Popular Woodworking 2004-12 № 145, страница 12
Out on a Limb Reduce the Scrap Pile; Increase the Joy Regardless of your woodworking skill level, you ought to be planning now what proj -ects you'll be making to present as holiday gifts this season. And if you aren't in the habit of making at least a few items for gift giving, I strongly urge you to consider it. The rewards are plenty for you, and a handcrafted project from your shop will bring certain pleasure to the lucky recipient. The projects don't need to be large or time-consuming. I'd consider making a "production run" of five to 10 of the same item and look at the project as a change of pace from your typical work in the shop. You might even find a way to reduce the size of that pile of scrap wood you've been squirreling away. The kind of scrap you have may suggest ideas of how best to use it. Offcuts of maple, birch or cherry could become handcrafted cutting boards (use different species for accents). Lef tover dowels could be converted to paper towel holders. Small pieces of leftover figured wood make gorgeous small boxes. Let the size of the piece determine the size of the box. If you think ahead, you may want to consider making handcrafted gifts along a theme, thereby making a "collection" over the years for those on your gift list. A couple examples to consider are in this issue. Turn to page 88 and look at the turned decorative birdhouse by Dale Nish. Dale is a master turner and is largely credited for the resurgence in the craft of woodturning in the United States during the past three decades. For a number of years, Dale has created a different decorative birdhouse then made a number of copies to present to family and friends. Another "collection" gift concept is spindle ornaments like those presented by Judy Ditmer on page 35. These ornaments need not be used exclusively as holiday decorations, but can be displayed on hangers year round. While these examples are both from the lathe, the collectible concept can be applied to "flat" woodworking, too. The handcrafted gift concept can even be contagious. At our house last year, we decided to remove a lot of the commercialism from our gift giving. So each family member exchanged gifts that came from their own hands. Even the kids got involved, and it was a terrific experience for everyone. Personally, the idea of making gifts appeals to me. I'd much rather spend my spare time in the shop than in the shopping mall. Logging some hours in the shop making gifts puts me more in the holiday spirit than slogging through the crowds, wandering from store to store to find just the right gift for every individual on my list. And for those on the receiving end of your shop time, you can be sure your handmade gift will be appreciated and remembered far longer than just about any "store bought" gift. I'm always pleasantly surprised and more than a little flattered when years after giving a gift, when I have long forgotten even making it, I "rediscover" the project in the home of the friend or relative. So this year, while there's time enough left to get the j ob done, get busy in your shop and make some holiday gifts that truly are the kind that keep on giving. You'll be glad you did, and so will your loved ones. PW Steve Shanesy Editor & Publisher CONTRIBUTORS DALE L. NISH Dale Nish's list of achievements, which includes a lifetime achievement award from the American Association of Woodturners, is long. A professional turner, instructor and author of three landmark turning books, Dale has traveled the world to promote the craft. Much of his time is spent working with fellow turners and rarely does he leave a turner's shop without purchasing a piece of their work. And Dale still turns regularly him self. Each year, as part of a much-loved tradition, he gives an ornament to family and friends. With the holidays quickly approaching, Dale is working on his next birdhouse-ornament design. For detailed plans of a previous year's design, turn to page 88. JUDY DITMER In 1985, furniture maker Judy Ditmer attended a turning conference at Arrow-mont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlin-burg, Tenn. It was, she says, like a religious conversion. When she returned home, she fired up her Shopsmith, quit the furniture making business and hasn't looked back. Although she took a few courses at Arrowmont, Judy is almost entirely self-taught. "I just took to turning like a duck to water," she says. "The nonlinear aspect of it is perfect for me." Sculptural wall pieces, jewelry and bowls are her favorite items to turn. But her tops, ornaments and boxes pay the bills. Recently, Judy helped us test mini lathes. Find out her favorites on page 76. Our Privacy Promise to You We make portions of our customer list available to carefully screened companies that offer products and services we believe you may enjoy. If you do not want to receive offers and/or information, please let us know by contacting us at: List Manager, F+W Publications 4700 E. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236 100 Popular Woodworking December 2004 |
