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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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#6,347 ·
Next Project Finished

I had a decent day yesterday. I did accomplish a lot, both physically and also I got a lot of thoughts in order regarding the ongoing issues that I am dealing with. Again, both Keith and I truly appreciate the support over the last couple of days, and many of you have asked how you could help. The more I hear from people, the deeper I see the problem is seated and I realize that it has been going on much longer than I care to admit. That is very troubling, but it is also water under the bridge and I realize that the only thing that I can do is move forward from here.

For those that want to help, I only ask that you get the word out that this is happening. If you know of someone that has purchased patterns with my name on them that is of poor quality, please forward my contact information to them so that I can rectify it. Since I have brought this to light, I have heard from several customers and I am more than happy to help them out. I am ashamed of the quality of patterns that they have received with my name on it, and I want to fix it. One customer told me they called the company and were told "we don't design them, we only sell them". Nice.

But let's move on from there today. We are working to rectify things as soon as possible and in the mean time, I have been working on new things in which I wish to focus.

I finished up the third version of the Ghosts and "Boo" letters. I even got the packet written. This final version is geared for the painters, as only the silhouettes of the pieces need to be cut on the scroll saw. I am considering making kits for this project also, but I need to find out how much shipping the pieces would cost and I don't know if the customer would tolerate the charges. I am going to take the pieces down to the post office later on today and see what we can come up with as far as that goes.

The pieces need to be at least 1/2" thick, which would push them from a letter size into a small packet category. This is true even if they were put into a standard padded envelope. I wish we had flat rate envelopes as they do in the states, but here in Canada, I think the cheapest flat rate envelope is a smaller, half-page size for about $18. That certainly won't do. The small packet size will probably cost around $13 to ship, and would only accommodate one set of pieces. I was thinking that the price of the pieces needs to be about $15 in itself, making the total price for the kit approximately $30 with shipping. I just think that is too high.

The other option that I have is to cut the pieces from 1/8" or 1/4" stock and making some kind of reliable stand system for them. The stands would need to be disassembled so that they would lay flat in a padded envelope and the envelope would be able to qualify within the guidelines of a regular document. Again, when I visit the post office today, I will get these exact dimensions so I can see if it will be possible to mail things like that.

I hate to have to design around shipping like this, but I think the cost is so high that it has to be a consideration. I want to have these kits available because many, many painters don't have access to any woodworkers and I think especially with projects such as these, the fact that they are dimensional figures are part of their charm. I will see what I can work out so that I can get it to the customers as cheaply as possible.

Here is a picture of the finished set:

Gesture Font Wood Art Carmine


I think it came out cool. The pieces are all 'crackled' and I did add a layer of the iridescent ultra fine glitter paint on them to give them a subtle shimmer. There is minimal shading involved and it is a great beginner project. I am happy with it.

I am going to spend the day today writing pattern packets. We have hopes of doing a new site update soon and I have lots of new things for the site that need final packets. I have more ideas, but I have some other things to do to and I am working on some new avenues and audiences for our designs and I want to spend some time there too.

I just never run out of things to do!

It is the end of the week for most of you. Autumn is certainly in the air here and I hope you all have some nice plans for the weekend. It is a good time to take advantage of the nice weather while you can and it is an even better time to start thinking about all those projects you are going to be making this fall for the upcoming holiday season.

Have fun and be happy!
 

Attachments

#6,348 ·
Next Project Finished

I had a decent day yesterday. I did accomplish a lot, both physically and also I got a lot of thoughts in order regarding the ongoing issues that I am dealing with. Again, both Keith and I truly appreciate the support over the last couple of days, and many of you have asked how you could help. The more I hear from people, the deeper I see the problem is seated and I realize that it has been going on much longer than I care to admit. That is very troubling, but it is also water under the bridge and I realize that the only thing that I can do is move forward from here.

For those that want to help, I only ask that you get the word out that this is happening. If you know of someone that has purchased patterns with my name on them that is of poor quality, please forward my contact information to them so that I can rectify it. Since I have brought this to light, I have heard from several customers and I am more than happy to help them out. I am ashamed of the quality of patterns that they have received with my name on it, and I want to fix it. One customer told me they called the company and were told "we don't design them, we only sell them". Nice.

But let's move on from there today. We are working to rectify things as soon as possible and in the mean time, I have been working on new things in which I wish to focus.

I finished up the third version of the Ghosts and "Boo" letters. I even got the packet written. This final version is geared for the painters, as only the silhouettes of the pieces need to be cut on the scroll saw. I am considering making kits for this project also, but I need to find out how much shipping the pieces would cost and I don't know if the customer would tolerate the charges. I am going to take the pieces down to the post office later on today and see what we can come up with as far as that goes.

The pieces need to be at least 1/2" thick, which would push them from a letter size into a small packet category. This is true even if they were put into a standard padded envelope. I wish we had flat rate envelopes as they do in the states, but here in Canada, I think the cheapest flat rate envelope is a smaller, half-page size for about $18. That certainly won't do. The small packet size will probably cost around $13 to ship, and would only accommodate one set of pieces. I was thinking that the price of the pieces needs to be about $15 in itself, making the total price for the kit approximately $30 with shipping. I just think that is too high.

The other option that I have is to cut the pieces from 1/8" or 1/4" stock and making some kind of reliable stand system for them. The stands would need to be disassembled so that they would lay flat in a padded envelope and the envelope would be able to qualify within the guidelines of a regular document. Again, when I visit the post office today, I will get these exact dimensions so I can see if it will be possible to mail things like that.

I hate to have to design around shipping like this, but I think the cost is so high that it has to be a consideration. I want to have these kits available because many, many painters don't have access to any woodworkers and I think especially with projects such as these, the fact that they are dimensional figures are part of their charm. I will see what I can work out so that I can get it to the customers as cheaply as possible.

Here is a picture of the finished set:

Gesture Font Wood Art Carmine


I think it came out cool. The pieces are all 'crackled' and I did add a layer of the iridescent ultra fine glitter paint on them to give them a subtle shimmer. There is minimal shading involved and it is a great beginner project. I am happy with it.

I am going to spend the day today writing pattern packets. We have hopes of doing a new site update soon and I have lots of new things for the site that need final packets. I have more ideas, but I have some other things to do to and I am working on some new avenues and audiences for our designs and I want to spend some time there too.

I just never run out of things to do!

It is the end of the week for most of you. Autumn is certainly in the air here and I hope you all have some nice plans for the weekend. It is a good time to take advantage of the nice weather while you can and it is an even better time to start thinking about all those projects you are going to be making this fall for the upcoming holiday season.

Have fun and be happy!
Good morning Sheila,
We just love these new word pieces! We have had real good luck at the shows with just plain word scroll art but with the extras that you add, we are sure we won't be able to keep them in stock! Have a real good weekend.
Rick
 

Attachments

#6,357 ·
Just Thoughts

It's a busy day ahead. The things that occurred this past week have really slowed me down production-wise and I need to focus back on the tasks at hand and get ready for another site update.

I have been side tracked again as you can imagine by some of the issues of the past days, and while I don't want to dwell on these negative things, they do require my attention in order to rectify them as quickly as possible.

Many have asked me to name the offending company, and I don't feel the liberty to do that at this time. I am trying to be as fair as I can, and as people are coming to me with information on plans that they have purchased, they are figuring it out. I have received several emails where people have stated that scrollers are a close-knit group, and that is certainly true. That is one of the reasons that I enjoy the scrolling branch of woodworking so much. I find all woodworking in general to be a close knit family and besides a couple of bad instances, they are very much willing to help each other and do what they can to advance their craft - and look out for each other. If I have come to any conclusion at all in the past week, it is that you all certainly do 'have my back.' Both Keith and I thank you so much for that, as we do honestly spend most of our days trying to create good patterns for everyone to enjoy and to perpetuate the craft in general.

What I am having trouble understanding is why this was done in the first place. If I put aside the anger and try to look at it in a logical or businesslike way, I am finding it difficult to see the advantage of selling these pared down patterns and how it could help things. And in some cases at a higher cost. Not just because we had our items on sale, but higher than our typical retail prices. And for less pattern.

I like to have sales on my site and sell things at a discount for a limited time. We had a good sale in July and had one of our best months ever. Sales are a good thing for both the customers and for the sellers, as they encourage the consumer to try products that they may have otherwise passed up. By cutting prices for a short time, it is a good shot in the arm for the hosting company, as well as gives the customer a chance to either stock up or to try a product that they otherwise may not have tried. Our sales are not meant to undercut our distributors, only to offer our patterns to our customers at a better deal for a short time. To me, when distributors take our patterns and mark them up immediately from our retail price, they are they ones that are causing us to undercut them without our knowledge. So our own sales are a moot point as far as I am concerned.

But sales can't last forever. At least not for me. Keith and I are doing this as a living, and we need the income we make on our designs to support us or we can't continue. It is simple economics. We try to keep our prices reasonable, and for the type of patterns we sell - full instructions and many with step-by-step photos, etc. - we think we give a pretty good deal. Color printing is costly, but we have found answers to that issue and we are able to make quality, color copies without having to charge a lot extra to our customers. Our instructions may be "too detailed" for someone who has been doing woodworking and scrolling and painting for years, but my own personal philosophy has been to err on the side of the newcomer. I want just about anyone who wants to try one of my patterns to have the opportunity to complete the project successfully. There are times when I don't have what the customer is looking for and I refer them to a fellow designer (Yes - a competitor!) People are surprised at this, but I feel that if I can help them find what they want, even if I don't have it, then perhaps the next time I do have a design that they like, they will come back and buy it from me. That way our industry will grow and it is good for all involved. Many times in my instructions I refer customers to perhaps a video I made or an article that is available for free on our site, or other sites because I want them to learn and feel comfortable and happy when creating the project.

Those who have questions and have come to know me, know that I do my best to help. If I don't have the answers for them, I refer them to someone who does (this is where the community comes into play again!) We have the ability on our site to 'automate' the downloads of people's orders. We choose at this time not to do it. Sometimes people may have to wait an hour or so if I am at the store or gym for me to send their patterns this way, but I do type a little note of thank you to each and every order that is sent, offering assistance if it is needed. On the busy days this keeps me at the computer much of the time, and I realize that one day it may not be possible to do this, but I will continue to do this as long as I can because I want someone who purchases a pattern from us to know that good customer services comes with it. It is part of the deal.

These pared down patterns (I am trying not use the term "butchered") don't offer customers that chance. I have heard many times of customers who had questions about the designs and called the company, only to get vague answers from their staff - many who have never cut a project in their life - or the quote that I mentioned yesterday. I can only imagine how that would leave a bitter taste in their mouth - not from the company, who washed their hands of any designing responsibility, but for me, who is listed as the designer. I find it funny (odd funny) that my name was left, yet no contact information whatsoever. It is as if they wanted to keep my name there so they could pass the buck for the poor quality of their patterns to me and no other reason. Certainly they didn't want to give me 'credit' for the designs, just use me as the scapegoat.

How is this to make the hobby grow, I wonder? If I were new to scrolling and had one of my patterns in this format, I would be very discouraged and in if I had any trouble at all, I would probably give up. I am sure that many have. While selling these cheapened copies may work for a while, in the long term they can't be good for the industry as a whole. As I stated above, they probably contribute to its demise.

I did want to mention that not all distributors are like this. I am looking into some new sources to distribute my patterns and I am very encouraged at the prospect. The company I am working with has long been established and has an excellent reputation among customers, designers and in the woodworking industry in general. Reputation is an important thing that needs to be considered. Just like on Ebay when good or bad ratings from former customers, word of mouth reputation should weigh on the reputability of a certain company or organization. This new company that I am working with has been in business for many years and so far as I have been working with them, have put everything in writing and on the table as to what I am to expect from them and they from I. The major issues and many minor ones are all listed so that there is no 'guessing' and no games. This is the best way to do things, no matter what business you are in. It not only protects you legally, but it also gives you the confidence that both parties are thinking in the same direction and that everything is on the up and up.

I don't want people to think that all distributors are bad. I have several good distributors for my patterns that are honest and do a good job at getting my products to many who I am not able to reach. After all, I am only one person (two with Keith! - but still!) As our company grows, there just aren't enough hours in the day to do everything (marketing, web site, customer service, designing) We need to choose what we will do and relinquish to trusted others some parts of the business as we become larger. There are trustworthy companies that offer a variety of patterns from many designers and are honest and fair. Shopping from them is good, as it saves on shipping costs of going to several different companies if you are looking for a great variety of designs. While I certainly want people to come to me directly, I realize that having these other outlets is both helpful to our company in expanding our customer base, as well as helping the industry as a whole. It can all work well if we all work together.

So those are my thoughts today on it. This is only my point of view. I never said I was a great business person, and perhaps my thoughts are not thinking in the lines of how a business would be the most prosperous. But that is OK. If that is what it takes to be a successful business, I think I will have to figure something else out.

Once again we both want to express our appreciation and thanks for your support. I had seriously considered throwing in the towel, but after seeing the massive support we are receiving from our customers, friends and business colleagues, I realize that it would not be the answer. There are better days ahead and I look forward to them very much.

Besides . . . these kitties need their kibble! :)

Cat Felidae Carnivore Fawn Small to medium-sized cats


These are my kitties in a rare photo where they are all together. They are Coco, Pancakes in the middle and Richard in the back. What do they have to do with this post? Nothing other then they are cute!

Time for me to get back to work! Have a wonderful Saturday!
 

Attachments

#6,358 ·
Just Thoughts

It's a busy day ahead. The things that occurred this past week have really slowed me down production-wise and I need to focus back on the tasks at hand and get ready for another site update.

I have been side tracked again as you can imagine by some of the issues of the past days, and while I don't want to dwell on these negative things, they do require my attention in order to rectify them as quickly as possible.

Many have asked me to name the offending company, and I don't feel the liberty to do that at this time. I am trying to be as fair as I can, and as people are coming to me with information on plans that they have purchased, they are figuring it out. I have received several emails where people have stated that scrollers are a close-knit group, and that is certainly true. That is one of the reasons that I enjoy the scrolling branch of woodworking so much. I find all woodworking in general to be a close knit family and besides a couple of bad instances, they are very much willing to help each other and do what they can to advance their craft - and look out for each other. If I have come to any conclusion at all in the past week, it is that you all certainly do 'have my back.' Both Keith and I thank you so much for that, as we do honestly spend most of our days trying to create good patterns for everyone to enjoy and to perpetuate the craft in general.

What I am having trouble understanding is why this was done in the first place. If I put aside the anger and try to look at it in a logical or businesslike way, I am finding it difficult to see the advantage of selling these pared down patterns and how it could help things. And in some cases at a higher cost. Not just because we had our items on sale, but higher than our typical retail prices. And for less pattern.

I like to have sales on my site and sell things at a discount for a limited time. We had a good sale in July and had one of our best months ever. Sales are a good thing for both the customers and for the sellers, as they encourage the consumer to try products that they may have otherwise passed up. By cutting prices for a short time, it is a good shot in the arm for the hosting company, as well as gives the customer a chance to either stock up or to try a product that they otherwise may not have tried. Our sales are not meant to undercut our distributors, only to offer our patterns to our customers at a better deal for a short time. To me, when distributors take our patterns and mark them up immediately from our retail price, they are they ones that are causing us to undercut them without our knowledge. So our own sales are a moot point as far as I am concerned.

But sales can't last forever. At least not for me. Keith and I are doing this as a living, and we need the income we make on our designs to support us or we can't continue. It is simple economics. We try to keep our prices reasonable, and for the type of patterns we sell - full instructions and many with step-by-step photos, etc. - we think we give a pretty good deal. Color printing is costly, but we have found answers to that issue and we are able to make quality, color copies without having to charge a lot extra to our customers. Our instructions may be "too detailed" for someone who has been doing woodworking and scrolling and painting for years, but my own personal philosophy has been to err on the side of the newcomer. I want just about anyone who wants to try one of my patterns to have the opportunity to complete the project successfully. There are times when I don't have what the customer is looking for and I refer them to a fellow designer (Yes - a competitor!) People are surprised at this, but I feel that if I can help them find what they want, even if I don't have it, then perhaps the next time I do have a design that they like, they will come back and buy it from me. That way our industry will grow and it is good for all involved. Many times in my instructions I refer customers to perhaps a video I made or an article that is available for free on our site, or other sites because I want them to learn and feel comfortable and happy when creating the project.

Those who have questions and have come to know me, know that I do my best to help. If I don't have the answers for them, I refer them to someone who does (this is where the community comes into play again!) We have the ability on our site to 'automate' the downloads of people's orders. We choose at this time not to do it. Sometimes people may have to wait an hour or so if I am at the store or gym for me to send their patterns this way, but I do type a little note of thank you to each and every order that is sent, offering assistance if it is needed. On the busy days this keeps me at the computer much of the time, and I realize that one day it may not be possible to do this, but I will continue to do this as long as I can because I want someone who purchases a pattern from us to know that good customer services comes with it. It is part of the deal.

These pared down patterns (I am trying not use the term "butchered") don't offer customers that chance. I have heard many times of customers who had questions about the designs and called the company, only to get vague answers from their staff - many who have never cut a project in their life - or the quote that I mentioned yesterday. I can only imagine how that would leave a bitter taste in their mouth - not from the company, who washed their hands of any designing responsibility, but for me, who is listed as the designer. I find it funny (odd funny) that my name was left, yet no contact information whatsoever. It is as if they wanted to keep my name there so they could pass the buck for the poor quality of their patterns to me and no other reason. Certainly they didn't want to give me 'credit' for the designs, just use me as the scapegoat.

How is this to make the hobby grow, I wonder? If I were new to scrolling and had one of my patterns in this format, I would be very discouraged and in if I had any trouble at all, I would probably give up. I am sure that many have. While selling these cheapened copies may work for a while, in the long term they can't be good for the industry as a whole. As I stated above, they probably contribute to its demise.

I did want to mention that not all distributors are like this. I am looking into some new sources to distribute my patterns and I am very encouraged at the prospect. The company I am working with has long been established and has an excellent reputation among customers, designers and in the woodworking industry in general. Reputation is an important thing that needs to be considered. Just like on Ebay when good or bad ratings from former customers, word of mouth reputation should weigh on the reputability of a certain company or organization. This new company that I am working with has been in business for many years and so far as I have been working with them, have put everything in writing and on the table as to what I am to expect from them and they from I. The major issues and many minor ones are all listed so that there is no 'guessing' and no games. This is the best way to do things, no matter what business you are in. It not only protects you legally, but it also gives you the confidence that both parties are thinking in the same direction and that everything is on the up and up.

I don't want people to think that all distributors are bad. I have several good distributors for my patterns that are honest and do a good job at getting my products to many who I am not able to reach. After all, I am only one person (two with Keith! - but still!) As our company grows, there just aren't enough hours in the day to do everything (marketing, web site, customer service, designing) We need to choose what we will do and relinquish to trusted others some parts of the business as we become larger. There are trustworthy companies that offer a variety of patterns from many designers and are honest and fair. Shopping from them is good, as it saves on shipping costs of going to several different companies if you are looking for a great variety of designs. While I certainly want people to come to me directly, I realize that having these other outlets is both helpful to our company in expanding our customer base, as well as helping the industry as a whole. It can all work well if we all work together.

So those are my thoughts today on it. This is only my point of view. I never said I was a great business person, and perhaps my thoughts are not thinking in the lines of how a business would be the most prosperous. But that is OK. If that is what it takes to be a successful business, I think I will have to figure something else out.

Once again we both want to express our appreciation and thanks for your support. I had seriously considered throwing in the towel, but after seeing the massive support we are receiving from our customers, friends and business colleagues, I realize that it would not be the answer. There are better days ahead and I look forward to them very much.

Besides . . . these kitties need their kibble! :)

Cat Felidae Carnivore Fawn Small to medium-sized cats


These are my kitties in a rare photo where they are all together. They are Coco, Pancakes in the middle and Richard in the back. What do they have to do with this post? Nothing other then they are cute!

Time for me to get back to work! Have a wonderful Saturday!
Wishing you & Keith a gr8 weekend
 

Attachments

#6,366 ·
Some New Options

I forgot to mention that I had some good news the other day. I had talked about the new ghost and pumpkins stand up figure vignette and how I was thinking of offering the wood pieces as a kit for the painters that don't have access to a woodworker or cutting.

Below is a picture of the set that I am referring to:

Gesture Font Wood Art Carmine


This set is cut from 3/4" poplar and there are five pieces that make up the set. However, the other similar sets that I have, such as the snowmen:

Textile Toy Gesture Font Happy


The snowmen pieces were cut from 1/2" wood, and they are certainly thick enough to stand properly. I feel that if I were to make the kits for the ghosts and pumpkins 1/2" thick, the project as a whole would not suffer in the least.

The other day I mentioned that my main concern with offering these kits was the shipping costs. Unlike shipping ornament kits that are made of 1/8" plywood, which can be easily shipped in a padded envelope, these stand up figures exceed the thickness limit of basic shipping costs and push these pieces up into another category. Of course when that happens, the cost also increases dramatically to ship.

You can imagine that purchasing these pieces for say about $12 a set and then having to pay $12 to $15 additional shipping would be pretty discouraging. While the set is cute and nice, I don't think that the blank pieces would be worth almost $30 to anyone. It just wasn't feasible.

I currently offer the snowmen pieces as an 1/8" kit only for this reason. And while they are nice as refrigerator magnets or ornaments to be hung in a wreath, on a mantle or in a tree, I somehow think that the "Boo" ghosts lose something in the translation from stand up pieces to flat ornaments. They really are meant to be something that stands on their own.

I have explored the idea of making stand for the pieces. The skating pond set that I designed last year had clay stands:

World Cartoon Art Leisure Recreation


I had made longer tabs on the bottom of their feet and had the customer mold clay stands around them as part of the project:

Human body Finger Human leg Wood Nail


While this worked fine for that, I don't think that it will look good with these types of pieces, as there is something really nice about the thickness and chunkiness of the wood that gives the project substance and makes it look nicer.

So I brought the actual pieces down to the post office to see my options, and for a change, I was pleasantly surprised.

If I could fit the pieces in a padded envelope, it would definitely bump the package up into another category, however the increase in cost was much less that I had imagined. While I would have to pay a couple dollars more than if I mailed just the paper pattern itself, it was not as expensive as I had thought and it would definitely be within reason to be able to work. That was great news.

I believe that I will indeed be able to try these pieces out for sale as kits, without having to double the price of the kit to make up for the shipping costs.

I am sure that customers understand that I don't (nor do I try) to make any money on shipping. Even with shipping paper patterns, there are some cases when I actually lose a little money when actual shipping exceeds the range of charges that my site is set at. In those cases, I tend to let it ride, as it is usually not the case and it balances out from when perhaps actual shipping costs a bit less than anticipated. I just don't want to offer these kits knowing that I am losing money each time one is ordered. I wouldn't be able to stay in business that way.

So hopefully we can go from here and create some new kits to accompany the new painting patterns. While I may not sell a huge amount of them, I like to have them available for those customers that don't have access to people who cut wood for them. I think it is a nice service to offer, and will add to our site.

With that said, I have only one more pattern to complete before our update. Things have been slow the past couple of days, as I have been distracted by a couple of other things going on. But I want to focus on the new avenues that I am exploring right now and look at the positive things that are in front of me.

I also wanted you all to know that Lee Valley has free shipping from now until September 24th on orders over $40. That is an easy number to reach (for me, anyway!) and it is a great chance for you to stock up on your woodworking supplies for your upcoming autumn and holiday projects. Their website is here:

http://www.leevalley.com/US/home/Announcement.aspx

Have fun shopping! :)
Have a wonderful Sunday.
 

Attachments

#6,367 ·
Some New Options

I forgot to mention that I had some good news the other day. I had talked about the new ghost and pumpkins stand up figure vignette and how I was thinking of offering the wood pieces as a kit for the painters that don't have access to a woodworker or cutting.

Below is a picture of the set that I am referring to:

Gesture Font Wood Art Carmine


This set is cut from 3/4" poplar and there are five pieces that make up the set. However, the other similar sets that I have, such as the snowmen:

Textile Toy Gesture Font Happy


The snowmen pieces were cut from 1/2" wood, and they are certainly thick enough to stand properly. I feel that if I were to make the kits for the ghosts and pumpkins 1/2" thick, the project as a whole would not suffer in the least.

The other day I mentioned that my main concern with offering these kits was the shipping costs. Unlike shipping ornament kits that are made of 1/8" plywood, which can be easily shipped in a padded envelope, these stand up figures exceed the thickness limit of basic shipping costs and push these pieces up into another category. Of course when that happens, the cost also increases dramatically to ship.

You can imagine that purchasing these pieces for say about $12 a set and then having to pay $12 to $15 additional shipping would be pretty discouraging. While the set is cute and nice, I don't think that the blank pieces would be worth almost $30 to anyone. It just wasn't feasible.

I currently offer the snowmen pieces as an 1/8" kit only for this reason. And while they are nice as refrigerator magnets or ornaments to be hung in a wreath, on a mantle or in a tree, I somehow think that the "Boo" ghosts lose something in the translation from stand up pieces to flat ornaments. They really are meant to be something that stands on their own.

I have explored the idea of making stand for the pieces. The skating pond set that I designed last year had clay stands:

World Cartoon Art Leisure Recreation


I had made longer tabs on the bottom of their feet and had the customer mold clay stands around them as part of the project:

Human body Finger Human leg Wood Nail


While this worked fine for that, I don't think that it will look good with these types of pieces, as there is something really nice about the thickness and chunkiness of the wood that gives the project substance and makes it look nicer.

So I brought the actual pieces down to the post office to see my options, and for a change, I was pleasantly surprised.

If I could fit the pieces in a padded envelope, it would definitely bump the package up into another category, however the increase in cost was much less that I had imagined. While I would have to pay a couple dollars more than if I mailed just the paper pattern itself, it was not as expensive as I had thought and it would definitely be within reason to be able to work. That was great news.

I believe that I will indeed be able to try these pieces out for sale as kits, without having to double the price of the kit to make up for the shipping costs.

I am sure that customers understand that I don't (nor do I try) to make any money on shipping. Even with shipping paper patterns, there are some cases when I actually lose a little money when actual shipping exceeds the range of charges that my site is set at. In those cases, I tend to let it ride, as it is usually not the case and it balances out from when perhaps actual shipping costs a bit less than anticipated. I just don't want to offer these kits knowing that I am losing money each time one is ordered. I wouldn't be able to stay in business that way.

