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242K views 783 replies 179 participants last post by  mafe 
#1 ·
LJ meeting in Luxemburg parc, Paris - Copenhagen.

LJ meeting in Luxemburg parc, Paris - Copenhagen.
The great Sodabowski meets MaFe the vintage architect

Yes it sounds like a funny movie, but at the end of the day, it was a warm meeting amongst two fellow Lumber Jocks.

I travel to Paris app. once a month to spend time with my fiancée Caroline, and it showed out Sodabowski lives just around the corner from Caroline there…
So after Sodabowski and I have had some conversations on Lj, we agree that it would be fine to meet and say hello the next time I would be here, and this was the time.

The day came.
We agreed to meet in front of the Luxemburg parc, and I explained that I would come on my black bicycle wearing my six piece hat, and a shoulder bag - Sodabowski would be in dark jacket and jeans, and with his camera, almost like a rendezvous now. Smiles.
And so we did; we said hallo and I think I felt a warm person here in the cold but mild Paris. We went for the main gate, and I saw my favorite woman was there, an old French woman that sells warm chestnuts there in the winter and ice in the summer. As I said to Sodabowski I always wish to give her a big kiss, but I feel sure she would plant a strong hand in my face if I did, so I just bought some chest nuts, and we walked in the park, eating warm chestnuts.


(Bee houses in the park).
As we walked we talked about LJ, what we see, and our common passion for photography, we even had the same cameras, but also politics and more sensitive subjects was with us on this walk, always with interest and understanding.
Yes Sodabowski is a warm and knowing guy no doubt.


(Pavilion for the rain and a place for the parks people).
We spoke of architecture, about what a shame it is, that no one will spend this little extra any more, to make something 'grand', something with a heart and soul, like the little pavilions in the park.


(Detail of water outlet).
That sometimes it's needed with big leaders to do some big things, but that we did not feel impressed by the present French leader that makes 'grand' plans but do nothing, except to use it for politics.
Sodabowski told me of a wonderful place in Paris where they cut veneer and that they have such wonderful things, so we agree to do that next time I will be in Paris.

(Sculpture or dance; we were not the only once to have a talk here).
We both share this passion for photography, so when we saw these guys we both needed to take a picture, this was more than two gardeners having a deserved brake.


(Caught in the hack't).
And they were surprised for our interest and smiled after been held for ever in the cameras pixels.


(Sodabowski meets MaFe / Canon meets Canon).
Yes here he is the big Sodabowski, taking a picture of he knows what.


(This one is on you Sodabowski).
No comments…


(Thoughts in the woods).
And like this we float around the park, and after to a brasserie for a beer, we decided to try some from Corsica, and this might have been a bad idea, since we both got a terrible headache from this one beer (I had two, but the other was not from there).
So for now we said goodbye with a big strong hug and a smile on the lips, and agreed that if my neck is ok to meet Monday for an espresso in the center of Paris, where I have some errands to do for a friend.


(Look what I got!).
On the walk I got not only one, but two presents, I did not expect that at all.
I got a little piece of wood from a tree in the family city of Sodabowski (I don't remember what city or wood help me!).
And a little hand cut pipe from boxwood, that he had cut himself when he was very young, and he had thought that I was the one person who should have it! Do I need to say I was deeply touched? Thank you so much.


(A grateful smile).
And here me at the end of the day home again, thinking of the day with a big smile as you can see.

THANK YOU Sodabowski!!!


(The box).
While we are in Paris, I want to show you one of my latest tools.
The reason to show it here is that it's French.
The box in itself is for me a beauty, with handmade hinges, and years of patina.


(The tools).
That it, when I saw this set I fell in love, I can just imagine the man in high hat and elegant dress walking the street in Paris on his way with this box under his arm, probably towards a production place or God knows where.
Imagine how important and proud he must have looked, when he opened this box, and tested the quality, looked with approving gestures to the makers, and then closed the box, and left the room with his pipe smoke after him.


(The maker; E. Buleux).
Yes I can't help it, I'm a dreamer, but just the feeling in the tools, the precision used, the hours spend, to make this set, and the jobs it have probably done, it give a feeling of being able to touch history.
Will I use it a lot for wood working - perhaps not - time will show, but it sure makes me smile, and this is after all what it is all about by the end of the day.

Just like Sodabowski and I did when we said goodbye.
Best thoughts from my heart, and a big thank you to you Thomas Sodabowski for this fine time,
Mads
 
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13
#590 ·
Visit by young cabinet maker apprentice

Visit by young cabinet maker apprentice
the art of setting up and sharpening

One of my neighbours here have a young friend who is a cabinet maker apprentice, he has once in a while looked by my shop here and since he was close to his final exam, he called me and asked if I would help him setting up and sharpening some old chisels, so he could go to his exam with a fully functioning set.
He had collected some wonderful old E A Eskilstuna chisels, for some of you known as the shark / now Bacho.
Some were in working order, some were close to trash but that's only a matter of working harder.

We corrected the shapes first on the anvil, then it was time to flatten the backs and finally establish a new main bevel.

Serveware Gas Wood Cooking Cup

The flattening was done on Japanese water stones by hand and it took him several hours of sweating at the pond.
Once the backs were dead flat, we brought them to the water grinder to correct and establish a new main bevel.
Then it was back to the water stones to hone up a microbevel, here he learned how to use a jig and also tried some free handing.

Wood Gas Machine Hardwood Metal

Then the chisels were returned in his stand and ready to go to his final exam. to hopefully help him pass with some really fine cuts.
The reason one is missing here on the photo is that while he were sharpening, I took it out, broke of the old handle and made him a new one, like this I had a chance to bring a little besides skills.

A wonderful afternoon, so nice to see that all the time I have spend learning, now can be spread in a fine way and even help a young apprentice.

Thank you to all of you LJ's that have been a part of my woodworking travel.

Hope this can inspire others to spread and share what they have learned,

Best thoughts,
Mads
 

Attachments

#591 ·
Visit by young cabinet maker apprentice

Visit by young cabinet maker apprentice
the art of setting up and sharpening

One of my neighbours here have a young friend who is a cabinet maker apprentice, he has once in a while looked by my shop here and since he was close to his final exam, he called me and asked if I would help him setting up and sharpening some old chisels, so he could go to his exam with a fully functioning set.
He had collected some wonderful old E A Eskilstuna chisels, for some of you known as the shark / now Bacho.
Some were in working order, some were close to trash but that's only a matter of working harder.

We corrected the shapes first on the anvil, then it was time to flatten the backs and finally establish a new main bevel.

Serveware Gas Wood Cooking Cup

The flattening was done on Japanese water stones by hand and it took him several hours of sweating at the pond.
Once the backs were dead flat, we brought them to the water grinder to correct and establish a new main bevel.
Then it was back to the water stones to hone up a microbevel, here he learned how to use a jig and also tried some free handing.

Wood Gas Machine Hardwood Metal

Then the chisels were returned in his stand and ready to go to his final exam. to hopefully help him pass with some really fine cuts.
The reason one is missing here on the photo is that while he were sharpening, I took it out, broke of the old handle and made him a new one, like this I had a chance to bring a little besides skills.

A wonderful afternoon, so nice to see that all the time I have spend learning, now can be spread in a fine way and even help a young apprentice.

Thank you to all of you LJ's that have been a part of my woodworking travel.

Hope this can inspire others to spread and share what they have learned,

Best thoughts,
Mads
Great story Mads.

-Madts.
 

