30 projects in 30 days

scottb said:

review

Here's the "class" photos for weeks 2, 3 and 4. check out my projects for more pix/details

2 bowl "box" and pens from Hawaii

pens, closed ended bamboo pen, paper pot making tool, bottle stoppers and a mushroom box

Square bowl, pens and an eccentric tree.
(missing from the last photo is the bing cherry/pecan pen.)

The weeks where I had some pen blanks pre-prepped made for easy days, regardless of when I got home from work, and still had to turn, take photos and post the projects online. (Facebook, here and at the actual 30 in 30 site.)

Am I glad I did this? You bet. I've gotten a much better handle on my turning (though I know I'm using the skew wrong), and I'm much better at sharpening.

Surprisingly, there were very few projects that didn't work out. I had a much better success ratio than I would have guessed. The lilac bottle stopper was an experiment in the first place, so that wasn't a surprise. Getting the hang of the Bic pens took a bit, my first one in Bamboo exploded when I was turning it. The spalted maple/blackwood one, was a "fix" that didn't quite work, a fix only necessary because I reversed the bushings my accident. A fix that would have worked perfectly if I had a collet chuck, or pin jaws for my 4 jaw chuck. - however the fix on that enabled me to get that last pen turned to successful completion, the blood orange one (Osage and bloodwood) the bloodwood makes up for where the osage root tore out beyond repair. (following the previous osage atlas pen that cracked just as I was assembling it. I was bound and determined to make a functioning pen out of that beautiful wood.

Financially was this event a success? Kind of. I'd already had all the kits from previous excursions out to woodcraft last April, and before. So in a manner of speaking I didn't have to spend any money to get things out there. I did buy a few more bottle stoppers to make sure, if the bowls and boxes didn't work out, that I would still be able to make 30 items. I was doing this just as much for practice, as I was for getting friends and family some top notch pens for cheaper than at the higher end art and craft fairs. So, yes I did make some money (in the end, profit exceeded double cost if I remember correctly - which I wish was all to be reinvested in my lathe, but went towards Christmas and/or life expenses… at least all these pens were made and found great homes and I didn't have to give them all to my little one in lieu of other things. And while I could dwell on what my hourly rate could have been (not too bad actually if you only count the time spent turning - I spent much less time turning than I did with all the pix and blogging). I remind myself that I couldn't have paid for the knowledge I got from this experience. I couldn't have picked this up (and retained it) from a class at any price. (Though I still am hoping Santa gives me a certificate for a class. I took a five-week spindle turning class, but I've had to figure out faceplate turning on my own.

At present, I have very few of these projects left. (Just three of the stoppers, and three of the pens) Most sold during the auction, or when family was here for my Birthday or Thanksgiving. Just seeing them really helped. I did put two of them in the LJ pen traders swap box that I just shipped off today, and two were slated to be Christmas presents (if they didn't sell) so I quickly pulled those two off the table as soon as the timer wound down.

Did this turn me off from wanting to use the lathe, or be in the shop? I did take a few days off after 12/1. but I have been back at the lathe several times in the past week or so. Still had a few Christmas presents to take care of (can't post them yet, but they are done!). and I'm even working on a couple projects for fun, possibly prototypes for future gift giving, but it's nice making some things, for no reason, while I'm still in "lathe mode."

Did I really make a mess of the shop, (going from work to lathe to camera to computer?) I'd spent many weekend last winter trying to get the shop clean enough to get to work in. I never quite got to the point where I wanted to… and cranking out all these projects hasn't helped matters. I feel like I'm back to square one on that score. I have tools, shavings and wood all over the place. Come to think of it, if I can get all the wood organized (again), it won't be so bad. (Some days I think I'll never be ready for my shop inspection from Ms Debbie P)

I expect I'll be doing this challenge again next year, but I'll be trying some more ambitious designs and kits. I wonder about the sales aspect (if the economy isn't any better) because I'll have to be selling at a higher price point. Anyhow, between now and then I'm going to tackle another 30 days project leading up to Easter - making Eggs. But those will be for me, for "fun." So they'll be a bit less pressure on myself with that challenge. In the meantime I'll be collecting some interesting woods to make a bowlful of eggs from.

Anyone up for joining me next time for their own 30 day challenge?

Click to expand...

scottb said:

review

Here's the "class" photos for weeks 2, 3 and 4. check out my projects for more pix/details

2 bowl "box" and pens from Hawaii

pens, closed ended bamboo pen, paper pot making tool, bottle stoppers and a mushroom box

Square bowl, pens and an eccentric tree.
(missing from the last photo is the bing cherry/pecan pen.)

The weeks where I had some pen blanks pre-prepped made for easy days, regardless of when I got home from work, and still had to turn, take photos and post the projects online. (Facebook, here and at the actual 30 in 30 site.)

