| Blog series by Russel | updated 70 days ago | 8 parts | 1923 reads | 114 comments total |
Part 1: Big Fish Small Pond
I just read Dennis’ entry about the Western Design Conference he went to (yeah I know I’m behind) where he described himself as a “mediocre woodworker” and that statement struck me as representative of LumberJocks. Many years ago, in my formative years I wanted to be a musician. In my local area I was actually pretty good and had a bit of a reputation. Based on my interests, I went to a specialized school that would allow me to take college level music courses whi...
Part 2: Even the Bad is Good
I cannot say enough good about LumberJocks, and apparently, I’m not alone. I periodically like to see who’s online and go wandering through their projects and blogs (is MsDebbie ever offline?). In my travels, I have read numerous entries about the value of LumberJocks. The testimonials to it’s unique ability to combine professional and amateur seem never ending. The enumeration of benefits received and friendships found goes on and on. Oddly enough, I seem to be mis...
Part 3: A Real Challenge
Okay, once more, with feeling … I love this place. However, it does try my patience at times. The most recent challenge is a perfect example. I am quite the novice at this woodworking thing and I’m pretty pleased with my progress, and even more so with what I’m learning to do and appreciate. As it turns out, I am learning a craft, a skill. And in the process I am learning to recognize and appreciate the skill in the work of others. A few years back I could not have k...
Part 4: Growing Pains
HELP ! I’ve fallen and I can’t catch up! I have been a member here at LumberJocks for a bit more than 6 months and the membership has effectively doubled since I joined. When I joined, the goal was to get to 2000 members by year end. We kinda left that one in the dust. I tried to make it a point to look at all the projects and read all the posts. I love to read and like looking at pictures. At one time I thought I couldn’t get enough to read ... I was wrong. Wh...
Part 5: What's in a Name
Just a little musing here; nothing of consequence; merely a curiosity. It seems that those that create contemporary woodworks are often referred to as “artists” while those that create more traditional works are considered “craftsmen.” Now this is simply my observation, but I’ve seen it often enough for it to make an impression. The question is, “Why is that?” Does “art” mandate non-traditional? If utility is the objective of a piec...
Part 6: The Value of a Pro
For about 5 years I made my living fixing computer systems for businesses who’s owner’s nephew knew something about computers. More often than not, my task was to take the work of a hobbyist and revise it for a professional environment. Contrary to what many believe, there is a vast difference between a professional computer person and a person who fiddles with their home system. Home and work are two different worlds. A while ago, I had a conversation with a friend who was ...
Part 7: I Need More Time
Douglas Bordner posted his first marquetry project and it was not only impressive, but motivational. The second pen-turners swap is under way and I am enjoying watching it as much as the first one. Intarsia, veneering, bending, carving, bowls, spindles … All fascinating stuff. I have never done any of it. But I’d like to and Doug’s marquetry just reminded me of all the skills and techniques that I still have to learn. And brings me to just one more reason to continu...
Part 8: Summer Challenge - Why? - Just Because
How many of us expect to win these challenges? Based on what I’ve read here, that’s hard to tell. But, also based on what I’ve read here, there are many that expect to not win, myself included. That observation struck me as interesting; why enter if you won’t win? And then there are the prizes. I realized as I was entering my project that I didn’t even know what I was competing for. When the challenge was announced I didn’t pay attention to the priz...
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Blog Series
- Distressed History - 1 part
- Observations - 8 parts
- Pass It On - 1 part
- Summer Challenge 2008 - 1 part
- Wheelchair Furniture - 2 parts
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