bling!) and sparkle. The cutting is rather delicate, and blissfully I didn't break anything when cutting them out. I made mine out of maple again because of it's incredible ability to hold these small pieces without breaking. For those of you who are beginning scroll sawing, maple is one of the best choices as far as strength.

Below are two pictures of the ornaments:



I hope you like them! :) I wrote a small tutorial on adding the beads and hanging them so they look good from the centers. You wouldn't think so, but it is a bit tricky to get them to look nice. If you are interested in me presenting it here, let me know and I will. Otherwise you can download it as a free article on my site. It could come in handy for other projects you may do.

Hopefully after I finish the final writing and paperwork and packing, I will be able to finish drawing my next project so I can get back to cutting by tomorrow or so. I am working on several holiday projects and need to have them finished by the next catalog cutoffs in the next month or so. (Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!) Time to kick it up a notch!

I hope everyone has a productive and fun day. Happy Holidays! (Er . . . I mean Happy Monday!)
 
#84 ·
Is The Customer Really ALWAYS Right?

I was going to skip the writing thing today because I am at the point of cutting for most of the day and I won't have anything new to show for a day or two, but then last night something came up that I thought I would talk about today and get your opinions on. I think you are starting to get to know me a little bit and I am beginning to get to know some of you too from your responses to my posts and I would really like your honest opinion if you feel so inclined regarding my reaction to something yesterday.

As you may have read in past posts, over the weekend I sent out a bulk email to my clients informing them that new stuff was posted on the site and there were some new sales and free things for them to read and take advantage of. I usually send out notices to these customers about once a month - sometimes a little more, sometimes less - in order to inform them of things like this.

Each and every customer on my list of approximately 800 names opted in and signed up to this list. It is not hooked to when they order. It is not me hunting down names of people that I thought would be interested. It is something totally separate from the ordering process where they had to physically add in their email address and click a box. No strings and no trick. Simple. Right?

I also want to mention that on the bottom of every message I send, I include what you may call a 'disclaimer' which tells them that I use their information only to notify them of said information and that I never sell, share or give their emails to anyone. I also tell them very plainly that if they wish to be removed from the list, click on the web address and it will be done immediately - and it is.

Now it seems that sometimes when I send these emails, I get one, maybe two requests for the name to be removed from the list. I don't take this personally, as circumstances change. I see in my files that many of have been on the list for several years and I realize that people's interests change, etc. Also, when I first started the site, I also had much more geared toward decorative painting on the site, as I use to teach more of that and designs some patterns as well. So everything is cool. If you don't want to be on the list, I certainly don't want to send you anything. I see no advantage whatsoever in pestering people with no interest and I don't for a minute think that by doing so I will gain a new client. It just isn't my style. (I said I am not a great business person all along, and although I am trying to do better, harassment is one avenue I choose to not follow).

So after the mass mailing finished going out, I received one email from a customer. All it said was "Remove". Being the sometimes smart cookie that I am, I figured they didn't want to be on the list and thought, OK. I went to the site and removed the name. I wasn't hurt, angry or sad. Things happen and that's OK with me. On I went with my day.

Now I am getting ready to shut things down for the night and I do one final email check before I go to bed last night. There was an email from a (different) customer. I opened it so that if it were a quick question that I could answer, I would do so before turning in. It was pretty upsetting to me because it turned out to be a scathing, nasty email asking me why I kept sending him "crap" like this all the time (my email to him was attached) and why would I waste his time with the "crap" and usually there was an unsubscribe button on the bottom and why should he have to write me an email to stop this and blah, blah, blah . . . . you get the point.

I felt like I was hit in the head with a hammer. Maybe it was because I was tired, but this really got to me. In my mind, I immediately rose to my own defense. I looked up his email on my list and it seemed he signed up in the middle of February. I had sent only one other email since that date. I couldn't understand why he was so MAD at me when he was the one that requested the information. I reread the email that I sent to over 800 people, second guessing myself and wondering if I said anything offensive and I also checked to see if I had forgotten to include the 'unsubscribe' paragraph. It was there and I did not - so what the heck?