Am I glad I did this? You bet. I've gotten a much better handle on my turning (though I know I'm using the skew wrong), and I'm much better at sharpening.

Surprisingly, there were very few projects that didn't work out. I had a much better success ratio than I would have guessed. The lilac bottle stopper was an experiment in the first place, so that wasn't a surprise. Getting the hang of the Bic pens took a bit, my first one in Bamboo exploded when I was turning it. The spalted maple/blackwood one, was a "fix" that didn't quite work, a fix only necessary because I reversed the bushings my accident. A fix that would have worked perfectly if I had a collet chuck, or pin jaws for my 4 jaw chuck. - however the fix on that enabled me to get that last pen turned to successful completion, the blood orange one (Osage and bloodwood) the bloodwood makes up for where the osage root tore out beyond repair. (following the previous osage atlas pen that cracked just as I was assembling it. I was bound and determined to make a functioning pen out of that beautiful wood.

Financially was this event a success? Kind of. I'd already had all the kits from previous excursions out to woodcraft last April, and before. So in a manner of speaking I didn't have to spend any money to get things out there. I did buy a few more bottle stoppers to make sure, if the bowls and boxes didn't work out, that I would still be able to make 30 items. I was doing this just as much for practice, as I was for getting friends and family some top notch pens for cheaper than at the higher end art and craft fairs. So, yes I did make some money (in the end, profit exceeded double cost if I remember correctly - which I wish was all to be reinvested in my lathe, but went towards Christmas and/or life expenses… at least all these pens were made and found great homes and I didn't have to give them all to my little one in lieu of other things. And while I could dwell on what my hourly rate could have been (not too bad actually if you only count the time spent turning - I spent much less time turning than I did with all the pix and blogging). I remind myself that I couldn't have paid for the knowledge I got from this experience. I couldn't have picked this up (and retained it) from a class at any price. (Though I still am hoping Santa gives me a certificate for a class. I took a five-week spindle turning class, but I've had to figure out faceplate turning on my own.

At present, I have very few of these projects left. (Just three of the stoppers, and three of the pens) Most sold during the auction, or when family was here for my Birthday or Thanksgiving. Just seeing them really helped. I did put two of them in the LJ pen traders swap box that I just shipped off today, and two were slated to be Christmas presents (if they didn't sell) so I quickly pulled those two off the table as soon as the timer wound down.

Did this turn me off from wanting to use the lathe, or be in the shop? I did take a few days off after 12/1. but I have been back at the lathe several times in the past week or so. Still had a few Christmas presents to take care of (can't post them yet, but they are done!). and I'm even working on a couple projects for fun, possibly prototypes for future gift giving, but it's nice making some things, for no reason, while I'm still in "lathe mode."

Did I really make a mess of the shop, (going from work to lathe to camera to computer?) I'd spent many weekend last winter trying to get the shop clean enough to get to work in. I never quite got to the point where I wanted to… and cranking out all these projects hasn't helped matters. I feel like I'm back to square one on that score. I have tools, shavings and wood all over the place. Come to think of it, if I can get all the wood organized (again), it won't be so bad. (Some days I think I'll never be ready for my shop inspection from Ms Debbie P)

I expect I'll be doing this challenge again next year, but I'll be trying some more ambitious designs and kits. I wonder about the sales aspect (if the economy isn't any better) because I'll have to be selling at a higher price point. Anyhow, between now and then I'm going to tackle another 30 days project leading up to Easter - making Eggs. But those will be for me, for "fun." So they'll be a bit less pressure on myself with that challenge. In the meantime I'll be collecting some interesting woods to make a bowlful of eggs from.

Anyone up for joining me next time for their own 30 day challenge?

Click to expand...

scottb said:

review

Here's the "class" photos for weeks 2, 3 and 4. check out my projects for more pix/details

2 bowl "box" and pens from Hawaii

pens, closed ended bamboo pen, paper pot making tool, bottle stoppers and a mushroom box

Square bowl, pens and an eccentric tree.
(missing from the last photo is the bing cherry/pecan pen.)

The weeks where I had some pen blanks pre-prepped made for easy days, regardless of when I got home from work, and still had to turn, take photos and post the projects online. (Facebook, here and at the actual 30 in 30 site.)

Am I glad I did this? You bet. I've gotten a much better handle on my turning (though I know I'm using the skew wrong), and I'm much better at sharpening.

