Workshop WHATSITZ 1.

WTHeck?

[Photo: What to do with an ancient wooden peg?]

WHATSITZ are a brand new category of projects made in the workshop - unusual items, I know - but it isn't likely a mystery how the idea originated.

Most people have likely seen several types of objects made from left over bits, cast aside metal, odd hunks of lumber, etc., and my workshop is no different that most shops around the world. Odds and ends fill shelves and nooks and crannies and beg for attention at end of day - occasionally.

 Bicycle spokes get a new life in a Varmint

 "Here's lookin' at you, Kid."

 AKA "The Red Patootie"

"With a face only a mother could love"

Oh, yeah. Stay tuned for more.

Please link to Artsy Fartsy Bicycle Gear 1

Photos GH

GH Model - Western "Red" Cedar (2).

I have the feeling that the shop door will close early this year. I have enough stock on shelves and energy for one final sale, closer to Christmas, and other projects (re writing, book publishing) are lining up like ducks in a row.

So, this red-roofed GH model will likely be my last birdhouse for 2017.

And according to recent emails, my first two projects in 2018 may very well be Purple Martin houses. Yipes. Next year could start off with a big bang!

Please link to GH Model - Western "Red" Cedar.

Photos GH

GH Model - Western "Red" Cedar.

[Photo: I say, more red is required]

This may be the last birdhouse I build in 2017. My last sale will be held Sunday at Gathering on the Green II and my supply of finished models (stored on basement shelves) is healthy. 

So, when I looked the birdhouse roof yesterday I said, "Varnish or red paint? Varnish or red paint?"

Yeh, I went with red paint. 

Good choice?

Please link to GH Model - Classy Cedar

Photos GH

One Down, Four to Go.

Repaired.... Check.

If you look for previous damage you won't find it. I say, it's as good as new.

The new door works like a charm, and the original signage looks AOK with fresh paint here and there. 

The freshly made support platform and collar will, hopefully, keep the library in place for many years of good use.

Delivery and installation TBD.

Four other libraries are still inside the workshop. One needs just a bit of paint and a new placement for the door latch. 

 A 'free' library will soon be 'A Wee Library'.

A bit more paint on the front door is required. Then.... voila!

Delivery and installation next week, I bet.

Please link to Things A-Poppin'.

Photos GH

Things A-Poppin'.

Inside the Shop.

[Photo: Projects lined up like ducks in a row]

With a sale coming in a few days (Gathering on the GreenII, Sunday, August 20, 11 - 5 p.m.), I'm a busy boy, trying to keep my head on straight.

Here's hoping good progress continues on five 'little libraries' (two require repairs, minor and major; three are new and are in progress from the ground up), a cedar birdhouse, frames for a neighbour's lovely art pieces, and more.

 One last cedar house for The Green

 A neighbour's 10 by 10-inch frames, pine and plywood.

 A little library, minus cedar slats for the roof

 Two libraries hide more items stacked up on the table.

Hmmm. Do I have time to make another condo?

To observers it may look like I'm racing against the clock some afternoons, but I actually have my to-do list under control. Once the two libraries are repaired - this afternoon maybe (unless I motorcycle to Port Bruce for a swim) - I'll have room to move about in a more relaxed fashion.

And I'll leave the condo idea until 2018!

Please link to GH Model - Classy Cedar

Photos GH

Swap Box Scene 6.

A Door Knob, a Latch, a Dab of Paint.

We're 5 minutes away from saying, "Voila!"

After I added signage to the door and top of the swap box with screws, I dabbed a bit of plastic wood overtop screw heads, to hide them from view.

The dabs need time to dry before I sand them down and add the final dab - or two or three - of paint to the signs.

 The whole ensemble.

 Solid and colourful pole, platform and ground anchor.

Sharp-eyed viewers will also notice the door knob is missing (while paint dries on the door) and a front door latch is still required.

Five minutes. 1 2 3. That's all that's needed.

Final photos coming up.

Please link to Swap Box Scene 5.

Photos GH

GH Model - Classy Cedar

[Photo: Melon scoop makes a solid perch]

The cedar boards I purchase from Home Depot have a finished and unfinished side and either can face outward on a GH birdhouse and make a presentable appearance. (Above: The unfinished side, lightly sanded and displaying four grooves added by table saw blade).

Two coats of spar varnish are added before all the colourful 'whatnots'.

 Strips of western cedar stand out nicely when varnished.

Did I use enough red paint? : )

Will the 'whatnots' attract a bird's attention? We shall see. 

Please link to GH Model Stirs the Pot

Photos GH

Swap Box Scene 5.

Moving Along Nicely.

Solid door and lots of signage and trim.

The plexiglass door is not only assembled and attached, it opens and closes smoothly - no mean trick.

This week I have been adding second coats of paint to signage and the support system (i.e., the ground anchor, platform, collar, wooden pole), and when seen all together it looks somewhat like a colourful jigsaw puzzle.

The yellow pole will be attached both to a ground anchor

and a yellow platform with blue collar.

Second coats dry. A birdhouse, two more swap boxes and

'little library' await their turn, sitting in the background.

Blue collar and platform are assembled, atop two swap boxes. Signage dries.

What piece goes where? All will be revealed in good time. Say, by the end of the week.

Final touches to follow.

Please link to Swap Box Scene 4.

Photos GH

Country Rustics.

[Photo: Unpainted pine birdhouse on a fence line in Norwich]

I placed five birdhouses on fence posts surrounding a cemetery north of Norwich a few years ago. They are holding up well, better than the fence posts.

On a recent motorcycle ride I snapped a few pictures of them while adding fresh screws, to hold them firmly in place - upon rotting posts - for another year or so.

 Sparrows like this old house.

Jim Palmer's barn. Lots of nice lumber there for birdhouses!

It looks like all have been used, just when I cannot tell, and a few sparrows are still calling them home.

Please link to Vintage Trailer Birdhouse 1

Photos GH

GH Model Stirs the Pot

Red paint on western red cedar turns my crank, and roomy GH models (similar in a few ways to world-famous JR Davidson models made from teak and aluminum) are - in my humble opinion - pretty special places to hang your hat, if you're a bird.

I have two more GH models to finish by mid-August, along with 6 more (modified) JR models. They will likely be the last birdhouses I build for 2017.

Do I have enough red paint left in the can?

More to follow.

PLease link to First Batches of the Birdhouse Season (10).

Photos GH