Wow!
It has truly been one big adventure here on LJ’s. It was only because of Mike (Stefang) insistence that I joined LJ’s. And boy am I pleased that I did and he was so persistent. Initially I was mainly interested in making a box for my scrollwork to be displayed better
My first attempt at finger joints
I had done the basics back in high school but I thought all that was long gone from the old grey matter. Apparently woodworking is like riding a bike – you might be a bit rusty but you never quite forget how.
My first ‘great’ project-way back in high school. The teacher designed it and us kids made it using jigs and lathes etc. sorry about the dodgy pic
Anyway as you can see from the way my projects have changed over the past year,
I have graduated from basic
to interesting to
…..well, pretty good (even if I do say so myself!) I managed to make that box and several others and progress to more complex things. (well for me anyway) I am exploring all facets of woodworking and including other hobbies that can be associated or combined with wood, like etching mirrors that have to be framed.
Mums Wren mirror
I have to admit some of the things I have made, still have me stunned that I actually made them and made them well! One of those projects, of course would definitely have to be the boot I carved as part of Jordans shoe challenge. It certainly was a challenge for me but it opened my eyes so much that after having done that course I was convinced that I could do anything if only I try it.
Yes I had failures but with each failure there was a lesson learnt, maybe even a few lessons learnt! I am really amazed at just how far I have come in the last 12 months. And I can honestly say that if it weren’t for LJers I would not be at the competent stage I am now. I feel very comfortable with most of my tools and use them with confidence instead of being timid with them. You might laugh but chisels were a classic. I never had enough ability to use them confidently, I wasn’t scared but not confident. Now I can just pick one up and carve a minute slice or gouge a crevice.
Timely reminders here about health and safety from individuals all add up to being productive and professional about working in the workshop. Like being careful with certain machines, like the bandsaw and actually using those dust masks and hearing protections thingos.
One of the most ironic things that has come about recently is,- NOW – My husband comes to ME for answers concerning woodworking.
Anyway thanks LJs, this year certainly has been alot of fun
-- Theresa, https://sites.google.com/site/tmj65treasure/
35 comments so far
smitty22
home | projects | blog
528 posts in 1144 days
#1 posted 883 days ago
T, Happy Birthday! Like you, I have learned a lot here and am enjoying it more.
-- Smitty
Wes Giesbrecht
home | projects | blog
153 posts in 1008 days
#2 posted 883 days ago
You do some really nice work TJ.
-- Wes Giesbrecht http://www.wesgiesbrecht.com/index.htm
Mark Shymanski
home | projects | blog
3958 posts in 1910 days
#3 posted 883 days ago
Happy 1st Anniversary! I like the prospective of your work over the last year, some great works!
-- "Checking for square? what madness is this! The cabinet is square because I will it to be so!" Jeremy Greiner LJ Topic#20953 2011 Feb 2
patron
home | projects | blog
12171 posts in 1538 days
#4 posted 883 days ago
well done theresa
your work is certainly
getting more confident
many more !
-- david - only thru kindness can this world be whole . If we don't succeed we run the risk of failure. Dan Quayle
Gary
home | projects | blog
3696 posts in 1630 days
#5 posted 883 days ago
Time flies when you’re making lots of saw dust…. Happy b-day
-- Gary, DeKalb Texas only 4 miles from the mill
Dez
home | projects | blog
1097 posts in 2274 days
#6 posted 883 days ago
Happy Birthday! LOL
I can see the progress in the difficulty alone!
Hope to see your many projects to come.
-- Folly ever comes cloaked in opportunity!
shipwright
home | projects | blog
3480 posts in 995 days
#7 posted 883 days ago
Congratulations Theresa
Isn’t it interesting how the forum here actually spurs us on beyond what we may have done ourselves.
-- Paul M ..............If God wanted us to have fiberglass boats he would have given us fiberglass trees. http://prmdesigns.com/
Bob Collins
home | projects | blog
1177 posts in 1881 days
#8 posted 883 days ago
You have had a great year Theresa, have watched your work with interest and I reckon you are getting better ever time you make a post. Congrats on the first year and sure you will be around for many more.
-- Bob C, Australia. I love sharing as long as it is not my tools
TopamaxSurvivor
home | projects | blog
13179 posts in 1873 days
#9 posted 883 days ago
Happy birthday Thersa!! U had a big part in me finally getting a scroll saw, but I haven’t used it much yet, lots fo plans though. Not doing as many other things, so more time for WW ;-)) Carry on, and lead the way with Shelia. Yoiu have posted some awesome projects.
-- "some old things are lovely, warm still with life ... of the forgotten men who made them." - D.H. Lawrence
mahadevwood
home | projects | blog
396 posts in 1217 days
#10 posted 883 days ago
Outstanding work
-- http://www.mahadevwood.com
MsDebbieP
home | projects | blog
18335 posts in 2358 days
#11 posted 883 days ago
happy anniversary :)
(And thanks to Mike for getting TJ here)
Isn’t it wonderful to look back and see the progress. (And, I have to say that I thought you were one of the long-time experts at woodworking)
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
littlecope
home | projects | blog
2379 posts in 1699 days
#12 posted 883 days ago
Congratulations on your first year TJ!!
You’ve got a lot of innate talent and it’s been great to see you gain confidence in yourself…
Best wishes for many, many more years to come!!
-- Mike in Concord, NH---Unpleasant tasks are simply worthy challenges to improve skills.
Sheila Landry (scrollgirl)
home | projects | blog
6062 posts in 1117 days
#13 posted 883 days ago
Congratulations on your first year here, Theresa! It has been wonderful and also inspirational to see not only your work, but also to hear about your challenges and how you approach each project. I personally look forward to each and every one of them. I have also loved the views into the beautiful area of the world where you live. It goes to show us that our common interest in woodworking can tie us all together from all over the world. It has been my pleasure to meet you here and see your creations. Happy Birthday to you!
Sheila
-- Contributing Editor, Creative Woodworks and Crafts, Sheila Landry Designs http://www.sheilalandrydesigns.com "Knowledge is Power"
ellen35
home | projects | blog
2453 posts in 1629 days
#14 posted 883 days ago
Happy b’day TJ. The first year is the hardest!!!
Then they all seem to go so fast!
Enjoy us as we have enjoyed you.
Ellen
-- Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
hooky
home | projects | blog
355 posts in 1516 days
#15 posted 883 days ago
happy LJ’s birthday TJ
it has been a good year watching you grow as a wood worker and seeing the photos of your side of australia
keep up the good work
Hooky
-- Happiness is a way of travel , not a destination (Roy Goodman)
View all comments »
showing 1 through 15 of 35 comments
Have your say...