A bit of a Blur

Oh boy, it's been a bit of a blur here. I don't do so well with time changes and I've gone through two of them on this trip.
Well trip began with visiting one Dan M... DannyMac? hehahhe Looking through lumber, spinning around Vancouver, some coffee and beer. Went down to the beach to see where his chainsaw milling takes place. Pretty cool, I wouldn't mind being able to do the same now and again ;).
Thanks for your time and hospitality Dan!

Onwards/back to the school!
It was great to meet all the passionate crafts-people here, to reminisce on memories past, and taking some new memories for the future.
The program has changed a bit since I was there but the quality and underlying goals remain.
There is, of course, great working being done this year. I didn't get to pull my camera out on everyone's project but I snapped a few...

Raul is stationed at my old bench, it seems to treat him well. He is making a lovely little jewelry display case for his wife, a jewelry maker, of Boxwood and English Sycamore. Above is one of his panels getting applied edges.

Meredith across from him is working on a lovely Danish inspired low console/coffee table. I think those through tenons are going to look pretty hot Meredith! ha!

Jesse is making a pipe wall cabinet of Caltalpa and Black Limba. I haven't been the biggest fan of either of these species, but these planks coming together in this cabinet of his is looking mighty fine.

Melissa is making a desk not hugely different from the one I'm working on. Her's is of Kwila and Narra, with drawers coming from the sides.

This is a mini mock-up of Hong's. Very cool. I think it could be very successful as a coffee table.

Steve Wolf finished and presented the second of a mating pair of end table/cabinets of Zebrano and Walnut. Well done sir!

Andrea is working on a wall cabinet of Claro Walnut, Monterey Cypress, and Swiss Pear featuring a display area, and an enclosed space. Pretty sharp.

Dave is reproducing a rocking chair made by Roberts a number of years ago. A great chair it is.

Jay has been spending time on a media stand with drawers made of Kwila. His plank of Kwila is a bit cranky but it's looking good!

Christian, from Denmark, is a highly meticulous worker... a regular Craig Johnson heh. Making a small tool chest of Boxwood and Maple. These woods call for precision work and Christian is surely meeting the challenge.

Josh is a young man somewhat strikingly similar to myself and my mode of work... also a musician. He's tackling one of JK's silver chests. These Maple drawers will be set into a Spalted Maple carcass. Good luck Josh!
Kylle is working on a lovely little floor standing cabinet made of a familiar material to me heh... Euro Cherry. Great work Kylle. He can show you his work on his blog here: http://kylle221.wordpress.com.

Howard has had years of experience as a carver. I can see how the plank he selected and his form speak to him and each other. It may be a little tricky but it will be lovely in the end. I'm sure he'll be looking forward to making happy shavings after break.

I've also been reminded how awesome this little coffee grinder is! I want one!!!

Thanks to eveyone who made this trip possible and for the kindness, hospitality, conversations, inspirations... and the food haha ;). Please keep in touch and show me your projects when they're done!

It is coming time for me to leave the coast again which is a bittersweet affair. I love the land, people, and culture here. Especially the multitude of cultures drawn to the school. At the same time my shop and work are calling me. Also I am looking forward to get back to special lovely lady back home...

Return to The Creek

With my short trip to the Sunshine Coast fast approaching I found it more difficult to get work done in the shop. Had to tie some ends, had another gallery night, and spent some good time with the lady. However I did get SOME work done.
Above is the veneer being applied to the substrate in a jimmy rigged "press"... this time it didn't work out as well as I got some shaping out of said "press" that isn't quite flat. I do have some speculations why that I will address in the future. For now can make it work but it will require some extra attention.

Ahhhh smoothing that top! One thing I did miss about Walnut is it's workability! This air-dried selection seems to work particularly well... or it could just seem that way after coming from an Oak project :p.
Whatever the case, the top is looking pretty nice if I do say so myself, though it is due to the nature of the tree, not as much of my own work ;).
So it's time to leave this project, MN, the Midwest, the country for a couple weeks.

I'll be back Mr. Desk, I promise, but for now I'm back in Roberts Creek, BC, Canada. Here to do my best to help out at the school (IP)! Should be an interesting, challenging, and inspiring time!
Alas I forgot how late things get going around here on Sundays ha. Can't get that Gumboot Granola till 11:00!