So hopefully we can go from here and create some new kits to accompany the new painting patterns. While I may not sell a huge amount of them, I like to have them available for those customers that don't have access to people who cut wood for them. I think it is a nice service to offer, and will add to our site.

With that said, I have only one more pattern to complete before our update. Things have been slow the past couple of days, as I have been distracted by a couple of other things going on. But I want to focus on the new avenues that I am exploring right now and look at the positive things that are in front of me.

I also wanted you all to know that Lee Valley has free shipping from now until September 24th on orders over $40. That is an easy number to reach (for me, anyway!) and it is a great chance for you to stock up on your woodworking supplies for your upcoming autumn and holiday projects. Their website is here:

http://www.leevalley.com/US/home/Announcement.aspx

Have fun shopping! :)
Have a wonderful Sunday.
good morning ,I like the ghosts project best…something about Halloween ??.....watching the kids have fun and eat too much candy,etc !! Been following your creative process and am amazed at what you turn out ..Nice work !! ...hope you have a great day !!!
 

Attachments

#6,371 ·
Looking Forward

Here we are at another Monday. Where did the last week go?

I find that this time of the year seems to pass too quickly for me. Perhaps because it is my favorite. We are in the middle of September already and after a long and lazy summer, there is much excitement ahead.

I must admit that I struggled last week. I sit here each morning and try to send positive messages to everyone about how 'we are our own destiny'. The way we react to certain situations can greatly affect the outcome. Although I truly believe this, I found myself getting sucked into a place where negative thinking dominated, and for a day or two it nearly shut me down.

Anger does that to you. After all, we are only human. We deal with our emotions differently than any other animal. But overcoming those feelings and moving on to positive things is something that I believe is crucial to my success and survival. For only by letting things go and moving on can I truly be creative again.

I do take responsibility for the situation I find myself in. This includes all aspects of my life at this time. While we love to take credit when we do something that is positive and beneficial to our lives, it is also important for our own well-being to also take responsibility for the things that don't go particularly well.

Playing the 'victim' doesn't suit me well. And while there are times when all of us are put into a role where we are victims to others' actions, more so than not we had a hand in what happened. Either by decisions we made or by actions that we did or didn't take or by turning a blind eye to something that should have been checked. Maybe we were lazy. While we would like to have everything magically fall into place around us with little effort on our part, it rarely is the case. Even when we set the ball in motion for whatever we are involved in, it doesn't mean that once it is rolling that we can allow it to roll freely in whatever direction it happens to go. It needs channeling and checking and guidance along the way to reach the target.

The events of the last week were troubling to say the least. But I can't only blame the other party. That would be the easy way out, but it isn't the right thing to do. I need to blame myself for setting the ball rolling over two years ago when I thought an agreement was reached and never thinking until now to check on it. You can call it trust or laziness or anything you want, but when looking back on things, I realize that no matter who or what I was dealing with, I shouldn't have waited until I heard from others that there may be a problem and I should have periodically looked in to see what was happening. It is just good business.

So I take responsibility. And I figured out that a percentage of the anger that I am feeling is toward myself for allowing this to happen in the first place.

But as each day passes, I am beginning to see that under that anger is a lesson. Being someone who chooses to look on the positive side of thing, I will embrace that lesson and make it the focus. Learning from a situation can change something bad to something good in the long run. And while I may not see the immediate positive effects of this lesson, it does not diminish its value of the knowledge in the least.

Besides, looking at the situation this way is a much more positive approach. Not only did I learn something, but it also forced me to seek out new opportunities and work a bit harder towards growing my business. As many have pointed out, this could be a good opportunity to look in other directions. And they are right. Perhaps I was getting too comfortable and feeling that things were good as they were. We tend to do that.

So on this Monday, I choose to look ahead. Since coming to this realization, I find the peace returning to my heart, and I am again beginning to feel creative.

I worked on several new patterns yesterday and I hope to finish building the new packets for the site update by today. I am excited about the new designs, as well as some of the other things that have crossed my path recently and I plan to use all my energy in a positive way to develop the new ideas and directions.

I came across a quote yesterday, and it really made me think. Those of you who read often know I like to share quotes from time to time. The reason behind this is because they inspire me or provoke thought, and I hope that they affect you in the same way. This one that I saw is as follows:

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You should begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encoumbered with your old nonsense." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

I found it very appropriate for what my situation is at the present. Many of these quotes that I share cross my path throughout my day, without me seeking them. It is as if the universe is trying to tell me something. Whether that is the case or not, I find that things tend to work out best when I listen.

I wish you a beautiful day.

Tree Natural landscape Wood Terrestrial plant Trunk


This is a picture of the woods behind where I live last year. It is truly beautiful this time of year and I look forward seeing the changes the season brings.
 

Attachments

#6,372 ·
Looking Forward

Here we are at another Monday. Where did the last week go?

I find that this time of the year seems to pass too quickly for me. Perhaps because it is my favorite. We are in the middle of September already and after a long and lazy summer, there is much excitement ahead.

I must admit that I struggled last week. I sit here each morning and try to send positive messages to everyone about how 'we are our own destiny'. The way we react to certain situations can greatly affect the outcome. Although I truly believe this, I found myself getting sucked into a place where negative thinking dominated, and for a day or two it nearly shut me down.

Anger does that to you. After all, we are only human. We deal with our emotions differently than any other animal. But overcoming those feelings and moving on to positive things is something that I believe is crucial to my success and survival. For only by letting things go and moving on can I truly be creative again.

I do take responsibility for the situation I find myself in. This includes all aspects of my life at this time. While we love to take credit when we do something that is positive and beneficial to our lives, it is also important for our own well-being to also take responsibility for the things that don't go particularly well.

Playing the 'victim' doesn't suit me well. And while there are times when all of us are put into a role where we are victims to others' actions, more so than not we had a hand in what happened. Either by decisions we made or by actions that we did or didn't take or by turning a blind eye to something that should have been checked. Maybe we were lazy. While we would like to have everything magically fall into place around us with little effort on our part, it rarely is the case. Even when we set the ball in motion for whatever we are involved in, it doesn't mean that once it is rolling that we can allow it to roll freely in whatever direction it happens to go. It needs channeling and checking and guidance along the way to reach the target.

The events of the last week were troubling to say the least. But I can't only blame the other party. That would be the easy way out, but it isn't the right thing to do. I need to blame myself for setting the ball rolling over two years ago when I thought an agreement was reached and never thinking until now to check on it. You can call it trust or laziness or anything you want, but when looking back on things, I realize that no matter who or what I was dealing with, I shouldn't have waited until I heard from others that there may be a problem and I should have periodically looked in to see what was happening. It is just good business.

So I take responsibility. And I figured out that a percentage of the anger that I am feeling is toward myself for allowing this to happen in the first place.

But as each day passes, I am beginning to see that under that anger is a lesson. Being someone who chooses to look on the positive side of thing, I will embrace that lesson and make it the focus. Learning from a situation can change something bad to something good in the long run. And while I may not see the immediate positive effects of this lesson, it does not diminish its value of the knowledge in the least.

Besides, looking at the situation this way is a much more positive approach. Not only did I learn something, but it also forced me to seek out new opportunities and work a bit harder towards growing my business. As many have pointed out, this could be a good opportunity to look in other directions. And they are right. Perhaps I was getting too comfortable and feeling that things were good as they were. We tend to do that.

So on this Monday, I choose to look ahead. Since coming to this realization, I find the peace returning to my heart, and I am again beginning to feel creative.

I worked on several new patterns yesterday and I hope to finish building the new packets for the site update by today. I am excited about the new designs, as well as some of the other things that have crossed my path recently and I plan to use all my energy in a positive way to develop the new ideas and directions.

I came across a quote yesterday, and it really made me think. Those of you who read often know I like to share quotes from time to time. The reason behind this is because they inspire me or provoke thought, and I hope that they affect you in the same way. This one that I saw is as follows:

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You should begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encoumbered with your old nonsense." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

I found it very appropriate for what my situation is at the present. Many of these quotes that I share cross my path throughout my day, without me seeking them. It is as if the universe is trying to tell me something. Whether that is the case or not, I find that things tend to work out best when I listen.

I wish you a beautiful day.

Tree Natural landscape Wood Terrestrial plant Trunk


This is a picture of the woods behind where I live last year. It is truly beautiful this time of year and I look forward seeing the changes the season brings.
A walk down that path will surely clear your mind and ease yer soul. Have a gr8 week
 

Attachments

#6,377 ·
When one door closes . . .

I know we have all heard that saying - "When one door closes, another opens." And while the saying is intended to give people hope in times of despair, usually when someone recites it to us we are not very receptive to its meaning.

Going through difficult times can be really tough. Especially when we are cast out from our 'comfort zones' and changes are occurring in our lives and we feel we have lost control. As humans, we find comfort in familiarity and routine, and when those familiar things are disturbed for whatever reason, it is easy to find ourselves anxious and in a panic regarding our situation.

When looking up the origin of this phrase, I saw an interesting variation of this quote by the great inventor Alexandar Graham Bell that I thought I would share.

"When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us."

Did Mr. Bell nail it, or what?

Leave it to a creative "genius" (whom had many, many doors close throughout his lifetime, I am sure) to give this wonderfully poignant extension of these words that were meant to both comfort and give promise that better days are ahead.

Bravo, Mr. Bell! I like you better just for reading that!

So many of us fear change. We find what we call our 'comfort zones' and dig in with our heels and fight with all the energy in our beings to keep things as they are in certain circumstances. Many times, we aren't even happy with the situation that we are fighting so hard to keep. There are bad marriages, unfulfilling jobs and other situations in our lives that perhaps aren't damaging us, but are holding us back from reaching our potential. Perhaps we are just going through the motions because even though we are unhappy with the situation, in our own minds it is better than the black abyss of unknown that lies ahead should we choose to change.

I think Alexander had it right when he spoke of longing regretfully for the past - so deeply that we are blind to all the wonderful opportunities that are available to us. And for what? Because we fear what we don't know and 'what may be.'

But how, I ask you, are we ever to improve or grow if we don't change? If, say, we don't like our job or current situation, how are we ever going to expect our lives to be any different if we don't try to change things and make things better.

We simply can't.

The way I look at it, life is a journey. We travel from place to place and learn and grow and encounter new things each and every day. When we stop traveling, we stop learning and experiencing and at least to me, I would think that life would become stagnant and unfulfilling and pointless.

Many times we long for the past. Sometimes we long for it even if it has been destructive or detrimental to our lives. But just like Alexander Bell said, we sometimes waste so much of our time longing for our past, that we are blind to all the wonderful things that the future holds for us ahead. Some people just don't know how to let go.

I am currently going through some changes in my life. At this time, I am not completely comfortable with the changes and I do fear the unknown that lies ahead. I admit this because I am sure that from the outside looking in, people are not aware of this. There have been some areas in my life that have become too comfortable, and perhaps even stagnant. Even though I thought I was doing "OK" in them, in my heart I know that I can do better. I deserve it. So it is time to make some changes that are not very comfortable to me, but necessary to keep me happy and fresh and growing as a designer.

Like many, I have held on to things long after they served me well. Even though I know that not only are they no longer beneficial to me, but they are on the brink of being downright destructive.

Also, like many, I have allowed this to continue because of my fear of the unknown, and what closing that door would mean to me. I have been blinded by that fear and I have been so obsessed with it that there has been no room for growth or even considering what the other doors have to offer.

But I am past that now. And with reading the above quote in the context that Alexander Bell placed it, I realized that this applied to ME and my own situation. It labeled and identified how I have been thinking all along. And it validated my own feelings.

I am moving now, and not allowing the closed door to dominate my thoughts. I no longer wish to give it that undeserved power to do so. The ability to let go is something that we all have within us, and once we learn to use it to our advantage, it can be one of the most significant assets we have. We only have to have the courage to use it.

There are so many new opportunities are before me. Many are those that I have considered in the past, but not had the initiative or courage to explore. I no longer fear the changes in my life, I look forward to them as exciting new adventures that will lead me to the path that I need to follow. I may take a wrong turn once in a while, but we all know there are many paths to a single destination, and the destination of happiness and fulfillment is no different.

I will find a way.

Blue Azure Black Door Cat


I wish you all a wonderful Tuesday. Don't be afraid of opening new doors.

PS - I just noticed as I was typing that Ms. Debbie posted her interview she did with me for the Lumberjocks Newsletter this month. It is an honor to be selected from the over 40,000 members for this interview. I can never repay the kindness, friendships and guidance that I have received from the Lumberjocks.com web site. I highly recommend it for woodworkers of all types. You will not regret being part of this great community. You can read the interview HERE. Thank you so much! :)
 

Attachments

#6,378 ·
When one door closes . . .

I know we have all heard that saying - "When one door closes, another opens." And while the saying is intended to give people hope in times of despair, usually when someone recites it to us we are not very receptive to its meaning.

Going through difficult times can be really tough. Especially when we are cast out from our 'comfort zones' and changes are occurring in our lives and we feel we have lost control. As humans, we find comfort in familiarity and routine, and when those familiar things are disturbed for whatever reason, it is easy to find ourselves anxious and in a panic regarding our situation.

When looking up the origin of this phrase, I saw an interesting variation of this quote by the great inventor Alexandar Graham Bell that I thought I would share.

"When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us."

Did Mr. Bell nail it, or what?

Leave it to a creative "genius" (whom had many, many doors close throughout his lifetime, I am sure) to give this wonderfully poignant extension of these words that were meant to both comfort and give promise that better days are ahead.

Bravo, Mr. Bell! I like you better just for reading that!

So many of us fear change. We find what we call our 'comfort zones' and dig in with our heels and fight with all the energy in our beings to keep things as they are in certain circumstances. Many times, we aren't even happy with the situation that we are fighting so hard to keep. There are bad marriages, unfulfilling jobs and other situations in our lives that perhaps aren't damaging us, but are holding us back from reaching our potential. Perhaps we are just going through the motions because even though we are unhappy with the situation, in our own minds it is better than the black abyss of unknown that lies ahead should we choose to change.

I think Alexander had it right when he spoke of longing regretfully for the past - so deeply that we are blind to all the wonderful opportunities that are available to us. And for what? Because we fear what we don't know and 'what may be.'

But how, I ask you, are we ever to improve or grow if we don't change? If, say, we don't like our job or current situation, how are we ever going to expect our lives to be any different if we don't try to change things and make things better.

We simply can't.

The way I look at it, life is a journey. We travel from place to place and learn and grow and encounter new things each and every day. When we stop traveling, we stop learning and experiencing and at least to me, I would think that life would become stagnant and unfulfilling and pointless.

Many times we long for the past. Sometimes we long for it even if it has been destructive or detrimental to our lives. But just like Alexander Bell said, we sometimes waste so much of our time longing for our past, that we are blind to all the wonderful things that the future holds for us ahead. Some people just don't know how to let go.

I am currently going through some changes in my life. At this time, I am not completely comfortable with the changes and I do fear the unknown that lies ahead. I admit this because I am sure that from the outside looking in, people are not aware of this. There have been some areas in my life that have become too comfortable, and perhaps even stagnant. Even though I thought I was doing "OK" in them, in my heart I know that I can do better. I deserve it. So it is time to make some changes that are not very comfortable to me, but necessary to keep me happy and fresh and growing as a designer.

Like many, I have held on to things long after they served me well. Even though I know that not only are they no longer beneficial to me, but they are on the brink of being downright destructive.

Also, like many, I have allowed this to continue because of my fear of the unknown, and what closing that door would mean to me. I have been blinded by that fear and I have been so obsessed with it that there has been no room for growth or even considering what the other doors have to offer.

But I am past that now. And with reading the above quote in the context that Alexander Bell placed it, I realized that this applied to ME and my own situation. It labeled and identified how I have been thinking all along. And it validated my own feelings.

I am moving now, and not allowing the closed door to dominate my thoughts. I no longer wish to give it that undeserved power to do so. The ability to let go is something that we all have within us, and once we learn to use it to our advantage, it can be one of the most significant assets we have. We only have to have the courage to use it.

There are so many new opportunities are before me. Many are those that I have considered in the past, but not had the initiative or courage to explore. I no longer fear the changes in my life, I look forward to them as exciting new adventures that will lead me to the path that I need to follow. I may take a wrong turn once in a while, but we all know there are many paths to a single destination, and the destination of happiness and fulfillment is no different.

I will find a way.

Blue Azure Black Door Cat


I wish you all a wonderful Tuesday. Don't be afraid of opening new doors.

PS - I just noticed as I was typing that Ms. Debbie posted her interview she did with me for the Lumberjocks Newsletter this month. It is an honor to be selected from the over 40,000 members for this interview. I can never repay the kindness, friendships and guidance that I have received from the Lumberjocks.com web site. I highly recommend it for woodworkers of all types. You will not regret being part of this great community. You can read the interview HERE. Thank you so much! :)
Oh yes Sheila. I also know that when the fridge door closes, a bottle o Guinness or Coors Light opens… lol
 

Attachments

#6,386 ·
Finishing Up Some New Projects

I don't know where to begin today. I suppose I want to start off by saying that I was rather overwhelmed at the response from the interview article that was in the Lumberjocks Emag yesterday. Not only did I receive many nice messages in all the places that I posted this blog, but I also received many private emails from people that I have come to know, and even people that I haven't met until now. It brought things into perspective as to the scope of people that I reach here every day.

I usually don't think too much about that. Perhaps it is just easier for me when I sit here in the dark of the morning, with some soft classical music playing (Vivaldi Oboe concertos today - I have recently explored Vivaldi's music beyond the depths of The Four Seasons and have found it to be something that I truly enjoy!) and a cat sitting on my lap in the quiet of the morning. I enjoy mapping out my day and perhaps recounting the previous one. What I write here is pretty much off the top of my head, and there have been times when I go back to my posts later in the day and see typos or incorrect grammar. I cringe, because by then the read count is usually rather high, and I picture all of you out there that have seen the errors and wonder what you must think of my writing ability.

But I try not to let it get to me. If I think ahead too much than I am certain that things would not come out the same and it would ruin the entire process for me. And probably for you all too. It already feels awkward to even mention things like this here. But I did want to acknowledge how much I appreciate having all of you as friends and allowing me the privilege to visit with you each day. It has certainly made my life better.

So at the risk of typos and pre-caffeine grammar errors and wandering, nonsensical thoughts, we continue on our journey.

Yesterday was one of those busy days where it seemed that I accomplished little. We had some errands to do in Digby, which meant that much of the day was shot. We needed some supplies to be ready for our next wholesale order and we also needed to hook up with Bernie for some things and make several stops along the way.

I was also able to meet with a good friend of mine that I haven't had the opportunity to visit all summer. We spent several hours catching up, and it felt good to be able to visit face to face instead of on the phone or through emails.

We had the top down on the car, as it was a beautiful day, but I noticed that the tops of the trees are beginning to get 'crispy' and some of them are even beginning to change color. Fall and winter is definitely on its way.

We were disappointed that when we arrived at Bernie and Ellen's, they weren't home. I did try to call the previous evening to see what their plans were, but were unable to reach them. Since we had plans to be in town anyway, we took a chance that we would catch them and unfortunately we did not. Later in the evening after I arrived home, I gave them a call and found they were out at their camp for the day, but we made plans for Thanksgiving dinner which is only in a few weeks. I still am getting over the fact that Canada's Thanksgiving is nearly two months prior to the USA one. While it seems strange, it is nice to celebrate twice, and have two good meals on top of it. I usually cook a full meal here, even if it is only us, as I still want to hold on to the tradition of my American roots.

We got our supplies and stocked up on the things we needed, and we were half way home before it dawned on me that I had forgotten to pick up my glasses from the eye doctor. I had brought them in when we arrived in town, as I had (almost) sat on them and bent them up a bit several weeks earlier and I wanted to see if they could repair them. I had inadvertently laid them next to me on the couch and since they are thin black frames (and I don't see well when they are off) I had forgotten that they were there.

Instead of waiting for them to be repaired, I opted to do my errands and had intended to come back before we left town. But it completely slipped my mind until I was half way home. They are my back up pair anyway, but I feel rather scatter brained and foolish. I suppose I am getting old.

Today I plan on finishing up the site update. I have five new patterns to post up there, and Keith has a couple also. Some of the new designs are Christmas already, as it is that time of year when people are starting to think in that direction. Among them is my advent calendar chalkboard plaque:

Brown Wood Font Rectangle Logo


The center of the plaque is coated with the clear Chalkboard Finish from DecoArt. I like it because it allows the beauty of the walnut to show through and you can still write on it and it erases very easily. I found however that it worked best when I coated the walnut with a couple of coats of clear polyurethane first, to seal the wood. I sanded in between coats so that it was as smooth as possible (so not to catch the chalk dust) and then I applied a couple of coats of the coating.

The star has a felt pad glued on the back, with a rare earth magnet placed inside. My board is also has magnets glued on the back so that I can easily mount it on the refrigerator. Since our place is small and I don't have lots of room for shelving or nick-knacks, using magnets is a great way for me to display seasonal things temporarily. The rare earth magnets are great because they are small and ever so strong and there is no risk of the items falling off.

We find that people like to receive notices of site updates every couple of weeks and don't find us bothersome in doing so at that rate. I have some new designs sketched out for Halloween and autumn, and I need to get back at the saw again to cut them after this update is complete. There is still time I believe to post a couple of quick projects. I also need to work on some patterns for the new supplier. There are some great new ideas in the works and I think it will expand our business in directions we haven't gone in before. I am very excited about it.

So that is the plan for today. It is just beginning to get light out and it is breezy and overcast and grey. Very autumn-like.

I wish you all a wonderful day today.
 

Attachments

#6,387 ·
Finishing Up Some New Projects

I don't know where to begin today. I suppose I want to start off by saying that I was rather overwhelmed at the response from the interview article that was in the Lumberjocks Emag yesterday. Not only did I receive many nice messages in all the places that I posted this blog, but I also received many private emails from people that I have come to know, and even people that I haven't met until now. It brought things into perspective as to the scope of people that I reach here every day.

I usually don't think too much about that. Perhaps it is just easier for me when I sit here in the dark of the morning, with some soft classical music playing (Vivaldi Oboe concertos today - I have recently explored Vivaldi's music beyond the depths of The Four Seasons and have found it to be something that I truly enjoy!) and a cat sitting on my lap in the quiet of the morning. I enjoy mapping out my day and perhaps recounting the previous one. What I write here is pretty much off the top of my head, and there have been times when I go back to my posts later in the day and see typos or incorrect grammar. I cringe, because by then the read count is usually rather high, and I picture all of you out there that have seen the errors and wonder what you must think of my writing ability.

But I try not to let it get to me. If I think ahead too much than I am certain that things would not come out the same and it would ruin the entire process for me. And probably for you all too. It already feels awkward to even mention things like this here. But I did want to acknowledge how much I appreciate having all of you as friends and allowing me the privilege to visit with you each day. It has certainly made my life better.

So at the risk of typos and pre-caffeine grammar errors and wandering, nonsensical thoughts, we continue on our journey.

Yesterday was one of those busy days where it seemed that I accomplished little. We had some errands to do in Digby, which meant that much of the day was shot. We needed some supplies to be ready for our next wholesale order and we also needed to hook up with Bernie for some things and make several stops along the way.

I was also able to meet with a good friend of mine that I haven't had the opportunity to visit all summer. We spent several hours catching up, and it felt good to be able to visit face to face instead of on the phone or through emails.

We had the top down on the car, as it was a beautiful day, but I noticed that the tops of the trees are beginning to get 'crispy' and some of them are even beginning to change color. Fall and winter is definitely on its way.

We were disappointed that when we arrived at Bernie and Ellen's, they weren't home. I did try to call the previous evening to see what their plans were, but were unable to reach them. Since we had plans to be in town anyway, we took a chance that we would catch them and unfortunately we did not. Later in the evening after I arrived home, I gave them a call and found they were out at their camp for the day, but we made plans for Thanksgiving dinner which is only in a few weeks. I still am getting over the fact that Canada's Thanksgiving is nearly two months prior to the USA one. While it seems strange, it is nice to celebrate twice, and have two good meals on top of it. I usually cook a full meal here, even if it is only us, as I still want to hold on to the tradition of my American roots.

We got our supplies and stocked up on the things we needed, and we were half way home before it dawned on me that I had forgotten to pick up my glasses from the eye doctor. I had brought them in when we arrived in town, as I had (almost) sat on them and bent them up a bit several weeks earlier and I wanted to see if they could repair them. I had inadvertently laid them next to me on the couch and since they are thin black frames (and I don't see well when they are off) I had forgotten that they were there.

Instead of waiting for them to be repaired, I opted to do my errands and had intended to come back before we left town. But it completely slipped my mind until I was half way home. They are my back up pair anyway, but I feel rather scatter brained and foolish. I suppose I am getting old.

Today I plan on finishing up the site update. I have five new patterns to post up there, and Keith has a couple also. Some of the new designs are Christmas already, as it is that time of year when people are starting to think in that direction. Among them is my advent calendar chalkboard plaque:

Brown Wood Font Rectangle Logo


The center of the plaque is coated with the clear Chalkboard Finish from DecoArt. I like it because it allows the beauty of the walnut to show through and you can still write on it and it erases very easily. I found however that it worked best when I coated the walnut with a couple of coats of clear polyurethane first, to seal the wood. I sanded in between coats so that it was as smooth as possible (so not to catch the chalk dust) and then I applied a couple of coats of the coating.

The star has a felt pad glued on the back, with a rare earth magnet placed inside. My board is also has magnets glued on the back so that I can easily mount it on the refrigerator. Since our place is small and I don't have lots of room for shelving or nick-knacks, using magnets is a great way for me to display seasonal things temporarily. The rare earth magnets are great because they are small and ever so strong and there is no risk of the items falling off.

We find that people like to receive notices of site updates every couple of weeks and don't find us bothersome in doing so at that rate. I have some new designs sketched out for Halloween and autumn, and I need to get back at the saw again to cut them after this update is complete. There is still time I believe to post a couple of quick projects. I also need to work on some patterns for the new supplier. There are some great new ideas in the works and I think it will expand our business in directions we haven't gone in before. I am very excited about it.

So that is the plan for today. It is just beginning to get light out and it is breezy and overcast and grey. Very autumn-like.

I wish you all a wonderful day today.
Oh my gosh!!! Christmas is coming. Oh my G !!
 

Attachments

#6,397 ·
New Day Dawning

When I woke up this morning, something occurred to me.

Isn't it nice how each day brings with it the chance for a fresh start?

