Donna Menke

I’m enjoying your book! Haven’t had time to make any boxes yet, though. How about posting some of you work?

-- Jesus is Lord!

I’m glad you are enjoying the book. It has been gratifying to hear back from people who think the book is worthwhile. I’ve even gotten some pictures from people who have made boxes using my plans and directions. That is really neat.
As far as posting my work goes- my web site has a whole bunch of pictures of my work. Was there something special you wanted to see here- like the new boxes I’ve made to illustrate the article I’m doing for Woodcraft magazine?
Donna

-- "So much wood. . .so little time!"

Donna Welcome back to LumberJocks.

-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com

Hi Karson-
I never went away- I just haven’t been checking here as often as I should. Hubby calls me ‘mouse potato’ as it is because I spend so much time on the computer and online. I could do this all day, but then I wouldn’t get anything else done.
I like it when I get notices in my email ‘cause that reminds me to take a break, sit at the computer for a while, and see what everyone is up to.
Donna

-- "So much wood. . .so little time!"

Welcome (back?) to LJ Donna. I’m new here so it is a pleasure to meet you. I’m looking forward to your book!

-- Better to say nothing and be thought the fool... then to speak and erase all doubt.

Hi Chip-
Hmmm- are you and Karson neighbors? Are you going to order the book? If so you may want to do it in the next 2 days- I’m leaving on Tuesday to visit my father in MA for 2 weeks and I won’t have too many books with me.
Then again- maybe Karson will let you borrow his copy. . . or maybe not.
Donna

-- "So much wood. . .so little time!"

Karson is on the other end of the state then I am though in Delaware that’s not saying much… about a two hour drive.

I try to budget my publication money on a monthly basis because I am somewhat of a book addict when it comes to woodworking, especially box making. So you are on my list for next month. Can only hope there are some left.

-- Better to say nothing and be thought the fool... then to speak and erase all doubt.

No problem there, Chip, I’ll be back by then. You think you have a publication problem- hah- I’ll put my woodworking shelf up against your’s any day. I think I have 6’ of purely woodworking books- and that isn’t counting the magazines that I cannot bear to throw away. Another 4’ of shelf space for them. Keep this up I’ll have to build more shelving.
I bought 500 of my books- thinking that would be a lifetime supply. . . maybe not!
I can always order more if I run out-
Donna
btw- I have a bibliography of box making books that I have read/own. Would you like a copy of it? Or would that just add to your temptation/addiction.

-- "So much wood. . .so little time!"

I’m trying to get him to come down Donna, but haven’t had any luck yet.

-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com

Well- maybe getting a sneak peek at the book would be enough incentive- then he can decide whether or not he really wants it.
I’ve just finished putting the first coat of Arm-R-Seal ona walnut Pinwheel Box with exposed brass hinge pins- nice. Donna

-- "So much wood. . .so little time!"

Was there something special you wanted to see here- like the new boxes I’ve made to illustrate the article I’m doing for Woodcraft magazine? Yes, that would be nice. I was just thinking that if you posted somemore of your work here, you’d get more book sales. I visit your site often.

-- Jesus is Lord!

You are right there, I seem to sell more books when I post more, but I won’t make gratuitous posts just for that reason. I like to have something to say- then again I like to yak- so that is no problem. LOL.
http://www.woodworks-by-donna.com/finishedtop-sideview.jpg,
http://www.woodworks-by-donna.com/finishedpartlyopen.jpg,
http://www.woodworks-by-donna.com/finishedopenfromside.jpg
Here is the new Pinwheel Box in canarywood. Donna

-- "So much wood. . .so little time!"

Beautiful box Donna, clever shape. Jockmike

-- Mike. Profisher50@yahoo.com

Donna it is good to have you and your boxes are beautiful.

I live in Kerrville and am looking for hardwood stores in the Austin area. I’ve shopped in San Antonio and would like to see what else is locally available. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks so much and keep building those boxes.

-- Mark

Mark- I’m over here in Fredricksburg at the fairgrounds all this week. I’m teaching carving for the Texas Woodcarvers’ Guild. Come on by 8:30-4:30 and I’ll be teaching. I have the books with me and some of the boxes if you are interested in seeing them. We eat lunch between 12-1 and I’m there at my table-#21 during lunch. There is a catered lunch and it is quite good- if you are looking for a meal.
I bought most of my wood from Woodcraft in Austin- but then I worked there and it was cheaper. Paxton Fine Woods was another goos one- different name now I think. Haven’t been there in years. There is one other hard wood supplier in Austin- southside somewhere.
I’ll be here through Saturday.
Glad you like my boxes- you should make some!
Donna

-- "So much wood. . .so little time!"

