first new work in new shop
john lucas
I finally got all the big tools in the shop and placed roughly where I want them. I'm sure things will change slightly when I start working on the dust collection and the pathways around the tools are better established. I still have a gazillion boxes to unpack but fortunately my lathe tools were easy to find.
I got a call the other day. The Governors wife saw my ornaments at the Craft Center and wants some for the mansion tree. They want 16. The craft center had 10 so I told them I would make some more. They only want to borrow them which is OK I suppose since they will get them back to me early December and I can sell them at the Craft Center. I will get to go to an artists reception at the Governors mansion which should be a lot of fun and of course give me some exposure.
I haven't turned since February so I was little shaky. I blew up half of the first 6 globes. Turning punky wood can be challenging when hollowing because you don't know how weak it is. However one was just my fault rushing too hard. By the time I got to the finials I was back in form and turning pretty clean.
the "ball" on the third one from the left wasn't sanded. I had turned it and hollowed and it had a weak top and broke off. Left a ragged 1/2" hole in the top and I figured I could save it. I thought I would sand it by hand but after looking at it I realized it was good enough straight off the tool to go as it was.
It sure feels good to be turning again. I turned some new Mushrooms. I was looking for a project for beginners to have fun with and modified a mushroom design to be used as either door knobs, ornaments, or just knick knacks. I used puff paint to put the dots on the knobs but it could be paint. Still want to play with these. They are quick if you buy quick drying spray paint.
And finally some older ornaments that will probably also go for the tree.
I'll post some photos of the shop when I get enough things put away so it doesn't look like a shop full of boxes.
