In June of 2007 I did a wood and epoxy coaster study for Father’s Day.
I used a hand held router setup with my rotary tool to carve the recesses and feet on each coaster.
My Dad sent me a picture of the fish coaster, 17 years later, and the coaster has held up well living in a display case. Interestingly, the blue “feather” I drew on the hook has faded.
I had a long period of time in which Sculpey clay was my go-to medium. I found this photo from March 2007 of a thread cutter made from layered oven bake clay surrounding a wheel cutter blade with a brass wire loop. I formed each side of the cutter using a mold that I made, baked it, sanded it, then assembled it, probably with glue (tsk). The loop was properly made with a mechanical connection: prongs that went into holes in the clay.
I made several of these at one point. If I were to attempt to make them again, I would make sure there was a mechanical connection holding the blade between the sides. I’m sure the glue didn’t hold up to time or dropping.
In November of 2005 I made a wood and nail jig and produced several styles of wire snowflake ornaments.
It is quite satisfying the number of permutations that can be achieved with a single jig just by skipping an element or doubling the wire or adding beads in different places. I did move away from the black velvet for photos, but was having trouble with white balance using the cream colored felt. Yes, I could break out Photoshop and adjust them to all match, but I think the varied backgrounds are appropriate for a Throwback Thursday.
I don’t have the jig anymore, but it was a simple affair with nails driven through 1/8” or 1/4” plywood. I didn’t make any more wire snowflakes after this round because it was a pain and a twisting nightmare.
I went all out on this custom cribbage board back in December of 2004. I designed the Celtic knot triple path, shaped the oak board, carved storage recesses, installed hinges and a custom leather clasp, and even handmade the pins from twisted wire capped with blown glass.
Decembers before kids are a treasure trove of throwbacks. This board is pretty, but it hard to actually use, especially when there is alcohol involved. Those loops and whorls make counting a dizzy prospect.
I made this book stand in December of 2004 and graffitied it with pen, paint, and pyrography as an homage to Terry Prachett’s Disc World book series, specifically the wizard’s university library.
I finished the wood with a clear coat of urethane.
Critters and Craft 