I realize right off that the above statement is quite simplistic, and also that some of us are in situations that unfortunately continue from day to day. But on some levels, there are bits and pieces of our lives that are still in our control. To me, each day is like opening a book to a new chapter of my life that will be written as the day unfolds. And I am the writer of that story.

I find it very empowering to think in that way. Whether it is completely true or not, if I believe that it is true, it gives me a sense of control over my life and my actions and with that control comes calm. And with that calm comes productivity. It can be that simple.

The past week or so have been difficult for me because of some thing that have been going on with my business. Just before those things came to light, I was on a pretty good roll of creativity. But as things began to unfold, I got caught up in these feelings of anger and betrayal and disappointment and looking back, it has taken its toll on me both personally and professionally and of course, creatively.

Each day I try to write here and share my experiences. Going back to the beginning of this blog, I once again recall the story of how some customers called me (more than one in a week) and were surprised that I answered my own phone. They had thought that I had a full staff to do trivial things such as that. I suppose that because of my exposure through the magazine and other places, I had a persona of being some well-off, successful CEO that had employees and staff and all that people think is included in running a company. Little did they realize that I had about $6 in my checking account at the time. Not to mention some debt that I was in.

I felt so uncomfortable that people perceived me in that way, that it prompted me to begin posting here. Not to whine or moan about my life, but to share my journey in developing my business and making it once again successful. (And I knew in my heart that I would somehow be able to make it a success!)

I made a pact with myself that whether things went up or down, I would try to share the information as objectively as I could here each morning. I am not here to throw stones, or to blame others for my stupid decisions or actions (or lack of action), but rather to allow others to come into my life for a bit and see how a small business just starting in a poor economy could perhaps reach a level of success. And also to seek the advice of others who have been through similar circumstances and are willing to share their experiences. After all, creative people in general are for the most part willing to share with other creative people.

I have recently been accused of spewing propaganda here and using my blog as a soap box to try to gain the sympathy of people and demonize certain others that I feel have wronged me.

I really don't think that is true at all. While I have been admittedly upset with some events that are occurring right now, I truly and honestly have tried to look at them and present them as objectively as someone in my position can. And while I realize that this formula isn't perfect, and that there certainly may be some slant in my direction (after all, it is me who is doing the writing) I still feel that I have only mentioned things that have actually occurred and have stuck to the facts, without embellishment on my part. Simply said, "it is what it is."

I have been told that the alterations to my patterns that I recently discovered are "inconsequential" and that I am being vindictive and blowing this whole thing out of proportion. I disagree strongly with that way of thinking, and believe that somehow they are missing the point.

No matter how small the changes were (or for that matter, what they were) they were done without my consent and worse yet, knowing that I specifically opposed many of them in the first place. No matter if it happened on one pattern or all 400+ patterns, it is the principle that it is wrong in the first place. Whether it occurred on one pattern or all of them is inconsequential. It should not happened at all.

Because of it, trust is broken. I would be a fool if I felt the same way about things after this had happened. Whether it was intentional or not, it was damaging. I am sorry that both sides cannot see that.

There is no 'quick fix' for this problem. Things are already in print and much of the damage has already been done to our side. These changes could have occurred as long as two years ago and we have no way of knowing exactly how many people received our patterns in this format. There is just no way to tell. How can you put a price on a damaged reputation anyway? Once a bad taste is left in the mouth of the customer, how would I possibly be able to change it? Especially when I was unaware of what was happening?

So we take a breath. And we try to think rationally. We can't turn time back. We can't erase what some must be thinking about our work. While it is frustrating to us to have to accept, what is done is done. And we need to move on from here.

Instead of thinking what I can't do, I am choosing to focus on what we CAN do. We have several opportunities ahead of us. We do have loyal customers who realize the quality of our work and will stand by us. We will work harder to market our work to new customers who perhaps haven't seen our patterns or know about us. And we will venture into new undertakings and try to expand our business there.

There are all kinds of options ahead of us. And as long as there are options, we will be OK.

I reached a point yesterday when things were again getting to me. I am sure that Keith felt the same, as I could see it in his demeanor. It was then that I decided that enough was enough. I have spent enough time on this problem and I preferred to spend my energy working on all the good things that await us, not focus on the failures.

So today, as the sun began rising, I told myself that this is going to be a good day. And I am going to do my best to make it such. No matter what the outcome of this situation, we will be OK. And we will be stronger, smarter and better for having gone through it. I believe that in my heart.

Have a wonderful day.

Cloud Sky Atmosphere Daytime Ecoregion


"Do not let the behaviour of others destroy your inner peace." - Dalai Lama
 

Attachments

#6,398 ·
New Day Dawning

When I woke up this morning, something occurred to me.

Isn't it nice how each day brings with it the chance for a fresh start?

I realize right off that the above statement is quite simplistic, and also that some of us are in situations that unfortunately continue from day to day. But on some levels, there are bits and pieces of our lives that are still in our control. To me, each day is like opening a book to a new chapter of my life that will be written as the day unfolds. And I am the writer of that story.

I find it very empowering to think in that way. Whether it is completely true or not, if I believe that it is true, it gives me a sense of control over my life and my actions and with that control comes calm. And with that calm comes productivity. It can be that simple.

The past week or so have been difficult for me because of some thing that have been going on with my business. Just before those things came to light, I was on a pretty good roll of creativity. But as things began to unfold, I got caught up in these feelings of anger and betrayal and disappointment and looking back, it has taken its toll on me both personally and professionally and of course, creatively.

Each day I try to write here and share my experiences. Going back to the beginning of this blog, I once again recall the story of how some customers called me (more than one in a week) and were surprised that I answered my own phone. They had thought that I had a full staff to do trivial things such as that. I suppose that because of my exposure through the magazine and other places, I had a persona of being some well-off, successful CEO that had employees and staff and all that people think is included in running a company. Little did they realize that I had about $6 in my checking account at the time. Not to mention some debt that I was in.

I felt so uncomfortable that people perceived me in that way, that it prompted me to begin posting here. Not to whine or moan about my life, but to share my journey in developing my business and making it once again successful. (And I knew in my heart that I would somehow be able to make it a success!)

I made a pact with myself that whether things went up or down, I would try to share the information as objectively as I could here each morning. I am not here to throw stones, or to blame others for my stupid decisions or actions (or lack of action), but rather to allow others to come into my life for a bit and see how a small business just starting in a poor economy could perhaps reach a level of success. And also to seek the advice of others who have been through similar circumstances and are willing to share their experiences. After all, creative people in general are for the most part willing to share with other creative people.

I have recently been accused of spewing propaganda here and using my blog as a soap box to try to gain the sympathy of people and demonize certain others that I feel have wronged me.

I really don't think that is true at all. While I have been admittedly upset with some events that are occurring right now, I truly and honestly have tried to look at them and present them as objectively as someone in my position can. And while I realize that this formula isn't perfect, and that there certainly may be some slant in my direction (after all, it is me who is doing the writing) I still feel that I have only mentioned things that have actually occurred and have stuck to the facts, without embellishment on my part. Simply said, "it is what it is."

I have been told that the alterations to my patterns that I recently discovered are "inconsequential" and that I am being vindictive and blowing this whole thing out of proportion. I disagree strongly with that way of thinking, and believe that somehow they are missing the point.

No matter how small the changes were (or for that matter, what they were) they were done without my consent and worse yet, knowing that I specifically opposed many of them in the first place. No matter if it happened on one pattern or all 400+ patterns, it is the principle that it is wrong in the first place. Whether it occurred on one pattern or all of them is inconsequential. It should not happened at all.

Because of it, trust is broken. I would be a fool if I felt the same way about things after this had happened. Whether it was intentional or not, it was damaging. I am sorry that both sides cannot see that.

There is no 'quick fix' for this problem. Things are already in print and much of the damage has already been done to our side. These changes could have occurred as long as two years ago and we have no way of knowing exactly how many people received our patterns in this format. There is just no way to tell. How can you put a price on a damaged reputation anyway? Once a bad taste is left in the mouth of the customer, how would I possibly be able to change it? Especially when I was unaware of what was happening?

So we take a breath. And we try to think rationally. We can't turn time back. We can't erase what some must be thinking about our work. While it is frustrating to us to have to accept, what is done is done. And we need to move on from here.

Instead of thinking what I can't do, I am choosing to focus on what we CAN do. We have several opportunities ahead of us. We do have loyal customers who realize the quality of our work and will stand by us. We will work harder to market our work to new customers who perhaps haven't seen our patterns or know about us. And we will venture into new undertakings and try to expand our business there.

There are all kinds of options ahead of us. And as long as there are options, we will be OK.

I reached a point yesterday when things were again getting to me. I am sure that Keith felt the same, as I could see it in his demeanor. It was then that I decided that enough was enough. I have spent enough time on this problem and I preferred to spend my energy working on all the good things that await us, not focus on the failures.

So today, as the sun began rising, I told myself that this is going to be a good day. And I am going to do my best to make it such. No matter what the outcome of this situation, we will be OK. And we will be stronger, smarter and better for having gone through it. I believe that in my heart.

Have a wonderful day.

Cloud Sky Atmosphere Daytime Ecoregion


"Do not let the behaviour of others destroy your inner peace." - Dalai Lama
Hi Sheila,

Well written. I'm guessing it's the folks you're having a disagreement with about your patterns that are now claiming you are using your blog to your benefit….gee, no kidding!

And I bet that since you are preventing them from doing a blog of their own, they feel as though you have an unfair advantage. Shame on you, Sheila. After all, they only altered your copyrighted work, left your name on it, (so they could claim they are giving you your due credit), when in reality it is so they could blame you for any complaints that come along. I can't see why this should bother you.

Some people and business just aren't worth the trouble or aggrevation they bring to the table with them.

I'm sure you and Keith will be just fine.

Lee
 

Attachments

#6,409 ·
Patience

I started writing a blog once already today. I had half a page done, and I didn't really like how it read, so I deleted it. The funny part of it was that the subject of the post was 'indecision.' Perhaps it should have been written after all.

While going through the many changes that our business is experiencing at this time. it is sometimes difficult to know if what we are doing is the right thing. I suppose there is nothing in this life that is certain, and the only way we will really find out whether we are heading in the right direction is to give new things a try. Sailing these uncharted waters can be a bit uncomfortable though, and I am certain that is the root of our indecisiveness.

We are exploring some new avenues for our patterns right now. We are fortunate that we have many opportunities in front of us and probably the most difficult part is to decide which one to pursue first. Many of them have promise, and naturally we want to pick the ones that will be the most beneficial to our company at this time.

We are often asked by customers who are starting their own businesses which avenue they should follow. To me, that is a very difficult question to answer, as there are just too many variables for us to give blanket advice that will work for everyone. While we would like to help, we do understand that each person has different circumstances, and what will work for one will not work for someone else. The best advice that we could give them is to try things out and see what works best for them. I believe that is the only way that one will find true success, and there is no short cut we can offer.

It is times such as this when we realize that we need to take our own advice and just give the new things a try. Whether they fail or not will dictate further decisions that we will make, but without giving some of these new things a chance, we will never know.

I am working on some new ideas right now that are like this. It involves doing something that I haven't yet done and will introduce our company to a market that we have not yet been involved in. In some ways, it is rather scary for me. As with any new venture, the potential to fail is certainly present. While I have been comfortable here in my niche of creating scroll saw patterns, both Keith and I feel that it is time to 'leave the nest' and branch out into other aspects of woodworking. We are certain that there will be a learning curve to this, but we are ready for that, as we feel that we do have a lot to contribute to this area and it may be something that will be good for us in the long run.

I went through this a bit when I decided to start creating painting patterns again. There was a stretch of several years where I had not been involved in the painting community at all, and I had to start at the bottom all over again. After being somewhat recognized in the scroll sawing world, the painters had no knowledge at all of me, and it was somewhat of a scary experience to say the least.

But I felt strongly (as I do now) that I had something positive to contribute to this area of creativity and while it has been a good deal of work, I feel as if I am beginning to make a small foothold in that area. I am making progress. I just need to hold that thought and bring it to this new branch that we are considering.

I am sure there will be a learning curve here too. I don't for a minute believe that I will find 'instant success' in this new venture, but by knowing that and being prepared for it, I believe that eventually the patience will pay off and we will do OK.

I will certainly talk a little more about these new things in future posts. I am just now starting to get into the new frame of thinking about it, and I don't want to talk about it in detail quite yet. I am sure it won't be long, but I need to develop a sense of comfort in what I am doing before I do so. I hope you all understand.

Patience is an essential ingredient in success. It saddens me to think of all the opportunities that have been lost by those who haven't been patient enough to allow them to develop. It does however take a conscious effort on our part to be patient sometimes when we are excited about a new endeavor. I am going to try my best.

Cat Felidae Carnivore Road surface Asphalt


Image courtesy of www.icanhascheezeburger.com

I wish you all a wonderful Friday!
 

Attachments

#6,410 ·
Patience

I started writing a blog once already today. I had half a page done, and I didn't really like how it read, so I deleted it. The funny part of it was that the subject of the post was 'indecision.' Perhaps it should have been written after all.

While going through the many changes that our business is experiencing at this time. it is sometimes difficult to know if what we are doing is the right thing. I suppose there is nothing in this life that is certain, and the only way we will really find out whether we are heading in the right direction is to give new things a try. Sailing these uncharted waters can be a bit uncomfortable though, and I am certain that is the root of our indecisiveness.

We are exploring some new avenues for our patterns right now. We are fortunate that we have many opportunities in front of us and probably the most difficult part is to decide which one to pursue first. Many of them have promise, and naturally we want to pick the ones that will be the most beneficial to our company at this time.

We are often asked by customers who are starting their own businesses which avenue they should follow. To me, that is a very difficult question to answer, as there are just too many variables for us to give blanket advice that will work for everyone. While we would like to help, we do understand that each person has different circumstances, and what will work for one will not work for someone else. The best advice that we could give them is to try things out and see what works best for them. I believe that is the only way that one will find true success, and there is no short cut we can offer.

It is times such as this when we realize that we need to take our own advice and just give the new things a try. Whether they fail or not will dictate further decisions that we will make, but without giving some of these new things a chance, we will never know.

I am working on some new ideas right now that are like this. It involves doing something that I haven't yet done and will introduce our company to a market that we have not yet been involved in. In some ways, it is rather scary for me. As with any new venture, the potential to fail is certainly present. While I have been comfortable here in my niche of creating scroll saw patterns, both Keith and I feel that it is time to 'leave the nest' and branch out into other aspects of woodworking. We are certain that there will be a learning curve to this, but we are ready for that, as we feel that we do have a lot to contribute to this area and it may be something that will be good for us in the long run.

I went through this a bit when I decided to start creating painting patterns again. There was a stretch of several years where I had not been involved in the painting community at all, and I had to start at the bottom all over again. After being somewhat recognized in the scroll sawing world, the painters had no knowledge at all of me, and it was somewhat of a scary experience to say the least.

But I felt strongly (as I do now) that I had something positive to contribute to this area of creativity and while it has been a good deal of work, I feel as if I am beginning to make a small foothold in that area. I am making progress. I just need to hold that thought and bring it to this new branch that we are considering.

I am sure there will be a learning curve here too. I don't for a minute believe that I will find 'instant success' in this new venture, but by knowing that and being prepared for it, I believe that eventually the patience will pay off and we will do OK.

I will certainly talk a little more about these new things in future posts. I am just now starting to get into the new frame of thinking about it, and I don't want to talk about it in detail quite yet. I am sure it won't be long, but I need to develop a sense of comfort in what I am doing before I do so. I hope you all understand.

Patience is an essential ingredient in success. It saddens me to think of all the opportunities that have been lost by those who haven't been patient enough to allow them to develop. It does however take a conscious effort on our part to be patient sometimes when we are excited about a new endeavor. I am going to try my best.

Cat Felidae Carnivore Road surface Asphalt


Image courtesy of www.icanhascheezeburger.com

I wish you all a wonderful Friday!
patience is something I am short of…but still I keep trying…have a wonderful day !!....good blog by the way !
 

Attachments

#6,422 ·
Differences

Many times when we hear of two people having 'differences' we think it is a bad thing. The mere term brings to mind visions of conflict and discontent.

But when looking at things from another perspective, perhaps as an artist or creative person, differences are not viewed as something negative, but rather sought after in order to provide value through uniqueness and individuality. The more unique they are, the higher the value.

I think that it is interesting that a word would have such diverse meanings. While I realize that there are many words such as this in our language, I find it rather ironic that a word with the root of 'different' can express two entirely 'different' pictures in our mind.

So what got me thinking about all these good and bad differences?

As those of you have been reading know, the past week or so of my life here has been filled with differences. I have had some issues present in my business that have not been pleasant. There have been some differences with one of my distributors in the negative sense, as we are unable to come to a meeting of the minds. Conflicts such as these are draining and detrimental to anyone, and I know few people who enjoy being in this state of mind.

But instead of focusing on the negative differences, we have chosen to move forward. There are other avenues in front of us that we are able and willing to explore in our work, and we are choosing to focus on that and our future rather than dwell on our past.

My partner Keith has been working with me for just over three years now. When I first met him back then, he had very little knowledge or experience working with the scroll saw. He was familiar with general woodworking, as he had built some nice stereo equipment such as speakers and such and other larger furniture items.

When I first introduced him to the scroll saw, there was naturally a learning curve. But it amazed me how quickly he not only learned the basics, but became very masterful at cutting. Soon he began creating his own patterns, and because he was already quite proficient with computers, quickly learned the software programs and process that I use to create them.

One thing that I did notice through this entire process was how differently we did many things. As Keith gained confidence in what he was doing, he began to divert from the methods that I had shown him. Not only did this apply to the process, but also to the types of scrolling that he was creating and the designs.

You would think that this may bother me, as in the very beginning I was the 'teacher' on some levels. But it did not. I had always had the philosophy that each one needs to learn their own way and by encouraging one to do so, they develop their own style and sense of security in what they are doing. I think our situation is a prime example of how well that can work.

While Keith and I basically do the same thing, there are undeniable differences in both our methods and our results. And that is very exciting.

This is an example of how wonderful being 'different' can be. Instead of being a clone of me and my design style, Keith has brought his own style to our company and has multiplied its diversity and appeal. Just as I have my own personal style and preferences of types of designs I like to do, Keith has his, and it has truly added a great deal to the company as a whole.

In our recent goals of trying to diversify and branch out to appeal to other areas of woodworking, this has helped tremendously. We each have ideas of where we would like to explore, and between the two of us we will hopefully find some new avenues that will help our business grow.

Last night, Keith did his first blog here on Lumberjocks. It is a blog about Carving Using a Scroll Saw Pattern and shows a great way to integrate what we do into the carving arena.

I would have never thought on these lines, and I am really happy with seeing the results of his idea.

Shoulder Human body Neck Sleeve Gesture


The method he used is fun and relaxing and requires few tools other then a Dremel and a couple of bits and a saw to cut the perimeter. We think it may be a technique that could easily be applied to many types of projects and be enjoyed by many.

As for myself, I am still working on my own new directions. At this time, I am still not ready to talk much about it, but I am getting closer. It isn't that I am doing something completely new - as a matter of fact I am working on some things that have been associated with woodworking for many years - but it is new for me and like anyone who is just starting to do something different, I need to feel a bit more confident about it and myself before I am ready to show it to the world. But I am getting closer every day.

Differences can really be something positive. If everything was the same and everyone thought the same and liked and disliked the same things, think of how boring our world would be. Differences bring variety and choices and interest to our lives. Why then would we feel it necessary to have everyone think like we do? By embracing the diversity of others, we are only enriching our own lives and allowing ourselves an endless world of experiences. And because of that, our lives are much fuller and happier.

Have a great day today. Do something different.

We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what the color. - Maya Angelou

Vertebrate Black Cat Black-and-white Mammal


Image courtesy of http://gaolst.deviantart.com/
 

Attachments

#6,423 ·
Differences

Many times when we hear of two people having 'differences' we think it is a bad thing. The mere term brings to mind visions of conflict and discontent.

But when looking at things from another perspective, perhaps as an artist or creative person, differences are not viewed as something negative, but rather sought after in order to provide value through uniqueness and individuality. The more unique they are, the higher the value.

I think that it is interesting that a word would have such diverse meanings. While I realize that there are many words such as this in our language, I find it rather ironic that a word with the root of 'different' can express two entirely 'different' pictures in our mind.

So what got me thinking about all these good and bad differences?

As those of you have been reading know, the past week or so of my life here has been filled with differences. I have had some issues present in my business that have not been pleasant. There have been some differences with one of my distributors in the negative sense, as we are unable to come to a meeting of the minds. Conflicts such as these are draining and detrimental to anyone, and I know few people who enjoy being in this state of mind.

But instead of focusing on the negative differences, we have chosen to move forward. There are other avenues in front of us that we are able and willing to explore in our work, and we are choosing to focus on that and our future rather than dwell on our past.

My partner Keith has been working with me for just over three years now. When I first met him back then, he had very little knowledge or experience working with the scroll saw. He was familiar with general woodworking, as he had built some nice stereo equipment such as speakers and such and other larger furniture items.

When I first introduced him to the scroll saw, there was naturally a learning curve. But it amazed me how quickly he not only learned the basics, but became very masterful at cutting. Soon he began creating his own patterns, and because he was already quite proficient with computers, quickly learned the software programs and process that I use to create them.

One thing that I did notice through this entire process was how differently we did many things. As Keith gained confidence in what he was doing, he began to divert from the methods that I had shown him. Not only did this apply to the process, but also to the types of scrolling that he was creating and the designs.

You would think that this may bother me, as in the very beginning I was the 'teacher' on some levels. But it did not. I had always had the philosophy that each one needs to learn their own way and by encouraging one to do so, they develop their own style and sense of security in what they are doing. I think our situation is a prime example of how well that can work.

While Keith and I basically do the same thing, there are undeniable differences in both our methods and our results. And that is very exciting.

This is an example of how wonderful being 'different' can be. Instead of being a clone of me and my design style, Keith has brought his own style to our company and has multiplied its diversity and appeal. Just as I have my own personal style and preferences of types of designs I like to do, Keith has his, and it has truly added a great deal to the company as a whole.

In our recent goals of trying to diversify and branch out to appeal to other areas of woodworking, this has helped tremendously. We each have ideas of where we would like to explore, and between the two of us we will hopefully find some new avenues that will help our business grow.

Last night, Keith did his first blog here on Lumberjocks. It is a blog about Carving Using a Scroll Saw Pattern and shows a great way to integrate what we do into the carving arena.

I would have never thought on these lines, and I am really happy with seeing the results of his idea.

Shoulder Human body Neck Sleeve Gesture


The method he used is fun and relaxing and requires few tools other then a Dremel and a couple of bits and a saw to cut the perimeter. We think it may be a technique that could easily be applied to many types of projects and be enjoyed by many.

As for myself, I am still working on my own new directions. At this time, I am still not ready to talk much about it, but I am getting closer. It isn't that I am doing something completely new - as a matter of fact I am working on some things that have been associated with woodworking for many years - but it is new for me and like anyone who is just starting to do something different, I need to feel a bit more confident about it and myself before I am ready to show it to the world. But I am getting closer every day.

Differences can really be something positive. If everything was the same and everyone thought the same and liked and disliked the same things, think of how boring our world would be. Differences bring variety and choices and interest to our lives. Why then would we feel it necessary to have everyone think like we do? By embracing the diversity of others, we are only enriching our own lives and allowing ourselves an endless world of experiences. And because of that, our lives are much fuller and happier.

Have a great day today. Do something different.

We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what the color. - Maya Angelou

Vertebrate Black Cat Black-and-white Mammal


Image courtesy of http://gaolst.deviantart.com/
good morning Sheila and Keith !interesting thoughts today…hmmmm,very interesting to me …have you ever thought about writing a book or perhaps compiling your blogs into a book ??....I am always looking for something different to challenge myself with..Keith's project has many factors going for it…its relatively cheap,anyone,regardless of their experience can do this,...and its something totally different….really neat I think,and will add this pattern to my "bucket list"...everybody have a great day !!
 

Attachments

#6,428 ·
From Teacher to Student

As I watch the seasons once again change, I can't help but think about how quickly time passes. There is one side of me that can't wait for cooler temperatures of autumn and winter to arrive, while the other side of me is beginning to be cautious about what I am wishing for, as that time will pass quickly too.

It was humid and muggy yesterday here in our area. The kind of mugginess where everything feels almost damp and you can't tell if you are too warm or too cool - or both. I found myself wishing for the cold and the snow, for at least then you know you can put on a sweater and perhaps bundle up with one of the cats.

Many cringe when I say that, and I realize that I am not stating a popular opinion when I say that, but I still maintain that I would rather be in a cold climate than a hot one, as it is always possible to add another layer of clothing (or a cat) to make myself comfortable. I don't do well at all with the heat and humidity.

But it is what it is, and like anyone else, I take what is offered and try to make the best of it. If I am not careful, I will find myself wishing season after season away and not take the time to enjoy the present.

I spent the day once again working on some new directions for my designs. While these new directions initially appeared to be something that would be an easy transition, I am finding that it is far more complicated than I had first anticipated. Now that isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I say it more out of surprise than anything. By outer appearances, it would be a much easier path to travel than I am on now.

But isn't that always the case?

We look at something with a fleeting glance and think to ourselves "Oh! That's easy! I can do that!" and then when we begin to see the inner workings of things and how to do them properly and successfully, we see just how much work is involved. Such is the case for so many things.

I find it funny (odd) that this is a surprise to me, as I am usually the one who tries to look at things with consideration of the skills and learning processes to make them possible. I, after all, am the one who has preached in the past that the key to creating a good design is taking something that may be a bit complicated and make it look easy. I have always spoke of how important it was to look at things from a beginner's point of view, and how the success or failure of a pattern lies within the ability of it to teach basics. As an experienced designer, I am rather successful at teaching my patterns so that even a beginner can understand them.

But now the tables have turned, and I am the one who is the beginner. While I have general knowledge of the area that I am working in, I am certainly not as comfortable or highly trained in it as I am with scroll sawing and painting. There are new sets of rules that apply, and I find that there are many things that I have to learn. Even the terminology is different than what I am used to, and learning to phrase things properly without confusing others is in itself a small challenge.

It is all a process.

I enjoy learning new things. I am a firm believer that we are learning every day we are here on this planet. New experiences and events keep our lives interesting and exciting.

While there was a time when I felt a bit overwhelmed yesterday, I stuck with what I was doing and there came a time when things started to click. And it encouraged me to continue. I saw there was some hope that things would be OK after all.

