Creative Woodworks & crafts 2009-04, страница 62

We applied lots of clamps, and let it set until dry.

Gluing all of the parts into place was a tedious task. Working from top to bottom, we glued each piece and any necessary spacers into position. The process involved applying glue to the backs and adjoining edges of the pieces, pressing them into place, separating them for several seconds to allow the glue to tack up, applying additional glue to areas where glue had been absorbed, and pressing them back into place. After gluing a few pieces together, we covered them with clean, soft rags and set heavy objects on top to hold them in place for several minutes, or until we felt that the glue had set up.

We used four 8-oz. bottles of Franklin -

Titebond molding and trim glue to assemble our project.

We had planned to use Watco oil on this project because it really brings out the natural colors of the wood. However, it has a tendency to make white woods look a little yellowish, and we wanted the lighthouse and beam of light to remain as white as possible. After experimenting with a few other finishes, we decided that Minwax fast-drying polyurethane would work best for our purposes. We started out by spraying on a thin coat of clear satin finish, but it really didn't produce the look we had hoped for. We switched to a semi-gloss version, and applied four coats of it, sanding lightly between applications to smooth it out. We then gave the final coat a good rub down using pieces of a brown paper bag. This produced a gorgeous sheen that begged to be touched!

Lastly, we devised a method to hang the heavy project on four 3/4" x 3-1/2" x 40" red oak boards. One edge of each board was sawn at a 45° bevel. Using glue and screws, we attached one board to the back of the project near the top and one near the bottom, with the beveled edges pointing down. The other two boards were screwed to the studs in the wall, with beveled edges pointing up. Mating the opposing beveled edges holds the project securely and safely against the wall.

We installed the project in the Health Lodge on September 5, 2008. It had been a remarkable project from beginning to end, and it touched our hearts in many ways. Working on it opened our eyes to a much greater appreciation for the art of intarsia, and gave us a better understanding and great appreciation for the Lions Club organization. We hope you have enjoyed reading our story; hopefully it will be helpful to you in tackling intarsia projects of your own. We also hope it will encourage you to support the efforts of your local Lions Club members. Next time you see them in their yellow vests, take a minute to say thanks for all they do to serve others!

For questions concerning this article, send a SASE to: Dirk Boelman, P.O. Box 701, Platteville, Wl 53818; or email: dirkdraws@centurytel.net.

Wisconsin Lions Camp

The Wisconsin Lions Camp was established in 1956. It consists of 440 acres, with a 45-acre private lake, many trails, numerous cabins, a lodge for large groups, the health lodge, recreation center, dining hall, and more.

A summer camp program is reserved for children who are blind and visually impaired, deaf and hard-of-hearing, have Type I and Type II Diabetes, or have mild cognitive disabilities. Separate sessions are set up to group children with like disabilities. This makes the sessions more comfortable for children, and enables the camp to offer programs that best meet the needs and interests of the special campers being served.

An amazing staff serves, teaches, guides, and nurtures each camper. Typical activities include swimming, canoeing, sailing, paddle boating, inner tubing, kayaking, rowing, fishing, archery, crafts, nature programs, sports and games, overnight camping and cookouts, canoe trips, hiking trips, challenge courses and much more! All program activities are targeted to the child's abilities and are paced accordingly to provide each camper with a memorable experience.

While safety and proper instruction are an important part of all camp activities, fun and enjoyment are the key elements that run throughout the total camp program. The program provides opportunities for children to grow in their interests, live and interact successfully with others, and foster self-confidence and independence.

The Wisconsin Lions Camp also provides outdoor recreational opportunities for adults with visual or hearing disabilities, and offers two types of family camps: one for families who have a member who is deaf/hard-of-hear-ing, or blind/visually impaired; and one for members who are mild cognitively disabled or physically disabled.

In addition, the Lions Camp provides retreat and conference" services for schools, non-profit organizations, businesses, and other groups. The camp assists groups in meeting their needs by offering a wide variety of services for educational events, recreational activities, training, teambuilding, environmental education, and much more.

All revenue generated by the Retreat and Conference Center Programs is used to fund the summer camp programs, which are offered at no cost to Wisconsin youth and adults with disabilities.