Attachments

#602 ·
Thomas from Northern Zealand in Denmark came to visit my workshop

Thomas from Northern Zealand in Denmark came to visit my workshop.
wax and oak…

Today I did not only go to the shop, I went there to meet up with a fellow wood nerd Thomas.
Thomas wrote me last week and told me he have some trunks of wood that I was welcome to dive into, since he had seen I wrote somewhere that I did not have a wood supply here in the center of Copenhagen and he is living close in Northern Zealand.
He had just joined LJ: http://lumberjocks.com/iamtomkelvin
That's what I call kindness!
So I invited him to come and visit my workshop, just for a chat and probably some wood talk…

I was at the grocery store when he arrived, so I came walking on the street and right in front of me a man with a pack under his arm and a wonderful piece of wood, so I addressed the man and said: 'I will guess your Thomas' and he was, laugh.
So we walked to the workshop and after a short tour sat down for a coffee and a talk.
Yes we talked (I talk too much), it showed out we had a million references in common, both of us have a education from the school of constructing architects, we knew a lot of the same people, both worked in architects offices and much more. Ohhh yes and we both have this thing with tools and wood… So yes plenty of subjects and too little time.

In other words a wonderful afternoon in good company and a smile on my lips when I drove home on my bicycle today.

Wood Rectangle Tool Tints and shades Hand tool

As I said, Thomas had brought a pack.
Not just a pack, but a beautifully wrapped pack!
I love brown paper and string, so I almost could not open it.
Thank you for that Thomas!

Wood Building Tints and shades Automotive design Flooring

Inside was plates of bees wax, just been through the process of making bees wax polish, so it was really welcome and I promised I will post my blog about this soon.
Now I can make some more and also thicken one that was too thin.

Wood Interior design Stool Art Beam

Also he brought that wonderful piece of wood, Danish Oak, the life in this is nothing less than amazing and the sound makes me want to sing (luckily for Thomas I did not, I don't really have a talent there).
I will look forward to find projects for that, it will be joy to dig into.

Trousers Jeans Fashion Wood Dress shirt

Yes, we did get the shop photo! I forget that too often these days, so I was really happy I remembered this time, always a joy to capture these moments.
I do have a feeling it will not be the last time we meet up, so there might be more photos.
Perhaps from Thomas place, we have agreed that I will come visit at some time and there be able to look at some wood also.

Wood Hardwood Lumber Wood stain Natural material

Tomorrow I will go and work a little on a restore of this old, sweet, little Danish hobby woodworker bench.
I bought it yesterday from a nice old lady here in Copenhagen, I am thinking it can be my DIY bench in the apartment or if I get a bad case of wood withdrawal at home.
But that's another story, for another day.

Once again; thank you for a wonderful afternoon Thomas.
Big smile.

Best of my thoughts to you and your family,
Mads
 

Attachments

#603 ·
Thomas from Northern Zealand in Denmark came to visit my workshop

Thomas from Northern Zealand in Denmark came to visit my workshop.
wax and oak…

Today I did not only go to the shop, I went there to meet up with a fellow wood nerd Thomas.
Thomas wrote me last week and told me he have some trunks of wood that I was welcome to dive into, since he had seen I wrote somewhere that I did not have a wood supply here in the center of Copenhagen and he is living close in Northern Zealand.
He had just joined LJ: http://lumberjocks.com/iamtomkelvin
That's what I call kindness!
So I invited him to come and visit my workshop, just for a chat and probably some wood talk…

I was at the grocery store when he arrived, so I came walking on the street and right in front of me a man with a pack under his arm and a wonderful piece of wood, so I addressed the man and said: 'I will guess your Thomas' and he was, laugh.
So we walked to the workshop and after a short tour sat down for a coffee and a talk.
Yes we talked (I talk too much), it showed out we had a million references in common, both of us have a education from the school of constructing architects, we knew a lot of the same people, both worked in architects offices and much more. Ohhh yes and we both have this thing with tools and wood… So yes plenty of subjects and too little time.

In other words a wonderful afternoon in good company and a smile on my lips when I drove home on my bicycle today.

Wood Rectangle Tool Tints and shades Hand tool

As I said, Thomas had brought a pack.
Not just a pack, but a beautifully wrapped pack!
I love brown paper and string, so I almost could not open it.
Thank you for that Thomas!

Wood Building Tints and shades Automotive design Flooring

Inside was plates of bees wax, just been through the process of making bees wax polish, so it was really welcome and I promised I will post my blog about this soon.
Now I can make some more and also thicken one that was too thin.

Wood Interior design Stool Art Beam

Also he brought that wonderful piece of wood, Danish Oak, the life in this is nothing less than amazing and the sound makes me want to sing (luckily for Thomas I did not, I don't really have a talent there).
I will look forward to find projects for that, it will be joy to dig into.

Trousers Jeans Fashion Wood Dress shirt

Yes, we did get the shop photo! I forget that too often these days, so I was really happy I remembered this time, always a joy to capture these moments.
I do have a feeling it will not be the last time we meet up, so there might be more photos.
Perhaps from Thomas place, we have agreed that I will come visit at some time and there be able to look at some wood also.

Wood Hardwood Lumber Wood stain Natural material

Tomorrow I will go and work a little on a restore of this old, sweet, little Danish hobby woodworker bench.
I bought it yesterday from a nice old lady here in Copenhagen, I am thinking it can be my DIY bench in the apartment or if I get a bad case of wood withdrawal at home.
But that's another story, for another day.

Once again; thank you for a wonderful afternoon Thomas.
Big smile.

Best of my thoughts to you and your family,
Mads
Wonderful gifts of wood, bee's wax and friendship. You are a lucky man, Mads!
 

Attachments

#613 ·
Pipes get new life, in memory of Madts' father

Pipes get new life
in memory of Madts' father

I had the pleasure to meet up with our LJ friend Madts a few times when he visited Copenhagen, last time he was there the occasion was one of the tough facts of life, his father had left us and he came to say goodbye.
Madts was so kind to think of me and one of the things he thought I should have was a handful of his fathers old pipes, pipe tools and some good tobacco. I am and was touched by this gesture, thanks Madts.


The pipes were of all kinds and conditions.


All of them needed a good clean up, Madts' father was one of the real old school pipe smokers, who really smoked a pipe and build up coke in the chamber until it could not be stuffed no more.


This is a way of protecting the pipes wood from getting too hot.
(I am cleaning my pipes often and then smoking them gentle and use whiskey on the pipe cleaner to add flavour).


So chambers and stems cleaned.


I also cleaned the outside.


That left the pipes with no gloss.


So a little oil.


And you can see the life comes back.


Next was a polish to recover the shine.


Stems also.
The one on the left were the test stem.
The one on right how they looked.


Repeat a lot and I end up with a bunch of pipes that can be smoked from now.


Some were not to save, so a few got different new life's.
Here one gets drilled out…


Neck cut of, cleaned and shaped a wee.


Dye brings out the contrasts.
A lid formed from a piece of buffalo horn.


Here one that had to give in, as you can see it was really smoked to it's final.
I really respected this and had a feel I got a wee closer to the father of Madts for a second.


I attached the lid with a brass rod and like this it got a new life and form.


A small box for tobacco on the go.
I use it when taking a walk in the forest or going for a visit where I need a extra smoke or two.


The hole was closed by a contrasting wood.


Also made this foolish little fellow, just for the fun of it.


It is a grease pot.


Like this I got wax for the pipes.


A broken pocket knife provided the blade for this little pipe knife.


It also got a lid and a wood sheath for the blade.


New purposeses.


Storage in different forms.


Like this I can bring a pocket knife and tobacco in a elegant way.


With this last picture I will send a thank you to Madts and a warm thought to his dad, hope he is at peace and with a good pipe of tobacco.

Perhaps this can inspire to bring new life, to send love to those who are no longer here and to appreciate friendships.