It is a good thing for me to be in this role as beginner once again. I have been in the role of teacher for quite a while now, and by putting myself into this role of student it once again it reminds me and helps me understand how someone just learning feels. And it will make me a better teacher in the long run.

Cat White Black Felidae Carnivore

Photo by Harry Wittier Frees

Today I will continue working on designs - both old and new. For there are still so many scroll saw patterns that I want to make, as well as pursuing these new avenues. I will play the role of both teacher and student, and hopefully make progress as both. And I will enjoy the processes of being both student and teacher.

"He, who learns, teaches." ― African Proverb
 

Attachments

#6,429 ·
From Teacher to Student

As I watch the seasons once again change, I can't help but think about how quickly time passes. There is one side of me that can't wait for cooler temperatures of autumn and winter to arrive, while the other side of me is beginning to be cautious about what I am wishing for, as that time will pass quickly too.

It was humid and muggy yesterday here in our area. The kind of mugginess where everything feels almost damp and you can't tell if you are too warm or too cool - or both. I found myself wishing for the cold and the snow, for at least then you know you can put on a sweater and perhaps bundle up with one of the cats.

Many cringe when I say that, and I realize that I am not stating a popular opinion when I say that, but I still maintain that I would rather be in a cold climate than a hot one, as it is always possible to add another layer of clothing (or a cat) to make myself comfortable. I don't do well at all with the heat and humidity.

But it is what it is, and like anyone else, I take what is offered and try to make the best of it. If I am not careful, I will find myself wishing season after season away and not take the time to enjoy the present.

I spent the day once again working on some new directions for my designs. While these new directions initially appeared to be something that would be an easy transition, I am finding that it is far more complicated than I had first anticipated. Now that isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I say it more out of surprise than anything. By outer appearances, it would be a much easier path to travel than I am on now.

But isn't that always the case?

We look at something with a fleeting glance and think to ourselves "Oh! That's easy! I can do that!" and then when we begin to see the inner workings of things and how to do them properly and successfully, we see just how much work is involved. Such is the case for so many things.

I find it funny (odd) that this is a surprise to me, as I am usually the one who tries to look at things with consideration of the skills and learning processes to make them possible. I, after all, am the one who has preached in the past that the key to creating a good design is taking something that may be a bit complicated and make it look easy. I have always spoke of how important it was to look at things from a beginner's point of view, and how the success or failure of a pattern lies within the ability of it to teach basics. As an experienced designer, I am rather successful at teaching my patterns so that even a beginner can understand them.

But now the tables have turned, and I am the one who is the beginner. While I have general knowledge of the area that I am working in, I am certainly not as comfortable or highly trained in it as I am with scroll sawing and painting. There are new sets of rules that apply, and I find that there are many things that I have to learn. Even the terminology is different than what I am used to, and learning to phrase things properly without confusing others is in itself a small challenge.

It is all a process.

I enjoy learning new things. I am a firm believer that we are learning every day we are here on this planet. New experiences and events keep our lives interesting and exciting.

While there was a time when I felt a bit overwhelmed yesterday, I stuck with what I was doing and there came a time when things started to click. And it encouraged me to continue. I saw there was some hope that things would be OK after all.

It is a good thing for me to be in this role as beginner once again. I have been in the role of teacher for quite a while now, and by putting myself into this role of student it once again it reminds me and helps me understand how someone just learning feels. And it will make me a better teacher in the long run.

Cat White Black Felidae Carnivore

Photo by Harry Wittier Frees

Today I will continue working on designs - both old and new. For there are still so many scroll saw patterns that I want to make, as well as pursuing these new avenues. I will play the role of both teacher and student, and hopefully make progress as both. And I will enjoy the processes of being both student and teacher.

"He, who learns, teaches." ― African Proverb
Sheila I'm sitting in the sunshine

it is bitterly cold though

But Pleasant, no rain

I'll need to speak to your Post Office

No Scones, that will not do :)

Jamie
 

Attachments

#6,433 ·
More Than One Way to be Productive

Recently, we have been looking into some new things for the business in order to help it expand into other areas and grow. While these things are quite exciting, the newness of everything was beginning to somewhat overwhelm me, and I was feeling rather anxious the other day.

Was I getting lazy in my thinking? I don't think so. I always like new things and I am a strong proponent of diversification and branching out to several areas with your business. I learned long ago that counting on one outer source too much can be detrimental. Besides not having the same amount of control you have when you oversee everything, if the source fails, you could lose a large part of your revenue. The longer I am in this however, the more I am realizing just how important diversification is.

But learning a new aspect of your business can be taxing. It involves a great deal of research and perhaps could also include doing things quite a bit differently than what you have been used to doing. And that takes us from the comfort zone that we may have nestled ourselves in up to this point.

I have not looked at this as a negative at all. While the circumstances of late have somewhat 'nudged' us into new directions, the more I research the more I am seeing that there is a whole world of opportunity out there for us, if we would only take the steps to explore it. Dare I say that I feel that this whole situation is turning out to be a "good" thing?

One thing that I am realizing though is that learning all this additional information and still trying to keep what we have going can be quite a balancing act. Our business is quite active, and still requires attention even while we are investigating these other avenues. We don't want our day to day operations to suffer while we are looking into these other things, so we need to be careful to divide our time accordingly.

But this is a good thing, as (for me, anyway) it allows me to process things a bit better, and it is easier for me to digest the great amount of information that has come my way at a pace where I am really learning. I would rather take my time with the new things and do them right than rush into them and make more mistakes than necessary. Keeping the existing business in check and happy will naturally slow down any new ventures and allow us to take things as slow as we can and truly weigh what we are doing. I think that is great.

Perhaps I am getting old, but the way I look at it, if it is meant to be, it will be there tomorrow. I am no longer as impatient as I was in my youth, and I am beginning to realize that there is real value in assessing decisions properly and taking my time. Not to the point of procrastination, mind you. But certainly giving things enough time to gel and taking time myself to consider all options and the long term consequences of the decisions I am making. Could it be that I am 'growing up?'

I spent much of Saturday exploring this new avenue. I learned a lot and there are many decisions that we need to make. I will admit, by the end of the day, I was beginning to feel overwhelmed at all the changes that we would need to do to follow this path and while it was all pretty positive, it left me feeling quite overloaded.

In the past I would have pushed ahead to make solid decisions immediately, wanting to find closure and move ahead, but as I said, I have mellowed out quite a bit and I thought the best thing for me was to take a step back and allow things to set for a while. This was I feel, a smart move on my part. There are no set and fast time constraints here. There is no rush other than my self-imposed uneasiness at the present situation. There is no need to make decisions this big in a day - especially when some of them will set a precedence for how we will be doing things in the future. So I did the smartest thing I could think of - let it be for a day.

Prior to all the 'excitement' of late regarding my business, I was on a pretty good roll in designing. I had an agenda of doing several new designs for the Halloween season, and a list a mile long of ideas. Well here we are in the latter part of September and the clock is ticking. While I realize that many of the projects that are living in my head will just have to live there a bit longer, I still wanted to make a few more for this year.

I had half-drawn this plaque a week or so ago. It is simple and cute and I think it would be something that people will like. I got up yesterday morning and right after my blog, I decided to finish it, and I actually did just that. Not only did I draw the rest of it, but I actually made it to the saw and cut it too. I loved how it came out:

Head Vertebrate Black Sleeve Mammal


It is a two-piece "unwelcome" plaque made of 1/2" oak. The bat is suspended from the skull by using small eye pins and decorative chain. I loved the graininess of the oak and how it looked with a light coat of oil and shellac on it. It looked warm and rich. For the skull, instead of the traditional skull and crossbones, I chose to cross two Gothic-style keys (since the plaque would in all probability be displayed at an entry way.) I thought it would be a nice and quick project for the upcoming Halloween season.

But you all know me. I like to give 'options' for those who like a bit of color. While Keith thought I should 'leave it be' as it was, I had a vision in my head and needed to take it a step further. I took the appropriate pictures that I would need to market it 'as is' and then I continued on.

The results was as follows:

Head Black Mammal Sleeve Font


I like it even better now! :)

I used a couple of my favorite products from DecoArt to make this look really awesome. The first thing I did was use the Staining and Antiquing Medium gel that I have used so many times in the past. Instead of using it as a stain, this time I used it to 'antique' the bat. I used Black Pearl Metallic paint and the gel and applied it to the wood. I then wiped it back with a lint-free cloth, allowing the color to be worked mainly into the grain. I believe that oak was the perfect choice for this method.

Brown Wood Font Tints and shades Art


You can see how it made the oak look old, without masking the grain in the least. I chose metallic paint because I didn't want the color to look at all dry or chalky, and while most of the subtle shimmer of the pearl paint does get lost in this process, I find the results to be crisp toning. While I am certain the results would be similar with a regular black-ish paint, I fear that the finish may look dull and flat.

For the skull, I once again used the Weathered Wood crackle finish. After all, old bones are not monochromatic. I think that the crackle did wonders to make this piece stand out.

Jaw Bone Font Skull Skeleton


I also added just a bit of float shading around the edges of the skull and the features, giving them some depth.

Finally - I used a metallic glaze over the keys. The glaze is a semi-translucent product that allows all of the grain to show through, yet gives a metallic shimmer. I used an old gold so that the keys look much like brass. You don't see it a lot in the picture, and it is subtle even in person, but it is a wonderful accent to this piece and makes it look great.

All of these processes are super fast and easy. You don't need to know how to paint to do them, and they really can make a nice difference in the overall look of what you are making.

What a wonderful day it was for me. I finished up around nine, giving me just enough time to wind-down before bed. Taking the day to do something that I was familiar with, and also to be creative allowed my brain to rest from all the new information it was processing the previous day. When I retired yesterday, I felt a good sense of accomplishment, and today I feel ready to take on new things again.

I think it is important that we take the time to look out for ourselves in this way. When we are feeling overloaded or overwhelmed, we need to step back and evaluate things and see if we can't switch gears for a while to do something that is less taxing on us. Even if it is only for a while, we will still feel as if we are accomplishing something tangible, when in reality, we are doing much more for our own well being. There is more than one way to be productive.

I hope you all have a wonderful Monday. I know I am going to!
 

Attachments

#6,434 ·
More Than One Way to be Productive

Recently, we have been looking into some new things for the business in order to help it expand into other areas and grow. While these things are quite exciting, the newness of everything was beginning to somewhat overwhelm me, and I was feeling rather anxious the other day.

Was I getting lazy in my thinking? I don't think so. I always like new things and I am a strong proponent of diversification and branching out to several areas with your business. I learned long ago that counting on one outer source too much can be detrimental. Besides not having the same amount of control you have when you oversee everything, if the source fails, you could lose a large part of your revenue. The longer I am in this however, the more I am realizing just how important diversification is.

But learning a new aspect of your business can be taxing. It involves a great deal of research and perhaps could also include doing things quite a bit differently than what you have been used to doing. And that takes us from the comfort zone that we may have nestled ourselves in up to this point.

I have not looked at this as a negative at all. While the circumstances of late have somewhat 'nudged' us into new directions, the more I research the more I am seeing that there is a whole world of opportunity out there for us, if we would only take the steps to explore it. Dare I say that I feel that this whole situation is turning out to be a "good" thing?

One thing that I am realizing though is that learning all this additional information and still trying to keep what we have going can be quite a balancing act. Our business is quite active, and still requires attention even while we are investigating these other avenues. We don't want our day to day operations to suffer while we are looking into these other things, so we need to be careful to divide our time accordingly.

But this is a good thing, as (for me, anyway) it allows me to process things a bit better, and it is easier for me to digest the great amount of information that has come my way at a pace where I am really learning. I would rather take my time with the new things and do them right than rush into them and make more mistakes than necessary. Keeping the existing business in check and happy will naturally slow down any new ventures and allow us to take things as slow as we can and truly weigh what we are doing. I think that is great.

Perhaps I am getting old, but the way I look at it, if it is meant to be, it will be there tomorrow. I am no longer as impatient as I was in my youth, and I am beginning to realize that there is real value in assessing decisions properly and taking my time. Not to the point of procrastination, mind you. But certainly giving things enough time to gel and taking time myself to consider all options and the long term consequences of the decisions I am making. Could it be that I am 'growing up?'

I spent much of Saturday exploring this new avenue. I learned a lot and there are many decisions that we need to make. I will admit, by the end of the day, I was beginning to feel overwhelmed at all the changes that we would need to do to follow this path and while it was all pretty positive, it left me feeling quite overloaded.

In the past I would have pushed ahead to make solid decisions immediately, wanting to find closure and move ahead, but as I said, I have mellowed out quite a bit and I thought the best thing for me was to take a step back and allow things to set for a while. This was I feel, a smart move on my part. There are no set and fast time constraints here. There is no rush other than my self-imposed uneasiness at the present situation. There is no need to make decisions this big in a day - especially when some of them will set a precedence for how we will be doing things in the future. So I did the smartest thing I could think of - let it be for a day.

Prior to all the 'excitement' of late regarding my business, I was on a pretty good roll in designing. I had an agenda of doing several new designs for the Halloween season, and a list a mile long of ideas. Well here we are in the latter part of September and the clock is ticking. While I realize that many of the projects that are living in my head will just have to live there a bit longer, I still wanted to make a few more for this year.

I had half-drawn this plaque a week or so ago. It is simple and cute and I think it would be something that people will like. I got up yesterday morning and right after my blog, I decided to finish it, and I actually did just that. Not only did I draw the rest of it, but I actually made it to the saw and cut it too. I loved how it came out:

Head Vertebrate Black Sleeve Mammal


It is a two-piece "unwelcome" plaque made of 1/2" oak. The bat is suspended from the skull by using small eye pins and decorative chain. I loved the graininess of the oak and how it looked with a light coat of oil and shellac on it. It looked warm and rich. For the skull, instead of the traditional skull and crossbones, I chose to cross two Gothic-style keys (since the plaque would in all probability be displayed at an entry way.) I thought it would be a nice and quick project for the upcoming Halloween season.

But you all know me. I like to give 'options' for those who like a bit of color. While Keith thought I should 'leave it be' as it was, I had a vision in my head and needed to take it a step further. I took the appropriate pictures that I would need to market it 'as is' and then I continued on.

The results was as follows:

Head Black Mammal Sleeve Font


I like it even better now! :)

I used a couple of my favorite products from DecoArt to make this look really awesome. The first thing I did was use the Staining and Antiquing Medium gel that I have used so many times in the past. Instead of using it as a stain, this time I used it to 'antique' the bat. I used Black Pearl Metallic paint and the gel and applied it to the wood. I then wiped it back with a lint-free cloth, allowing the color to be worked mainly into the grain. I believe that oak was the perfect choice for this method.

Brown Wood Font Tints and shades Art


You can see how it made the oak look old, without masking the grain in the least. I chose metallic paint because I didn't want the color to look at all dry or chalky, and while most of the subtle shimmer of the pearl paint does get lost in this process, I find the results to be crisp toning. While I am certain the results would be similar with a regular black-ish paint, I fear that the finish may look dull and flat.

For the skull, I once again used the Weathered Wood crackle finish. After all, old bones are not monochromatic. I think that the crackle did wonders to make this piece stand out.

Jaw Bone Font Skull Skeleton


I also added just a bit of float shading around the edges of the skull and the features, giving them some depth.

Finally - I used a metallic glaze over the keys. The glaze is a semi-translucent product that allows all of the grain to show through, yet gives a metallic shimmer. I used an old gold so that the keys look much like brass. You don't see it a lot in the picture, and it is subtle even in person, but it is a wonderful accent to this piece and makes it look great.

All of these processes are super fast and easy. You don't need to know how to paint to do them, and they really can make a nice difference in the overall look of what you are making.

What a wonderful day it was for me. I finished up around nine, giving me just enough time to wind-down before bed. Taking the day to do something that I was familiar with, and also to be creative allowed my brain to rest from all the new information it was processing the previous day. When I retired yesterday, I felt a good sense of accomplishment, and today I feel ready to take on new things again.

I think it is important that we take the time to look out for ourselves in this way. When we are feeling overloaded or overwhelmed, we need to step back and evaluate things and see if we can't switch gears for a while to do something that is less taxing on us. Even if it is only for a while, we will still feel as if we are accomplishing something tangible, when in reality, we are doing much more for our own well being. There is more than one way to be productive.

I hope you all have a wonderful Monday. I know I am going to!
Good morning Sheila,
Another great pattern for Halloween! I like the a little extra pattern the best! Can't wait to see what you come up with next.
Rick
 

Attachments

#6,439 ·
Building Pattern Packets

I finally got my wish. When I awoke this morning, it was crisp and cool outside. Just how I like it.

It seems that finally the autumn season has arrived here in Nova Scotia, and for that I am very happy. Perhaps the stickiness and humidity of this weekend was the last song of summer, and from now on these cool temperatures would be the norm. At least for a while.

As I sit here and write this morning, I have a blanket AND a kitty on my lap (Pancakes) and I believe we are both very content. I know I am and he certainly seems to be too. It has been a while since we have been able to snuggle like this and I admit that I have missed it. I find a great deal of comfort in having a purring kitty nearby. It is calming and very pleasant.

I spent the day yesterday doing a variety of things and working on the new patterns. It was time for me to sort through my many paints and finishes and so some organizing. Some of the bottles that I had were items that DecoArt had discontinued and I wanted to be certain to pull them out of my regular stock. In the past, I have accidentally used colors or products that were no longer available and you could probably imagine the confusion that it caused. I try to cross check things every once in a while just to make sure that I am keeping up and no longer recommending a product that is not being made. DecoArt is a large company, and it is introducing new products all the time. It is understandable that as they bring in new items, they drop items that are not selling well. This is just part of good business. But with all the new products that I am experimenting with, I want to be sure that what I am using is current, and I found that it is best to check. I want to be sure that my customers can obtain what I am recommending in my patterns.

I also worked quite a bit on the current pattern packets for the new designs. While doing this, I found myself on YouTube watching several tutorials for Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. I use Illustrator for all the line work and drawing of my patterns, and Photoshop for the presentation and photographs used. It always fascinates me how deep and involved those programs can be, and their capabilities are amazing. I often find myself on YouTube looking for an answer to just one question, and then getting 'sucked in' as other tutorials are suggested. I LOVE learning that kind of stuff and the improvements that are made with using the techniques on my pattern packets are amazing. It is definitely a good part of the process. But it does take time and it is difficult not to go off on a tangent. (But is learning something new ever really bad? I think not!)

So today will be a continuation of the process. I had much positive feedback regarding the project I featured in yesterday's post and I will also be working on the packet for that so I can get it up on the site. Many times writing the instruction packet takes much longer than creating the project itself, as I try to be a thorough as possible. I try however to make very detailed instructions so that all levels of skill can enjoy the projects. It just takes time.

So my post here is a bit short today, and I fear not very interesting. But soon there will be more new designs and hopefully some good things to come. I have lots in the works and can't wait to share them with you.

Until then, I wish you a happy day. Enjoy the season.

Plant Tree Flowering plant Terrestrial plant Tints and shades
 

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#6,440 ·
Building Pattern Packets

I finally got my wish. When I awoke this morning, it was crisp and cool outside. Just how I like it.

It seems that finally the autumn season has arrived here in Nova Scotia, and for that I am very happy. Perhaps the stickiness and humidity of this weekend was the last song of summer, and from now on these cool temperatures would be the norm. At least for a while.

As I sit here and write this morning, I have a blanket AND a kitty on my lap (Pancakes) and I believe we are both very content. I know I am and he certainly seems to be too. It has been a while since we have been able to snuggle like this and I admit that I have missed it. I find a great deal of comfort in having a purring kitty nearby. It is calming and very pleasant.

I spent the day yesterday doing a variety of things and working on the new patterns. It was time for me to sort through my many paints and finishes and so some organizing. Some of the bottles that I had were items that DecoArt had discontinued and I wanted to be certain to pull them out of my regular stock. In the past, I have accidentally used colors or products that were no longer available and you could probably imagine the confusion that it caused. I try to cross check things every once in a while just to make sure that I am keeping up and no longer recommending a product that is not being made. DecoArt is a large company, and it is introducing new products all the time. It is understandable that as they bring in new items, they drop items that are not selling well. This is just part of good business. But with all the new products that I am experimenting with, I want to be sure that what I am using is current, and I found that it is best to check. I want to be sure that my customers can obtain what I am recommending in my patterns.

I also worked quite a bit on the current pattern packets for the new designs. While doing this, I found myself on YouTube watching several tutorials for Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. I use Illustrator for all the line work and drawing of my patterns, and Photoshop for the presentation and photographs used. It always fascinates me how deep and involved those programs can be, and their capabilities are amazing. I often find myself on YouTube looking for an answer to just one question, and then getting 'sucked in' as other tutorials are suggested. I LOVE learning that kind of stuff and the improvements that are made with using the techniques on my pattern packets are amazing. It is definitely a good part of the process. But it does take time and it is difficult not to go off on a tangent. (But is learning something new ever really bad? I think not!)

So today will be a continuation of the process. I had much positive feedback regarding the project I featured in yesterday's post and I will also be working on the packet for that so I can get it up on the site. Many times writing the instruction packet takes much longer than creating the project itself, as I try to be a thorough as possible. I try however to make very detailed instructions so that all levels of skill can enjoy the projects. It just takes time.

So my post here is a bit short today, and I fear not very interesting. But soon there will be more new designs and hopefully some good things to come. I have lots in the works and can't wait to share them with you.

Until then, I wish you a happy day. Enjoy the season.

Plant Tree Flowering plant Terrestrial plant Tints and shades
Yes, I love those cool mornings also.

I use a number of programs like photo shop, or dreamweaver on a regular basis.

We maintain a subscription to a company called lynda.com. I think it's about 30.00 a month, but they have professionals tutorials on just about every program you coiuld think of. And they are very good. I think there was like 12 housr of dreamweaver videos, just in one series.

For anyone that needs to learn a program in depth, not just scratch the surface, but to master it, they really help.

Have a good day.

Lee
 

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#6,446 ·
On Learning New Things

It seems that no matter how old I get, I never get tired of exploring new things and learning. While I do consider myself somewhat nostalgic, I also love technology and learning things on the computer.

This is particularly true when it comes to learning computer graphic programs, as working with them is just another form of art as far as I am concerned. Seeing what these programs can accomplish is no less than astounding as far as I am concerned, and I truly appreciate the power and depth that these programs hold.

I am often asked "how do you draw on the computer?" While the question may seem innocent enough, those that are not familiar with the process may not realize just how much it involves. It isn't as if it is something you can learn to do in an afternoon. I have been at it for over fifteen years now and between advancing technology and the sheer vastness of the programs that I use, I haven't even scratched the surface of the capabilities and what I can accomplish. But that is part of the fun.

Of course, you can easily take your mouse and begin to draw lines. Many times I hand draw my patterns first, then scan them into the computer and making a tracing over them with my Illustrator program. While some people stop there, for me - that is where the fun begins.

I am pretty open in sharing that I use Adobe products to create my pattern packets. Four of their programs in particular are essential to creating the type of patterns that I offer. Each one has a particular role in the creation and it would be very difficult for me make a pattern the quality that we produce without using all of them.

Adobe Illustrator is where it begins. As mentioned above, it is the start of the line drawings that are the basis for my patterns. This produced 'vector graphics' which is a series of points and lines. In this type of drawing, you have full control over line width (thickness of lines) as well as manipulation of lines, fills, etc. When using Illustrator and vector graphics, it is very easy to manipulate and move lines, as they act much like a rope that can be nudged or moved in any particular direction.

The resulting drawings from vector graphics are clean and crisp line work and the files are relatively small. This is particularly important when doing scroll sawing, as following the line exactly is essential in most patterns.

It is in Illustrator where we are able to not only draw our designs, but move, shape and manipulate them to make them optimal for cutting. While we are able to add a limited amount of text, there are better times for that later on and we use this program mainly for the drawing aspect of our patterns.

Next comes Photoshop. In order to teach our projects, we use several photographs to do so. Photoshop is an endless portal of tools in which to create amazing pictures to go along with our patterns. Besides the basic photography adjustments, it also allows you to create amazing effects from stark line work by the use of hundreds of filters, brushes and fills.

Photoshop is raster based, which means it mainly uses pixels (dots per inch) and you are able to rearrange them and manipulate them in many different ways to create and enhance photographs. It's capabilities are mind-boggling and it is quite a lot of fun to learn new things that it can accomplish. In the past several versions, it also has the added capability of reading vector (Illustrator-type) files and working with them, expanding its functionality even further.

We also use InDesign to create our actual packets. InDesign is an integration program that reads many types of files needed for graphic output. While Illustrator reads vector files, and Photoshop reads basically raster files, InDesign has the capability of ready both types, as well as basic word files for text. It is what we use to layout our patterns and assemble the line work with the photos and text in one place in a format that makes sense.

Finally, we convert the InDesign file to PDF. By doing this, we reduce the size of the final packet significantly and make it readable on anyone's computer that has a PDF reading program, such as Acrobat. This final file is the one that is sent to our customers when they order, and it brings our work to a universal platform that can be use by all.

Sound confusing?

It really is not. It is just part of the process that we have learned over the years to make the highest quality patterns we can make in the most efficient way possible.

Each of these processes takes time to learn and apply. While some patterns such as portrait patterns, as better done in Photoshop, most of our work begins in Illustrator and develops from there.

Yesterday I was engrossed in learning some new techniques in Photoshop. There are new areas that we are looking to venture with our designs and in order to do things properly, I needed to expand my knowledge of the program.

While some of you may think that this was a burden, I assure you it was not. I feel that there are many forms of art, and our home computers can themselves be tools of wonderful expression and creativity. At one point yesterday afternoon when I was deep into learning and 'painting' with pixels on the screen, I had the same feeling of accomplishment as if I had a paintbrush in my hand. It was quite enlightening to me. (and FUN!)

Technical people are sometimes perceived as 'non-artistic.' Their literal way of thinking is sometimes misconstrued as cold and unfeeling. But the more I learn to use these graphic programs, I am finding that technology has paved the way for ways to be creative that I would have never considered before. And that is both fascinating and exciting to me.

There are so many wonderful ways to keep learning. Whether you consider yourself "artistic" or not, there are ways you can be creative that will help you develop that creativity without you even thinking about it. As I watch my partner Keith (who - by the way - three years ago told me he couldn't draw a stick figure!) develop and grow as a designer, it shows me just how much is possible. His designs are amazing.