Surprisingly, there were very few projects that didn't work out. I had a much better success ratio than I would have guessed. The lilac bottle stopper was an experiment in the first place, so that wasn't a surprise. Getting the hang of the Bic pens took a bit, my first one in Bamboo exploded when I was turning it. The spalted maple/blackwood one, was a "fix" that didn't quite work, a fix only necessary because I reversed the bushings my accident. A fix that would have worked perfectly if I had a collet chuck, or pin jaws for my 4 jaw chuck. - however the fix on that enabled me to get that last pen turned to successful completion, the blood orange one (Osage and bloodwood) the bloodwood makes up for where the osage root tore out beyond repair. (following the previous osage atlas pen that cracked just as I was assembling it. I was bound and determined to make a functioning pen out of that beautiful wood.

Financially was this event a success? Kind of. I'd already had all the kits from previous excursions out to woodcraft last April, and before. So in a manner of speaking I didn't have to spend any money to get things out there. I did buy a few more bottle stoppers to make sure, if the bowls and boxes didn't work out, that I would still be able to make 30 items. I was doing this just as much for practice, as I was for getting friends and family some top notch pens for cheaper than at the higher end art and craft fairs. So, yes I did make some money (in the end, profit exceeded double cost if I remember correctly - which I wish was all to be reinvested in my lathe, but went towards Christmas and/or life expenses… at least all these pens were made and found great homes and I didn't have to give them all to my little one in lieu of other things. And while I could dwell on what my hourly rate could have been (not too bad actually if you only count the time spent turning - I spent much less time turning than I did with all the pix and blogging). I remind myself that I couldn't have paid for the knowledge I got from this experience. I couldn't have picked this up (and retained it) from a class at any price. (Though I still am hoping Santa gives me a certificate for a class. I took a five-week spindle turning class, but I've had to figure out faceplate turning on my own.

At present, I have very few of these projects left. (Just three of the stoppers, and three of the pens) Most sold during the auction, or when family was here for my Birthday or Thanksgiving. Just seeing them really helped. I did put two of them in the LJ pen traders swap box that I just shipped off today, and two were slated to be Christmas presents (if they didn't sell) so I quickly pulled those two off the table as soon as the timer wound down.

Did this turn me off from wanting to use the lathe, or be in the shop? I did take a few days off after 12/1. but I have been back at the lathe several times in the past week or so. Still had a few Christmas presents to take care of (can't post them yet, but they are done!). and I'm even working on a couple projects for fun, possibly prototypes for future gift giving, but it's nice making some things, for no reason, while I'm still in "lathe mode."

Did I really make a mess of the shop, (going from work to lathe to camera to computer?) I'd spent many weekend last winter trying to get the shop clean enough to get to work in. I never quite got to the point where I wanted to… and cranking out all these projects hasn't helped matters. I feel like I'm back to square one on that score. I have tools, shavings and wood all over the place. Come to think of it, if I can get all the wood organized (again), it won't be so bad. (Some days I think I'll never be ready for my shop inspection from Ms Debbie P)

I expect I'll be doing this challenge again next year, but I'll be trying some more ambitious designs and kits. I wonder about the sales aspect (if the economy isn't any better) because I'll have to be selling at a higher price point. Anyhow, between now and then I'm going to tackle another 30 days project leading up to Easter - making Eggs. But those will be for me, for "fun." So they'll be a bit less pressure on myself with that challenge. In the meantime I'll be collecting some interesting woods to make a bowlful of eggs from.

Anyone up for joining me next time for their own 30 day challenge?

Click to expand...

scottb said:

review

Here's the "class" photos for weeks 2, 3 and 4. check out my projects for more pix/details

2 bowl "box" and pens from Hawaii

pens, closed ended bamboo pen, paper pot making tool, bottle stoppers and a mushroom box

Square bowl, pens and an eccentric tree.
(missing from the last photo is the bing cherry/pecan pen.)

The weeks where I had some pen blanks pre-prepped made for easy days, regardless of when I got home from work, and still had to turn, take photos and post the projects online. (Facebook, here and at the actual 30 in 30 site.)

Am I glad I did this? You bet. I've gotten a much better handle on my turning (though I know I'm using the skew wrong), and I'm much better at sharpening.

Surprisingly, there were very few projects that didn't work out. I had a much better success ratio than I would have guessed. The lilac bottle stopper was an experiment in the first place, so that wasn't a surprise. Getting the hang of the Bic pens took a bit, my first one in Bamboo exploded when I was turning it. The spalted maple/blackwood one, was a "fix" that didn't quite work, a fix only necessary because I reversed the bushings my accident. A fix that would have worked perfectly if I had a collet chuck, or pin jaws for my 4 jaw chuck. - however the fix on that enabled me to get that last pen turned to successful completion, the blood orange one (Osage and bloodwood) the bloodwood makes up for where the osage root tore out beyond repair. (following the previous osage atlas pen that cracked just as I was assembling it. I was bound and determined to make a functioning pen out of that beautiful wood.

