new woodturnings

This candle holder was turned last week and I just finished the wood burned design on the top. I had this design in my head and I'm happy with the way it came out. The house is busy right now getting ready for our last show of the year, lots of creativity in the air, you can almost hear it humming. Love it!

This was my latest turning project. I got tired of my factory shifting knob rattling when I sat at a stop light or idling somewhere, so I turned this new knob, out of a piece of birch I had in the barn.

Already had the wood burner warmed up, so I just had to burn my shift pattern on there, and when I started the truck there was no more rattle. I like this kind of turning project because every time I drive now, I will have my hand on something, that my hands made.

Snowman Gathering

They're finished! What a good looking bunch huh? My painter/designer dropped these off today and I think you will agree she did a fantastic job!

I like the fact that each one has his own distinctive look. As I've said before, when I turn a piece on the wood lathe, each one comes out a little different. It's only fitting that each snowman's face and look is different. That's what makes handmade so special.

Remember these guys?

I turned these, among other trees and snowmen, almost a year ago! My wonderfully talented mother has had this snowman since last winter, and a couple of months ago she said he was about done, with the exception of his arms. Last week I gave her a box containing the remaining trees and gave her the go ahead to use her judgement and finish them off also. Today these were waiting for me when I got home and all I can say is wow!

I have a feeling these will not last very long at any craft show Robin goes to, so I may have to wait for the Christmas in the Country tour, to bring them out. Since they are all handmade, each will be different, and I think when they are grouped together they will look great. Can you see a little display of these sitting together in a "snowy" setting. I told her I may have found a job for her, and she replied " I don't want a job, I just want to help". Ever modest, most loving, awesome job Mom!

A spurtle and a weedpot

New spurtle from the lathe. A spurtle is used to stir most anything but was originally used for stirring porage. This one is turned from Cherry and finished with a light coat of mineral oil.

Another weedpot from the Ash tree taken down a couple of months ago. I also turned a butter churn for my mother's corn husk doll. When we get the two together I will post pics.

New Weedpot from the lathe

I've had trouble in the past with the shape of weedpots, but this one came out more the way I want them to.

This is turned from a limb of the Ash tree that I took down a few weeks ago.

I think I will add some stain and see if I can get the grain to pop out a little bit. It is too blonde and bland the way it is. The new gouge worked beautifully and was a pleasure to use. The right tool makes the difference that's for sure.

Big mushroom from the Lathe

The mushroom on the right was turned a little while ago and I had several people question how big it was. When I told them it was only about 3" tall, they seemed dissapointed. So tonight I turned this mushroom of about 8" and much bigger around, and I will see what kind of reaction it brings. I enjoy the challenge of turning something different and also finding what people like.

New Mushroom

New mushroom from the wood my Brother-in-Law gave me. Love the grain, don't love the blurry picture though. There will be more of these to follow.

Rolling Pin

I found this long blank of Cherry downstairs today, and decided to make it round!

First I round the blank...........

Then layout where the handles will be using Robin's rolling pin as a guide.

With a coat of mineral oil, it is finished.

Robin's is on the top, mine on the bottom. Major differences are shape of handles and Robin's handles are hooked to a rod that passes through the pin's body, and spin freely. Mine is all one solid piece and you let it spin in your hands. We watched the movie Julie & Julia last night and the rolling pins Julia Childs used did not have handles, they were just a rounded, tapered stick. I suppose like all of my latest turnings these will all differ some, part of the uniqueness of handmade.

Latest from the lathe

This vase is made from a piece of wood that my brother-in-law gave me when we were at his house for Easter. I believe it is Mulberry, as I have turned it in the past, but I'm not 100 percent sure. The ladder it is sitting on is another project Robin and I finished yesterday.

Very interesting grain pattern, I have added a poly finish and will post final pics when it's done.

And finally, a new garden dibber. It is used for planting seeds or bulbs and the lines are 1" apart for easy reference to the depth. More to follow as time allows.

Little Dipper

Today I turned a honey dipper and realized how long it's been since I last turned one.
I picked up a nice piece of Cherry about 3 weeks ago, and after some passes through the table saw, I have some blanks for turning.


I finished this with mineral oil and then, while it was still on the lathe, I applied bees wax and polished it with a paper towel.

And of course my trusty companion Eve was outside waiting for me. Waiting for me to throw a ball or frisbee for her that is.

Another Mortar and pestle

The latest design of mortar and pestle. These are starting to evolve and I will be making more. There is quite a bit of interest in these and as long as the temperature cooperates, I should be able to "turn" out a few more, pardon the pun.