Best thoughts,

Mads
 
#631 ·
MaFe goes to visit Thomas (iamtomkelvin)

Shop visit
MaFe meets Thomas (iamtomkelvin)

I finally had the pleasure to go and visit our LJ friend iamtomkelvin Or as I call him Thomas. ;-)
Thomas was so kind to offer me some wood for an anvil stand, after his visit in my shop, where he saw the one I had made from construction lumber and found it a wee flimsy after I got the new beautiful anvil. I had to agree!

So we started out with cake and coffee, then a tour in his wonderful home, where the sweet dog followed us around, until it was time to go outside for some chain saw action.


Here he is in orange safety works suit, in front of his workshop, cutting up a hunk of wood.
Thomas allowed me to pick my favorite and I found one that looked like it had started to rot a wee and that it for that reason would have some play in the wood.


First it was cut to length, so it would fit my anvil.


Then time to square it up, not square actually, since I wanted some slope on the sides for stability.
Thomas is really a trained user of chainsaws, he made it look so easy, also I believe he said he had no less than six of them!


While he was sawing, I took a peak inside his workshop.
What can I say but wauuuu. What a wonderful place to hang out!


Back outside Thomas was almost there and I had to say I was more than happy.


Here we are in the shop after we put the wood in my car.
Had a wonderful time, plenty of talks and many interests to share.
Please notice his sweet dog in front of me.


All good things come to an end, here back in the shop, that have become a sewing shop these days…
I work on stuff for my hammock.


I was with a big smile, full of impressions after the day.
Good thoughts.
And as you can see, Thomas spoiled me with wood, so not only the anvil stand, but also wood for spoons, cups and much more.

Thank you Thomas, I am working on the stand these days and are sending you good thoughts.

Perhaps this can inspire others to jump in and meet up.

Best thoughts,

Mads
 
#661 ·
Thomas (madts) dropped by the shop - again. ;-)

Shop visit
Thomas (madts) dropped by the shop - again. ;-)

Hi guys and girls.
It's been a while, but now I really had a few things I wanted to share with my LJ friends and this post is the first, so there are more to come!

I have had the honour of having Thomas here before, for those who don't know, Thomas lives in US and I live in Copenhagen (Denmark), so it is not 'just' dropping by.
This time I was lucky that Thomas was in Denmark to visit his son who had his final exams.

Computer hardware Box Packing materials Hard disk drive Machine

But first things first, a while back I got a pack with the mail.
You might have guessed it - it was from Thomas.
A birthday present (it came at my birthday as you can see on the picture).

Food Tableware Table Ingredient Cuisine

After my breakfast I went to the post office.

Clothing Table Window Tableware Tire

And from there I went to the workshop to celebrate the day, with a few friends and my mother.

Table Food Tableware Picture frame Textile

What better place, than to celebrate, have cake and guests could one wish for.

Audio equipment Wood Netbook Gadget Font

Inside the pack was the most wonderful sketch and note book.
(The square is a piece of boat sail, Thomas is a retired professional sail maker).

Wood Tints and shades Jewellery Body jewelry Wire

Please note the detail.

Font Paper Wood Event Circle

Inside a personal note saying:
A book for your thoughts, ideas and other fine things.
(Do I need to tell I was really touched).
Thank you from my heart Thomas.

But the story gets even better, as Thomas wrote he was coming to Denmark and we could meet up and have the beer we did not find time for last time.

Picture frame Smile Fashion Wood Lighting

So said, so done - here we are in my workshop - Madts and Mads!
We even found time to meet twice and time for good talks about life, love, family and even some wood talk too.
Thank you for the wonderful visit dear Thomas.

Wood Automotive tire Lamp Serveware Porcelain

Ohhh yes and we did get to drink a few beers. ;-)
Thomas also brought me some of his home made wax, you can't imagine how wonderful that stuff smells.

Thank you Thomas, for making it possible to bring this friendship into real life, I feel lucky and you are with me often in the thoughts.

Perhaps this can inspire others to jump in and meet up.

Best thoughts,

Mads
 

Attachments

#662 ·
Thomas (madts) dropped by the shop - again. ;-)

Shop visit
Thomas (madts) dropped by the shop - again. ;-)

Hi guys and girls.
It's been a while, but now I really had a few things I wanted to share with my LJ friends and this post is the first, so there are more to come!

I have had the honour of having Thomas here before, for those who don't know, Thomas lives in US and I live in Copenhagen (Denmark), so it is not 'just' dropping by.
This time I was lucky that Thomas was in Denmark to visit his son who had his final exams.

Computer hardware Box Packing materials Hard disk drive Machine

But first things first, a while back I got a pack with the mail.
You might have guessed it - it was from Thomas.
A birthday present (it came at my birthday as you can see on the picture).

Food Tableware Table Ingredient Cuisine

After my breakfast I went to the post office.

Clothing Table Window Tableware Tire

And from there I went to the workshop to celebrate the day, with a few friends and my mother.

Table Food Tableware Picture frame Textile

What better place, than to celebrate, have cake and guests could one wish for.

Audio equipment Wood Netbook Gadget Font

Inside the pack was the most wonderful sketch and note book.
(The square is a piece of boat sail, Thomas is a retired professional sail maker).

Wood Tints and shades Jewellery Body jewelry Wire

Please note the detail.

Font Paper Wood Event Circle

Inside a personal note saying:
A book for your thoughts, ideas and other fine things.
(Do I need to tell I was really touched).
Thank you from my heart Thomas.

But the story gets even better, as Thomas wrote he was coming to Denmark and we could meet up and have the beer we did not find time for last time.

Picture frame Smile Fashion Wood Lighting

So said, so done - here we are in my workshop - Madts and Mads!
We even found time to meet twice and time for good talks about life, love, family and even some wood talk too.
Thank you for the wonderful visit dear Thomas.

Wood Automotive tire Lamp Serveware Porcelain

Ohhh yes and we did get to drink a few beers. ;-)
Thomas also brought me some of his home made wax, you can't imagine how wonderful that stuff smells.

Thank you Thomas, for making it possible to bring this friendship into real life, I feel lucky and you are with me often in the thoughts.

Perhaps this can inspire others to jump in and meet up.

Best thoughts,

Mads
Im sure you had a wonderful time… how nice is that !!!!!!!!!!
 

Attachments

#674 ·
The postman left a note... - life is magic, or at least it feels like it!

The postman left a note…
life is magic, or at least it feels like it!

Yep, another unexpected thing happening.
Life is magic, or at least it feels like it!

Water Sky Atmosphere Daytime Moon

This is how the Copenhagen lakes look like, at this time of year, it's winter now, had a cold summer, so everyone seems a wee low on energy at this time.

Table Wood Picture frame Automotive design Hardwood

So when I got a notice, that a pack arrived and I did not expect any…
Well… I went fast to the post office, full of curiosity.
Here I got this long slim pack…
Is it a poster? A tube of some sort?
I could see it was from US, so LJ came to my mind, but I could not recall hearing of something.
So I drove home on my bicycle, enjoying the waiting.

Tableware Wood Paint brush Flooring Kitchen

Hmmmmmm…
If you look carefully, you might guess it.
We have one friend here on LJ, that makes magic with wood and then turn it on the lathe, to make long things…

Glasses Table Tableware Wood Serveware

Yes Lew, who else?
Wauuuuuuuuu, I got one of lew's beautiful baking pins.
Have to admit, I could fell a wee tear of joy.
I love it!
It's so beautiful and I feel like the wood was picked for me, since it is simple (less is enough) and also colors that compliment each other.
That will be a favourite when baking, no doubt, it will bring joy and a extra dimension for my baking.
(The glass you see in the back, is sour dough I got from or LJ buddy Jamie in Scotland, but that will be another story).