I almost started writing him an apology to him (after I took him off the list) and then my own anger kind of kicked in. (Don't worry - it wasn't the maniacal type of anger that horror movies are made of - I guess I just got a little PO'ed)

I was going to wait until morning to reply to him to assure him that his name was removed from the list, but I did something that I don't do often in cases like this - reacted. I wrote him a terse email that sounded something (exactly) like this:

The "crap" was sent to you because you signed up on the list. I don't send "crap" to people who don't request it. On the bottom of the email, there is an address to notify me to remove you from the list YOU signed up for. I did that. Maybe someone has your email and signed up for you.

You could have asked POLITELY and would have had the same result.

Have a good evening. Sheila

I hit the 'send' button and off I went to bed. My emotions were mixed. On one hand, I don't like being harsh with people. I try to give them the benefit of the doubt because I don't know if they are having a bad day or what is going on in their lives. On the other hand, it really felt GOOD to stand my ground and not let this guy talk to me with such disrespect for doing what he signed up for. I don't know. I think I am good with accepting (constructive) criticism about my work - I have to be to be in this job so long - but do I have to let people be rude to me just because he is a 'customer' (By the way - he never ordered anything from me - I checked my database) or potential customer? If so, I don't know what to say. I know times are difficult, but I really don't want to deal with a person like that. I do everything I can for my customers. If I know they are new or if there was even a slight hiccup in their order (Canada Post is terrible and sometimes the mail ones have been delayed) I usually send them something additional like an extra pattern of the type of scrolling they like (like birds or fish, etc. I can tell from their order usually what appeals to them) I have received more positive responses from them from doing this than I can tell you. I also like to donate to shows I can't attend and sites to give free patterns not only because it promotes my business, but it promotes scroll sawing in general. If someone is looking for a type of pattern I don't have, I happily send them to my fellow designers who I know carries it (Yes, my competition). We are just like that in our group.

So was I wrong to stand up and say what I did? Obviously it bothers me or I wouldn't spend so much mind-space and writing time on it. It is funny how we can receive 100 compliments and one complaint and the complaint is what sticks in our minds most.

If anyone has any insights as to how they would have handled it, I would be interested in hearing them. Be blunt. Tell me I was wrong if you think so. I know many of you deal with the public with your work too and I just want to know if I was that out of line or if I should have handled it better or let it go. My gut says I probably should have let it go, but for some reason I felt that SOMEONE had to call this guy on his bad attitude. It probably didnt sink anyway. :( I just didn't like being treated the way he did.

I guess I am human after all.
 
#101 ·
Back to Work . .

First of all, I want to thank everyone for their input from yesterdays blog. I read all your thoughts and carefully considered everything that was said. The thing about working on my own the way I do is that sometimes it is hard to see all sides of things. I have three cats here who I consider 'co-workers' - although their jobs are more of the ornamental variety, and a partner who is kind of too close to the situation to give a good unbiased opinion. I guess that is why I brought it up here. I needed some good feedback from others who are in similar positions just so I could get a better handle on things. I find this forum very valuable for that purpose. It is filled with people who have experience and are willing to share that with others, as well as their opinions. Thank you for that. :)

I came to the conclusion that I need a 'delay' button in my head. Kind of like what they use in TV and radio. Only mine should be a 'sleep on it' button and then take action (if any) in the morning. I do feel my reaction was kind of justified, but it probably didn't need any action taken. I liked the suggestion of thanking the customer if anything and getting on with it. I can't help but think if it weren't at 11:30 at night and I was fresher that that would have been what I would have done, as I have done that in the past. That or nothing at all (aside from removing him).

Nevertheless, what is done is done. I certainly filed in my mind your thoughts and suggestions and will refer to them the next time a situation like this occurs. I do think I learned something and that is what is important. Matter closed. :)

I made good strides yesterday. I still have some writing and paperwork to do today, but I needed a day to smell the sawdust and MAKE something. I am still in the drawing stages of my own new designs, but my partner, Keith had a set of frames that he drew that needed cutting. I usually don't cut his stuff or he mine, because we both like the sense of accomplishment of completing our own projects. However, he has been working longer hours on his other job and was happy when I offered to cut for him.

These three frames were inspired by the tray and frame that I did last week. Since the magazine scooped them up, we are going to be coming out with several other similar designs that can be used as both trays (by bevel cutting the center so it pushes out) or picture frames. This set has the same theme of the design throughout the different shapes so they make a matching set. They are about 7" in diameter and a great relaxing project to cut.