Donna- Thanks for the info. I wish I had some time to get to Fredericksburg today or tomorrow but my time is pretty much spoken for. It would have been good to meet you and see more of your creations. Hopefully some other time.

Thanks again.

Mark

-- Mark

I was looking for you, Mark! I was really busy most of the time anyhow. I had lots of students and people who wanted to buy carving blanks from me. I even sold 13 books! It was a lot of fun- as well as hard work- since the folks who carve are universally amongst the ‘good guys’.
I’m back home now after what my family considers my ‘vacation time’- yeah right. You try teaching 9 carvers how to make a butterfly in one day and see how much it feels like a vacation. At least it is different from being at home- no meals to plan, or other responsibilities. btw- the butterflies came out real nice- good students. Would you like to see a picture of their butterflies? Donna

-- "So much wood. . .so little time!"

Yes, I certainly would like to see their butterflies. It was a beautiful weekend I just wish I could have made it to Fredericksburg.

-- Mark

http://family.webshots.com/photo/2600653590097967202FyMRDl
Check this out! There are lots of other picture of the other students and their carvings there, but I don’t know if you can browse around with this link- I’ve never done it before.
Here is a pic of me and the students- in case you cannot browse:
http://family.webshots.com/photo/2915136430097967202KZancz
We had a good time and they said that they learned a lot- so it was worth all the blood, sweat, and tears. I’m looking forward to doing it all again next time.
I need to decide today what I’ll be teaching in September. What would you take if you were to come out and take one of my classes? Chipmunk is 3 days, the rest are 1 day classes: these are all pins- butterfly, dragonfly, hummingbird, raccoon, froggie, feather, pet portrait (any animal). Then there are the Celtic knots and joined hearts. I also teach a class on painting your carvings- so they don’t end up looking like plastic.
It seems like whatever I decide to teach there are going to be people who wish I were teaching one of the other classes. It is hard to decide. Donna

-- "So much wood. . .so little time!"

I was just directed to your profile after inquiring about bansaw boxes. Great information! Thanks!

-- You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. (Plato)

We want to welcome you to the one and only LumberJocks website. Enjoy your time spent here.

-- Carpe Lignum - Seize The Wood,

Hey Mot-
Just ate breakfast while watching your shop tour- what a lot of great tools, and a nice place to work. My entire shop looks like your junk corner, but after seeing your layout I’m planning to reform and get organized. Then I’ll get a video camera and take a picture. Your printed comments are funny. I’m in the market for a good used dvd camera/recorder if anyone wants an excuse to upgrade.
You have a lot of nice projects in your photo album too. Mine are all small, www.woodworks-by-donna
but your cradle would be a fun project to try. Maybe for my first grandbaby.
thanks for the look at you woodworking life- the only one that counts-
Your imaginary friend-
Donna

-- "So much wood. . .so little time!"

Like your website!

-- miles125, Alabama.."Architecture is frozen music""

Thanks, Miles. It was all fun stuff and brought a lot of enjoyment to my life. I’m never happier than when working on a woodworking project- preferably something new. It is a never-ending source of stimulation- there is always something new to try, something challenging to get into. Wood is good.

-- "So much wood. . .so little time!"

A book review for you, Donna, over on Wood Central:
http://www.woodcentral.com/books/menke_bsbox.html

-- BarbS, Wenatchee WA

Thanks a million, Barb. That is the best, most comprehensive book review on my book that I’ve seen. It is better than I could have done! How did you get a hold of my book? Online? Woodcraft? Great job- thanks again! Donna

-- "So much wood. . .so little time!"

I publish reviews on line and in a magazine, so I’m connected with various publishers and editors. Sterling sent me a review copy after I had requested one. Glad you like the review! It is truly a wonderful book…very nice job. You’re welcome to ‘lift’ it (it would be nice to send Ellis Walentine a request for use, but many don’t) and use it on your webpage or wherever.
-BarbS

-- BarbS, Wenatchee WA

Who is Ellis Walentine? I did save your review and will try to put it somewhere. I wish it were on Amazon. It would look funny if I put it there- but it would be great advertising for the book. Sterling should be running out of copies soon- then I’ll be the only source for the book unless they reprint.
Your opinion counts for a lot since you read a lot of woodworking books. I’m pleased as punch that you liked mine. Donna

-- "So much wood. . .so little time!"

Well, you’re welcome. Ellis is the webmaster of WoodCentral.com,
and his material is all copyrighted there, as are most websites.
It’s more a courtesy to ask, than a legal right, as I’ve found my reviews
reprinted without permission on many websites, but…so it goes!
Maybe Sterling will put it into a second printing for you. Good luck with it.

-- BarbS, Wenatchee WA