Brown Hand Handwriting Gesture Font

With the pin, came these beautiful words, that really reminds me, how lucky some of us have been, to find friends, we might never even see in real life, but have brought us warmth, encouragement and many a smile during the years.
Thank you from my heart Lew, the words goes right back.

Handwriting Vision care Table Wood Font

I will like to tell a wee twist to the story.
It started in the morning, with a note from my daughter Mathilde, she came to stay the night and while I was sleeping, she had left a note and a free coffee card, ohh yes and she left me two of the four cracklings, I had left for her 'take with her' pork roast sandwich, even I had said she could take them all.
That made me, a really happy and proud dad.
(You might have to be a parent to understand this…).

So I was sure the day could not get any better…
I was all wrong, it turned out magic.

Food Tableware Ingredient Plate Recipe

This is how a MaFe pork roast sandwich looks like. ;-)
(Yes it is caramelized potatoes).

Finally I will like to send a warm tought and thank you again to Lew.

Perhaps this can inspire others to jump in and meet up.

Best thoughts,

Mads
 

Attachments

#675 ·
The postman left a note... - life is magic, or at least it feels like it!

The postman left a note…
life is magic, or at least it feels like it!

Yep, another unexpected thing happening.
Life is magic, or at least it feels like it!

Water Sky Atmosphere Daytime Moon

This is how the Copenhagen lakes look like, at this time of year, it's winter now, had a cold summer, so everyone seems a wee low on energy at this time.

Table Wood Picture frame Automotive design Hardwood

So when I got a notice, that a pack arrived and I did not expect any…
Well… I went fast to the post office, full of curiosity.
Here I got this long slim pack…
Is it a poster? A tube of some sort?
I could see it was from US, so LJ came to my mind, but I could not recall hearing of something.
So I drove home on my bicycle, enjoying the waiting.

Tableware Wood Paint brush Flooring Kitchen

Hmmmmmm…
If you look carefully, you might guess it.
We have one friend here on LJ, that makes magic with wood and then turn it on the lathe, to make long things…

Glasses Table Tableware Wood Serveware

Yes Lew, who else?
Wauuuuuuuuu, I got one of lew's beautiful baking pins.
Have to admit, I could fell a wee tear of joy.
I love it!
It's so beautiful and I feel like the wood was picked for me, since it is simple (less is enough) and also colors that compliment each other.
That will be a favourite when baking, no doubt, it will bring joy and a extra dimension for my baking.
(The glass you see in the back, is sour dough I got from or LJ buddy Jamie in Scotland, but that will be another story).

Brown Hand Handwriting Gesture Font

With the pin, came these beautiful words, that really reminds me, how lucky some of us have been, to find friends, we might never even see in real life, but have brought us warmth, encouragement and many a smile during the years.
Thank you from my heart Lew, the words goes right back.

Handwriting Vision care Table Wood Font

I will like to tell a wee twist to the story.
It started in the morning, with a note from my daughter Mathilde, she came to stay the night and while I was sleeping, she had left a note and a free coffee card, ohh yes and she left me two of the four cracklings, I had left for her 'take with her' pork roast sandwich, even I had said she could take them all.
That made me, a really happy and proud dad.
(You might have to be a parent to understand this…).

So I was sure the day could not get any better…
I was all wrong, it turned out magic.

Food Tableware Ingredient Plate Recipe

This is how a MaFe pork roast sandwich looks like. ;-)
(Yes it is caramelized potatoes).

Finally I will like to send a warm tought and thank you again to Lew.

Perhaps this can inspire others to jump in and meet up.

Best thoughts,

Mads
What a wonderful story.
And what wonderful people you all are.

Steve
 

Attachments

#688 ·
A visit from Greek Yannis - and me trying to find his feet

A visit from Greek Yannis.
- and me trying to find his feet

Magic is creatable!

Today some one stood in front of the door of my workshop, looking in through the window; that some one was Yannis from Greece, he showed up out of the blue, just to say hello and so I invited him inside. We shared a good hour or so, had coffee, Crema di Limoncello and a wee cake.

Forehead Smile Hairstyle Beard Facial hair


I don't think I have to say; Yannis is a really nice guy, I could see that, when I was looking out the window.

Table Human Tableware Wheel Picture frame


My friend Flemming also showed up and soon the talk went on, Greek myths, Vikings, wood talks and life as it is - just as if an old friend had shown up.

Jeans Smile Wood Beard Denim


Magic is creatable - Yannis is yet another wonderful person, wo's crossing my road, due to the fact of my blogging here on LJ, he knew me and especially my blogs on Japanese wood working and had some how managed to find out where my little wood cave are hiding (he works with IT).
It never stop to impress me, when when the digital cyber world, merge into reality and new friendships grow.
(Yannis is now living in Copenhagen with his girlfriend, working with IT for Novo Nordisk and then he has a passion for woodworking).

Forehead Joint Hand Arm Muscle


When I have not been around lately, it is due to the fact that life threw in some noise and when the ******************** hits the fan… I'll make it short; my daughter left home (she's 18 now), a wee just before 50 crisis, a relationship that had to stop, a colon infection that put me in the hospital, then they found a tumour on my adrenal, diagnosed it cancer and then operated me three weeks ago and luckily found out there were NOT cancer in the tumour once it was out - life you know! I'm healing up well and yes looking for my legs.

Wheel Bicycle Tire Bicycle wheel Bicycle tire

My workshop.

"Man is fond of counting his troubles, but he does not count his joys. If he counted them up as he ought to, he would see that every lot has enough happiness provided for it."
Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Trust me, I count these days; just got well enough to go back to the workshop and I am trying to put some magic into this thing called life. ;-)
Plenty of stuff for the blog on my computer, so hopefully I will find the energy soon. ;-)

Plant Sky Leaf Tree Wood


Had a winter hike, just before the operation, testing my new winter sleeping bag (comfort temp. -27°C / -16°F), it was just -7°C / 20°F but a strong wind and I was cosy and warm, so look forward now for a hike soon, since I'm healing and the temperature should go down to -15°C / 5°F now. ;-)

Building Picture frame Computer Shelf Shelving


For now I have to do with some indoor hiking, looking at Animal planet.

Big smile.

Perhaps this can inspire others to jump in and meet up, outside cyber world.

Best thoughts,

Mads
 

Attachments

#689 ·
A visit from Greek Yannis - and me trying to find his feet

A visit from Greek Yannis.
- and me trying to find his feet

Magic is creatable!

Today some one stood in front of the door of my workshop, looking in through the window; that some one was Yannis from Greece, he showed up out of the blue, just to say hello and so I invited him inside. We shared a good hour or so, had coffee, Crema di Limoncello and a wee cake.

Forehead Smile Hairstyle Beard Facial hair


I don't think I have to say; Yannis is a really nice guy, I could see that, when I was looking out the window.

Table Human Tableware Wheel Picture frame


My friend Flemming also showed up and soon the talk went on, Greek myths, Vikings, wood talks and life as it is - just as if an old friend had shown up.

Jeans Smile Wood Beard Denim


Magic is creatable - Yannis is yet another wonderful person, wo's crossing my road, due to the fact of my blogging here on LJ, he knew me and especially my blogs on Japanese wood working and had some how managed to find out where my little wood cave are hiding (he works with IT).
It never stop to impress me, when when the digital cyber world, merge into reality and new friendships grow.
(Yannis is now living in Copenhagen with his girlfriend, working with IT for Novo Nordisk and then he has a passion for woodworking).

Forehead Joint Hand Arm Muscle


When I have not been around lately, it is due to the fact that life threw in some noise and when the ******************** hits the fan… I'll make it short; my daughter left home (she's 18 now), a wee just before 50 crisis, a relationship that had to stop, a colon infection that put me in the hospital, then they found a tumour on my adrenal, diagnosed it cancer and then operated me three weeks ago and luckily found out there were NOT cancer in the tumour once it was out - life you know! I'm healing up well and yes looking for my legs.