I played some good music from the 70's and spent pretty much the entire day cutting. It was like feeding my soul!

I took some pictures of the process because I wanted to show you how I route the edges. As many of you saw from my shop pictures, I have very limited space here. I choose my tools very carefully and try to do things that I can accomplish in the space I have. I am not a big girl, and at this time I don't do many large projects, so I mainly use a Porter-Cable laminate trimmer for all my routing.

The setup I made for it is a bit unique, but very functional and compact. It does the job for me.

The first picture shows the basic setup. I made a base for the laminate trimmer to fit in so it will operate like a small router table. I just took a piece of plywood and drilled a hole that exactly fits the round base of the trimmer. It pushes in snugly and is quite stable.


I also replaced the top plate with a jig I made of MDF. For the small things I do, this is plenty of surface for me to work with. I can even route 2.5" ornaments on this without a problem.


I use a Freud bit and collar system for doing rabbits. I usually only want about 1/8" or so, so this is the configuration that I use most of the time. This was a test cut on a scrap from one of the frames. I always test cut, especially when I am routing a rabbit on the back side and a round over on the front. I need to make sure that after rabbiting to the thickness I need, there is enough material for the bearing to safely ride on when rounding over the front of the frame.


The inside rabbit is done first, and then I round over the outer and inner edges of the frame. I leave the pattern in place while doing this, as it is easier than removing and trying to replace it for the scroll saw work.


After all the routing is done, it's off to the scroll saw. Common sense tells us that we need to route before scrolling, as the frames are much weaker after the scrolling is done. Now it is time to turn up the music and have some FUN! Many are intimidated by scroll work, but like any project you need to look at it one hole at a time. Take breaks if you get tired or antsy. It really is quite relaxing when you get into the rhythm of it!


And about six or seven hours later - three matching frames! Now these are just off the saw. They still need their finish sanding and finish applied. I am not sure if I want to put oil on them again (they are cherry) but I think I will. I like that procedure lately and think it really does a great job. I will post the frames in the project gallery as soon as I get them looking better and finished.


I hope you liked seeing how I do my routing. I love my little laminate trimmer and it has served me well. Even if you have a big router table set up, it would be a nice little side router for your smaller and more delicate projects.

It is back to writing today and I want to do the finish on the frames. I have three articles to organize and polish and I would love to wrap them up today. I talked to my editor yesterday and I am good on time and he seemed excited that I was sending articles with the projects. It is good to surprise him and send more than he expects!

Have a great day everyone and keep those projects coming! :)
 
#111 ·
The Business Side of Woodworking - Risk Taken/Lesson Learned

Besides writing for the magazine and selling patterns through my site, I have a couple of larger companies which I sell my patterns to at a wholesale rate, for them to resell retail. This is a necessary and important part of my job because even though writing for the magazine is wonderful, it is on a free-lance basis and certainly wouldn't be enough money to sustain me in a living. My own site is doing pretty good, and really gaining momentum since I have spent the time and attention it needs, but the wholesale market is still very necessary in my business and plays a large part in its success.

I have a few major companies which I wholesale to. Scroll sawing is a pretty specialized offshoot of woodworking, as you probably realize and there aren't very many choices when it comes to marketing. Selling patterns is pretty much the way to earn a living in the scroll saw industry. Although many of my customers do very well selling items at craft fairs and some even have their online stores, it is usually as a second income or retirement supplement, as it is very labor-intensive work and people aren't really willing or able to pay for the many hours it entails to create something. Any scroller can attest to that, and most keep up the hobby as a way to relax and be creative and perhaps make a little bit of money on the side. (Usually enough to buy more wood and blades!)

So with that said, you can figure that times have been kind of rough for our industry, as they are with many. When people are worried about putting food on their tables and paying their mortgages and keeping their jobs, buying scroll saw patterns is probably close to last on their list of priorities. Especially with all the free patterns available online. I must say that I have been able to hold my own this past year or so, but that has only been because I really stepped up production and have over doubled my efforts in both producing new designs and marketing. I feel that if I hang in here through the rough times, when things begin to loosen up a bit everything will be OK. I guess we will just have to see.