I suppose the moral of today's post is to encourage you to explore new things. Whether you are doing things for fun, or doing them to try to improve your career, learning something new can be fun and exciting. What do you have to lose?

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Cat Plant Felidae Carnivore Personal computer


"I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do." - Leonardo da Vinci
 

Attachments

#6,447 ·
On Learning New Things

It seems that no matter how old I get, I never get tired of exploring new things and learning. While I do consider myself somewhat nostalgic, I also love technology and learning things on the computer.

This is particularly true when it comes to learning computer graphic programs, as working with them is just another form of art as far as I am concerned. Seeing what these programs can accomplish is no less than astounding as far as I am concerned, and I truly appreciate the power and depth that these programs hold.

I am often asked "how do you draw on the computer?" While the question may seem innocent enough, those that are not familiar with the process may not realize just how much it involves. It isn't as if it is something you can learn to do in an afternoon. I have been at it for over fifteen years now and between advancing technology and the sheer vastness of the programs that I use, I haven't even scratched the surface of the capabilities and what I can accomplish. But that is part of the fun.

Of course, you can easily take your mouse and begin to draw lines. Many times I hand draw my patterns first, then scan them into the computer and making a tracing over them with my Illustrator program. While some people stop there, for me - that is where the fun begins.

I am pretty open in sharing that I use Adobe products to create my pattern packets. Four of their programs in particular are essential to creating the type of patterns that I offer. Each one has a particular role in the creation and it would be very difficult for me make a pattern the quality that we produce without using all of them.

Adobe Illustrator is where it begins. As mentioned above, it is the start of the line drawings that are the basis for my patterns. This produced 'vector graphics' which is a series of points and lines. In this type of drawing, you have full control over line width (thickness of lines) as well as manipulation of lines, fills, etc. When using Illustrator and vector graphics, it is very easy to manipulate and move lines, as they act much like a rope that can be nudged or moved in any particular direction.

The resulting drawings from vector graphics are clean and crisp line work and the files are relatively small. This is particularly important when doing scroll sawing, as following the line exactly is essential in most patterns.

It is in Illustrator where we are able to not only draw our designs, but move, shape and manipulate them to make them optimal for cutting. While we are able to add a limited amount of text, there are better times for that later on and we use this program mainly for the drawing aspect of our patterns.

Next comes Photoshop. In order to teach our projects, we use several photographs to do so. Photoshop is an endless portal of tools in which to create amazing pictures to go along with our patterns. Besides the basic photography adjustments, it also allows you to create amazing effects from stark line work by the use of hundreds of filters, brushes and fills.

Photoshop is raster based, which means it mainly uses pixels (dots per inch) and you are able to rearrange them and manipulate them in many different ways to create and enhance photographs. It's capabilities are mind-boggling and it is quite a lot of fun to learn new things that it can accomplish. In the past several versions, it also has the added capability of reading vector (Illustrator-type) files and working with them, expanding its functionality even further.

We also use InDesign to create our actual packets. InDesign is an integration program that reads many types of files needed for graphic output. While Illustrator reads vector files, and Photoshop reads basically raster files, InDesign has the capability of ready both types, as well as basic word files for text. It is what we use to layout our patterns and assemble the line work with the photos and text in one place in a format that makes sense.

Finally, we convert the InDesign file to PDF. By doing this, we reduce the size of the final packet significantly and make it readable on anyone's computer that has a PDF reading program, such as Acrobat. This final file is the one that is sent to our customers when they order, and it brings our work to a universal platform that can be use by all.

Sound confusing?

It really is not. It is just part of the process that we have learned over the years to make the highest quality patterns we can make in the most efficient way possible.

Each of these processes takes time to learn and apply. While some patterns such as portrait patterns, as better done in Photoshop, most of our work begins in Illustrator and develops from there.

Yesterday I was engrossed in learning some new techniques in Photoshop. There are new areas that we are looking to venture with our designs and in order to do things properly, I needed to expand my knowledge of the program.

While some of you may think that this was a burden, I assure you it was not. I feel that there are many forms of art, and our home computers can themselves be tools of wonderful expression and creativity. At one point yesterday afternoon when I was deep into learning and 'painting' with pixels on the screen, I had the same feeling of accomplishment as if I had a paintbrush in my hand. It was quite enlightening to me. (and FUN!)

Technical people are sometimes perceived as 'non-artistic.' Their literal way of thinking is sometimes misconstrued as cold and unfeeling. But the more I learn to use these graphic programs, I am finding that technology has paved the way for ways to be creative that I would have never considered before. And that is both fascinating and exciting to me.

There are so many wonderful ways to keep learning. Whether you consider yourself "artistic" or not, there are ways you can be creative that will help you develop that creativity without you even thinking about it. As I watch my partner Keith (who - by the way - three years ago told me he couldn't draw a stick figure!) develop and grow as a designer, it shows me just how much is possible. His designs are amazing.

I suppose the moral of today's post is to encourage you to explore new things. Whether you are doing things for fun, or doing them to try to improve your career, learning something new can be fun and exciting. What do you have to lose?

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Cat Plant Felidae Carnivore Personal computer


"I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do." - Leonardo da Vinci
good morning to all..that was an interesting blog…since I do a bit of drawing,I should check this out myself…never thought about it before…I have this one picture that is going to be my "masterpiece"...if I can ever finish it(still in drawing/design stage)...this could very well be what I need..thanks !hope everyone has a great day in the shop !
 

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#6,455 ·
Designs That "Live Inside My Head"

There have been many times when I have mentioned the designs that 'live in my head.' I know that probably sounds kind of creepy, but they are there and they are real.

(No - I haven't been drinking anything more than my usual coffee, but I will say that I was unable to get my usual brand and I am trying something different this morning. But back to the story . . . )

The longer that I do this (design), the longer the list gets of things I want to do. While some of you may dream of tropical islands and sitting on a beach in the sun sipping a margarita, I tend to daydream of a wonderful place where there is no such thing as time and I have all the tools, paints, wood, colors and accessories I need to create and bring to life all the incredible designs 'living in my head.' It is a magical place, where I never have to eat or sleep or get tired and I can just spent the rest of eternity drawing and painting and doing woodworking and projects. How fun it would be!

But we all know that in the real world, things are not quite like that. While I consider myself extremely fortunate to have such an awesome job of designing, there is always the other things that need to be done that get in the way such as cleaning the house, grocery shopping, cooking, etc. Not to mention the business side of things. And then there is sleep. Why, oh why do we even need that anyway?

So as I grudgingly concede to reality, I still offer myself the luxury of daydreaming and planning about new and exciting things to make. They are exciting to me, anyway. If you all could only take a peek inside my head and see all the cool things that I am thinking about, you would be excited too. There are literally hundreds of projects, waiting for me to bring them to life. This is all good.

One thing that I have learned about these designs is that they have to be treated in an orderly way. As they began congregating early on, there wasn't much of a problem. If I were one or two designs behind in producing them and bringing them to life, it was really no big deal. They would just wait patiently until their turn came and things would progress in an orderly fashion.

But lately, there has been a huge increase in their population. The past couple of years have inspired so many new ideas and thoughts, that I have found there is no way that I could produce them all in a timely manner. Many times seasons come and go and I haven't even made a fraction of the designs that I intended. While it used to bother me, I have found that these ideas can be very patient if we train them to be that way and don't mind waiting until next year to be born. And that is a great benefit to me.

Yesterday I was working on some of the new things that I have recently been talking about. Sometime in the mid afternoon, I received an email from my editor from the magazine. She had sent a new editorial forecast for the upcoming issues, which let us know of the deadlines for the upcoming year.

Much to my surprise (and dismay) I noticed that the next deadline for the next issue that was in production was NOW.

YIKES!

With all the things that have been going on the past month, I hadn't even realized that it was almost a month since I sent my last submission. Once again, time has not been my friend!

The issue in question would be coming out in the middle of January, meaning that any submissions could have a Valentine's theme. It just so happened that one of the designs that lived in my head fit that theme perfectly (I had a couple actually, but I liked one in particular)

Since I had already thought through this piece in my daydreams while I was creating other projects, it came to reality rather quickly. I shifted gears from what I was doing and immediately began drawing. It was as if I was copying a page from a book, only I was copying the idea that I had in my head, and by dinner time, the drawing was nearly completed.

Below is a segment of the design:

Hairstyle Vertebrate Organ Botany Organism


This is going to be really cool!

Needless to say I am going to spend (part of) the day cutting. I am happy and excited because I can picture just how this is going to look. I also look forward to a day at the saw.

I am very grateful for these designs that live in my head. They have come to my rescue many times before. While to some it may seem like it is 'easy' for me to have accumulated such a collection, I can tell you that each one of them has taken much thought and consideration in its creation.

While some of you may think I am a little crazy in thinking this way, I prefer to look at it as 'job security.' Hopefully, things will always be that way.

Cat Felidae Window Carnivore Small to medium-sized cats


Photo courtesy of www.dailycasual.com

I wish you all an incredible Thursday!
 

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#6,456 ·
Designs That "Live Inside My Head"

There have been many times when I have mentioned the designs that 'live in my head.' I know that probably sounds kind of creepy, but they are there and they are real.

(No - I haven't been drinking anything more than my usual coffee, but I will say that I was unable to get my usual brand and I am trying something different this morning. But back to the story . . . )

The longer that I do this (design), the longer the list gets of things I want to do. While some of you may dream of tropical islands and sitting on a beach in the sun sipping a margarita, I tend to daydream of a wonderful place where there is no such thing as time and I have all the tools, paints, wood, colors and accessories I need to create and bring to life all the incredible designs 'living in my head.' It is a magical place, where I never have to eat or sleep or get tired and I can just spent the rest of eternity drawing and painting and doing woodworking and projects. How fun it would be!

But we all know that in the real world, things are not quite like that. While I consider myself extremely fortunate to have such an awesome job of designing, there is always the other things that need to be done that get in the way such as cleaning the house, grocery shopping, cooking, etc. Not to mention the business side of things. And then there is sleep. Why, oh why do we even need that anyway?

So as I grudgingly concede to reality, I still offer myself the luxury of daydreaming and planning about new and exciting things to make. They are exciting to me, anyway. If you all could only take a peek inside my head and see all the cool things that I am thinking about, you would be excited too. There are literally hundreds of projects, waiting for me to bring them to life. This is all good.

One thing that I have learned about these designs is that they have to be treated in an orderly way. As they began congregating early on, there wasn't much of a problem. If I were one or two designs behind in producing them and bringing them to life, it was really no big deal. They would just wait patiently until their turn came and things would progress in an orderly fashion.

But lately, there has been a huge increase in their population. The past couple of years have inspired so many new ideas and thoughts, that I have found there is no way that I could produce them all in a timely manner. Many times seasons come and go and I haven't even made a fraction of the designs that I intended. While it used to bother me, I have found that these ideas can be very patient if we train them to be that way and don't mind waiting until next year to be born. And that is a great benefit to me.

Yesterday I was working on some of the new things that I have recently been talking about. Sometime in the mid afternoon, I received an email from my editor from the magazine. She had sent a new editorial forecast for the upcoming issues, which let us know of the deadlines for the upcoming year.

Much to my surprise (and dismay) I noticed that the next deadline for the next issue that was in production was NOW.

YIKES!

With all the things that have been going on the past month, I hadn't even realized that it was almost a month since I sent my last submission. Once again, time has not been my friend!

The issue in question would be coming out in the middle of January, meaning that any submissions could have a Valentine's theme. It just so happened that one of the designs that lived in my head fit that theme perfectly (I had a couple actually, but I liked one in particular)

Since I had already thought through this piece in my daydreams while I was creating other projects, it came to reality rather quickly. I shifted gears from what I was doing and immediately began drawing. It was as if I was copying a page from a book, only I was copying the idea that I had in my head, and by dinner time, the drawing was nearly completed.

Below is a segment of the design:

Hairstyle Vertebrate Organ Botany Organism


This is going to be really cool!

Needless to say I am going to spend (part of) the day cutting. I am happy and excited because I can picture just how this is going to look. I also look forward to a day at the saw.

I am very grateful for these designs that live in my head. They have come to my rescue many times before. While to some it may seem like it is 'easy' for me to have accumulated such a collection, I can tell you that each one of them has taken much thought and consideration in its creation.

While some of you may think I am a little crazy in thinking this way, I prefer to look at it as 'job security.' Hopefully, things will always be that way.

Cat Felidae Window Carnivore Small to medium-sized cats


Photo courtesy of www.dailycasual.com

I wish you all an incredible Thursday!
Good morning Sheila,
I always thought that it must be a little crowded up there in your head with all of those ideas just milling around waiting for their turn. I understand what you are saying it is just my head is mostly empty! Keep on helping the rest of us poor emty minded cutters with your designs.
Rick
 

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#6,467 ·
'Lacy Wood' (Not Lacewood)

Adding something to things doesn't always result in improving them. Sometimes the best way to make something better is to take away from it. That is certainly true when you scroll saw.

There are so many reasons that I love scroll sawing. I like the way that it is something that doesn't require a lot of tools. All you pretty much need is a scroll saw and a drill or drill press and you are for the most part good to go.

I like that the variety of work you can do with the scroll saw is so vast. Unlike with other large tools that are quite specialized in their function, when working on the scroll saw you can produce anything from large corbels to delicate, lace-like fretwork.

It is quite a safe tool, too. There is a kind of joke among scrollers where we say in order to cut a finger off, we would really have to work at it (and probably have to change blades in the process!) While it is possible to get 'nipped' from the blade, and get a decent cut, with a little attention to safety there is very little chance of serious injury.

This makes the scroll saw an ideal tool for introducing someone new to woodworking. I have tutored even children on the scroll saw. With a bit of guidance, instruction and practice, even a youngster who perhaps doesn't have the patience that an adult would have can be successful in creating something fun. And sparking that interest is a great thing, as it usually leads to interest in other aspects of woodworking and being creative. It is good all around.

So why am I singing the praises of the scroll saw this morning? Perhaps because after over fifteen years of working with it, it still fascinates me how removing one small section of wood at a time can transform an ordinary board into a thing of beauty. I just think it is cool.

I spent yesterday cutting out my new piece for the magazine. My editor liked the drawings I had sent her and the project is all systems go for the February issue of Creative Woodworks and Crafts, which comes out early January. Due to that time frame, I thought that making a nice Valentine's project would be good. And what depicts Valentines better than hearts and lace?

I decided to do a self-framing plaque that can be given as a Valentine itself. The message of the Valentine is "You are the key to my heart" because recently in my browsing, I have seen many beautiful Gothic-type keys. I love the look of ornate keys and I think that they are wonderful things to design to make on the scroll saw. (Don't be surprised when in the near future I do another project which will contain some beautiful ornate keys!)

And then there is the lace.

While some may find it tedious to cut repetitive patterns on the scroll saw, I find it fun and relaxing. I also consider it 'skill building' because the more accurate you are, the nicer the pattern looks. For this design, I drew up a lace pattern for the border that mimicked the pattern that I used on the key. Of course I used hearts in the lace and key to tie the project together.

Font Handwriting Emblem Art Metal


The plaque itself is made form 1/2" birch. For this type of delicate cutting, a tight, even grained wood is most desired. Using anything such as ash or oak could possibly work, but I am doubtful that the porous grain would withstand some of the intricate cutting - especially in the lettering areas. While I am sure that it is possible, I feel more secure in making it with the birch.

I had some beautiful maple to choose from - both curly and bird's eye - but the beauty of the grain would be lost in the intricate lacy border and I opted to use the much blander birch. I felt this project gave me a chance to elevate the 'ordinary' into something 'extraordinary'. I was not disappointed.

The key itself is cut from 1/8" walnut. Since the self-framing properties of this plaque lower the center of the piece just about 1/8", the overlay of key makes the plaque look well thought out. The overlay gives the piece some interest and dimension, and balances the simple writing with the elaborate key and border. I like the results.

I kept the letters simple - as if they were hand scrawled. I thought that formal lettering would look too 'stuffy' and by keeping the writing to a casual hand, the piece looked more personal and far warmer than if I had used something more structured.

Here is a look at the entire piece:

Font Wood Art Jewellery Heart


This is just the dry wood, before I have finished it or even sanded it. I will be doing that all today, as I didn't finish cutting until the evening and I was a bit tired and didn't want to muck it up.

I am going to be offering this plaque in two finishes - one with just an oil/shellac finish that I like so much and the other using some of the acrylic staining medium to add some color. I cut two keys actually, one also of birch, that will be stained accordingly. I realize that many woodworkers like natural color, but there are equally as many who prefer to add some color to their pieces, so I like to offer both.

I am very pleased with how this piece came out. When holding it in my hand, it is something that I am proud of. It is not nearly as fragile as it looks, and it was fun to transform a lowly piece of "blah" birch into something so pretty. I sometimes forget just how much I love scrolling. Then when I am making projects such as this, I remember very quickly.

By removing little pieces, one at a time, you can turn wood into anything you wish - even lace! It truly is a great way to be creative.

I hope you enjoy the project.
 

Attachments

#6,468 ·
'Lacy Wood' (Not Lacewood)

Adding something to things doesn't always result in improving them. Sometimes the best way to make something better is to take away from it. That is certainly true when you scroll saw.

There are so many reasons that I love scroll sawing. I like the way that it is something that doesn't require a lot of tools. All you pretty much need is a scroll saw and a drill or drill press and you are for the most part good to go.

I like that the variety of work you can do with the scroll saw is so vast. Unlike with other large tools that are quite specialized in their function, when working on the scroll saw you can produce anything from large corbels to delicate, lace-like fretwork.

It is quite a safe tool, too. There is a kind of joke among scrollers where we say in order to cut a finger off, we would really have to work at it (and probably have to change blades in the process!) While it is possible to get 'nipped' from the blade, and get a decent cut, with a little attention to safety there is very little chance of serious injury.

This makes the scroll saw an ideal tool for introducing someone new to woodworking. I have tutored even children on the scroll saw. With a bit of guidance, instruction and practice, even a youngster who perhaps doesn't have the patience that an adult would have can be successful in creating something fun. And sparking that interest is a great thing, as it usually leads to interest in other aspects of woodworking and being creative. It is good all around.

So why am I singing the praises of the scroll saw this morning? Perhaps because after over fifteen years of working with it, it still fascinates me how removing one small section of wood at a time can transform an ordinary board into a thing of beauty. I just think it is cool.

I spent yesterday cutting out my new piece for the magazine. My editor liked the drawings I had sent her and the project is all systems go for the February issue of Creative Woodworks and Crafts, which comes out early January. Due to that time frame, I thought that making a nice Valentine's project would be good. And what depicts Valentines better than hearts and lace?

I decided to do a self-framing plaque that can be given as a Valentine itself. The message of the Valentine is "You are the key to my heart" because recently in my browsing, I have seen many beautiful Gothic-type keys. I love the look of ornate keys and I think that they are wonderful things to design to make on the scroll saw. (Don't be surprised when in the near future I do another project which will contain some beautiful ornate keys!)

And then there is the lace.

While some may find it tedious to cut repetitive patterns on the scroll saw, I find it fun and relaxing. I also consider it 'skill building' because the more accurate you are, the nicer the pattern looks. For this design, I drew up a lace pattern for the border that mimicked the pattern that I used on the key. Of course I used hearts in the lace and key to tie the project together.

Font Handwriting Emblem Art Metal


The plaque itself is made form 1/2" birch. For this type of delicate cutting, a tight, even grained wood is most desired. Using anything such as ash or oak could possibly work, but I am doubtful that the porous grain would withstand some of the intricate cutting - especially in the lettering areas. While I am sure that it is possible, I feel more secure in making it with the birch.

I had some beautiful maple to choose from - both curly and bird's eye - but the beauty of the grain would be lost in the intricate lacy border and I opted to use the much blander birch. I felt this project gave me a chance to elevate the 'ordinary' into something 'extraordinary'. I was not disappointed.

The key itself is cut from 1/8" walnut. Since the self-framing properties of this plaque lower the center of the piece just about 1/8", the overlay of key makes the plaque look well thought out. The overlay gives the piece some interest and dimension, and balances the simple writing with the elaborate key and border. I like the results.

I kept the letters simple - as if they were hand scrawled. I thought that formal lettering would look too 'stuffy' and by keeping the writing to a casual hand, the piece looked more personal and far warmer than if I had used something more structured.

Here is a look at the entire piece:

Font Wood Art Jewellery Heart


This is just the dry wood, before I have finished it or even sanded it. I will be doing that all today, as I didn't finish cutting until the evening and I was a bit tired and didn't want to muck it up.

I am going to be offering this plaque in two finishes - one with just an oil/shellac finish that I like so much and the other using some of the acrylic staining medium to add some color. I cut two keys actually, one also of birch, that will be stained accordingly. I realize that many woodworkers like natural color, but there are equally as many who prefer to add some color to their pieces, so I like to offer both.

I am very pleased with how this piece came out. When holding it in my hand, it is something that I am proud of. It is not nearly as fragile as it looks, and it was fun to transform a lowly piece of "blah" birch into something so pretty. I sometimes forget just how much I love scrolling. Then when I am making projects such as this, I remember very quickly.

By removing little pieces, one at a time, you can turn wood into anything you wish - even lace! It truly is a great way to be creative.

I hope you enjoy the project.
Beautiful "removing" my Friend!
Scrolling is cool, no doubt about it… :)
 

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#6,473 ·
A Bit Overwhelmed

I think that I am feeling a bit overwhelmed. There is so much that I want to accomplish and the days just keep slipping by. It isn't that I don't accomplish anything, but it somehow doesn't feel like it is enough because the list of things I didn't get done somehow always seems longer (and is growing!) And that is not good.

There has been a great deal going on lately. Besides what I write about here, there are other things that are happening in my life that I do not write about. It is a busy time.

Normally I am one who thrives well on deadlines. But as I look at the calendar today and see that we are nearly done with September, it is a clear reality that the days are passing much too quickly. I need to slow down and take a breath and take it all in for a bit or before I know it, time will slip by.

As a small business in a poor economy, it is not an easy road. Especially when the business is centered on what most would consider a 'non-necessity'. Many would think that I am foolish to continue to pursue such a volatile vocation in such troubled times. Perhaps they are right. But I never expected things to be easy. Lately I am happy with the thought that what we are doing is 'not impossible.' So I continue to try.

There are several choices that we have right now. Several ways to make a go of things. I think that sometimes the problem that I have is deciding which direction(s) to take and knowing when being 'diversified' crosses the line into 'over-extending' ourselves. It isn't always clear.

I have always felt that the extra hours that I put into work are well worth it. After all, I am doing something I love. How many people can say that about their jobs? Yet when so many important decisions are upon us that will affect the future of our business, it becomes quite stressful. How can we know for certain that we are choosing the right one and not leaving a better one behind?

I realize that is impossible.

I am fortunate in that I am recognizing that this is happening, for that will help me deal with things in the best way possible. After all, if I didn't see it, then I wouldn't be able to intervene for myself, and who knows what would happen then.

So I am keeping things short today and I am going to regroup. I think it is time that I need to take a step or two back and count to ten (or twenty, or fifty). I am going to take some time for myself, in the midst of all this chaos and try to let go and not worry about anything. What will be will be.

It is windy and rainy outside today. It is supposed to be that way tomorrow, too. It is a good day to stay in and tidy up the house. Or bake. Or watch a movie. Or do nothing in particular unless I really feel that I want to. Either I need to turn down the heat or the water will boil over.

I want to enjoy my life. This is my favorite time of year, and I feel that if I keep going at the pace I have been, I won't even have the time to take pleasure in it. Sometimes it is difficult to tell the difference between work and play. That can be a double-edged sword.

I may or may not write tomorrow. I am not sure yet. I only mention that so that if I choose to skip a day, you all won't be worried. I think a day or two of not worrying about my commitments will do me wonders. It will give me time to clear my head and pull in the reigns and get things back to manageable again. And I am certain that I will come out of it feeling much better.

Have a wonderful weekend!
 
#6,485 ·
My Weekend 'Off'

I'ts funny how time off can mean different things to different people. While some people live for the weekend to totally switch gears and not think about their jobs until Monday, there are others who really don't mind their work, and take each day as it comes and enjoy it.

I definitely fall into the second category. Being fortunate enough to be doing something that I love to do and work in a creative field, much of the time I am working it doesn't even feel like 'work' to me. It is more of an extension of my creativity and I am allowed to pursue just about any creative idea that I have.

But it isn't always like that. Anyone who owns their own business realizes that there are basic 'mechanics' of the business that need constant attention to keep things running smoothly. Things like paperwork, planning (yes - that takes time) and negotiating contracts, as well as learning new skills, advertising and other things like maintaining the website, filling orders and corresponding with customers can take a big chunk out of the day. All these above mentioned things are vital to the success of the business, and if any one of them were neglected or put on the back burner, the business would certainly suffer.

I love working from home. I feel that it allows me not only the convenience of being in my own environment, but also allows me to put in more hours towards the business comfortably. Those of you who order from me know that we are pretty much 'always open' and if there is a question, order or problem, it doesn't matter what time of day (or night) it is, if I am awake and near my computer, I take care of it.

I never mind doing things this way, as I know what it is like to run into an issue on a weekend and have to wait until a Monday to receive help. The same with ordering something. Many times we receive orders in the late hours of the night either because our customers are half way around the world or they are night owls cruising the web. If we are up, we fill these orders no matter what time of the evening it is, and if I awake to new orders or questions, that is the first thing I take care of. We have received many notes of thanks for doing things this way and I am sure that it helps to build a good relationship with out customers.

Recently, it seems that these non-creative tasks are increasing. In one way, that is a good thing because it is evidence of a positive growth in our business. After all, that is what we are striving to accomplish. I have found however, that with the additional time these tasks are taking, I have less time to design and be creative. So while it is good on one side, it is somewhat overwhelming on the other.

So what is the answer?

We certainly aren't in the position financially to hire additional help. While one day we may reach that point, we just aren't there yet. But as we branch into different areas of designing, we need to find a way to make things work with just the two of us in the most efficient way possible.

My grandmother used to say that we are like a pie. There there is only so much, and the more slices you want it to yield, the smaller the slices need to be.

To me, that makes a great deal of sense. As we branch out into these different areas of woodworking, decorative painting, and designing, we need to remember that we are still only two people. There are still only 24 hours in a day. And we need to take time for ourselves to replenish and rest and do some of the things that we find joy in doing. Or what's the point?

Once again, it seems to be time to reorganize. I know that I write of that often, and I find that I am constantly doing organizational-type things. Either I am the most organized person in the world, or the most disorganized person - I haven't quite figured it out yet.