Wheel Bicycle Tire Bicycle wheel Bicycle tire

My workshop.

"Man is fond of counting his troubles, but he does not count his joys. If he counted them up as he ought to, he would see that every lot has enough happiness provided for it."
Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Trust me, I count these days; just got well enough to go back to the workshop and I am trying to put some magic into this thing called life. ;-)
Plenty of stuff for the blog on my computer, so hopefully I will find the energy soon. ;-)

Plant Sky Leaf Tree Wood


Had a winter hike, just before the operation, testing my new winter sleeping bag (comfort temp. -27°C / -16°F), it was just -7°C / 20°F but a strong wind and I was cosy and warm, so look forward now for a hike soon, since I'm healing and the temperature should go down to -15°C / 5°F now. ;-)

Building Picture frame Computer Shelf Shelving


For now I have to do with some indoor hiking, looking at Animal planet.

Big smile.

Perhaps this can inspire others to jump in and meet up, outside cyber world.

Best thoughts,

Mads
Wow. That doesn't sound like a fun ride. Glad it worked out. Keep smiling. Beat wishes!!
 

Attachments

#713 ·
Another trip to Scotland, brothers with different mothers

Another trip to Scotland
Brothers with different mothers.

Hi LJ's, just realized I never shared my last travel to Scotland, with you all.
As some of you know, Jamie and I are brothers with different mothers (and fathers), so yes to visit Jamie, his wife Shirley and all the wonderful people and friends, that lives in or visit the house, is me coming home - thank you.


It was so wonderful, to come back to Jamies wonderful house in Scotland - home.


Always a pleasure to get into the workshop, the smell of wood and the spirit of Jamie.
(As always, spend half a day, dealing with getting some floor space… ha ha).


Ohhh yes, here he is, the wonderful old son of a … angel?
Missed my dear brother, so good to see you and so good to be a part of the house for a while.
Here Jamie and I were working on a wee flooring for the prayer room, since they had a workshop coming up.
In fact this time the house were full of new faces, as always wonderful people, people who were real and meet others with an open heart, Jamie and Shirley have that effect on all of us.


Since the workbench from last had been swallowed, from tools, dirt, electronics and much more, I decided to clean a bench in the other end of the shop for my stay.
On the table you can see I started working on some new meditation stools, one for me and one for my sister, she now live in London.
Also when I came, a pack from E-bay had arrived, I had ordered a fine old hand saw, but what was much more interesting, is the wee dovetail saw on top, this one Jamie came into the shop and gave me. Another one of Jamies family tools, it has been his fathers - I don't think I have to say I was proud and touched - Jamie you spoil me and trust me, I appreciate it more than you can imagine.
(I will make another post about the saws later).


Here the rough shape of the new meditation stools.
(I will make another post about these later).


Jamie and I had spoken before I came, about my lack of skills on the lathe and my relatively small know how on the chucks. I would love to get some tips and tricks on bowl turning.
So I was lucky he found time and energy, to give me a wee class and show me how he do things.
Started at the small lathe, with a dried piece of wood, where I could use the different jaws and holds.


First roughing out the outside, held by a wood screw chuck and making the base, that can be held in the jaws after.
(You can see Jamies in the back).


Outside shape finished up and the polished.
Notice the wonderful spalting in the wood.


Ready to hollow out, the small bowl were turned and now held by the dovetail jaws.
First step was to drill out the center and find out app. where the bottom of will be.
The rest is to hollow out and follow Jamies instructions.
(Not that I always listen, even I try hard). ;-)


Here it is, I have to say I was quite pleased - even made it a small lid, so it could be in family with a Japanese inspired bowl, I made a long time ago in Copenhagen.


Wonderful wood, I really enjoy the rings and were impressed with the friction polish Jamie had me use, this will be on my shelf from now.


Next step is a bigger bowl.
On the left you can see the one Jamie did as example and the wonderful pre dried wood he offered me.


Here he is, dear Jamie, chips flying, while I'm trying to notice every little movement and make notes.


My notes to all the learning. Press here for better resolution.
(So perhaps I did listen after all).


Also his homemade remounting jaws - they are really cool!
I used these later for my base, when it were to be finished.


Back on the lathe, roughing out.


Same as last one, just went with the flow and enjoyed my time.


Here the base finished up.


And the bowl and its wonderful texture and color.
Yes I was a happy monkey, this was my first bigger bowl. It now stands on the table in my kitchen, where I enjoy it every day.


Made a few training turnings.


Ohhh yes and a classic Scottish thistle, porridge spurtle.
A copy of one, Jamie made for my sister.


A few of my notes and thoughts, from my sketchbook.


Time to get outside.
This is the nature close to Jamie.


I packed a back pack and set of by foot, following a local river.
No plans, just food for a day or two and a smile on my lips.
(Ohhh yes and a GPS in case I got lost - smiles).
Honestly, it is some of the most beautiful landscape I have ever been walking.
More pictures to be seen here.


Close to evening I found a old left farm, where only animals lived now.
Two beautiful trees there, were the perfect place for the night.


So up came the hammock, a fire te get me warm since it were a cold night and then cooking some food and coffee on the Jetboil. Some good tobacco in the pipe and chocolate to go with the coffee, while watching the sun go down.


I was woken by the sun next morning, it was so beautiful, it almost took my breath away.


But did manage a wee more sleep before packing up and moving on.
What a hike, that will stay in my heart for as long as I live.


Back at Jamies house, I tried a wee band saw project.
Had seen these African plates in Jamies house.


Backside rough and simple.


Ohh yes and a few days later, I lived a dream I had, at the old abandoned factory.


Here on a wee drawing I made.


Here the little drawing.


I put up my hammock inside and slept there for the night, it was a cosy creepy feeling, lots of sounds from animals and the building, scary in a good way, when birds flew in through the window, when it was completely dark and the wings were flapping around the hammock.


Found time to convert some scraps into book page holders, just for the fun of it.


Yes and we had plenty of Jamies wonderful bread.
He got this new passion now, to bake these fantastic sour dough breads and trust me, it was a bread paradise, always curious what he had fresh baked.
Now he will be my bread Guru also!


I'll end the blog here…
Since I did had the chance to make them all laugh, as I had bought a Scottish kilt and shirt, felt I had to make up for last time, when I wore those UK undies… In fact I liked wearing a dress, wonderful to get some fresh air… ;-D


Notes and thoughts from my travel book, I always do these impressions on my travels, when you have been drawing something, it stays in your mind forever. Press here for better resolution.
(So perhaps I did listen after all).

I tried this time to make it short this time, I have tons of pictures and memories, many of Jamies wonderful friends also, Shirley, the dogs and much more, but this is what you get.

Jamie and Shirley, thank you again, thank you for making me feel family and be a part of your lives.

Best of my thoughts from my heart,
Mads
 
#714 ·
Looks like you had a wonderful time Mads. I hope Jamie and his family is well too. I love your sketches and watercolors, one of my favorite types of art. They look very professional and warm and have so much information packed into them at the same time. Glad you got to learn some turning skills and also managed to document them so well. Maybe you should write a book about how you have tackled life after forced retirement and include your travel adventures and artwork in it. It might be an inspiration to many others who are in a similar situation, but who haven't discovered how to cope with their new existence.
 
#728 ·
A gift becomes a gift... Thanks Madts.

A gift becomes a gift…
Thanks Madts.