So the other day I received an email from one of my largest wholesalers stating that their new catalog was in the mail and their art department wanted me to redesign my pattern packets and strip all of my contact information off of them. Until last year, I was the one printing my own packets and sending them to the wholesaler for distribution. As a cost cutting measure, they decided they wanted to print the patterns themselves, saving postage from me to them and not having to purchase inventory. Because they were doing this, they also wanted to cut my percentage of what I would receive for them. I did agree to this (I had no choice, or they would not carry my patterns anymore) even after just a couple months before they cut the percentage they would pay out to designer across the board by ten percent. They wrote us a letter, telling us they were struggling too, and for the good of 'everyone' they needed to do this and hoped we would understand and comply.

So to sum it up, in the past 12 months I received what figures out to be a 33% pay cut, but no longer had to print or mail my own patterns. Life is full of compromises. I have been doing business with them for over 12 years and as I said, as far as distributors go, the pick'ins are slim. I had finally purchased the right combination of printing equipment which would output beautiful, clear, color patterns at very little cost to me, and I could pass on the savings to the customer. But I would always be able to use the equipment for my own other avenues and also I would have more time to design, so I agreed to the terms.

Several years ago when I just began working with them, they wanted to strip my information off the patterns and I told them that was unacceptable. They had tried to convince me that they had 'knowledgeable staff' who would help any customer who had questions, but even at that early stage of my experience with them, I had received calls from customers who tried their customer service and were not satisfied. They hired people to answer the phones and take orders. In general, they didn't know much about woodworking or blades or construction of the projects, etc. I didn't want my customer to not be able to find me if they had a question or issue. I held my ground then with them and we came to an agreement that I would be able to leave the information on the patterns. After all, if you buy a Whirlpool washing machine from Best Buy, they don't strip all of Whirlpools information off of it. I wanted to be available to stand by my product if necessary and didn't want to leave it to chance.

Now, however, I received this letter that they wanted me to remove all the information on the new patterns that I had sent to them for distribution. They even went so far as saying that 'by an oversight, they had not done so on my other stuff'. They had recently added several new designs of mine into this new catalog and it would mean rewriting all the patterns to suit them - by early next week. Besides the extra work load (I have several deadlines I need to meet, both for the magazine and my own company) I was pretty upset with this. This occurred the other day as I was reading the responses from several of you regarding how I handled the angry mailing list guy. I fought my urge to react and called a couple of close colleagues whom I respected to discuss things with them. I wanted to get their take on the situation and also put some distance between my initial reaction and my response.

My colleagues agreed with me. It seemed like one push too many. It is like the story of the camel in the tent I used to hear from my grandmother. At what point do I say 'no'?

Knowing they needed an immediate answer due to the time frame, I responded a couple of hours later. I was honest with them and told them that I had other commitments that had to be filled and there was no way that I could possibly have the time to do this so quickly. I was told in the initial letter that 'their art department said it would take 30 minutes to an hour to change each pattern'. Somehow that made me more upset. It would probably take me a couple hours each to redesign those patterns on one hand and on the other, what were they getting the 60% for? In my company, I don't have an 'art department'. I am the art department.

I did also tell them that I was not happy that they were taking all my contact information off the pattern. I could see them not wanting to have the paragraph which told the customer to visit my site, and I had no problem with them removing that, but I did let them know that I strongly felt that they should leave my phone number and email so that customers with questions could reach me. I read and reread my response several times before hitting the send button. It was polite and very matter-of-fact and professional. I felt as if I didn't stand up for myself at some point, I may as well quit and find another vocation.

Several minutes after sending it, I received a response. It was not what I would call angry, but the former friendly tone was not there. It was pointed out to me that until this point, my information was left on - an 'oversight' by them - and that they wanted to make my "huge" logo smaller and put a "little" logo of their own on them. I felt bad because I had had a decent relationship with them for a long time and there was definitely an icy undertone. I didn't want to leave things as they were, but felt that I may have lost an important client.