Realistically, I believe that the reason that I organize so much is because of the constant changes around me. My life is not stagnant, and as things change and we are growing, there is constant need for evaluation of things and rearranging priorities. I don't think this will ever be different, unless the growing stops, which is something we don't want to happen.

So instead of resisting growth and reorganization, I choose to embrace it and look upon it as a helpful tool that will keep us on top of things and moving in a positive direction. Re-prioritizing and reevaluating is a continual process and there should really be no time when we feel we are 'done'. Perhaps that is where my mistake was in the first place, reaching a plateau of organization and settling in. Good businesses are static, not stagnant, and we need to realize that.

I spent the weekend both working on things and thinking about the future for our business. By declaring a 'weekend off' to myself on Saturday, it put me in a completely different mindset. (Isn't it amazing how powerful our mindsets can be?) I accomplished a great deal this weekend. I baked. I cooked two great dinners (chicken pot pie on Saturday and Greek Dolmades yesterday) I cleaned the house. I even got my little 'all season tree' all decorated for Halloween. All these things brought a sense of comfort to me. I like when my environment is pleasant and it gives me not only a feeling of peace, but also I felt like I was back in control of things. I hadn't made myself a decent meal in weeks it seemed and even the nice meals felt good to me. Most importantly, I felt the sense of calm return to me, and I am able to look at things feeling well-rested and positive again (I was beginning to feel really frazzled!)

As a residual of all these feelings and things, something else good came of it. I not only finished the plaque for the magazine, but I also wrote an article (complete with photos) that I am also submitting to be published. The Valentine's plaque is ready to head off, along with all the photos, directions and drawings that go with it. I feel good about it and I am proud of the way it came out.

But wait! You are probably thinking that what I described sounds like 'work!' I wasn't supposed to do any work this weekend, was I?

I suppose you are right, but the funny thing is that when I took the pressure off of myself, and accomplished some of the things that fed my soul, it didn't seem like such a hardship to get these things done and they just seemed to come naturally. It actually felt good to do them and not only did I finish everything up, but I actually had fun doing so. Here are pictures of the finished heart plaque. First the natural colored plaque:

Font Handwriting Heart Symbol Illustration


And then the stained one:

Font Wood Ornament Heart Art


I couldn't resist and brushed a bit of fine shimmer on the key and the border of the stained one. It really looks nice.

Today I feel once again ready to take on the world. I made a decision this weekend, that I will go back to keeping Sunday for myself to do anything that I wish to do. I used to keep that as a weekly day of self-indulgence, but as we got busier and busier, that somehow got lost and I found it was beginning to turn into just another work day.

From now on, on Sundays I will only do what I really want to do. Be it bake, or paint for myself or my friends, or even just watch TV and play games, there will be no expectations other than to enjoy myself. If what I want to do just so happens to help the business, that is OK. But it doesn't have to.

This may seem like a no-brainer to some of you. But it is amazing to me how 'grey' this area of work and play can be. Without being kept in check, it is very easy to allow the business to take over my life, and then there will be resentments and burnout and all those things we hear about that cause businesses such as mine to fail. I don't want that to happen.

I missed writing yesterday. It felt a bit odd. I don't consider writing here a chore at all, as I usually think it helps me keep my own thoughts organized and helps set my day. However, when I was beginning to feel that I had to write something each day, and with all the other pressures I was feeling, I felt that I needed to take a day off. Once in a while I suppose I will need to do that.

Thank you as always for all the nice comments. I always appreciate them, along with the many friendships that I feel I have made through writing here. While it was only a day away, it did wonders all around and I feel ready again to move ahead and do lots of new and exciting things. My weekend off served me well.

I wish you all a wonderful Monday!
 

Attachments

#6,486 ·
My Weekend 'Off'

I'ts funny how time off can mean different things to different people. While some people live for the weekend to totally switch gears and not think about their jobs until Monday, there are others who really don't mind their work, and take each day as it comes and enjoy it.

I definitely fall into the second category. Being fortunate enough to be doing something that I love to do and work in a creative field, much of the time I am working it doesn't even feel like 'work' to me. It is more of an extension of my creativity and I am allowed to pursue just about any creative idea that I have.

But it isn't always like that. Anyone who owns their own business realizes that there are basic 'mechanics' of the business that need constant attention to keep things running smoothly. Things like paperwork, planning (yes - that takes time) and negotiating contracts, as well as learning new skills, advertising and other things like maintaining the website, filling orders and corresponding with customers can take a big chunk out of the day. All these above mentioned things are vital to the success of the business, and if any one of them were neglected or put on the back burner, the business would certainly suffer.

I love working from home. I feel that it allows me not only the convenience of being in my own environment, but also allows me to put in more hours towards the business comfortably. Those of you who order from me know that we are pretty much 'always open' and if there is a question, order or problem, it doesn't matter what time of day (or night) it is, if I am awake and near my computer, I take care of it.

I never mind doing things this way, as I know what it is like to run into an issue on a weekend and have to wait until a Monday to receive help. The same with ordering something. Many times we receive orders in the late hours of the night either because our customers are half way around the world or they are night owls cruising the web. If we are up, we fill these orders no matter what time of the evening it is, and if I awake to new orders or questions, that is the first thing I take care of. We have received many notes of thanks for doing things this way and I am sure that it helps to build a good relationship with out customers.

Recently, it seems that these non-creative tasks are increasing. In one way, that is a good thing because it is evidence of a positive growth in our business. After all, that is what we are striving to accomplish. I have found however, that with the additional time these tasks are taking, I have less time to design and be creative. So while it is good on one side, it is somewhat overwhelming on the other.

So what is the answer?

We certainly aren't in the position financially to hire additional help. While one day we may reach that point, we just aren't there yet. But as we branch into different areas of designing, we need to find a way to make things work with just the two of us in the most efficient way possible.

My grandmother used to say that we are like a pie. There there is only so much, and the more slices you want it to yield, the smaller the slices need to be.

To me, that makes a great deal of sense. As we branch out into these different areas of woodworking, decorative painting, and designing, we need to remember that we are still only two people. There are still only 24 hours in a day. And we need to take time for ourselves to replenish and rest and do some of the things that we find joy in doing. Or what's the point?

Once again, it seems to be time to reorganize. I know that I write of that often, and I find that I am constantly doing organizational-type things. Either I am the most organized person in the world, or the most disorganized person - I haven't quite figured it out yet.

Realistically, I believe that the reason that I organize so much is because of the constant changes around me. My life is not stagnant, and as things change and we are growing, there is constant need for evaluation of things and rearranging priorities. I don't think this will ever be different, unless the growing stops, which is something we don't want to happen.

So instead of resisting growth and reorganization, I choose to embrace it and look upon it as a helpful tool that will keep us on top of things and moving in a positive direction. Re-prioritizing and reevaluating is a continual process and there should really be no time when we feel we are 'done'. Perhaps that is where my mistake was in the first place, reaching a plateau of organization and settling in. Good businesses are static, not stagnant, and we need to realize that.

I spent the weekend both working on things and thinking about the future for our business. By declaring a 'weekend off' to myself on Saturday, it put me in a completely different mindset. (Isn't it amazing how powerful our mindsets can be?) I accomplished a great deal this weekend. I baked. I cooked two great dinners (chicken pot pie on Saturday and Greek Dolmades yesterday) I cleaned the house. I even got my little 'all season tree' all decorated for Halloween. All these things brought a sense of comfort to me. I like when my environment is pleasant and it gives me not only a feeling of peace, but also I felt like I was back in control of things. I hadn't made myself a decent meal in weeks it seemed and even the nice meals felt good to me. Most importantly, I felt the sense of calm return to me, and I am able to look at things feeling well-rested and positive again (I was beginning to feel really frazzled!)

As a residual of all these feelings and things, something else good came of it. I not only finished the plaque for the magazine, but I also wrote an article (complete with photos) that I am also submitting to be published. The Valentine's plaque is ready to head off, along with all the photos, directions and drawings that go with it. I feel good about it and I am proud of the way it came out.

But wait! You are probably thinking that what I described sounds like 'work!' I wasn't supposed to do any work this weekend, was I?

I suppose you are right, but the funny thing is that when I took the pressure off of myself, and accomplished some of the things that fed my soul, it didn't seem like such a hardship to get these things done and they just seemed to come naturally. It actually felt good to do them and not only did I finish everything up, but I actually had fun doing so. Here are pictures of the finished heart plaque. First the natural colored plaque:

Font Handwriting Heart Symbol Illustration


And then the stained one:

Font Wood Ornament Heart Art


I couldn't resist and brushed a bit of fine shimmer on the key and the border of the stained one. It really looks nice.

Today I feel once again ready to take on the world. I made a decision this weekend, that I will go back to keeping Sunday for myself to do anything that I wish to do. I used to keep that as a weekly day of self-indulgence, but as we got busier and busier, that somehow got lost and I found it was beginning to turn into just another work day.

From now on, on Sundays I will only do what I really want to do. Be it bake, or paint for myself or my friends, or even just watch TV and play games, there will be no expectations other than to enjoy myself. If what I want to do just so happens to help the business, that is OK. But it doesn't have to.

This may seem like a no-brainer to some of you. But it is amazing to me how 'grey' this area of work and play can be. Without being kept in check, it is very easy to allow the business to take over my life, and then there will be resentments and burnout and all those things we hear about that cause businesses such as mine to fail. I don't want that to happen.

I missed writing yesterday. It felt a bit odd. I don't consider writing here a chore at all, as I usually think it helps me keep my own thoughts organized and helps set my day. However, when I was beginning to feel that I had to write something each day, and with all the other pressures I was feeling, I felt that I needed to take a day off. Once in a while I suppose I will need to do that.

Thank you as always for all the nice comments. I always appreciate them, along with the many friendships that I feel I have made through writing here. While it was only a day away, it did wonders all around and I feel ready again to move ahead and do lots of new and exciting things. My weekend off served me well.

I wish you all a wonderful Monday!
Shelia and Keith - I have always greatly appreciated you attention to detail. Any E-MAil, question of some sort of special request has ALWAYS been answered quickly and in complete detail. As I, on the other end, look at the itmes that I want to make, and that will sell, I too think and devote lots of time to the process. Not as much as you some some amount. I really think Keiths product designs have help me expand my product offerings. I do, at time look at other items that might also sell well. Currently I am looking at wooden toys. I think that will be in my January mix. However the victorian fretwork is my favorate.

Thanks for all you do for us scrollers. I have spent about the last 35 years, before fully retiring anout two months ago, in the customer service areas of retail. I can tell you, from my perspective, you guys provide it. In reality that is all, in my opinion, all that anyone has to offer and you knock the ball out of the park.
 

Attachments

#6,490 ·
Inspiration

For the first time in a while, we decided to take an evening walk. I am sorry to say that we have gotten out of the habit of walking, as life has been busy and things have just been in the way. Or we were too tired. Or one of a hundred other excuses.

We still go to the gym three times a week however. It has almost been a year now since we started and for the most part, we have stayed on that schedule.

I mention this all because with the type of work we do, and also with the busy schedule we seem to follow, it can be very easy to just sit around and not do anything really physical. And that isn't good.

While finding the time to do both walking and heading out to the gym may be hard, since we have made the commitment to it, I think that it has really contributed positively to our overall health - and our focus on our work. Working at home makes it easy to become reclusive and house bound, with very little reason to leave the house other than obtaining groceries and supplies or going to the post office. And while I tend to be quite social here online, since the kids are grown up and on their own, I find that it is a time in my life where I just don't have the opportunity or desire to venture out very much socially. While we do visit with family and friends on a regular basis, it is just a time in our lives when we are busy, as is everyone else, and it is very easy to stay close to home.

I don't think that is bad at all, but I do see the benefit in having to get out to the gym a couple of times a week, and also the benefit of walking on the off days. It clears the head and gives me a time to reflect and think and plan.

I can't help but think that these feelings of being overwhelmed are somehow related to the absence of our daily walks. Just as I need my early morning quiet time to feel ready to take on the world, perhaps I have underestimated the impact of the time that I unplug in the evening by walking through the woods or even along the river. It is a simple idea, but one that I believe has merit.

As we left the house yesterday, we were immediately rewarded. The rain of the past three days had finally stopped and the sky was almost clear, but for a few large billowy clouds in the northern sky. The sun was just setting, and to the southwest we could see the last of the orange-pink light slipping behind the trees in front of us as we walked. But it somehow seemed light, even though the sky above was quite dark.

As I looked behind me, I was struck by the clouds, which were illuminated from behind by a soft, but bright yellowish light. Keith had thought at first that it was the Northern Lights, as he had heard that some from our area had seen hints of them in the past few evenings. But as the clouds began to move, it was apparent that what we saw was the moon rising, and I remembered it was the Harvest Moon.

I have heard of the Harvest Moon before, but not really paid much attention. Yes, there were the songs and poems about it, but I have listened and read them in a dismissive fashion without ever really thinking about it. But seeing this moon rising behind me, I finally realized what all the fuss was about. It was amazing.

As we walked the mile or so down the road to the end of our street, I couldn't help but look back over my shoulder in amazement at the moon rising. Never before have I seen it rise so quickly, or seem so large. I couldn't wait until we got to the mill and turned around, facing it as we walked back, and wonder at one of the marvels of nature.

When I got home, I looked up the meaning of what a "Harvest Moon" was and I found this link from Wikipedia. It explains the phenomena and I learned something new. After over 50 years on this planet, I am surprised that I haven't taken notice of this before. It just goes to show. . .

I am glad we found the time to take that walk. I want to get into the habit of doing so again. With all the things that are going on in our lives and our business, I really think that I miss those times of quiet reflection and tuning into our surroundings.

What does this have to do with woodworking and designing and painting?

Everything.

For it takes a clear head and inspiration to be able to be creative. And I believe that I have found that.

Head Plant Atmosphere Cat Sky


Have a wonderful Tuesday.
 

Attachments

#6,491 ·
Inspiration

For the first time in a while, we decided to take an evening walk. I am sorry to say that we have gotten out of the habit of walking, as life has been busy and things have just been in the way. Or we were too tired. Or one of a hundred other excuses.

We still go to the gym three times a week however. It has almost been a year now since we started and for the most part, we have stayed on that schedule.

I mention this all because with the type of work we do, and also with the busy schedule we seem to follow, it can be very easy to just sit around and not do anything really physical. And that isn't good.

While finding the time to do both walking and heading out to the gym may be hard, since we have made the commitment to it, I think that it has really contributed positively to our overall health - and our focus on our work. Working at home makes it easy to become reclusive and house bound, with very little reason to leave the house other than obtaining groceries and supplies or going to the post office. And while I tend to be quite social here online, since the kids are grown up and on their own, I find that it is a time in my life where I just don't have the opportunity or desire to venture out very much socially. While we do visit with family and friends on a regular basis, it is just a time in our lives when we are busy, as is everyone else, and it is very easy to stay close to home.

I don't think that is bad at all, but I do see the benefit in having to get out to the gym a couple of times a week, and also the benefit of walking on the off days. It clears the head and gives me a time to reflect and think and plan.

I can't help but think that these feelings of being overwhelmed are somehow related to the absence of our daily walks. Just as I need my early morning quiet time to feel ready to take on the world, perhaps I have underestimated the impact of the time that I unplug in the evening by walking through the woods or even along the river. It is a simple idea, but one that I believe has merit.

As we left the house yesterday, we were immediately rewarded. The rain of the past three days had finally stopped and the sky was almost clear, but for a few large billowy clouds in the northern sky. The sun was just setting, and to the southwest we could see the last of the orange-pink light slipping behind the trees in front of us as we walked. But it somehow seemed light, even though the sky above was quite dark.

As I looked behind me, I was struck by the clouds, which were illuminated from behind by a soft, but bright yellowish light. Keith had thought at first that it was the Northern Lights, as he had heard that some from our area had seen hints of them in the past few evenings. But as the clouds began to move, it was apparent that what we saw was the moon rising, and I remembered it was the Harvest Moon.

I have heard of the Harvest Moon before, but not really paid much attention. Yes, there were the songs and poems about it, but I have listened and read them in a dismissive fashion without ever really thinking about it. But seeing this moon rising behind me, I finally realized what all the fuss was about. It was amazing.

As we walked the mile or so down the road to the end of our street, I couldn't help but look back over my shoulder in amazement at the moon rising. Never before have I seen it rise so quickly, or seem so large. I couldn't wait until we got to the mill and turned around, facing it as we walked back, and wonder at one of the marvels of nature.

When I got home, I looked up the meaning of what a "Harvest Moon" was and I found this link from Wikipedia. It explains the phenomena and I learned something new. After over 50 years on this planet, I am surprised that I haven't taken notice of this before. It just goes to show. . .

I am glad we found the time to take that walk. I want to get into the habit of doing so again. With all the things that are going on in our lives and our business, I really think that I miss those times of quiet reflection and tuning into our surroundings.

What does this have to do with woodworking and designing and painting?

Everything.

For it takes a clear head and inspiration to be able to be creative. And I believe that I have found that.

Head Plant Atmosphere Cat Sky


Have a wonderful Tuesday.
You are so right. Thnx fer the link on the Harvest Moon. "Knowledge is Power" is a definite. Oh, the cat in yer pic looks like my Boris.
Hair Head Eye Cat Bombay
 

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#6,499 ·
Looking Back, Looking Ahead

I am feeling a bit more like myself these last couple of days. And that is good. I must be honest and say that these past couple of weeks have been trying on us. After the issues of a couple of weeks ago came to light, it really has shaken me to my foundation. Things are still up in the air there, but I have really and truly refocused on other positive things and avenues to follow.

It hasn't been exactly easy, and it has taken a conscious effort, but like anyone who gets hit in the head with a sledge hammer, you have two choices - to die or to get up and keep going. As the quote from the Monty Python movie says - "I ain't dead yet!"

I felt like I made good progress yesterday on assembling pattern packets. I don't know, but sometimes I think I make it out to be more than it is and it rather stifles me. I work here with Keith who immediately puts together his pattern packets when he finishes each project and I must say I am a bit envious at his discipline. I tend to leave all the components of the pattern in a file folder for "later when I have the time" and move on to the next idea before I finish writing up what I just made. But sometimes my folder of 'projects to be made into packets' has several sub-folders in it and I know it is time to get my butt in gear and write. I need to work on my timing with that a bit better. Perhaps seeing the finished project in my hand is its own reward and then I am eager to move on to the next.

When my daughter Danielle was small, she was certainly an adventurer. My oldest - Phil - was the type of child where if you spent the day at the zoo, he would sleep all the way home - exhausted by the exhilarating experience.

Danielle, however, would seem to absorb even more energy from an outing such as that, and I remember more than once when we would arrive home from an exhausting day out at the zoo or the pool or a picnic and as we were pulling into the driveway, she would ask "can I call (insert the name of any one of ten friends) ?" No matter how much fun she had, she was always thinking of her next move and planning ahead.

I've never noticed the parallel before, and to be honest it used to exasperate me. Even in my early 30's it made me feel old trying to keep up with her. And I look at her now at 22 years old and she is pretty much the same way. Always on the go and always planning. But she is happy with things that way and that is what counts. Perhaps she is more like me than I realized.

So I continue on with my multiple things in the works and I really don't mind it. Some of you who have read for a while know that when I get even close to 'catching up' I begin to feel lost. Multi-tasking must be part of my personality.

The good news is that I am really proud of these packets. After the incident with the company trimming my patterns down, it got me wondering if I wasn't perhaps giving instructions that are too detailed. I began having some doubts in my own ability and wondered if I was overdoing it a bit on making the packets.

But since we found a way to print decent color that was so cost effective, I figure that I would rather err on the side of offering too much information than not enough. Working for the magazine got me into the habit of taking photos all along every time I make a new project, and since digital pictures don't cost a cent to be developed and included, I certainly don't see why not.

Each packet I make and sell is like a lesson. With transferring our pattern files to the new wholesaler we are working with and actually looking at the older patterns again, it makes me realize just how far I have come in what I do. Our work is so much better and complete than it was even just a few years ago. Not that it was bad then, but much, much better now. And I am proud of that.

There is that obsessive part of me that wants to go back and start rewriting the older patterns and bring them up to the par we are at now, but I have fought that urge and thought better of it. With over 500 patterns, it would take a huge amount of time to do so and what would really be gained? There was nothing really wrong with them, we just do things better now.

I think the time is best spent making new designs and moving forward. So that is what I plan to do.

It's hard looking back at older work sometimes, but it is also very good for us. Seeing what we had done in the past, and what we were proud of then is a good indicator as to how much we have advanced and accomplished. My older patterns are tangible documentation as to not only how much I have grown as a designer, but also as a teacher. And that is all good. Besides the advance in technology, I also see an improvement on the way that I teach the projects. I am glad that I am still learning and look forward to seeing what the future will bring.

Cat Small to medium-sized cats Felidae Mammal Carnivore


Have a wonderful Wednesday!
 

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#6,500 ·
Looking Back, Looking Ahead

I am feeling a bit more like myself these last couple of days. And that is good. I must be honest and say that these past couple of weeks have been trying on us. After the issues of a couple of weeks ago came to light, it really has shaken me to my foundation. Things are still up in the air there, but I have really and truly refocused on other positive things and avenues to follow.

It hasn't been exactly easy, and it has taken a conscious effort, but like anyone who gets hit in the head with a sledge hammer, you have two choices - to die or to get up and keep going. As the quote from the Monty Python movie says - "I ain't dead yet!"

I felt like I made good progress yesterday on assembling pattern packets. I don't know, but sometimes I think I make it out to be more than it is and it rather stifles me. I work here with Keith who immediately puts together his pattern packets when he finishes each project and I must say I am a bit envious at his discipline. I tend to leave all the components of the pattern in a file folder for "later when I have the time" and move on to the next idea before I finish writing up what I just made. But sometimes my folder of 'projects to be made into packets' has several sub-folders in it and I know it is time to get my butt in gear and write. I need to work on my timing with that a bit better. Perhaps seeing the finished project in my hand is its own reward and then I am eager to move on to the next.

When my daughter Danielle was small, she was certainly an adventurer. My oldest - Phil - was the type of child where if you spent the day at the zoo, he would sleep all the way home - exhausted by the exhilarating experience.

Danielle, however, would seem to absorb even more energy from an outing such as that, and I remember more than once when we would arrive home from an exhausting day out at the zoo or the pool or a picnic and as we were pulling into the driveway, she would ask "can I call (insert the name of any one of ten friends) ?" No matter how much fun she had, she was always thinking of her next move and planning ahead.

I've never noticed the parallel before, and to be honest it used to exasperate me. Even in my early 30's it made me feel old trying to keep up with her. And I look at her now at 22 years old and she is pretty much the same way. Always on the go and always planning. But she is happy with things that way and that is what counts. Perhaps she is more like me than I realized.

So I continue on with my multiple things in the works and I really don't mind it. Some of you who have read for a while know that when I get even close to 'catching up' I begin to feel lost. Multi-tasking must be part of my personality.

The good news is that I am really proud of these packets. After the incident with the company trimming my patterns down, it got me wondering if I wasn't perhaps giving instructions that are too detailed. I began having some doubts in my own ability and wondered if I was overdoing it a bit on making the packets.

But since we found a way to print decent color that was so cost effective, I figure that I would rather err on the side of offering too much information than not enough. Working for the magazine got me into the habit of taking photos all along every time I make a new project, and since digital pictures don't cost a cent to be developed and included, I certainly don't see why not.

Each packet I make and sell is like a lesson. With transferring our pattern files to the new wholesaler we are working with and actually looking at the older patterns again, it makes me realize just how far I have come in what I do. Our work is so much better and complete than it was even just a few years ago. Not that it was bad then, but much, much better now. And I am proud of that.

There is that obsessive part of me that wants to go back and start rewriting the older patterns and bring them up to the par we are at now, but I have fought that urge and thought better of it. With over 500 patterns, it would take a huge amount of time to do so and what would really be gained? There was nothing really wrong with them, we just do things better now.

I think the time is best spent making new designs and moving forward. So that is what I plan to do.

It's hard looking back at older work sometimes, but it is also very good for us. Seeing what we had done in the past, and what we were proud of then is a good indicator as to how much we have advanced and accomplished. My older patterns are tangible documentation as to not only how much I have grown as a designer, but also as a teacher. And that is all good. Besides the advance in technology, I also see an improvement on the way that I teach the projects. I am glad that I am still learning and look forward to seeing what the future will bring.

Cat Small to medium-sized cats Felidae Mammal Carnivore


Have a wonderful Wednesday!
You are very wise young lass. :) I really like the reflection pic. I'd like to know what's on that little mind that is so deep in thought
 

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#6,504 ·
The Greatest Rewards

What a good day yesterday turned out to be. Not only did I get a great deal accomplished, but I also had several nice emails come my way as well. It is days like that which show me that we are on the right track.

I spent the bulk of the day working with Keith on getting the website updated again. I noticed that I am mentioning that more and more and it seems that we are updating things on an average of every couple of weeks. That is great because we find that it is much easier to do things that way than wait until there is a huge amount of information to present. I think two newsletters per month is an acceptable rate and our customers really seem to be happy to hear about what we have added on from one issue to the next. That way too, we aren't overloading people with too much information at one time.

We are - as always - looking for ways to make our site look great and be really easy to navigate. With such a variety of work and a growing amount of patterns, this can be a bit of a challenge.

Naturally, there is a "Search" box at the top of the page so if people are looking for a particular themed pattern they can find it easily, but many people come in and just want to browse around to see what we have and we both feel that it is important that things are categorized in a way that makes sense.

There is also the issue of the painting side of things vs. the scroll sawing and woodworking side. Right now we have sub pages for the painting items, but as we grow we are wondering if it wouldn't be to our advantage to have a separate painting site altogether. But this means having to not only pay the costs of the additional site, but also maintaining it as well. It is something that we need to decide soon, as that side of our business is growing and we hope it continues to do so.

While we think that it will soon be inevitable, we also realize that the longer we wait, the bigger we are getting in that area and the more work it will take to transfer everything to a new site.

Decisions, decisions.

In any case, everything is updated now and the newsletter is out and all is well. I even added the article that I did on Margot's MUD (the texture paste that I used on the bell ornament pattern) which teaches step-by-step how to use the product. The ornaments are pictured below, and you can read the article HERE.



I had a couple emails in the last several days from customers that have said how much they enjoyed my painting and woodworking designs. My editor forwarded a note that was sent to her from a gentleman in England who had made some of our projects from the magazines and also was a customer of ours. He sang high praises as to our work and how he thought we added greatly to the magazine. I can honestly tell you that letters such as that are the best rewards that we could ever receive.