Hi LJ's, I will like to share a wee story with you. A Danish - American story you might say…

A few years back, our LJ buddy Madts' father sadly passed away of old age, so Madts had to go to Denmark to meet up with his family and sorting out his fathers things.
He was so kind, to think of me and gave me some of his fathers smoking stuff, a bunch of pipes (I smoke some of them) and tobacco. We had a good time in my workshop, I have had the luck to have Madts visit me from America before, so we meet again as friends.

After a while, I wanted to make something for Madts to remind him of his father and to show my gratitude.
So I came up with the idea of repurposing one of the pipes, that were too worn out to be smoked properly.

Hand tool Tool Wood Office supplies Tobacco pipe

It became this little, fire set - a small knife with pipe handle and a fire steel, with stem handle.
My thought was that it could keep the fire burning or make the spark once in a while, to refresh Thomas fathers memory.

Automotive tire Wood Cuisine Plant Gas

Since I know how smell can turn on memories, I put some of his fathers tobacco in the head and closed it up, so it can be opened on occations.

Wood Insect Wood stain Gas Hardwood

In the repurpose spirit, I used a wonderful Swan pocket knife blade for it.
German Solingen steel.
Here the new shape is cut out of the old blade.

Wood Artifact Knife Tool Blade

Tht's it, new blade emerged.
Another Danish story of a swan.

Wood Font Tints and shades Household hardware Carmine

Parts for the new life project.

Musical instrument Wood Hardwood Wood stain Gas

Fitting and glue up.

Post from an earlier Madts visit: https://www.lumberjocks.com/mafe/blog/114833
Other stuff I made from some of the pipes: https://www.lumberjocks.com/mafe/blog/101402

Thank you for your thoughts Thomas and thank you for the visits, hope to see you again, in real life.
Have you smelled the tobacco lately?
I was thinkin of you this week, when I was smoking one of the pipes and realized, I never put up these pictures.

Best of my thoughts from my heart,
Mads
 

Attachments

#729 ·
A gift becomes a gift... Thanks Madts.

A gift becomes a gift…
Thanks Madts.

Hi LJ's, I will like to share a wee story with you. A Danish - American story you might say…

A few years back, our LJ buddy Madts' father sadly passed away of old age, so Madts had to go to Denmark to meet up with his family and sorting out his fathers things.
He was so kind, to think of me and gave me some of his fathers smoking stuff, a bunch of pipes (I smoke some of them) and tobacco. We had a good time in my workshop, I have had the luck to have Madts visit me from America before, so we meet again as friends.

After a while, I wanted to make something for Madts to remind him of his father and to show my gratitude.
So I came up with the idea of repurposing one of the pipes, that were too worn out to be smoked properly.

Hand tool Tool Wood Office supplies Tobacco pipe

It became this little, fire set - a small knife with pipe handle and a fire steel, with stem handle.
My thought was that it could keep the fire burning or make the spark once in a while, to refresh Thomas fathers memory.

Automotive tire Wood Cuisine Plant Gas

Since I know how smell can turn on memories, I put some of his fathers tobacco in the head and closed it up, so it can be opened on occations.

Wood Insect Wood stain Gas Hardwood

In the repurpose spirit, I used a wonderful Swan pocket knife blade for it.
German Solingen steel.
Here the new shape is cut out of the old blade.

Wood Artifact Knife Tool Blade

Tht's it, new blade emerged.
Another Danish story of a swan.

Wood Font Tints and shades Household hardware Carmine

Parts for the new life project.

Musical instrument Wood Hardwood Wood stain Gas

Fitting and glue up.

Post from an earlier Madts visit: https://www.lumberjocks.com/mafe/blog/114833
Other stuff I made from some of the pipes: https://www.lumberjocks.com/mafe/blog/101402

Thank you for your thoughts Thomas and thank you for the visits, hope to see you again, in real life.
Have you smelled the tobacco lately?
I was thinkin of you this week, when I was smoking one of the pipes and realized, I never put up these pictures.

Best of my thoughts from my heart,
Mads
That is a cool, Mads! Nice gift!!

cheers, Jim
 

Attachments

#732 ·
Visit from wonderful friends - on their Europe tour

Visit from wonderful friends
on their Europe tour

I never stop to be amazed, how many friendships that has come out of my almost ten years here on LJ.



Here a little story, that bring back smiles and makes me wonder, why I did not post these pictures, but this summer I were busy beeing in love, so that was perhaps why… At the end, it's just wonderful, because now I get the chance to live it again, smile from the wonderful memories and read Marcial's blog about his travel adventures, where I found photos I had not seen before, made me laugh, smile and miss the day. Also I enjoyed to see more from his Europe tour.



Here we are in Copenhagen, Denmark, in my little workshop, I had the luck, that Marcial was travelling with his beloved DW, so I got to meet them both. DW is nothing less than a wonderful, warm, loving person, but I think Marcial knows how lucky he is. Ohh yes and he also brought his other love, his M10, but we will get back to that - don't worry, there are no drama, even they say - three's a Crowd…
We spend some wonderful hours together, cold beers, cyceling, talking photo gear, talking about love and life, laughing and even ate a wonderful dinner from a local take away place, with a good wine Marcial and DW brought, thank you.


How can I not smile wathing this? Marcial took me for a ride down the street in my Christania bike. (Yes M10 was with him).
Marcial is not only a wonderful man, but also a man with sense of detail and dedication, ohhh yes and a master with his camera, or cameras, as these are one of his big passions and the M10 as you may have figured out by now, is a camera - NO not a camera, sorry, its a Leica! One of the stops on the Europe tour was the Leica museum in Germany, you got to love a man with that kind of dedication. Respect!
(Honestly I have to say, that camera was a pearl, a quality we don't see anymore, German quality when it's best).
On this blog post, you can see his picture from there: https://smortegav.blogspot.com/2018/


On these bloopers, it's clear to see how we got close.


And how much fun we had!

Thank you both for passing my little place in Copenhagen, it will stay with me as a sweet memory.
I agree with you, that it is an evidence, that us humans tend to treasure experiences with other humans, over places and things we have seen and done. Beautiful words my friend.

You should take a look at his blog, there are some wonderful pictures from Denmark and the visit at my workshop:
https://smortegav.blogspot.com/

Photo talk:
Btw. Marcial - I just updated my own street photo setup (the new word for all round 4:3 cameras), with a GX9 Panasonic house and a Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-140mm lens, waiting for it to arrive next week, so I can get to know it, for my trip with Yeli to Rome at the end of this month. I look forward to see if the upgrade is a good choice or if I shall stick with my Canaon 700D and all the lenses I have for that one, for fine photograpy… But I would love to be able to cut down on the weight, since I tend to only bring the Canon when planning to take pictures, so it's most of the time in a drawer. I will however not part with my little GM1, as my always in the bag camera, as I love it more and more for the pocket size and quality ratio and I have bought a good range of lenses, gear and a underwater housing for it (it's fun to take under water photos, both people and nature). Yes, I know, I'm miles away from a M10 - laugh with the sweetest jealousy and joyful smile on my face, at your behalf.
I still use a good old Canon EOS 400D and 580 Speedlight, with a 18-55 lens at the workshop, for blog photos, since there are so much dust and I think it does fine, in color and fairly good on the close up too.
(Thought it would be just right, with a little camera talk at the end here).

A few images shot with the little GM1:
(No after treatment, fully automatic).
I like that the colors are so close to reality and honestly I take 98% of my pictures on automatic.


Hammock hang in Turkey.


Under the water (Turkey).


MaFe under the surface (Turkey).
Not that I'm a turkey, more a whale I guess…


Copenhagen Ny Carlsberg museum.

Best of my thoughts from my heart,
Mads
 

Attachments

#733 ·
Visit from wonderful friends - on their Europe tour

Visit from wonderful friends
on their Europe tour

I never stop to be amazed, how many friendships that has come out of my almost ten years here on LJ.

