Last year my youngest and I assembled and painted a small wood birdhouse. I sprayed a clear coat of UV protection on it and left it in the garage to dry, for a year. The year was not intentional, life got busy, and whenever I would see it in the garage I was on a different mission. Then iNaturalist popped up a message that it is chickadee breeding season and showed a bird house the same size as the one we had in the garage. That was my sign.
Photo description: small blue and green bird house hung on ropes running under the tree branches
I found a length of chain and a spring hook and attached the bird house about 7 feet above the ground at the back side of the yard. I can just barely see the small house from my kitchen table, so now we wait and see if any birds find it acceptable.
I did forget to bring a spindle when I went on my trip north. Horrifying, I know. I rallied by finding a smooth stick and screwed in a cup hook at the end.
Photo description: smooth stick with a metal hook on the end
Using a stick with a hook is actually my preferred method to teach people spinning. It slows down the twist, making it easier to see and control.
In March of 2017 I hand carved and painted a fishing lure for my Dad.
Photo description: carving a basswood lure blank with a pocket knife and cut resistant glovePhoto description: sanding down the blank, started with 100 grit, 220 grit shownPhoto description: air brush setup with lure mounted on a wire for controlPhoto description: base coats of paints appliedPhoto description: fishnet stocking pulled tight over the lure blank to mask for painting scalesPhoto description: finished airbrush painting
I did coat the lure in a water proof gloss finish, but didn’t take a picture at the time. Below is a picture of the lure in 2026.
Photo description: gloss coated hand carved and painted wood fishing lure, approximately 4” long, 9 years old
In February 2017 I was experimenting with my new air brush. I tried a design out on paper, then did it on a plank of wood.
Photo description: airbrushed painting on paper of a sandy beach with waves and the quote “The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea.” -Isak Dineson
For the words I used a stencil, then airbrushed in shadows.
Photo description: same theme airbrush painting on a live edge plank of pine
This was a gift for a friend. I did enjoy the airbrush, but set up and clean up is an involved process, so I don’t use it often.
I played my mandolin for a little while, until my fingers started to hurt. The top strings are thin and feel sharp. To deal with it I need some calluses.
“Calluses develop from repeated friction, rubbing or irritation and pressure on your skin.” (Cleveland Clinic)
Traditionally string players develop calluses from playing their instruments; one recommendation is to play for 10 minutes multiple times per day, rather than one long session. I would love to this, but my schedule doesn’t always allow for that, and I am easily distracted. I started to look for other ways to apply sharp pressure to my finger tips. I tried several home grown things, a block of wood wrapped with old guitar strings, a hand strengthener wrapped with wire, but they did not fit easily in my pocket and so would not be readily available throughout the day. I ended up making a triangular stick.
Photo description: two lengths of flame maple cut with a profile of right triangles, sealed with Howard’s Feed-N-Wax
I squared up a small piece of flame maple to 3/4”, then cut it down the middle to make two triangular shaped sticks. I sanded them to 320 grit and sealed the wood with feed-n-wax. I made two lengths, one to sit by my chair, and the shorter one to go in my pocket.
Photo description: gripping the triangular flame maple stick
To get the edge of the triangle to bite into my fingers, I place my thumb at the wide base and my fingers on the apex.
Photo description: grooves in my fingertips from gripping the wood, which are similar to how my fingers look after playing a string instrument
It takes a month to develop proper calluses, so I will update y’all later on the efficacy of this method. I can say that in the past few days I do pull out the stick (I need a better name) and use it several times a day. Even if calluses don’t develop, it makes a useful fidget.
Critters and Craft 