A rose by any other name...

When I first got a scroll saw I bought a couple of the Spielmann books, like most people I suppose. Enjoyed making many of their projects. But a Mother’s Day rolled around and I thought it would be nice to make a rose out of wood and they didn’t have any patterns for that. And so, for the first time I began the never ending, learning adventure of making my own patterns, experiencing the freedom of real creation and expression. From very humble beginnings, I’ve so far made about a half dozen of my own roses. The first pictured is one of my latest, the second towards the start of my journey (the only one I ever painted), and the last picture is of the very first. I’ve cut them out of solid wood (usually maple), but one of my preferred woods is 3/8” hardwood plywood that I obtain from castaway dresser and bureau drawers. After they’re cut, they’re every bit as fragile as “real” ones, but they won’t wilt! I generally give them away as gifts to special friends and family, but I did sell one once. I thought nothing of asking $50 for it. The guy thought that was steep, but I explained to him that was actually cheap. #1) It takes the better part of a day to make one and #2) A man could could easily spend anywheres from $80 to $120 for a dozen fresh roses for his sweetheart, and they’ll be in the trash by the end of the week! Plus, I explained, a single rose is more romantic, a dozen makes you look like you’re guilty of something! He bought it, and she loved it!

-- Mike in Manchester, NH---Unpleasant tasks are simply worthy challenges to improve skills.