I also had an email last night from a woman who painted some of my Halloween ornaments and was looking for more designs. She told me how much she enjoyed them and it truly made me happy that she took the time to tell me. It is nice to know that people are beginning to seek out our work and it really does make a huge difference in my mindset. I always say how much I love what I do, but hearing how much others appreciate it too brings immeasurable satisfaction and makes me just want to do even better.

Finally, when I awoke, I had a wonderful email in my mail box from a customer who told me how happy he was that I included painting instructions in many of my patterns. While he stated that he felt many projects were left natural, he said how much he enjoyed painting some of them and sent me several pictures of our designs that he completed.











I just couldn't stop smiling!

I suppose this answered the questions I may have had yesterday regarding if I was adding too much to my patterns.

All this shows me that we are on the right track and doing the right thing. After being told by the one wholesaler that our patterns were too long and that people didn't want painting instructions and that it just wasted paper and made the pattern more costly to print, I think the above pictures proved them wrong.

I maintain that people DO want to try new things. At pennies per page to print, I feel that the minimal cost is well worth it if we are offering designs that people will thoroughly enjoy and maybe learn from too. I always felt that if the information were presented to them as an option, they didn't have to do things that way if they didn't want. But perhaps they did want to expand their abilities a little bit and try something new. That would be good for us all.

These examples of customer feedback were only from one day. I frequently receive many emails that tell me how much people appreciate our detailed instructions, along with our good service. This, to me means more than anything. It is the best reward I could receive.

I think I am on the right track. And I plan to keep heading in that direction. While it may not be what everyone else does, I feel it is right for us.

Who wants to be like everyone else anyway?

Have a great day!
 

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#6,505 ·
The Greatest Rewards

What a good day yesterday turned out to be. Not only did I get a great deal accomplished, but I also had several nice emails come my way as well. It is days like that which show me that we are on the right track.

I spent the bulk of the day working with Keith on getting the website updated again. I noticed that I am mentioning that more and more and it seems that we are updating things on an average of every couple of weeks. That is great because we find that it is much easier to do things that way than wait until there is a huge amount of information to present. I think two newsletters per month is an acceptable rate and our customers really seem to be happy to hear about what we have added on from one issue to the next. That way too, we aren't overloading people with too much information at one time.

We are - as always - looking for ways to make our site look great and be really easy to navigate. With such a variety of work and a growing amount of patterns, this can be a bit of a challenge.

Naturally, there is a "Search" box at the top of the page so if people are looking for a particular themed pattern they can find it easily, but many people come in and just want to browse around to see what we have and we both feel that it is important that things are categorized in a way that makes sense.

There is also the issue of the painting side of things vs. the scroll sawing and woodworking side. Right now we have sub pages for the painting items, but as we grow we are wondering if it wouldn't be to our advantage to have a separate painting site altogether. But this means having to not only pay the costs of the additional site, but also maintaining it as well. It is something that we need to decide soon, as that side of our business is growing and we hope it continues to do so.

While we think that it will soon be inevitable, we also realize that the longer we wait, the bigger we are getting in that area and the more work it will take to transfer everything to a new site.

Decisions, decisions.

In any case, everything is updated now and the newsletter is out and all is well. I even added the article that I did on Margot's MUD (the texture paste that I used on the bell ornament pattern) which teaches step-by-step how to use the product. The ornaments are pictured below, and you can read the article HERE.



I had a couple emails in the last several days from customers that have said how much they enjoyed my painting and woodworking designs. My editor forwarded a note that was sent to her from a gentleman in England who had made some of our projects from the magazines and also was a customer of ours. He sang high praises as to our work and how he thought we added greatly to the magazine. I can honestly tell you that letters such as that are the best rewards that we could ever receive.

I also had an email last night from a woman who painted some of my Halloween ornaments and was looking for more designs. She told me how much she enjoyed them and it truly made me happy that she took the time to tell me. It is nice to know that people are beginning to seek out our work and it really does make a huge difference in my mindset. I always say how much I love what I do, but hearing how much others appreciate it too brings immeasurable satisfaction and makes me just want to do even better.

Finally, when I awoke, I had a wonderful email in my mail box from a customer who told me how happy he was that I included painting instructions in many of my patterns. While he stated that he felt many projects were left natural, he said how much he enjoyed painting some of them and sent me several pictures of our designs that he completed.











I just couldn't stop smiling!

I suppose this answered the questions I may have had yesterday regarding if I was adding too much to my patterns.

All this shows me that we are on the right track and doing the right thing. After being told by the one wholesaler that our patterns were too long and that people didn't want painting instructions and that it just wasted paper and made the pattern more costly to print, I think the above pictures proved them wrong.

I maintain that people DO want to try new things. At pennies per page to print, I feel that the minimal cost is well worth it if we are offering designs that people will thoroughly enjoy and maybe learn from too. I always felt that if the information were presented to them as an option, they didn't have to do things that way if they didn't want. But perhaps they did want to expand their abilities a little bit and try something new. That would be good for us all.

These examples of customer feedback were only from one day. I frequently receive many emails that tell me how much people appreciate our detailed instructions, along with our good service. This, to me means more than anything. It is the best reward I could receive.

I think I am on the right track. And I plan to keep heading in that direction. While it may not be what everyone else does, I feel it is right for us.

Who wants to be like everyone else anyway?

Have a great day!
All gr8 pics. I really like the trees around the witch and her caldrun. Life is good.
 

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#6,511 ·
Mind Games

Yesterday was one of those days where I accomplished a great deal, yet by outer appearances you wouldn't think I accomplished much at all. It was one of those days I spent tying up loose ends and answering correspondence and filling orders and getting my computer ready for a backup.

It is funny how tidying up your computer can be just as satisfying as tidying up your house. I think that people's computers and 'virtual worlds' closely resemble their real world. If people are organized in their real worlds, I find that they are more likely to be so in their virtual worlds too.

We have all seen others' work spaces - whether it be desks or shops or whatever. Some people thrive among the clutter of what they are doing around them. I have heard many times people saying "a clean shop is not a working shop" and to that I say "no, no, NO!"

While I understand we are all different and I really and truly respect that, for myself, I find it very stressful to try to work and accomplish if my environment around me isn't clean and organized. Maybe it is because I am not as smart or talented as other 'artists' who work well with mess and clutter around them. I need the slate to be clean so I can focus on the task at hand without all this additional input to my brain. And that includes my cyber-world.

Lately at night, I think I mentioned that I sometimes play some computer games for a bit to unwind and relax my brain before going to bed. I find if I work late and don't do this change of gears, I take the work to bed with me and it interferes with my sleep.

I don't play action games, yet I like games that are more of a mental challenge to help switch my mind into a calm and thoughtful gear. Many of them are puzzle type games or 'seek and find' where you have to find hidden objects. I am currently playing a game called "Mystery Case Files 13th Skull" where you have an entire story to follow and many different exercises and challenges need to be done. While I don't spend much time in any given evening playing, I do find that it shifts my mind and helps me turn off the day's activities before attempting to go to bed. It may take me a month or more to finish, but it is nice because I can spend five minutes or an hour on it and always go back to where I was. It works for me.

Now many people may think that after working on the computer all day long, the last thing that I would want to do to relax was to be on the computer, but I don't feel that to be the case with me. The computer is so vast and diverse that there are many other fun ways to switch gears and not feel like you are in the same place at all.

I also like doing real puzzles on the computer. Here is a link to a puzzle for you all that I made of one of my projects. If you want to go and play it, just click on the link and it will take you to the puzzle:

preview189 pieceBOO Word Art Puzzle

(By the way - on the bottom left you can click the ghost icon or picture icon to show the picture while you do the puzzle!)

I realize that everyone likes different things to relax and recharge, and this may not be for everyone. I also love my walks in our beautiful area here to clear my mind and make me feel rested. It is amazing how good just taking a half hour walk can make you feel. (Don't bring your cell phone!)

One last thing that I want to mention is to be sure to take time to do the things you love. Last weekend I took a day 'off' of writing here and in my mind I decided that I wasn't going to push myself to accomplish anything on Sunday. As a result of taking the pressure off of myself to produce, the day was relaxing and refreshing and much to my own surprise, I found that in the end I did accomplish a great deal. Just by removing the expectations from myself allowed me to do what I wanted to do and in my mind, whatever I accomplished was a bonus.

I have already decided that besides returning to taking our walks, I am going to designate Sunday my "day to do anything I wish" day. Whether it be spent painting, cooking, playing computer games or doing nothing at all, I feel that not only have I earned this time for myself, but I need it. What is the point of working hard if we don't take time to enjoy it? I think that over the past several weeks (or months!) I have been so focused on work that I haven't allowed myself this time off. As a result I was feeling quite stressed out and in the long run not accomplishing as much as I could have been had I felt more emotionally healthy. These things slip up on us quietly and we constantly need to be aware of them so that we can keep them in check and remember to feed our souls. I had forgotten this (as it had surely happened before!) and it was just time for me to stop and recheck myself.

So after a day of 'cleaning up' and getting things in order, I am ready to take on the world again today. It is a good day because I woke up really feeling excited about my work and the new things that I have in mind. While on the outside things may look the same, rest assured that I got a lot done in the past couple of days and I am ready to start things again with a clean slate and a fresh outlook.

I plan to work hard the next two days, and knowing that I have a 'free day' planned for Sunday gives me something to look forward to. Doing things we enjoy guilt free is something that is essential to our continuing success. We need to keep that in mind.

I hope you all have a wonderful Friday.
 
#6,512 ·
Hi Sheila;

It's counter intuitive that if you take a day off, you'll get more done. I fought that notion for years, before I finally got it. I admit to being a little slow at times.

Enjoy.

Lee
 
#6,517 ·
Testing the Water

I reached a milestone yesterday. I finished something that I had been working on for the past several weeks. This was not easy for me, for while some of what I was doing was similar to what I always did, it involved thinking about things in a different way. And at times it was difficult.

I find that as I get older, learning new things becomes a bit more of a challenge. I understand that is natural, so I don't feel too badly about it, and I allow myself time and try not to be too hard on myself along the way. I sometimes feel daunted by new challenges, but I don't want to allow that fear of the unknown dictate my behavior and discourage me from trying new things. So I give it a go.

I have recently alluded to some of the new undertakings we are trying for our business. After some things happened recently in regards to how my patterns were being distributed, I realized that it was time to get out of my comfort zone and seek out new opportunities. After over fifteen years of doing what I was doing, I began to think that perhaps it was time anyway.

Scroll sawing is a struggling market. It is a very specialized area of woodworking and even though I love it, I do realize that there are other things out there that are related and possibly a more lucrative market for my designs. The other day when looking for something else, I noticed another company had a couple of my older patterns on their site up for sale. I had worked with them years ago, and when the company was bought out and taken over by someone new, their business plan didn't involve working with outside designers. We parted on good terms, and it seemed that our association just gently fizzled out with no hard feeling or discontentment.

At the time of the old owners, I had created a series of plans for them that they bought outright rights to, meaning I got paid and gave up the rights. I had done this in the past with some ornament sets with Creative Woodworks (the magazine I work with) and it all turned out well. I needed the money desperately back then and selling the rights up front helped me manage at a time when I was having trouble.

But seeing these designs marketed under other labels felt rather odd. I can't say that I don't have some regrets in doing business that way and relinquishing my work to others in that manner. Now that I am on my feet, I made a vow to myself that I would be very careful before doing that again. I would really have to be in hard shape or the offer would need to be something that I simply couldn't refuse.

But scanning over the site I mentioned earlier, I saw a mix of what I had sold the rights to and what I did not. Granted these were all patterns that were probably about ten years old, and certainly not the caliber of work that I do now, but they still were my designs and it was the point of the whole thing that got to me.

We checked over the site thoroughly and saw that they only had a few of the older designs (ones that I used to sell to them) and thought that perhaps on some of them, they were just using up old stock. But after ten years it was difficult to think that they still had any. While that may be true for some of the patterns, there were two patterns that were larger format that were printed by them and then I was to be paid a royalty. No stock was kept as far as I know and I didn't see the purpose of them keeping the two designs on their site (whether they sold or not) if they no longer chose to do business with me and there was no inventory.

Here we go again.

I immediately wrote the 'new' owner an email, as it is very difficult to get them on the phone. That was a couple of days ago and I still have not heard back. I am not surprised.

I am not sure how I am going to pursue this issue. After the last couple of weeks of dealing with the other issue, I am quite exhausted. It comes to a point where I need to assess my own damages and also the intent of the company and figure out if it is worth the time and effort to do anything.

What I am thinking happened in this incident is that the new owners did not understand the difference between the patterns that they had a right to and those they did not. Since there were only these two that are still on their site from that time frame, it is very possible that they just assumed that they owned these designs outright, as the others. There was never a written agreement between me and the owner, as back then a word and a handshake was sufficient for a binding agreement.

I don't think that many if any of the designs were sold, as when I introduced them with the former owners they didn't go over well at all. I think I only sold a couple in the couple of years that the former owner was still there before the company changed hands.

I am going to pursue this next week when everyone is back to work. At the very least, I want them removed from the site and put to rest. I don't believe that there was malicious intent with these, but I still would like to clean the slate.

It just makes me wonder though.

What we do here is such a volatile field. People think nothing of sharing plans and patterns among groups of friends and clubs and so forth. They use the excuse "that's what libraries do" and wash their hands of any responsibility on their own part for contributing to the demise of designers.

There are many forums that forbid this type of sharing. Many times new people (or not so new) call out to the boards in search of a particular pattern. Usually there is a story behind the need that tugs at the heart strings. Sometimes other members will direct the person requesting to the designers' site, but it doesn't take a genius to figure out when someone asks about a pattern and the response from another member is "email me privately" to figure out what they are doing. They just don't see the wrong in it.

We try to make it easy for people to buy and use our patterns. We make them so that they can copy and print them on their own home printers, eliminating the extra cost of paying a copy service to reproduce their patterns so they can use them and still keep the original copies in tact. But as with anything, there are many people who abuse this service we offer and run off copies and email copies to their friends and so forth. While they may look to be the hero to "donate" these patterns to clubs and organizations or fellow forum people, all they really are doing is putting another nail in the coffin of the designers. And this goes for painting patterns too.

When I speak of giving up designing patterns in the way I am currently functioning, I get many protests from loyal customers who do things the right way. But some people don't understand that by sharing patterns and plans, they are not only hurting the designers, but the industry itself. I have many friends who are very talented designers and whom I have the greatest respect for that could no longer hold on to designing because they weren't compensated enough to make a living. We all lose then, as the good designers usually move on to better things. What a shame.

So it is time to get out and try some other things, I think. And that is where I am at now. I still plan to keep up designing for the scroll saw and painting patterns, but I also feel the need try things in new areas of designing and woodworking to see what will come of it. I am almost ready to take the jump, and I am just testing the water now to see how it can work.



I certainly will keep you all posted.

Have a great Saturday.
 

Attachments

#6,518 ·
Testing the Water

I reached a milestone yesterday. I finished something that I had been working on for the past several weeks. This was not easy for me, for while some of what I was doing was similar to what I always did, it involved thinking about things in a different way. And at times it was difficult.

I find that as I get older, learning new things becomes a bit more of a challenge. I understand that is natural, so I don't feel too badly about it, and I allow myself time and try not to be too hard on myself along the way. I sometimes feel daunted by new challenges, but I don't want to allow that fear of the unknown dictate my behavior and discourage me from trying new things. So I give it a go.

I have recently alluded to some of the new undertakings we are trying for our business. After some things happened recently in regards to how my patterns were being distributed, I realized that it was time to get out of my comfort zone and seek out new opportunities. After over fifteen years of doing what I was doing, I began to think that perhaps it was time anyway.

Scroll sawing is a struggling market. It is a very specialized area of woodworking and even though I love it, I do realize that there are other things out there that are related and possibly a more lucrative market for my designs. The other day when looking for something else, I noticed another company had a couple of my older patterns on their site up for sale. I had worked with them years ago, and when the company was bought out and taken over by someone new, their business plan didn't involve working with outside designers. We parted on good terms, and it seemed that our association just gently fizzled out with no hard feeling or discontentment.

At the time of the old owners, I had created a series of plans for them that they bought outright rights to, meaning I got paid and gave up the rights. I had done this in the past with some ornament sets with Creative Woodworks (the magazine I work with) and it all turned out well. I needed the money desperately back then and selling the rights up front helped me manage at a time when I was having trouble.

But seeing these designs marketed under other labels felt rather odd. I can't say that I don't have some regrets in doing business that way and relinquishing my work to others in that manner. Now that I am on my feet, I made a vow to myself that I would be very careful before doing that again. I would really have to be in hard shape or the offer would need to be something that I simply couldn't refuse.

But scanning over the site I mentioned earlier, I saw a mix of what I had sold the rights to and what I did not. Granted these were all patterns that were probably about ten years old, and certainly not the caliber of work that I do now, but they still were my designs and it was the point of the whole thing that got to me.

We checked over the site thoroughly and saw that they only had a few of the older designs (ones that I used to sell to them) and thought that perhaps on some of them, they were just using up old stock. But after ten years it was difficult to think that they still had any. While that may be true for some of the patterns, there were two patterns that were larger format that were printed by them and then I was to be paid a royalty. No stock was kept as far as I know and I didn't see the purpose of them keeping the two designs on their site (whether they sold or not) if they no longer chose to do business with me and there was no inventory.

Here we go again.

I immediately wrote the 'new' owner an email, as it is very difficult to get them on the phone. That was a couple of days ago and I still have not heard back. I am not surprised.

I am not sure how I am going to pursue this issue. After the last couple of weeks of dealing with the other issue, I am quite exhausted. It comes to a point where I need to assess my own damages and also the intent of the company and figure out if it is worth the time and effort to do anything.

What I am thinking happened in this incident is that the new owners did not understand the difference between the patterns that they had a right to and those they did not. Since there were only these two that are still on their site from that time frame, it is very possible that they just assumed that they owned these designs outright, as the others. There was never a written agreement between me and the owner, as back then a word and a handshake was sufficient for a binding agreement.

I don't think that many if any of the designs were sold, as when I introduced them with the former owners they didn't go over well at all. I think I only sold a couple in the couple of years that the former owner was still there before the company changed hands.

I am going to pursue this next week when everyone is back to work. At the very least, I want them removed from the site and put to rest. I don't believe that there was malicious intent with these, but I still would like to clean the slate.

It just makes me wonder though.

What we do here is such a volatile field. People think nothing of sharing plans and patterns among groups of friends and clubs and so forth. They use the excuse "that's what libraries do" and wash their hands of any responsibility on their own part for contributing to the demise of designers.

There are many forums that forbid this type of sharing. Many times new people (or not so new) call out to the boards in search of a particular pattern. Usually there is a story behind the need that tugs at the heart strings. Sometimes other members will direct the person requesting to the designers' site, but it doesn't take a genius to figure out when someone asks about a pattern and the response from another member is "email me privately" to figure out what they are doing. They just don't see the wrong in it.

We try to make it easy for people to buy and use our patterns. We make them so that they can copy and print them on their own home printers, eliminating the extra cost of paying a copy service to reproduce their patterns so they can use them and still keep the original copies in tact. But as with anything, there are many people who abuse this service we offer and run off copies and email copies to their friends and so forth. While they may look to be the hero to "donate" these patterns to clubs and organizations or fellow forum people, all they really are doing is putting another nail in the coffin of the designers. And this goes for painting patterns too.

When I speak of giving up designing patterns in the way I am currently functioning, I get many protests from loyal customers who do things the right way. But some people don't understand that by sharing patterns and plans, they are not only hurting the designers, but the industry itself. I have many friends who are very talented designers and whom I have the greatest respect for that could no longer hold on to designing because they weren't compensated enough to make a living. We all lose then, as the good designers usually move on to better things. What a shame.

So it is time to get out and try some other things, I think. And that is where I am at now. I still plan to keep up designing for the scroll saw and painting patterns, but I also feel the need try things in new areas of designing and woodworking to see what will come of it. I am almost ready to take the jump, and I am just testing the water now to see how it can work.



I certainly will keep you all posted.

Have a great Saturday.
Sounds like you could do with a tame lawyer to chase up all you rights issues for you, Sheila. Expensive but less wear and tear on you.

It bites to see someone else claim your work as their own. I saw this happen to one of mine on a Dutch blog. Fortunately Rick Koorman (Rkoorman on LJ's) stepped up in my defence.

With your creativeness you should always be one step ahead of the rest anyway.
 

Attachments

#6,524 ·
Rumors of My Retirement Have Been Greatly Exaggerated

I received a couple of emails yesterday regarding my post of Saturday. They expressed concern that I may be giving up designing scroll saw patterns and looking into something else. I just want to come out and say for certain that it is not my intention at all to do so, and if I led some of you to think that I was heading in that direction, rest assured I am not.

This past month or so has been somewhat tedious for both Keith and myself. As when anyone loses trust in someone that they had once considered worthy, it was quite a blow to us to find out what was really going on with our work. I must admit that there were fleeting moments when I considered just calling it a day and just wanted to pack it in, but those thoughts were just a flash in my mind. The reality of things is that I truly love what I do and I don't want to have to give it up just because of one bad apple.

To me, this was a valuable learning experience. Even though I have been doing this for over fifteen years, I maintain that there is still so much more that I need to figure out. Especially if I hope to advance and grow the business.

I feel a lot wiser than I did a month ago. While part of me felt betrayed, there was another part of me that felt quite foolish for being so trusting in the first place.

I think that most people try to look for the good in others. I know I have made mistakes in the past, and I try not to judge others by the mistakes that they have made. I like to think that others look beyond the errors that I may have made in judgment and try to look at the the person that I am now. Not perfect, but as someone who tries to do the right thing.

I admit that I do get discouraged when I see greed, disregard for others feelings and those who deliberately inflict pain on those around them. This world and its circumstances are cruel enough without those who willingly try to hurt others, many times for their own selfish gain. But what I found is among the bad, there are many, many good people who are just like me - trying to make their way.

While sometimes it is evident which side people are on, there are others that are in a grey area somewhere between the two, and that is where I get muddled up. I tend to judge people on face value, and while that works when someone is being honest to me, it leaves me quite vulnerable to those who are not. I think they use the term "gullible".

But as I grow and as I learn, I seem to have developed a little harder skin. Sometimes when I am lounging on my 'pink cloud' a tad of cynicism creeps in, and I have to catch myself and not make blanket judgments about things. But sometimes it is difficult to not rush into things when we are upset. Our first reaction when wronged is usually to 'react.' And as I get older, I find that while holding your breath and taking some time to think first may be the best answer, it usually requires far more effort.

However, I have rarely regretted doing so. While taking the time to think before I acted wasn't quite as satisfying as acting out immediately, the lasting effects of making decisions with a cool head were far preferred than burning bridges and hot accusations that cause irreparable damage. So I try.

I have decided to miss a few days writing during these past few weeks. While that seems to many that I am winding things down here, it actually indicates quite the contrary. I am not avoiding writing because I have nothing to say, but rather because I don't think it is the right time to say everything just yet. While I don't mind putting myself out here each day when I write, so that others who are wanting to be in a similar business can possibly learn from what I encounter, there are still some things that I prefer to keep close to my chest and are better yet unsaid.

While silence may be construed as a sign of defeat, I want you all to know that for myself, it is quite the opposite. I am a tough cookie. I grew up in the inner city-south side of Chicago. My family was far from perfect and much of what I learned about life I learned from my friends and on the streets. I came from a broken home in the mid-60's at a time when divorce wasn't fashionable or socially accepted (I had one friend who's mom wouldn't let her play with me because my parents were divorced - we used to sneak and hang out anyway) and I had to live with that stigma as a young girl.

What does that have to do with anything here?

Everything.

I have said before that I never liked or felt comfortable in the role of the victim, and I maintain that attitude now. We all make our own choices and I like to take responsibility for mine. Whether they turned out well or not, it is up to me to decide whether to continue with them or move on.

I am very excited about the new avenues that I am on right now. It is difficult for me not to talk about them. But until I feel a bit more secure in my decisions and directions, I just don't feel the need to put everything out here just yet. It will come in time, when I am ready.

Yes, there was one bad apple in my business plan. Maybe there are more. I still have to wait and see. But in the end, I do like apples so I am not planning to throw the entire basket of them away just because one has rotted. That would be foolish on my part. I have no plans for 'retirement' as long as there is breath in my body.

Besides, weeding out the bad apples is probably the best thing that I could have done. Once I am finished, things will be better than ever.


Photo courtesy of Free HD Wallpapers

Have a wonderful Monday! Happy Thanksgiving Canada! Happy Columbus Day USA!
 

Attachments

#6,525 ·
Rumors of My Retirement Have Been Greatly Exaggerated

I received a couple of emails yesterday regarding my post of Saturday. They expressed concern that I may be giving up designing scroll saw patterns and looking into something else. I just want to come out and say for certain that it is not my intention at all to do so, and if I led some of you to think that I was heading in that direction, rest assured I am not.

This past month or so has been somewhat tedious for both Keith and myself. As when anyone loses trust in someone that they had once considered worthy, it was quite a blow to us to find out what was really going on with our work. I must admit that there were fleeting moments when I considered just calling it a day and just wanted to pack it in, but those thoughts were just a flash in my mind. The reality of things is that I truly love what I do and I don't want to have to give it up just because of one bad apple.

To me, this was a valuable learning experience. Even though I have been doing this for over fifteen years, I maintain that there is still so much more that I need to figure out. Especially if I hope to advance and grow the business.

I feel a lot wiser than I did a month ago. While part of me felt betrayed, there was another part of me that felt quite foolish for being so trusting in the first place.

I think that most people try to look for the good in others. I know I have made mistakes in the past, and I try not to judge others by the mistakes that they have made. I like to think that others look beyond the errors that I may have made in judgment and try to look at the the person that I am now. Not perfect, but as someone who tries to do the right thing.

I admit that I do get discouraged when I see greed, disregard for others feelings and those who deliberately inflict pain on those around them. This world and its circumstances are cruel enough without those who willingly try to hurt others, many times for their own selfish gain. But what I found is among the bad, there are many, many good people who are just like me - trying to make their way.

While sometimes it is evident which side people are on, there are others that are in a grey area somewhere between the two, and that is where I get muddled up. I tend to judge people on face value, and while that works when someone is being honest to me, it leaves me quite vulnerable to those who are not. I think they use the term "gullible".