I waited until I talked to my partner, as I wanted to see his take on it. He has just started working with me and I think that his opinion was important as another point of view. I told him that I may have shot myself in the foot with them, but he did agree that enough was enough. He had been around long enough to see concession after concession on our part and realized that if we aren't making money, maybe it is time to think in another direction. I did feel that I didn't want to leave it that way with the company, so I took my time and very carefully composed a letter to them. (one of the problems too, is that they don't talk on the phone - my liaison 'doesn't do the phone' and will only talk through emails. This is true across the board, even with the magazine, whose patterns they sell also. The problem with that is that things can be misunderstood in writing as some pointed out in my blog of the other day)

So I took my time to be honest and upfront with the issues I was having. I wanted to clear the air so we could better understand each other. I stated my own concerns, but I also acknowledged their problems as a company and the struggles they are experiencing. I did point out to them that it was due to an agreement, not an oversight that until now my information was left on the older patterns. Another issue that I didn't mention was that they were going to do double-sided printing. Many of you have seen the type of patterns I draw and even in the best circumstances, when you make copies necessary to cut the patterns, the other side has a way of showing through. I also expressed this concern in my letter. It is difficult enough to cut for some without seeing 'ghost' lines from the other side. This was something that I felt very strong about, as the cost of adding in a sheet or two of paper on a $6 or $8 pattern was negligible. in any case, after waiting again and rereading and going over the letter with my partner, I again hit 'send'.

It was a restless night. I realized that I had stood my ground to one of the biggest companies out there. Many of my fellow designers won't do business with them at all anymore because of their demands and practices. I always tried to be diplomatic and I am grateful for an additional outlet. But some times you have to say 'enough is enough'. Soon I would be paying them to sell my patterns. I also had to face the reality that I may have seen my last order from them. It was a difficult pill to swallow, but I had to look at this business realistically. I had been reading many of the blogs and posts here in LJ's and they pretty much all say the same thing - if you don't make money, it isn't a business. You have to have confidence in your own self-worth. Those words helped me tremendously in making this decision.

I looked on their site and at their recent catalogs. I was a large part of their business. I added value to their business. If we didn't do business with each other anymore, I wouldn't be the only one that would be hurt from it. I had to have the confidence in myself and my designs and the way I present them in my patterns. That is something that I have had trouble with in the past. We all have some trouble believing in ourselves, I think. But after almost 15 years it was time I saw my own value, too. I am not saying this in a 'big-headed' way. If I dropped out of the business, it would barely skip a beat. I know that. But I do my job well and complete and my following and loyalty of my customers and my editor attest to that. So I held my breath and waited.

I got a response sometime in the afternoon. I was expecting no response (or subsequent orders) or a 'take it or leave it' letter from them (they have been known to do that before). When I read the response I needed to sit down. It was a long letter on how they valued our relationship and wanted to make it work. They said that they would not only leave the phone number and email, but they put a paragraph that said "for any questions concerning this project, please contact Sheila directly at . . . . ." They said that the double sided printing would only be on the text pages, as they also felt printing patterns on both sides was not good, and they said that they wanted to continue to do business and we would all see this through together.

I felt incredible and proud. It may seem like a small, silly thing, but it was important. I didn't react emotionally, but I kept it practical and businesslike and (I believe) unoffensive. I felt that their compromise was sincere and enough to make things work. After all, isn't life full of compromises? I felt so much better having my say in this way rather than being angry and letting it stew inside and ruin the relationship. I respected their position too and I feel that with a little give and take on both sides, it was a happy ending for everyone.

I am sorry this got so long, but I thought this story was important. For the other business owners in this group - you DO have to stand up for yourself and respect yourself to ask for what you deserve. I learned that from all of you. You also need to approach your business with as little personal emotion as you are able, even though creating and building is a very emotional business to be in. Again, I thank you all for your previous advice and comments. Even though there have been many different perspectives presented, it is good to see different sides and point of views that are impossible to see on our own. Many views are so much more valuable than just our own.

Thank you for sharing yours with me so I could make a better decision.
:)
 
#112 ·
Sheila. I am glad you stuck up for yourself in a very adult manner in a sticky situation. People need to be told ,sometimes. Its picking out those times I find hard and I admire the way you did it.

Your blog is also giving insights into how the commercial world operates and what to expect if we go into it ourselves. My commission work is sporadic and not really at a commercial level. Nice to see how to do it in the big peoples world.
 
#129 ·
With Much Appreciation

First of all, I want to thank everyone for the comments and advice on yesterday's post. I really do appreciate the different viewpoints that were given and I honestly feel it will help me make better decisions in the future. In the couple of weeks since I started this blog, I have learned so much for everyone I can't even tell you. I hope in some ways that I have also been giving you some insight into what it is like to work the way I do.