Financially was this event a success? Kind of. I'd already had all the kits from previous excursions out to woodcraft last April, and before. So in a manner of speaking I didn't have to spend any money to get things out there. I did buy a few more bottle stoppers to make sure, if the bowls and boxes didn't work out, that I would still be able to make 30 items. I was doing this just as much for practice, as I was for getting friends and family some top notch pens for cheaper than at the higher end art and craft fairs. So, yes I did make some money (in the end, profit exceeded double cost if I remember correctly - which I wish was all to be reinvested in my lathe, but went towards Christmas and/or life expenses… at least all these pens were made and found great homes and I didn't have to give them all to my little one in lieu of other things. And while I could dwell on what my hourly rate could have been (not too bad actually if you only count the time spent turning - I spent much less time turning than I did with all the pix and blogging). I remind myself that I couldn't have paid for the knowledge I got from this experience. I couldn't have picked this up (and retained it) from a class at any price. (Though I still am hoping Santa gives me a certificate for a class. I took a five-week spindle turning class, but I've had to figure out faceplate turning on my own.

At present, I have very few of these projects left. (Just three of the stoppers, and three of the pens) Most sold during the auction, or when family was here for my Birthday or Thanksgiving. Just seeing them really helped. I did put two of them in the LJ pen traders swap box that I just shipped off today, and two were slated to be Christmas presents (if they didn't sell) so I quickly pulled those two off the table as soon as the timer wound down.

Did this turn me off from wanting to use the lathe, or be in the shop? I did take a few days off after 12/1. but I have been back at the lathe several times in the past week or so. Still had a few Christmas presents to take care of (can't post them yet, but they are done!). and I'm even working on a couple projects for fun, possibly prototypes for future gift giving, but it's nice making some things, for no reason, while I'm still in "lathe mode."

Did I really make a mess of the shop, (going from work to lathe to camera to computer?) I'd spent many weekend last winter trying to get the shop clean enough to get to work in. I never quite got to the point where I wanted to… and cranking out all these projects hasn't helped matters. I feel like I'm back to square one on that score. I have tools, shavings and wood all over the place. Come to think of it, if I can get all the wood organized (again), it won't be so bad. (Some days I think I'll never be ready for my shop inspection from Ms Debbie P)

I expect I'll be doing this challenge again next year, but I'll be trying some more ambitious designs and kits. I wonder about the sales aspect (if the economy isn't any better) because I'll have to be selling at a higher price point. Anyhow, between now and then I'm going to tackle another 30 days project leading up to Easter - making Eggs. But those will be for me, for "fun." So they'll be a bit less pressure on myself with that challenge. In the meantime I'll be collecting some interesting woods to make a bowlful of eggs from.

Anyone up for joining me next time for their own 30 day challenge?

Click to expand...

scottb said:

Round II, June 2009

I had a great time with this challenge last Nov, learned a lot, and made a lot of sawdust. Took a long time to finally get the shop remotely clean after that. I tried to parlay that challenge into doing a project a week for this year. I was off to a good start before work had me on the road way too much. I started a toybox, a bowl, some shop storage, a wineglass, jigs… I forget what else.

Now, I'm looking at a few foul weather days and my intention of working in the yard and garden, playing in the woods (I've recently got into, addicted really, to geocaching) is a bust. Now that the lathe has had a nice long (well deserved) rest, I'm ready to make up for lost time. (I haven't been blogging enough, and somewhat MIA from LJ besides.)

and what luck, June is just around the corner, and 30 days long to boot.

I just announced on Facebook that I was gearing up for round two. I've already got 12 pen blanks prepped and ready to go, and some other ideas I'm eager to give a shot.

I'm going to preview the finished works on my FB page, a preview to any friends and family who are looking for a nice grad or dad gift. Early Christmas present perhaps? Buy handmade!!!
However, I'm not going to pressure myself this time to come up with 30 sale-able projects, just 30 in total. If any (IMHO) are good enough, then I'll post them on my Etsy site the day after I preview them on FB (and LJ of course!)

What is this whole 30 projects in 30 days challenge? Want to do one of your own? Read back through this series, check out the links… and let us know what you comes out of your shop.

Click to expand...

scottb said:

Round II, June 2009

I had a great time with this challenge last Nov, learned a lot, and made a lot of sawdust. Took a long time to finally get the shop remotely clean after that. I tried to parlay that challenge into doing a project a week for this year. I was off to a good start before work had me on the road way too much. I started a toybox, a bowl, some shop storage, a wineglass, jigs… I forget what else.

Now, I'm looking at a few foul weather days and my intention of working in the yard and garden, playing in the woods (I've recently got into, addicted really, to geocaching) is a bust. Now that the lathe has had a nice long (well deserved) rest, I'm ready to make up for lost time. (I haven't been blogging enough, and somewhat MIA from LJ besides.)

and what luck, June is just around the corner, and 30 days long to boot.

