Down in the basement are twelve or thirteen years of memories, of projects completed and hanging proudly around the backyard or sitting in the kitchen. I am really not that handy. I could never make a fine piece of furniture with dovetail joints and a fine finish, but I have done my share of birdhouses, step stools, shelves, and racks.
I am quite accomplished at installing complete door assemblies (including one French door to the deck), baseboards, and toilets!
One of my fondest creations is probably the oldest and is currently beginning to deteriorate down by the lake. It is a sixteen room, two-story, Martin house, and is the only thing I’ve ever made from a blueprint. It took several weeks of tedious labor to finish, and raising it high atop of a 4X4X16 almost took my shoulder off (hey, maybe that’s the reason for my problems now…mmmm).
My most accomplished piece is a solid oak step stool I made for my wife. I used biscuit joints, routed the edges, and rubbed it to a shinny finish. The stool is not a masterpiece. However, it was made with love and will out last us both by a hundred years or so.
When I look at these photos, or rummage around the basement I remember the times Katie and I spent there. I would cut out the birdhouse parts on the table-saw and my granddaughter (Katie Bug) would help me assemble and paint them. Once I was stapling an aluminum roof on one and I buried a staple in the palm of my hand. I took a deep breath, pointed to the stairs, Katie ran up the stairs and closed the door so I could finally scream out and cuss myself! She knew her Papaw well!
Believe me; it took some restraint because that hurts like crap!
Each rough little piece means a lot to me and I hope to Katie Bug. It was quality time spent with someone I love with all my heart.
Thanks for the help Katie Bug.
I am quite accomplished at installing complete door assemblies (including one French door to the deck), baseboards, and toilets!One of my fondest creations is probably the oldest and is currently beginning to deteriorate down by the lake. It is a sixteen room, two-story, Martin house, and is the only thing I’ve ever made from a blueprint. It took several weeks of tedious labor to finish, and raising it high atop of a 4X4X16 almost took my shoulder off (hey, maybe that’s the reason for my problems now…mmmm).
My most accomplished piece is a solid oak step stool I made for my wife. I used biscuit joints, routed the edges, and rubbed it to a shinny finish. The stool is not a masterpiece. However, it was made with love and will out last us both by a hundred years or so.
When I look at these photos, or rummage around the basement I remember the times Katie and I spent there. I would cut out the birdhouse parts on the table-saw and my granddaughter (Katie Bug) would help me assemble and paint them. Once I was stapling an aluminum roof on one and I buried a staple in the palm of my hand. I took a deep breath, pointed to the stairs, Katie ran up the stairs and closed the door so I could finally scream out and cuss myself! She knew her Papaw well!
Believe me; it took some restraint because that hurts like crap!
Each rough little piece means a lot to me and I hope to Katie Bug. It was quality time spent with someone I love with all my heart.
Thanks for the help Katie Bug.
14 comments:
You know she will always remember those days...
Looks just like the kind of workshop I hope to have some day. :)
Great birdhouses! I just might have to make some of our own, once we get all moved in and settled in to the slightly bigger adobe.
Ok that basement is just too doggone organized! It's wrong, I tells ya!
When will you come over here and teach hubby to do all those things?
Just wanted to thank you again for the nomination to the 2006 Blogger Halo Awards. Right Truth came in second, and Angel of Woman Honor Thyself came in first. I guess it's only natural that 'Angel' should get the Halo.
Thanks again.
We've always got at least one or two projects underway at our place! We've been redoing our upstairs bath for the last few months; sure hope to finish it sometime this year!! *L*
Well, at least you can make a joint in wood that actually fits! When I try to fit-up a wood project, I can cut it three times, and it's STILL too short! Now, on the other hand, if it's made of metal, hey, I'll hammer it, weld it, and MAKE IT FIT...!(It ain't failed me yet!)
My father in law makes all kinds of things with wood and I prefer to display those than the ones you can buy at the store. Something about knowing he made them with his hands, best of all with love. Me, I am not that handy or creative.
Cool shop. Nice post. You weave a great picture in my head my friend.
Thunder Mule? Is that a name the wife gave ya?
Thunder Mule is a name my brother game my '89 Mustang! I liked it.
It's awesome. I may have to steal it.
That staple incident sounds painful! I think that's great that you can make things for your family -- I've yet to find my "gift."
Thunder-Mule. Now THAT title has all sorts of possibilities! Opens-up the book for all sorts of variations....
Thanks folks for checking out my shop - it's one of my favorite places in the house, besides the screened-in-porch.
Katie Bug sounds like a grand girl, indeed. Smart, too!
I don't think you have to be a master-builder to find the joy in putting wooden things together - sounds like you've done it just right!
Post a Comment