I wasn't sure that it would be much interest to anyone, but the positive comments and encouragement I have received from people, both in the comment section and privately have been very rewarding. I realize that what I write about isn't all about building this or building that, but I feel that most of what I talk about is related to woodworking and the business of woodworking. The project itself is just the tip of the iceberg. I find that people are really interested in what goes on 'behind the scenes' in woodworking - especially if they are thinking of doing it themselves.

I think it takes love and true dedication to ride the ups and down that occur, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I love what I do and every single day I realize that I am lucky to survive in this job. There used to be someone in my life who judged only the paychecks and was constantly at me to find a 'real job' or a better paying job and it was probably the most difficult time in my life. My work suffered because it was being devalued every day and it began a vicious circle of making even less money and being less creative.

It took a lot, but I changed that part of my life, and I now am surrounded by people who support my dreams and believe in my abilities and they are the ones whom I give credit to for any successes I am seeing. I am not there yet, but business is starting to turn around. It is like stopping the wheels of a locomotive and putting it in reverse. It takes a lot of time and strength. I have a partner that supports me even on the bad days and is there to shore me up when I want to quit. I know it has to come from within myself, but having someone there cheering you on sure beats the opposite. I also have had some great contact with fellow woodworkers like you and customers and my editor which is always a positive thinker (how do we make it win/win he always asks!). No man or woman is an island.

I had a customer send me pictures last week of a little moose ornament from a set I designed that he made. You may think 'that's nice'. But the kicker is that his daughter was getting married and she asked him to make 80 of them for the table favors at the wedding! 80! So he sent me a picture of all the pieces cut and in progress and he even painted them to look really cute and I was so overwhelmed when I saw them. To think that someone would take one of my ideas and apply it in such a way was not only touching, but incredible.

Last year when things were not so good for me I was really considering quitting. Business was bad, I wasn't making a decent living and I just felt burned out. On one of my saddest days, I received a call from a customer of mine in British Columbia, all the way across Canada. I had 'met' her a couple of days before coming to Nova Scotia, as she ordered from the phone and we got to talking. She used to live here and calls it the 'other paradise' from BC where she is now. We have been friends for six years and every once in a while she calls and we have a nice chat. She told me if I were ever in BC, she has a guest house and I was welcome to stay. She also said how she loves my designs and puts on a show each fall and sells hundreds of things. She thanks me for the work I do, as she can't draw (she says) and doesn't know what she would do without me. I don't know what I would have decided without that call.

It was a coincidence that she called that day I was going to give up. Or was it fate? After talking to her, I felt like even if what I do is silly, it does add to some people's lives. I thought of all the other stories like these that I have heard over the years from my customers and students and it made me think that maybe I should follow my heart and give it one more try and not think of the negative people who don't understand it. It means more than money to me. Really and truly.

I love reading and posting different quotes (there is a thread in the Coffee House forum now on quotes) and one of my favorites is "You know you are on the road to success if you would do your job, and not be paid for it."
- Oprah Winfrey.

I realize we have to pay to live and eat. But I also realize that it isn't what makes us happy. I know if I am patient, things will work out how they are supposed to.

So with that said, I will get going with my day. I have enjoyed writing this series, not because of the audience, but because it allows me the chance first thing in the morning to organize and plan my day. It has allowed me new friendships and brought new people into my life and has given me the opportunity to learn and share what I have and still am learning.

I finally finished writing a difficult pattern yesterday. It wasn't difficult in the technological sense, but it was one of those projects where I would rather clean the cat box than finish writing. I was easily distracted and for some unknown reason had to struggle to finish it. What should have taken a couple of hours took several days to do. I just couldn't focus. Did you ever have a project like that? But it is done and I have a great sense of freedom and can now move on to other things. I can't wait to start my day today and ultimately make some saw dust.

Thanks very much again for your encouragement and also your honest opinions. It really means a lot. :)

Have a great Friday!
 
#130 ·
Yes, I've had projects where I can't progress and get distracted. When this happens, if I have the luxury of time, I just get on with something else. Later on, the subconsious mind having worked on the problem project for me whilst I was otherwise occupied, I pick it up again and often can't think what I thought was hard or labourious about it and get it done in no time. Putting it on the back burner work for me. Might it work for you?
 
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