But as I grow and as I learn, I seem to have developed a little harder skin. Sometimes when I am lounging on my 'pink cloud' a tad of cynicism creeps in, and I have to catch myself and not make blanket judgments about things. But sometimes it is difficult to not rush into things when we are upset. Our first reaction when wronged is usually to 'react.' And as I get older, I find that while holding your breath and taking some time to think first may be the best answer, it usually requires far more effort.

However, I have rarely regretted doing so. While taking the time to think before I acted wasn't quite as satisfying as acting out immediately, the lasting effects of making decisions with a cool head were far preferred than burning bridges and hot accusations that cause irreparable damage. So I try.

I have decided to miss a few days writing during these past few weeks. While that seems to many that I am winding things down here, it actually indicates quite the contrary. I am not avoiding writing because I have nothing to say, but rather because I don't think it is the right time to say everything just yet. While I don't mind putting myself out here each day when I write, so that others who are wanting to be in a similar business can possibly learn from what I encounter, there are still some things that I prefer to keep close to my chest and are better yet unsaid.

While silence may be construed as a sign of defeat, I want you all to know that for myself, it is quite the opposite. I am a tough cookie. I grew up in the inner city-south side of Chicago. My family was far from perfect and much of what I learned about life I learned from my friends and on the streets. I came from a broken home in the mid-60's at a time when divorce wasn't fashionable or socially accepted (I had one friend who's mom wouldn't let her play with me because my parents were divorced - we used to sneak and hang out anyway) and I had to live with that stigma as a young girl.

What does that have to do with anything here?

Everything.

I have said before that I never liked or felt comfortable in the role of the victim, and I maintain that attitude now. We all make our own choices and I like to take responsibility for mine. Whether they turned out well or not, it is up to me to decide whether to continue with them or move on.

I am very excited about the new avenues that I am on right now. It is difficult for me not to talk about them. But until I feel a bit more secure in my decisions and directions, I just don't feel the need to put everything out here just yet. It will come in time, when I am ready.

Yes, there was one bad apple in my business plan. Maybe there are more. I still have to wait and see. But in the end, I do like apples so I am not planning to throw the entire basket of them away just because one has rotted. That would be foolish on my part. I have no plans for 'retirement' as long as there is breath in my body.

Besides, weeding out the bad apples is probably the best thing that I could have done. Once I am finished, things will be better than ever.

Food Plant Cat Flower Carnivore

Photo courtesy of Free HD Wallpapers

Have a wonderful Monday! Happy Thanksgiving Canada! Happy Columbus Day USA!
"felt quite foolish for being so trusting" .... it is not foolish or wrong to trust. It is wrong to take advantage of someone.

I think that if more people shared their stories of honour and integrity, our society would be a better place. I am positive that your stories, Sheila, have an impact on people's outlook on life and on how they (we) live. Thank you.

As for wisdom, the wisdom of good business practices, that is another story. Dotting the "i's" and crossing the "t's" along with the honour, integrity, and trust is a wonderful combination!!
 

Attachments

#6,536 ·
We're "Growing!"

The past couple of weeks, I had talked about some new directions that Keith and I were going to try out. While this direction may seem similar, there is still a LOT to learn.

A month or so again, I was approached by Jim Barry, the owner of WoodworkersWoodshop.com which is a great company that distributes both paper and electronic woodworking plans for over 20 designers. He ships world wide and has a great reputation for being fair and honest.

Jim asked me if we would be interested in teaming up with him as a new outlet for not only our scroll sawing plans, but my painting patterns as well. If you visit his site at the link above, you can see that he covers a huge array of woodworking projects that range from smaller scroll saw items like I design to large furniture pieces and yard art. One thing that is really cool is that Jim is located right here in Nova Scotia - up a bit north from me in Loch Katrine, which is just a bit south of Antigonish where Keith and I went this summer on our way to Cape Breton. It is funny how small the world can really be.

While I felt that we were up to our eyebrows with things, we knew that in order to grow as a company, we needed to spread our wings and try some new venues for our designs. Between talking to Jim and doing a little research on our own, we felt that he was a reliable and upfront person and also honest and straight forward. He and his wife Gina have been in business for many years and their list of other clients was very impressive. We thought we would give it a try.

All of you who read know that I am not good at making a long story short, but I am trying my best to do so here.

After lots and back and forth, we decided to jump into this new venture. This was no small task, as between Keith and I we have probably over 500 patterns. We needed to update many of the older designs that had outdated information and get them in top shape before sending them on. As I stated many times recently, we do things a bit differently now (and hopefully better) and we had to decide just how much 'tweaking' we had to do to bring the older designs up to snuff. It was a tremendous amount of work on all parts, but the result was that everything is really in great shape now.

Jim and Gina have spent the past month or more loading our stuff into their huge database, and we really appreciate their efforts.

One thing I found about Jim is that he is full of great ideas. When he initially approached me, I thought he was only interested in the scroll saw patterns. But he loved my painting patterns as well and wanted to take everything that we sold. He also had the idea that many of my painting patterns would make wonderful huge lawn art patterns. He has the ability to print quality pattern sheets any size and saw a great new avenue for Keith and I to follow in designing.

I will talk more about things in detail later on, but the results of our efforts were realized yesterday when we finally finished our first collaboration of 'growing' one of my recent designs into huge yard art. I am very excited!

I started with my SLD402 Boo Ghosts and Pumpkins pattern:

Wood Creative arts Gesture Font Art


And we "grew" the ghosts to almost 4 feet tall!

Tire Wheel Tread Automotive tire Plant


Plant Hood Black Automotive tire Fender


Jim and Gina Built and painted the prototype:

Hood Bumper Automotive tire Automotive exterior Auto part


And they even found some great plastic chains at the dollar store for the ghosts to hold! The results is wonderful! (That's Jim with the grouping on his lawn)

Pumpkin Plant Calabaza Orange Tree


He even sent us a picture of how they look in the dark, with some spotlights and some spooky glitter! (You all know I love sparkles!)

Organism Art Font Creative arts Plant


I can't tell you all how great it feels to see this project come to be. While it is similar to draw on a small scale, there are many new factors to consider when making patterns this big. Learning to draw for the plotter, how to instruct people so that they can recreate the project and all the new things was a bit of a challenge, but one we were both up for. Keith is currently working on his first large design too, and we are both very excited and pleased with how they are coming out.

But I want to make it really clear that we could have never done any of this without Jim's guidance. He has been so patient and wonderful with us, sharing his experience and knowledge and putting up with my 50,000 questions and mistakes. He has turned out to be one of the nicest guys we have ever met, and we are very grateful to him for his help and guidance.

From a business side, he does everything very professionally and how it should be done. All the terms we discuss are done in writing, and we have a written agreement. This is something that (especially after my recent dealings with other companies) is essential to any type of business agreement. I can't stress enough how important having things in writing is for all parties. Not only does it prove that both sides are being honest and straight forward, but it also insures that everyone is thinking in the same direction and there is nothing left to chance. That is where misunderstandings and bad feeling begin and it can be really detrimental to both sides. Contracts are a great way to clear the air and start off on a great note and build confidence in each other. I don't think I will ever go back to doing things any other way in the future.

So all is well and we are very happy and excited about the future. The link to the pattern on Jim's site is here: 48-SLDYA802

It feels great to have a new outlet for our patterns, and better yet, to have new colleagues and friends. Keith and I are bursting with new ideas with working on a large scale, and we will be able to incorporate not only scroll sawing, but also painting and general woodworking into our arsenal of patterns.

We are also learning how to make good cover photos in Photoshop without having to make the full sized designs. Creating each design would not be practical for us, as we have so little room here as it is. Since it doesn't involve an intricate amount of woodworking, such as fitting and so forth, we think that it is unnecessary for us to make each large piece. Here is my rendition of the ghosts and pumpkins pattern that I made up in Photoshop:

Plant Vertebrate Mammal Gesture Lawn ornament


I think it looks pretty nice. I think that it took me longer to make that picture than it did for Jim and Gina to create the real project! But I will get better with time.

I am very optimistic about moving into the general woodworking area. Not only does it allow us to keep making patterns, but it also will allow us to reach a broader audience and try some new things in the process. While there are still some things we need to figure out, such as shipping and setting up the site for orders for these types of designs, we are hopeful that our designs will bring something fresh and new to this area of woodworking and that we will do well.

Who knows what it will lead to next?

I want to publicly thank Jim and Gina from both Keith and myself. He is a great breath of fresh air and brought back out faith in trusting other businesses to handle our products. I hope you all check out the other great projects and patterns he has to offer too. I am confident that he will take good care of you!

Have a great day!
 

Attachments

#6,537 ·
We're "Growing!"

The past couple of weeks, I had talked about some new directions that Keith and I were going to try out. While this direction may seem similar, there is still a LOT to learn.

A month or so again, I was approached by Jim Barry, the owner of WoodworkersWoodshop.com which is a great company that distributes both paper and electronic woodworking plans for over 20 designers. He ships world wide and has a great reputation for being fair and honest.

Jim asked me if we would be interested in teaming up with him as a new outlet for not only our scroll sawing plans, but my painting patterns as well. If you visit his site at the link above, you can see that he covers a huge array of woodworking projects that range from smaller scroll saw items like I design to large furniture pieces and yard art. One thing that is really cool is that Jim is located right here in Nova Scotia - up a bit north from me in Loch Katrine, which is just a bit south of Antigonish where Keith and I went this summer on our way to Cape Breton. It is funny how small the world can really be.

While I felt that we were up to our eyebrows with things, we knew that in order to grow as a company, we needed to spread our wings and try some new venues for our designs. Between talking to Jim and doing a little research on our own, we felt that he was a reliable and upfront person and also honest and straight forward. He and his wife Gina have been in business for many years and their list of other clients was very impressive. We thought we would give it a try.

All of you who read know that I am not good at making a long story short, but I am trying my best to do so here.

After lots and back and forth, we decided to jump into this new venture. This was no small task, as between Keith and I we have probably over 500 patterns. We needed to update many of the older designs that had outdated information and get them in top shape before sending them on. As I stated many times recently, we do things a bit differently now (and hopefully better) and we had to decide just how much 'tweaking' we had to do to bring the older designs up to snuff. It was a tremendous amount of work on all parts, but the result was that everything is really in great shape now.

Jim and Gina have spent the past month or more loading our stuff into their huge database, and we really appreciate their efforts.

One thing I found about Jim is that he is full of great ideas. When he initially approached me, I thought he was only interested in the scroll saw patterns. But he loved my painting patterns as well and wanted to take everything that we sold. He also had the idea that many of my painting patterns would make wonderful huge lawn art patterns. He has the ability to print quality pattern sheets any size and saw a great new avenue for Keith and I to follow in designing.

I will talk more about things in detail later on, but the results of our efforts were realized yesterday when we finally finished our first collaboration of 'growing' one of my recent designs into huge yard art. I am very excited!

I started with my SLD402 Boo Ghosts and Pumpkins pattern:

Wood Creative arts Gesture Font Art


And we "grew" the ghosts to almost 4 feet tall!

Tire Wheel Tread Automotive tire Plant


Plant Hood Black Automotive tire Fender


Jim and Gina Built and painted the prototype:

Hood Bumper Automotive tire Automotive exterior Auto part


And they even found some great plastic chains at the dollar store for the ghosts to hold! The results is wonderful! (That's Jim with the grouping on his lawn)

Pumpkin Plant Calabaza Orange Tree


He even sent us a picture of how they look in the dark, with some spotlights and some spooky glitter! (You all know I love sparkles!)

Organism Art Font Creative arts Plant


I can't tell you all how great it feels to see this project come to be. While it is similar to draw on a small scale, there are many new factors to consider when making patterns this big. Learning to draw for the plotter, how to instruct people so that they can recreate the project and all the new things was a bit of a challenge, but one we were both up for. Keith is currently working on his first large design too, and we are both very excited and pleased with how they are coming out.

But I want to make it really clear that we could have never done any of this without Jim's guidance. He has been so patient and wonderful with us, sharing his experience and knowledge and putting up with my 50,000 questions and mistakes. He has turned out to be one of the nicest guys we have ever met, and we are very grateful to him for his help and guidance.

From a business side, he does everything very professionally and how it should be done. All the terms we discuss are done in writing, and we have a written agreement. This is something that (especially after my recent dealings with other companies) is essential to any type of business agreement. I can't stress enough how important having things in writing is for all parties. Not only does it prove that both sides are being honest and straight forward, but it also insures that everyone is thinking in the same direction and there is nothing left to chance. That is where misunderstandings and bad feeling begin and it can be really detrimental to both sides. Contracts are a great way to clear the air and start off on a great note and build confidence in each other. I don't think I will ever go back to doing things any other way in the future.

So all is well and we are very happy and excited about the future. The link to the pattern on Jim's site is here: 48-SLDYA802

It feels great to have a new outlet for our patterns, and better yet, to have new colleagues and friends. Keith and I are bursting with new ideas with working on a large scale, and we will be able to incorporate not only scroll sawing, but also painting and general woodworking into our arsenal of patterns.

We are also learning how to make good cover photos in Photoshop without having to make the full sized designs. Creating each design would not be practical for us, as we have so little room here as it is. Since it doesn't involve an intricate amount of woodworking, such as fitting and so forth, we think that it is unnecessary for us to make each large piece. Here is my rendition of the ghosts and pumpkins pattern that I made up in Photoshop:

Plant Vertebrate Mammal Gesture Lawn ornament


I think it looks pretty nice. I think that it took me longer to make that picture than it did for Jim and Gina to create the real project! But I will get better with time.

I am very optimistic about moving into the general woodworking area. Not only does it allow us to keep making patterns, but it also will allow us to reach a broader audience and try some new things in the process. While there are still some things we need to figure out, such as shipping and setting up the site for orders for these types of designs, we are hopeful that our designs will bring something fresh and new to this area of woodworking and that we will do well.

Who knows what it will lead to next?

I want to publicly thank Jim and Gina from both Keith and myself. He is a great breath of fresh air and brought back out faith in trusting other businesses to handle our products. I hope you all check out the other great projects and patterns he has to offer too. I am confident that he will take good care of you!

Have a great day!
Sheila this is wonderful news

I'm sure that it is all going to go great

Youve worked hard and deserve the credit

for your work

A wise business person keeps their creative

people happy, that in turn makes them more money

Also having your technical help makes the product

more valuable.#

jamie
 

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#6,543 ·
We're "Growing!"

The past couple of weeks, I had talked about some new directions that Keith and I were going to try out. While this direction may seem similar, there is still a LOT to learn.

A month or so again, I was approached by Jim Barry, the owner of WoodworkersWoodshop.com which is a great company that distributes both paper and electronic woodworking plans for over 20 designers. He ships world wide and has a great reputation for being fair and honest.

Jim asked me if we would be interested in teaming up with him as a new outlet for not only our scroll sawing plans, but my painting patterns as well. If you visit his site at the link above, you can see that he covers a huge array of woodworking projects that range from smaller scroll saw items like I design to large furniture pieces and yard art. One thing that is really cool is that Jim is located right here in Nova Scotia - up a bit north from me in Loch Katrine, which is just a bit south of Antigonish where Keith and I went this summer on our way to Cape Breton. It is funny how small the world can really be.

While I felt that we were up to our eyebrows with things, we knew that in order to grow as a company, we needed to spread our wings and try some new venues for our designs. Between talking to Jim and doing a little research on our own, we felt that he was a reliable and upfront person and also honest and straight forward. He and his wife Gina have been in business for many years and their list of other clients was very impressive. We thought we would give it a try.

All of you who read know that I am not good at making a long story short, but I am trying my best to do so here.

After lots and back and forth, we decided to jump into this new venture. This was no small task, as between Keith and I we have probably over 500 patterns. We needed to update many of the older designs that had outdated information and get them in top shape before sending them on. As I stated many times recently, we do things a bit differently now (and hopefully better) and we had to decide just how much 'tweaking' we had to do to bring the older designs up to snuff. It was a tremendous amount of work on all parts, but the result was that everything is really in great shape now.

Jim and Gina have spent the past month or more loading our stuff into their huge database, and we really appreciate their efforts.

One thing I found about Jim is that he is full of great ideas. When he initially approached me, I thought he was only interested in the scroll saw patterns. But he loved my painting patterns as well and wanted to take everything that we sold. He also had the idea that many of my painting patterns would make wonderful huge lawn art patterns. He has the ability to print quality pattern sheets any size and saw a great new avenue for Keith and I to follow in designing.

I will talk more about things in detail later on, but the results of our efforts were realized yesterday when we finally finished our first collaboration of 'growing' one of my recent designs into huge yard art. I am very excited!

I started with my SLD402 Boo Ghosts and Pumpkins pattern:

Wood Creative arts Gesture Font Art


And we "grew" the ghosts to almost 4 feet tall!

Tire Wheel Tread Automotive tire Plant


Plant Hood Black Automotive tire Fender


Jim and Gina Built and painted the prototype:

Hood Bumper Automotive tire Automotive exterior Auto part


And they even found some great plastic chains at the dollar store for the ghosts to hold! The results is wonderful! (That's Jim with the grouping on his lawn)

Pumpkin Plant Calabaza Orange Tree


He even sent us a picture of how they look in the dark, with some spotlights and some spooky glitter! (You all know I love sparkles!)

Organism Art Font Creative arts Plant


I can't tell you all how great it feels to see this project come to be. While it is similar to draw on a small scale, there are many new factors to consider when making patterns this big. Learning to draw for the plotter, how to instruct people so that they can recreate the project and all the new things was a bit of a challenge, but one we were both up for. Keith is currently working on his first large design too, and we are both very excited and pleased with how they are coming out.

But I want to make it really clear that we could have never done any of this without Jim's guidance. He has been so patient and wonderful with us, sharing his experience and knowledge and putting up with my 50,000 questions and mistakes. He has turned out to be one of the nicest guys we have ever met, and we are very grateful to him for his help and guidance.

From a business side, he does everything very professionally and how it should be done. All the terms we discuss are done in writing, and we have a written agreement. This is something that (especially after my recent dealings with other companies) is essential to any type of business agreement. I can't stress enough how important having things in writing is for all parties. Not only does it prove that both sides are being honest and straight forward, but it also insures that everyone is thinking in the same direction and there is nothing left to chance. That is where misunderstandings and bad feeling begin and it can be really detrimental to both sides. Contracts are a great way to clear the air and start off on a great note and build confidence in each other. I don't think I will ever go back to doing things any other way in the future.

So all is well and we are very happy and excited about the future. The link to the pattern on Jim's site is here: 48-SLDYA802

It feels great to have a new outlet for our patterns, and better yet, to have new colleagues and friends. Keith and I are bursting with new ideas with working on a large scale, and we will be able to incorporate not only scroll sawing, but also painting and general woodworking into our arsenal of patterns.

We are also learning how to make good cover photos in Photoshop without having to make the full sized designs. Creating each design would not be practical for us, as we have so little room here as it is. Since it doesn't involve an intricate amount of woodworking, such as fitting and so forth, we think that it is unnecessary for us to make each large piece. Here is my rendition of the ghosts and pumpkins pattern that I made up in Photoshop:

Plant Vertebrate Mammal Gesture Lawn ornament


I think it looks pretty nice. I think that it took me longer to make that picture than it did for Jim and Gina to create the real project! But I will get better with time.

I am very optimistic about moving into the general woodworking area. Not only does it allow us to keep making patterns, but it also will allow us to reach a broader audience and try some new things in the process. While there are still some things we need to figure out, such as shipping and setting up the site for orders for these types of designs, we are hopeful that our designs will bring something fresh and new to this area of woodworking and that we will do well.

Who knows what it will lead to next?

I want to publicly thank Jim and Gina from both Keith and myself. He is a great breath of fresh air and brought back out faith in trusting other businesses to handle our products. I hope you all check out the other great projects and patterns he has to offer too. I am confident that he will take good care of you!

Have a great day!
This is excellent, Sheila. I'm really pleased to hear you've met and are working with a professional. The difficult lessons learned recently will be arrows in your quiver for life.

Great photoshop work as well.

Lee
 

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#6,557 ·
Rolling Up Our Sleeves

It seems like the last few days have been a blur. Like when any holiday weekend occurs, things sometimes tend to be kind of messed up. Here in Canada, we had Thanksgiving on Monday, and many things were closed. But because of circumstances, we celebrated on Keith's side of the family on Sunday and we went to Bernie and Ellen's (my 'Canadian Family') yesterday. On both days we had wonderful dinners and spent nice days visiting. On the 'real' holiday we stayed home and worked It was very nice, but kind of odd and I must admit that yesterday I had trouble remembering what day of the week it even was.

But that is behind us now, and I think it is time to roll up our sleeves and accomplish something. On Monday, I got a lot of fine tuning done on the new pattern, as did Keith. The first time formatting any type of pattern is always a challenge. We like to have things rather consistent, and want our patterns to have a certain look about that so our customers can know what to expect.

There are lots of decisions to make when making something like this. Things like font size and wording on building and painting techniques may get changed many times between the first run and the final copy. One thing that challenges us the most is that we are no longer able to print out copies of the pattern sheet to proof read. In addition to that, many of the instructions are on those sheets, making it a bit harder.

I am used to using a 8.5Ă—11 inch art board in my Illustrator program for all my patterns. Even the larger patterns that we used to do we could print out. We would simply add dashed lines and the pattern would flow over a couple of sheets, and the customer would sometimes have to tape the pieces together after they printed them out.

But when creating pieces that are several feet tall, we are working with an art board that is typically 36 by 48 inches. This means that everything has to be sized accordingly. What may look really small on the screen of my computer is actually quite large when printed. Getting the feel of how things will look when printed will take a bit of time and practice. Even the width of the lines we use to draw is a consideration. We have to remember that our customers are no longer cutting with a scroll saw blade and leaving a kerf the width of a hair, and we need to allow for that when drawing up the design.

We also decided that we were going to change the way we write our text files for the patterns. Since much of the text was on the patterns themselves, we began by doing the writing in the Illustrator program. But while Illustrator has some good abilities for creating text with the graphics, it is quite clumsy to use for any amount of text and we think that it is better done in InDesign, which is a text layout program. We think it will be far easier to format everything in InDesign and then bring it into the Illustrator program in one chunk. It will also be better when we edit it for additional patterns, and much less of a problem with text flow and things like that, as it was a bit of a struggle doing it on the large sheets directly.

It is all a learning process. And seeing things fall into place and having a final product we are proud of is very satisfying.

I learned from Jim this morning that the first of the ghost patterns sold on his Amazon store today! YAY! I am officially in business as a designer of large yard art!

I truly appreciate all the cheers that we received from our friends yesterday. It is nice to know that so many people are behind us and have faith in us. We also feel that this will open a huge new market for our designs and bring our work into the mainstream of woodworking.

I am sure that there will still be many adjustments along the way. As we create more designs, we will certainly learn the best and most efficient way to create these patterns. But we've taken the first step, and that was the hardest thing to do. We have so many great ideas and now we can multiply them even more and expand our little company.

We can't wait to show you all what we have in mind. It is going to be a lot of fun!

Head Cat Eye Carnivore Felidae


Have a great Wednesday!
 

Attachments

#6,558 ·
Rolling Up Our Sleeves

It seems like the last few days have been a blur. Like when any holiday weekend occurs, things sometimes tend to be kind of messed up. Here in Canada, we had Thanksgiving on Monday, and many things were closed. But because of circumstances, we celebrated on Keith's side of the family on Sunday and we went to Bernie and Ellen's (my 'Canadian Family') yesterday. On both days we had wonderful dinners and spent nice days visiting. On the 'real' holiday we stayed home and worked It was very nice, but kind of odd and I must admit that yesterday I had trouble remembering what day of the week it even was.

But that is behind us now, and I think it is time to roll up our sleeves and accomplish something. On Monday, I got a lot of fine tuning done on the new pattern, as did Keith. The first time formatting any type of pattern is always a challenge. We like to have things rather consistent, and want our patterns to have a certain look about that so our customers can know what to expect.

There are lots of decisions to make when making something like this. Things like font size and wording on building and painting techniques may get changed many times between the first run and the final copy. One thing that challenges us the most is that we are no longer able to print out copies of the pattern sheet to proof read. In addition to that, many of the instructions are on those sheets, making it a bit harder.

I am used to using a 8.5Ă—11 inch art board in my Illustrator program for all my patterns. Even the larger patterns that we used to do we could print out. We would simply add dashed lines and the pattern would flow over a couple of sheets, and the customer would sometimes have to tape the pieces together after they printed them out.

But when creating pieces that are several feet tall, we are working with an art board that is typically 36 by 48 inches. This means that everything has to be sized accordingly. What may look really small on the screen of my computer is actually quite large when printed. Getting the feel of how things will look when printed will take a bit of time and practice. Even the width of the lines we use to draw is a consideration. We have to remember that our customers are no longer cutting with a scroll saw blade and leaving a kerf the width of a hair, and we need to allow for that when drawing up the design.

We also decided that we were going to change the way we write our text files for the patterns. Since much of the text was on the patterns themselves, we began by doing the writing in the Illustrator program. But while Illustrator has some good abilities for creating text with the graphics, it is quite clumsy to use for any amount of text and we think that it is better done in InDesign, which is a text layout program. We think it will be far easier to format everything in InDesign and then bring it into the Illustrator program in one chunk. It will also be better when we edit it for additional patterns, and much less of a problem with text flow and things like that, as it was a bit of a struggle doing it on the large sheets directly.

It is all a learning process. And seeing things fall into place and having a final product we are proud of is very satisfying.

I learned from Jim this morning that the first of the ghost patterns sold on his Amazon store today! YAY! I am officially in business as a designer of large yard art!

I truly appreciate all the cheers that we received from our friends yesterday. It is nice to know that so many people are behind us and have faith in us. We also feel that this will open a huge new market for our designs and bring our work into the mainstream of woodworking.

I am sure that there will still be many adjustments along the way. As we create more designs, we will certainly learn the best and most efficient way to create these patterns. But we've taken the first step, and that was the hardest thing to do. We have so many great ideas and now we can multiply them even more and expand our little company.

We can't wait to show you all what we have in mind. It is going to be a lot of fun!

Head Cat Eye Carnivore Felidae


Have a great Wednesday!
well i can see this might be a possibility of work overload so if it happens you might have to expand, so here is a new vision,you might need some new office help, so im applying for any new and upcoming jobs, here i am at 6 in the morning, and that is me at 7 in the evening..let me know.
Primate Terrestrial animal Toy Snout Fur
 

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