I just announced on Facebook that I was gearing up for round two. I've already got 12 pen blanks prepped and ready to go, and some other ideas I'm eager to give a shot.

I'm going to preview the finished works on my FB page, a preview to any friends and family who are looking for a nice grad or dad gift. Early Christmas present perhaps? Buy handmade!!!
However, I'm not going to pressure myself this time to come up with 30 sale-able projects, just 30 in total. If any (IMHO) are good enough, then I'll post them on my Etsy site the day after I preview them on FB (and LJ of course!)

What is this whole 30 projects in 30 days challenge? Want to do one of your own? Read back through this series, check out the links… and let us know what you comes out of your shop.

Click to expand...

scottb said:

Round II, June 2009

I had a great time with this challenge last Nov, learned a lot, and made a lot of sawdust. Took a long time to finally get the shop remotely clean after that. I tried to parlay that challenge into doing a project a week for this year. I was off to a good start before work had me on the road way too much. I started a toybox, a bowl, some shop storage, a wineglass, jigs… I forget what else.

Now, I'm looking at a few foul weather days and my intention of working in the yard and garden, playing in the woods (I've recently got into, addicted really, to geocaching) is a bust. Now that the lathe has had a nice long (well deserved) rest, I'm ready to make up for lost time. (I haven't been blogging enough, and somewhat MIA from LJ besides.)

and what luck, June is just around the corner, and 30 days long to boot.

I just announced on Facebook that I was gearing up for round two. I've already got 12 pen blanks prepped and ready to go, and some other ideas I'm eager to give a shot.

I'm going to preview the finished works on my FB page, a preview to any friends and family who are looking for a nice grad or dad gift. Early Christmas present perhaps? Buy handmade!!!
However, I'm not going to pressure myself this time to come up with 30 sale-able projects, just 30 in total. If any (IMHO) are good enough, then I'll post them on my Etsy site the day after I preview them on FB (and LJ of course!)

What is this whole 30 projects in 30 days challenge? Want to do one of your own? Read back through this series, check out the links… and let us know what you comes out of your shop.

Click to expand...

scottb said:

Round II, June 2009

I had a great time with this challenge last Nov, learned a lot, and made a lot of sawdust. Took a long time to finally get the shop remotely clean after that. I tried to parlay that challenge into doing a project a week for this year. I was off to a good start before work had me on the road way too much. I started a toybox, a bowl, some shop storage, a wineglass, jigs… I forget what else.

Now, I'm looking at a few foul weather days and my intention of working in the yard and garden, playing in the woods (I've recently got into, addicted really, to geocaching) is a bust. Now that the lathe has had a nice long (well deserved) rest, I'm ready to make up for lost time. (I haven't been blogging enough, and somewhat MIA from LJ besides.)

and what luck, June is just around the corner, and 30 days long to boot.

I just announced on Facebook that I was gearing up for round two. I've already got 12 pen blanks prepped and ready to go, and some other ideas I'm eager to give a shot.

I'm going to preview the finished works on my FB page, a preview to any friends and family who are looking for a nice grad or dad gift. Early Christmas present perhaps? Buy handmade!!!
However, I'm not going to pressure myself this time to come up with 30 sale-able projects, just 30 in total. If any (IMHO) are good enough, then I'll post them on my Etsy site the day after I preview them on FB (and LJ of course!)

What is this whole 30 projects in 30 days challenge? Want to do one of your own? Read back through this series, check out the links… and let us know what you comes out of your shop.

Click to expand...

scottb said:

Round II, June 2009

I had a great time with this challenge last Nov, learned a lot, and made a lot of sawdust. Took a long time to finally get the shop remotely clean after that. I tried to parlay that challenge into doing a project a week for this year. I was off to a good start before work had me on the road way too much. I started a toybox, a bowl, some shop storage, a wineglass, jigs… I forget what else.

Now, I'm looking at a few foul weather days and my intention of working in the yard and garden, playing in the woods (I've recently got into, addicted really, to geocaching) is a bust. Now that the lathe has had a nice long (well deserved) rest, I'm ready to make up for lost time. (I haven't been blogging enough, and somewhat MIA from LJ besides.)

and what luck, June is just around the corner, and 30 days long to boot.

I just announced on Facebook that I was gearing up for round two. I've already got 12 pen blanks prepped and ready to go, and some other ideas I'm eager to give a shot.

I'm going to preview the finished works on my FB page, a preview to any friends and family who are looking for a nice grad or dad gift. Early Christmas present perhaps? Buy handmade!!!
However, I'm not going to pressure myself this time to come up with 30 sale-able projects, just 30 in total. If any (IMHO) are good enough, then I'll post them on my Etsy site the day after I preview them on FB (and LJ of course!)

