Turn the handle and the flowers take turns popping up.

I made this for mom. The handle rotates an eccentric axle, that moves left and right side levers up and down, which push the flowers up and down. No plans, just started building and experimenting and was really pleased that it actually works!

I gave it a very light stain with watercolors, and since it sits in the sun most of the time is has faded quite a bit. I think I like the “half-way” colors, when it had faded a little but not this much.

Mom likes it well enough, but the grandkids give it a real workout. It hasn’t broken yet!

Dean.

First project posting!

My dad passed away a few years ago, and most times when we visit mom I make something for her in dad’s old workshop. I usually just use what’s there as far as wood and materials go. Sometimes mom has a request, and sometimes the muse just takes me!

We are Norwegians from Minnesota, and the word “Uffda” carries a special place for us. Wikipedia does a pretty good job of describing it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uffda

This was from a beat-up cedar plank, with spray-bomb black and clear finishes. It made my day to bring the sign into the house and hear mom laugh when she saw it over the door! Completed this summer.

Dean.