Smile Jeans Wood Picture frame Event


Here a little story, that bring back smiles and makes me wonder, why I did not post these pictures, but this summer I were busy beeing in love, so that was perhaps why… At the end, it's just wonderful, because now I get the chance to live it again, smile from the wonderful memories and read Marcial's blog about his travel adventures, where I found photos I had not seen before, made me laugh, smile and miss the day. Also I enjoyed to see more from his Europe tour.

Shorts Textile Standing Smile Wood


Here we are in Copenhagen, Denmark, in my little workshop, I had the luck, that Marcial was travelling with his beloved DW, so I got to meet them both. DW is nothing less than a wonderful, warm, loving person, but I think Marcial knows how lucky he is. Ohh yes and he also brought his other love, his M10, but we will get back to that - don't worry, there are no drama, even they say - three's a Crowd…
We spend some wonderful hours together, cold beers, cyceling, talking photo gear, talking about love and life, laughing and even ate a wonderful dinner from a local take away place, with a good wine Marcial and DW brought, thank you.

Land vehicle Smile Car Window Vehicle

How can I not smile wathing this? Marcial took me for a ride down the street in my Christania bike. (Yes M10 was with him).
Marcial is not only a wonderful man, but also a man with sense of detail and dedication, ohhh yes and a master with his camera, or cameras, as these are one of his big passions and the M10 as you may have figured out by now, is a camera - NO not a camera, sorry, its a Leica! One of the stops on the Europe tour was the Leica museum in Germany, you got to love a man with that kind of dedication. Respect!
(Honestly I have to say, that camera was a pearl, a quality we don't see anymore, German quality when it's best).
On this blog post, you can see his picture from there: https://smortegav.blogspot.com/2018/

Shorts Textile Wood Engineering Market

On these bloopers, it's clear to see how we got close.

Textile Smile Wood Shorts Fashion design

And how much fun we had!

Thank you both for passing my little place in Copenhagen, it will stay with me as a sweet memory.
I agree with you, that it is an evidence, that us humans tend to treasure experiences with other humans, over places and things we have seen and done. Beautiful words my friend.

You should take a look at his blog, there are some wonderful pictures from Denmark and the visit at my workshop:
https://smortegav.blogspot.com/

Photo talk:
Btw. Marcial - I just updated my own street photo setup (the new word for all round 4:3 cameras), with a GX9 Panasonic house and a Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-140mm lens, waiting for it to arrive next week, so I can get to know it, for my trip with Yeli to Rome at the end of this month. I look forward to see if the upgrade is a good choice or if I shall stick with my Canaon 700D and all the lenses I have for that one, for fine photograpy… But I would love to be able to cut down on the weight, since I tend to only bring the Canon when planning to take pictures, so it's most of the time in a drawer. I will however not part with my little GM1, as my always in the bag camera, as I love it more and more for the pocket size and quality ratio and I have bought a good range of lenses, gear and a underwater housing for it (it's fun to take under water photos, both people and nature). Yes, I know, I'm miles away from a M10 - laugh with the sweetest jealousy and joyful smile on my face, at your behalf.
I still use a good old Canon EOS 400D and 580 Speedlight, with a 18-55 lens at the workshop, for blog photos, since there are so much dust and I think it does fine, in color and fairly good on the close up too.
(Thought it would be just right, with a little camera talk at the end here).

A few images shot with the little GM1:
(No after treatment, fully automatic).
I like that the colors are so close to reality and honestly I take 98% of my pictures on automatic.

Water Plant Sky Natural landscape Tree

Hammock hang in Turkey.

Water Plant Fluid Underwater Coastal and oceanic landforms

Under the water (Turkey).

Water Head Underwater diving Vertebrate Diving equipment

MaFe under the surface (Turkey).
Not that I'm a turkey, more a whale I guess…

Sculpture Window Statue Temple Standing

Copenhagen Ny Carlsberg museum.

Best of my thoughts from my heart,
Mads
Great story and visit!!

Jim
 

Attachments

#739 ·
Old Mora sloyd knife got a new life - a gift from a friend

Old Mora knife got a new life
gift from a friend

I have a really special friend here in Copenhagen, Flemming is his name, he is a painter and a collector of stuff, one of his many passions are knifes, he collects all kinds of knifes, but mostly pocket knifes and old knifes with a soul. Besides this and what is much more interesting, he carves artistic knife and tool handles, he have made hundreds over the years and once in a while he combines the two, giving an old knife one of his carvings, in this way making it into something new and giving it a life.


This is Flemming in front of my workshop.
(In this case we are bringing a beautiful old print press, he has lend me on long terms).



Flemming is a really generous man, he often bring me things, many interesting tools has landed in my workshop because he found them in some marked place and thought I should have it (he is really good at finding beautiful things), one day at his apartment I saw he had carved one of the small old Mora knifes, with a wonderful carving of an octopus and a snake, I was immediately crazy about it and kept holding it and looking at it. Flemming had noticed that and as many times before and kind as he is, one day he offered me the beautiful knife. Lucky man I am!


The carvings: I just love that octopus.


The carvings: there are always a snake in any Paradise, so it's wonderful to face it.


After looking at it for a while, I decided it needed a real sheath, so I looked at the old Mora knifes (Mora Slöjd kniv - in Swedish) and felt it would be natural, to go for the old Scandinavian style sheath, with sewing on the back.
You can see more on this, here at a blog I made about making a knife for my daughter: https://www.lumberjocks.com/mafe/blog/109337
Mora has kept this shape, even they have changed material on their Sloyd knifes from leather, to fiber board and finally to plastics, this due to the fact this is a ever man and boys carving knife, so the price should reflect this, I have to say as much as I love the fiber board sheaths, then I have never come to really like the plastic versions, a wooden handle needs a natural material for the sheath in my book.
I believe this knife is pre. 1950, due to the logo type on the blade, Mora made knifes since 1891, this type was really common as a kids knife, for Sloyd in Sweden, but it's also an excellent little carving knife, for detailed work.
As a Dane I grew up with these Swedish Mora knifes, as they were in every woodworking class room and our first boy scout knife when I was a child.
(Photo found online from a auction house).


As usual a piece of paper was folded around the knife to make a template, then app. 7mm added for sewing, the leather was cut out and thinned at the sewing edge.
The only new here is that I tried to use these stitching Punches and they worked great, but best of all it took only a minute to make all the holes.


Holes for the belt loop.


Soaking the leather.


Sheath is sewn with crossing stitches, pulling the threath really tight, to close up the holes and make a strong sewing once dry.


The edge is closed also.
(Notice how thick the leather is by now).


Jump on the pony and ride the threads…
(The clamp is called a stitching pony).


Once the seing is done, the excess leather are cut off, so the edge can be compressed.


Belt loop are shaped, just a big hole and then the straps are cut.


The leather is then compressed into shape and hardness.


Belt loop put through the holes and will hang only on the friction and bend from the compression.


Other side.


As you can see, I choose a simple stitch for closing the loop.


My brand stamped into the leather.


Here it is after a few hours, where I have been compressing the leather, once in a while, to make it hard as wood.
This also give the beautiful surface.


Finally the compression makes the knife fixed in the sheath after, so it will not fall out.


Happy monkey with his new Sloyd knife, I think they are a worty pair.


Made the loop long, so it will fit a grown man.


Want to share this one also, this is a knife Flemming made for me time back, here he is in his full artistic universe and he made both the sheath and the handle.


We sat by a campfire and he carved this handle, I was facinated by the story in this knife, or the story I read in it - you will have to make your own, this is what art is all about. ;-)


Back to the octopus knife:
Notice Flemmings brand on the handle.


Other side.


The old Mora logo.