What is this whole 30 projects in 30 days challenge? Want to do one of your own? Read back through this series, check out the links… and let us know what you comes out of your shop.

Click to expand...

scottb said:

Round II, June 2009

I had a great time with this challenge last Nov, learned a lot, and made a lot of sawdust. Took a long time to finally get the shop remotely clean after that. I tried to parlay that challenge into doing a project a week for this year. I was off to a good start before work had me on the road way too much. I started a toybox, a bowl, some shop storage, a wineglass, jigs… I forget what else.

Now, I'm looking at a few foul weather days and my intention of working in the yard and garden, playing in the woods (I've recently got into, addicted really, to geocaching) is a bust. Now that the lathe has had a nice long (well deserved) rest, I'm ready to make up for lost time. (I haven't been blogging enough, and somewhat MIA from LJ besides.)

and what luck, June is just around the corner, and 30 days long to boot.

I just announced on Facebook that I was gearing up for round two. I've already got 12 pen blanks prepped and ready to go, and some other ideas I'm eager to give a shot.

I'm going to preview the finished works on my FB page, a preview to any friends and family who are looking for a nice grad or dad gift. Early Christmas present perhaps? Buy handmade!!!
However, I'm not going to pressure myself this time to come up with 30 sale-able projects, just 30 in total. If any (IMHO) are good enough, then I'll post them on my Etsy site the day after I preview them on FB (and LJ of course!)

What is this whole 30 projects in 30 days challenge? Want to do one of your own? Read back through this series, check out the links… and let us know what you comes out of your shop.

Click to expand...

scottb said:

Round II, June 2009

I had a great time with this challenge last Nov, learned a lot, and made a lot of sawdust. Took a long time to finally get the shop remotely clean after that. I tried to parlay that challenge into doing a project a week for this year. I was off to a good start before work had me on the road way too much. I started a toybox, a bowl, some shop storage, a wineglass, jigs… I forget what else.

Now, I'm looking at a few foul weather days and my intention of working in the yard and garden, playing in the woods (I've recently got into, addicted really, to geocaching) is a bust. Now that the lathe has had a nice long (well deserved) rest, I'm ready to make up for lost time. (I haven't been blogging enough, and somewhat MIA from LJ besides.)

and what luck, June is just around the corner, and 30 days long to boot.

I just announced on Facebook that I was gearing up for round two. I've already got 12 pen blanks prepped and ready to go, and some other ideas I'm eager to give a shot.

I'm going to preview the finished works on my FB page, a preview to any friends and family who are looking for a nice grad or dad gift. Early Christmas present perhaps? Buy handmade!!!
However, I'm not going to pressure myself this time to come up with 30 sale-able projects, just 30 in total. If any (IMHO) are good enough, then I'll post them on my Etsy site the day after I preview them on FB (and LJ of course!)

What is this whole 30 projects in 30 days challenge? Want to do one of your own? Read back through this series, check out the links… and let us know what you comes out of your shop.

Click to expand...

scottb said:

Round II, June 2009

I had a great time with this challenge last Nov, learned a lot, and made a lot of sawdust. Took a long time to finally get the shop remotely clean after that. I tried to parlay that challenge into doing a project a week for this year. I was off to a good start before work had me on the road way too much. I started a toybox, a bowl, some shop storage, a wineglass, jigs… I forget what else.

Now, I'm looking at a few foul weather days and my intention of working in the yard and garden, playing in the woods (I've recently got into, addicted really, to geocaching) is a bust. Now that the lathe has had a nice long (well deserved) rest, I'm ready to make up for lost time. (I haven't been blogging enough, and somewhat MIA from LJ besides.)

and what luck, June is just around the corner, and 30 days long to boot.

I just announced on Facebook that I was gearing up for round two. I've already got 12 pen blanks prepped and ready to go, and some other ideas I'm eager to give a shot.

I'm going to preview the finished works on my FB page, a preview to any friends and family who are looking for a nice grad or dad gift. Early Christmas present perhaps? Buy handmade!!!
However, I'm not going to pressure myself this time to come up with 30 sale-able projects, just 30 in total. If any (IMHO) are good enough, then I'll post them on my Etsy site the day after I preview them on FB (and LJ of course!)

What is this whole 30 projects in 30 days challenge? Want to do one of your own? Read back through this series, check out the links… and let us know what you comes out of your shop.

Click to expand...

scottb said:

Round II, June 2009

I had a great time with this challenge last Nov, learned a lot, and made a lot of sawdust. Took a long time to finally get the shop remotely clean after that. I tried to parlay that challenge into doing a project a week for this year. I was off to a good start before work had me on the road way too much. I started a toybox, a bowl, some shop storage, a wineglass, jigs… I forget what else.

