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Shifting Priorities: Friday Update
I shift my focus this week away from the cabinet to make a little project I am donating to my kids school to auction off. I made some jewelry and a box for them to go in.
Improve Your Decision Making with the 90/10 Rule
The 90/10 rule is a simple way to break down decisions and make them based on life impact. If the decision causes a negative impact to 90% of your life while only being improved 10%, it’s probably not worth it. Read on to find out more about how you can apply it to your life and business.
Carcass Construction: Friday Update
This week I got to work on the carcass, completing the sides and preparing for full case assembly. Next week this piece will start to look like a cabinet!
Modifying Design for Efficiency
There are times when an idea doesn’t pan out. It’s too complicated for it’s own good. By simplifying the design, execution excels and the end product improves. See how I simplify the design of these jewelry boxes to improve efficiency and the results.
The Cabinet Begins: Friday Update
After the launch of my wooden jewelry I received orders for 4 sets. This week I make those 4 sets and start preparing for my next big piece of furniture, a display cabinet for our player piano rolls. This is a much anticipated project. I designed it over a year ago and am finally ready to begin!
One Year of Blogging
A year of blogging in review. In this article I share what I learned and why I keep writing.
Floating Shelves, Lumber Yard, Earrings, and Volunteering: Friday Update
A hodgepodge week of random activities. I bought more lumber, which needed to sit in my shop before use. I finished a client job. I volunteered my services to Tigard Playschool. And I worked on more earrings, with a little experiment to improve my efficiency.
Black Walnut is Toxic for Dogs
Beware. One of the most beautiful woods used by all YouTube woodworkers is a neurotoxin, for dogs. I’ll explain the symptoms and what to do if your dog has been affected by black walnut and I’ll share my story about how I, or rather my dog Ginger, found out.
Black Walnut Earrings and The Roll Cabinet Begins: Friday Update
After the launch of my wooden jewelry I received orders for 4 sets. This week I make those 4 sets and start preparing for my next big piece of furniture, a display cabinet for our player piano rolls. This is a much anticipated project. I designed it over a year ago and am finally ready to begin!
Bookcase vs Bookshelf: What’s the Difference?
Terminology is important. That’s why I did some research on the terms bookcase and bookshelf so I knew what to call a bookcase I made. Here’s what I found and my definitions and differentiation between the two terms.
Working With Live Edge Slabs: Friday Update
Working with live edge wood has it’s unique challenges, and surprising pleasures such as discovering interesting grain and coveted chatoyancy.
What is Chatoyancy?
Ever look at a really cool piece of wood and notice how it is shimmery or wavy? Ever wonder what that is? It is called chatoyancy, fancy right? Chatoyancy is the visual effect when a two dimensional object looks three dimensional because of the coloring or properties of the piece. In this article I will explain what causes it and why the tree decided it would form these pretty patterns for us to enjoy.
Christmas Stocking Trees
A Trip to Astoria: Friday Update
Light week in the shop, but a break is good, especially when it inspires and excites creativity.
Introducing KB Wood Jewelry
Three Part Finish: Friday Update
This week I finish two stocking trees, make an army of mini elephants, and edit video.
Why are my Boards Leaking Sap and How to Fix it
Sap leaking out of a board? Don’t panic, grab the heat gun and get to work crystalizing that sap so it stops running.
A Sappy Post about Christmas Trees: Friday Update
This week I start a new project, encounter sap and show you how to fix it, and build two trees.
The Ellie Bookcase
As I reflect on the making of The Ellie Bookcase I wanted to share what I did, why I did it that way, and my lessons learned to improve next time. This article will give you a glimpse beyond what I shared in the build video, for those curious folks who might want to try making one of their own.
Completing the Bookcase: Friday Update
This week I finish a bookcase, solve the base problem, make a side project, start a new client build, and light relics of past projects on fire.