Feb 28, 2009
Rick and I headed to the Canadian Home Workshop Show in Toronto this morning.
First we headed to say hi to Ryan and check out the tool chest and draw prize that he spoke about in his blog. What a wonderful guy. Always nice to see you, Ryan!
(I thought it would be fun to have my picture taken, showing what I will look like when I win the prize).
And here is the chest filled with tools. 
Next, we wandered around all the exhibits. One display that I had not seen before at any show was that of Moxie Trades, a site for women tradespeople.
(All you tradeswomen out there, check out the directory listing at the bottom of their site). 
What I really like about the Canadian Home Workshop Show, besides the opportunity to meet Ryan, of course, is the workshops that they offer.
Here, men and women get to try their hand at using some tools and then take a project home. 
And here is the “Kids’ Workshop”. It is so fun to watch the young faces as they create their own project. 
Of course there are also the craftsman demonstrating their crafts. I particularly enjoyed watching this gentleman from the Marquetry Society of Canada. After taking his photo we talked a little bit about his scrollsaw. I’m not sure if you can see it well but it is hand operated and he pulls the blade up and down through the wood. He says that this gives him greater control, especially when he is using a blade so fine that I regretted not having my glasses with me! Because the blade is being directed by his hand he can feel it catch and can stop it instantly. Quite fascinating. 
We, of course, also stopped by to chat with the guys from Steel City. We had a chuckle about the Winter Awards 2008 and the possibility that their grand prize might end up having to go to England. I think Jim, the GM for company, had a panic attack when I showed him this 2×4 entry! 
All in all it was a worthwhile trip and I look forward to going back next year.
~Debbie
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
10 comments so far
CanadianWoodChuck
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159 posts in 806 days
posted 266 days ago
Ms Debbie
I was there on Friday and enjoyed the show as well. I was suprised to see the number of vendors was down considerably – sign of the times I guess. I’m not as organized as Debbie & Rick, I didn’t take a camera. If anyone listens to Matt’s Basement Workshop podcast his regular guest Hendrick Varda was there doing a presentation on finishing that was quite interesting.
-- Canadian Wood Chuck (Bruce)
cabinetmaster
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8490 posts in 451 days
posted 266 days ago
Sounds like you had a great time there MsDebbie. I can’t wait for the one in Charlotte next month.
-- Jerry--A man can never have enough tools or clamps
prez
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111 posts in 304 days
posted 266 days ago
MsDebbie…..isn’t there another one in London or Kitchener next month?? Do you know the dates? I’d like to go to that one…
-- George..." I love the smell of a workshop in the morning!"
MsDebbieP
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14161 posts in 1053 days
posted 266 days ago
Kitchener. March 13-15.
We like going there as well but not sure if we’ll make this one. I’m heading to BC on the Sunday – going to see my son :D
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
mmh
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1381 posts in 615 days
posted 266 days ago
Hey, You look good as a “Winner”! Looks like fun. I’ll be attending the March 27-29 Woodworking Show in Chantilly, VA. Hope to see some neat stuff.
-- "They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night." ~ Edgar Allan Poe
Lee A. Jesberger
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3710 posts in 872 days
posted 265 days ago
Hi Ms. Debbie;
Looks like a fun time.
Is that women’s tradespeople for women only. I would like to join. LOL
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
john
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1186 posts in 1274 days
posted 265 days ago
I,ll see you there at the Kitchener show Debbie .
That pink stuff is a little hard on the eyes . lol
-- John in Belgrave ,(Slideshow http://cid-69bce320c6d8b119.spaces.live.com/ (Website) http://www.extremebirdhouse.com
MsDebbieP
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14161 posts in 1053 days
posted 265 days ago
not sure when we are going to get to the Kitchener show.
Sunday we head out west
Saturday I have a Gathering in the morning and a family event in the evening.
I think we’ll be going on Friday.
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Grumpy
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14915 posts in 743 days
posted 262 days ago
Looks like a great show Debbie. Too bad it’s a long way for me.
-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python
MsDebbieP
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14161 posts in 1053 days
posted 262 days ago
well, start planning for 2010 :D
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)