Now, I'm looking at a few foul weather days and my intention of working in the yard and garden, playing in the woods (I've recently got into, addicted really, to geocaching) is a bust. Now that the lathe has had a nice long (well deserved) rest, I'm ready to make up for lost time. (I haven't been blogging enough, and somewhat MIA from LJ besides.)

and what luck, June is just around the corner, and 30 days long to boot.

I just announced on Facebook that I was gearing up for round two. I've already got 12 pen blanks prepped and ready to go, and some other ideas I'm eager to give a shot.

I'm going to preview the finished works on my FB page, a preview to any friends and family who are looking for a nice grad or dad gift. Early Christmas present perhaps? Buy handmade!!!
However, I'm not going to pressure myself this time to come up with 30 sale-able projects, just 30 in total. If any (IMHO) are good enough, then I'll post them on my Etsy site the day after I preview them on FB (and LJ of course!)

What is this whole 30 projects in 30 days challenge? Want to do one of your own? Read back through this series, check out the links… and let us know what you comes out of your shop.

Click to expand...

scottb said:

And it begins (again)

Starting this second challenge/journey, this time accompanied by two fellow jocks.
Darryl and Russel. It sure is going to be fun watching our collective progress, see what great new things come out of our shops, and hear about how this adventure shapes our woodworking journey.

Project 1/30:


Last time I was attempting to make a sell-able piece every day. This time I'm not going to force myself to have to make something come out that perfect. Sure it gave me great practice with my pens and bottlestoppers, but it was a bit nerve wracking and it made me make "safer" choices.

Once the challenge was over, I dared step outside my comfort zone and made my first projects turned on perpendicular axes - these coffee scoops requiring spindle and bowl turning.


In the coming days/weeks, if I am so inspired to try something else I havent tried before. Something Ive only read about, or even something I've never even seen yet, I'll be willing to try, without having to have a plan B.
I'm hoping to really give my creative muse a workout this time… and who knows, maybe some odd art collector will want to buy a tri-axis bowl (with an embedded skew) that broke into a billion bits after it flew off the lathe?

Last November, I was posting on a (seemingly) now-defunct website. and the rules were simple. Make something (draw, bake, paint, write, whatever your creative outlet is) everyday for the month. Post it. (they hosted the event in April, June, Sept, and Nov)

I'm still following the spirit of the original contest, by posting a new project everyday… but I'm not requiring myself to complete something in one day… just so long as I stagger my projects so that I can complete and post one everyday. And everything is started/finished within 30 days. If it's something I'd started before the word "go" then it doesn't count… (I am hoping to be motivated by my progress to complete some of these 90% done projects while I'm down in the shop - you know waiting for the glue to dry, or for the brain to kick-in.) Whatever your take is on the 30 in 30,... it's all good. Russel is working on multiple, varied projects at the same time, and will likely post en masse when he's ready.

It's not too late join in (granted you might have a little bit of catch-up to do) Just so long as you're not making 30 of the same thing (cause the idea is to challenge yourself) get on board this train, and see where your creativity takes you. There's plenty of room - and the coffee's really good. Otherwise, sit back and relax. Next train departs, Nov 1, 2009. I've already booked my ticket!

Click to expand...

scottb said:

And it begins (again)

Starting this second challenge/journey, this time accompanied by two fellow jocks.
Darryl and Russel. It sure is going to be fun watching our collective progress, see what great new things come out of our shops, and hear about how this adventure shapes our woodworking journey.

Project 1/30:


Last time I was attempting to make a sell-able piece every day. This time I'm not going to force myself to have to make something come out that perfect. Sure it gave me great practice with my pens and bottlestoppers, but it was a bit nerve wracking and it made me make "safer" choices.

Once the challenge was over, I dared step outside my comfort zone and made my first projects turned on perpendicular axes - these coffee scoops requiring spindle and bowl turning.


In the coming days/weeks, if I am so inspired to try something else I havent tried before. Something Ive only read about, or even something I've never even seen yet, I'll be willing to try, without having to have a plan B.
I'm hoping to really give my creative muse a workout this time… and who knows, maybe some odd art collector will want to buy a tri-axis bowl (with an embedded skew) that broke into a billion bits after it flew off the lathe?

Last November, I was posting on a (seemingly) now-defunct website. and the rules were simple. Make something (draw, bake, paint, write, whatever your creative outlet is) everyday for the month. Post it. (they hosted the event in April, June, Sept, and Nov)

I'm still following the spirit of the original contest, by posting a new project everyday… but I'm not requiring myself to complete something in one day… just so long as I stagger my projects so that I can complete and post one everyday. And everything is started/finished within 30 days. If it's something I'd started before the word "go" then it doesn't count… (I am hoping to be motivated by my progress to complete some of these 90% done projects while I'm down in the shop - you know waiting for the glue to dry, or for the brain to kick-in.) Whatever your take is on the 30 in 30,... it's all good. Russel is working on multiple, varied projects at the same time, and will likely post en masse when he's ready.