Here in it's final new form.
Flemmings love and imagination on the handle and my craft and simplicity on the sheath.
I think they are a fine pair and belong together.

Best of my thoughts from my heart,
Mads
 
#749 ·
Friendship and Knifes travelling the oceans - the SPRAD knifes

Friendship and Knifes travelling the oceans
the SPRAD knifes

Once upon a time there were a man called Dave in the wild wild West, he originally came all the way from Poland, Dave imported wonderful laminated carving knife blades from Sweden and Birch bark from Russia, that came over land and over oceans to his workshop in America, where he with his bare hands and teeth's created two knifes (not sure if he used his teeth's, but I liked the sound of it). Well once he was finished he jumped on his horsepower and went to the Federal post, where he shipped it pf to Denmark. I'm not really sure from there, but either a noisy bird or a ship brought it over the Ocean to Europe, home of the Vikings, that once discovered America, in their beautiful ships. In Denmark it was delivered to an old grumpy Viking, former master builder and a playful set of hands. He cut up a cow (or at least some skin from it), then shaped and made it into sheaths, so the knifes should not go bare or freeze at night (come on MaFe, you are loosing it)... Ok, back on track, once the sheaths were made, MaFe could ware his on one of his many hammock tours into the forests of Denmark and on his way there, he went to deliver the other knife to the Danish postal service, so they could send it back over the ocean, to Dave (who now we are waiting for it to arrive).
They were both so happy for the story and so they SPRAD (past participle of spread) the word, of how wonderful it is, to be kind to one another, from time to time.
Big smile.
(If you did not get it then look at highlighted letters in the text above).


Here they are, the SPRAD knifes.
Fine knifes with laminated Swedish steel, Russian bark handles.
The one on top is Daves, he like a good grip on his knifes.
Under is mine, after I reshaped the handle to fit my hand, but keep the shape of Daves.


Mine before reshaping.


Knifes, knifes and another knife.
(Last one laminated steel and made by me here in Denamark).


As you can see this is a good fit in my hand.


To my surprise Daves knife is really comfortable too, the bulky handle will make it easy to carve for hours without getting tired.


In the pack from Dave, I also found some fine wood and a wonderful kind letter.
Thank you Dave.


I had the luck, to borrow our LJ buddy Kærlighedsbamsen summerhouse and the first thing I did, when I got there, were to start sketching ideas for the sheaths.
I had to make a design, that would fit both shapes and that were in Scandinavian tradition, so it would make sense I made them here in Denmark.
So I decided to go for the traditional back sewn sheath type, with a cone shape.


Sitting on the porch, looking at the workshop.


As always, I'm working on several projects at once, when doing leather work.


In Ty's workshop, leather roll, longbow, meditation stool, pipe tobacco, some of my tools, a mouse trap bucket and finally the wonderful atmosphere Ty has created here. What more can a man wish for?
(My girlfriend came on and off, to visit).


Looking out into the garden.


On the top of the sketch you can see the name idea taking form and also sketches of shape, before the final one.


And yes, the knifes now good short wooden sheaths.
This is so I can shape the leather to the right form, since I want that cone shape and this is also a traditional way of making Scandinavian sheaths.


With pieces of paper, the shape is found and made into a template.
Just folding it around the knife and adding some for sewing.


Time to cut.
Hopefully not a toe…


Leather cut to shape.


Protecting the blades.


Vaseline are put on the parts than can rust.


Wrapped in plastic wrapping.


Leather is soaked, so it gets soft and workable.


Gatherd on the back side.


Edge marked.


Sewing line found.


Holes for sewing are made.


Sewing time.
The little antler thing, is a tool I made and use to compress the leather, this is a process, where you keep going over the whole sheath, compressing the leather again and again, as it dries, like this you get a sheath, hard as wood (huge work, but well worth it).


Some classical music, tobacco in the pipe and time fly.


Impossible not to smile here.


Daves knife.


I think I pulled the shape off, it suits the bulky handle.


The back is cut to desired size and all edges get a tour with the edging tool.


While the knifes are drying, it's time to start working on the belt loops.
Strips of leather cut.
Same as the sheaths, so notice how the texture and even color changed, after working the leather.


Three holes are made on each side of the stitching.


The Devil is in the detail.


Loops are soaked and braided into the sheaths.


Like this.


Loops in place, stich holes made.


Yes this will hold them in place once dry, no glue, just friction.


MaFe punched into the leather.


Stitching.


And still working the leather, from time to time, with the antler tool.


Tadddaaaa, three sheaths made.
The one on left, is without the internal wood sheath.


Time to die…. dye I mean.


Just a light brown, to add life to the leather.


Smiles.
Even I'm a wee worried, since the extremely warm weather makes the leather dry out too fast.
This can lead to the sheaths getting too small, and then it's all over…


Last step, is to apply leather fat and wax, this might help to hold some moisture.
Finally a polish.
It worked, the sheaths did get a wee tight, but I took a little of my handles thickness and then it was all fine again.
Also the closure on the back opened a wee, so that was glued together and the disaster was avoided.
Happy monkey here.


So back in my own workshop.
Notice there's a cardboard box on the table.


Let's zoom in…


Yeps, it's a box, that will now travel back to America.
I will pray to the Ocean, that it will arrive safe.

Thank you Dave for making this little blog possible and for putting some magic into life.
Thank you who reads this, for sharing our joy.

You can see the knifes here on Daves post about how they were made.

Hope it can be to some inspiration and to see that SPRAD joy is the biggest joy off all.

Best thoughts,

MaFe
 
#777 ·
Amazing wood carving

Amazing wood carving
gift from a dear friend

A gift that needed a proper post, in my gift from friend blog series.
(Don't really know why I did not post it here in the first place).

This summer my dear friend Andy (LJ Brit), were supposed to come and visit me in Copenhagen, we had a plan about spending time in my workshop and take a road trip to my allotment house also, but Covid-19 stopped our plans for now. I'm hoping the vaccines will soon make it possible to travel again, might even be the upcoming summer, if I'm lucky. Smiles.

But Andy had a wee surprise up his sleve… a gift he had planned to bring, but the postman delivered instead.


As everything with Andy, every detail is thought out, so the joy started when unpacking.
My God I laughed.
Then I went to find a screwdriver…


Wohhhhoooooo!!!!
Look at what comes out of the wonderful pack.
Notice how well packed this is?


How can you not love Andy?


And yes he can always make one laugh.


Here you see it, the amazing carving.
I smile each time I look at it and send a thought to Andy and all the hares that are running around on the fields and sometimes even in my garden here.


Look at that level of detail, honestly Andy, I feel sure I could never be that patient, you are not only skilled, but also have an amazing patience and will.


Just wauuuu.


Andy wrote this about the carving:
The Three Hares is an ancient symbol that has been found in old architecture (mainly religious) in England, France, Germany, Italy, Iran, China and nobody really knows where it originated and how it came to appear in such diverse locations. You can Google it if you want to look into the design further. It is basically an optical illusion whereby there are three hares and there are three ears, yet each hare appears to have two ears.


It's hanging in my allotment, over the dinner table, so I have enjoyed it every day this summer.
It was my plan to take it home for the winter, but it felt wrong, it was like it had become a part of the house, so I look forward to see it, once a month in the weekends when I will come there during the winter, to check on the house.


As you can see here Andy, it has become a part of my every day summer life.

Dear Andy, I have said it a few times, but I will like to say it again, I am so touched, that you choose to give me this first carving, I am grateful for every moment you put into it, but even more for your generosity.
A big warm smile, look forward to when we can meet up again.
(I'm a wee jealous on that plane you send me a picture of the other day - what a beauty).

You can read more about the carving and Andys work here on his post: https://www.lumberjocks.com/projects/414933

Best of my thoughts from my heart,
Mads
 
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