It's not too late join in (granted you might have a little bit of catch-up to do) Just so long as you're not making 30 of the same thing (cause the idea is to challenge yourself) get on board this train, and see where your creativity takes you. There's plenty of room - and the coffee's really good. Otherwise, sit back and relax. Next train departs, Nov 1, 2009. I've already booked my ticket!

Click to expand...

scottb said:

And it begins (again)

Starting this second challenge/journey, this time accompanied by two fellow jocks.
Darryl and Russel. It sure is going to be fun watching our collective progress, see what great new things come out of our shops, and hear about how this adventure shapes our woodworking journey.

Project 1/30:


Last time I was attempting to make a sell-able piece every day. This time I'm not going to force myself to have to make something come out that perfect. Sure it gave me great practice with my pens and bottlestoppers, but it was a bit nerve wracking and it made me make "safer" choices.

Once the challenge was over, I dared step outside my comfort zone and made my first projects turned on perpendicular axes - these coffee scoops requiring spindle and bowl turning.


In the coming days/weeks, if I am so inspired to try something else I havent tried before. Something Ive only read about, or even something I've never even seen yet, I'll be willing to try, without having to have a plan B.
I'm hoping to really give my creative muse a workout this time… and who knows, maybe some odd art collector will want to buy a tri-axis bowl (with an embedded skew) that broke into a billion bits after it flew off the lathe?

Last November, I was posting on a (seemingly) now-defunct website. and the rules were simple. Make something (draw, bake, paint, write, whatever your creative outlet is) everyday for the month. Post it. (they hosted the event in April, June, Sept, and Nov)

I'm still following the spirit of the original contest, by posting a new project everyday… but I'm not requiring myself to complete something in one day… just so long as I stagger my projects so that I can complete and post one everyday. And everything is started/finished within 30 days. If it's something I'd started before the word "go" then it doesn't count… (I am hoping to be motivated by my progress to complete some of these 90% done projects while I'm down in the shop - you know waiting for the glue to dry, or for the brain to kick-in.) Whatever your take is on the 30 in 30,... it's all good. Russel is working on multiple, varied projects at the same time, and will likely post en masse when he's ready.

It's not too late join in (granted you might have a little bit of catch-up to do) Just so long as you're not making 30 of the same thing (cause the idea is to challenge yourself) get on board this train, and see where your creativity takes you. There's plenty of room - and the coffee's really good. Otherwise, sit back and relax. Next train departs, Nov 1, 2009. I've already booked my ticket!

Click to expand...

scottb said:

And it begins (again)

Starting this second challenge/journey, this time accompanied by two fellow jocks.
Darryl and Russel. It sure is going to be fun watching our collective progress, see what great new things come out of our shops, and hear about how this adventure shapes our woodworking journey.

Project 1/30:


Last time I was attempting to make a sell-able piece every day. This time I'm not going to force myself to have to make something come out that perfect. Sure it gave me great practice with my pens and bottlestoppers, but it was a bit nerve wracking and it made me make "safer" choices.

Once the challenge was over, I dared step outside my comfort zone and made my first projects turned on perpendicular axes - these coffee scoops requiring spindle and bowl turning.


In the coming days/weeks, if I am so inspired to try something else I havent tried before. Something Ive only read about, or even something I've never even seen yet, I'll be willing to try, without having to have a plan B.
I'm hoping to really give my creative muse a workout this time… and who knows, maybe some odd art collector will want to buy a tri-axis bowl (with an embedded skew) that broke into a billion bits after it flew off the lathe?

Last November, I was posting on a (seemingly) now-defunct website. and the rules were simple. Make something (draw, bake, paint, write, whatever your creative outlet is) everyday for the month. Post it. (they hosted the event in April, June, Sept, and Nov)

I'm still following the spirit of the original contest, by posting a new project everyday… but I'm not requiring myself to complete something in one day… just so long as I stagger my projects so that I can complete and post one everyday. And everything is started/finished within 30 days. If it's something I'd started before the word "go" then it doesn't count… (I am hoping to be motivated by my progress to complete some of these 90% done projects while I'm down in the shop - you know waiting for the glue to dry, or for the brain to kick-in.) Whatever your take is on the 30 in 30,... it's all good. Russel is working on multiple, varied projects at the same time, and will likely post en masse when he's ready.

It's not too late join in (granted you might have a little bit of catch-up to do) Just so long as you're not making 30 of the same thing (cause the idea is to challenge yourself) get on board this train, and see where your creativity takes you. There's plenty of room - and the coffee's really good. Otherwise, sit back and relax. Next train departs, Nov 1, 2009. I've already booked my ticket!

Click to expand...