Old Cedar Mantelpiece (1).

Remember Joe Flager's Dock?

[Photo: This old lumber is coming indoors]

Years ago I rescued a tonne of old western cedar from the Fenelon Falls landfill site. As a dock was being disassembled it was learned that to dispose of it legally (and, e.g., not throw it into the bushes) would cost a small fortune. A workman (my older son) on site called me in London, told me the situation, and I paid to have it shipped to my lumberyard, i.e., a shady spot under a blue spruce in my backyard.

And now, while making steady progress on three wee libraries, I am also working on a mantelpiece for two friends who live nearby - and I think a few pieces* of the old cedar have really found a great new home.

Two matching planks are glued and clamped together.

Now outside, three slats are glued to exposed faces:

More to follow, e.g., sanding, adding satin finish, snapping last photos before delivery : )

*many pieces have found their way into other projects, e.g., rustic birdhouses

Please link to Upcoming Projects "Workshop Chair and Matching Stool" 2

Photos GH

Workshop WHATSITZ 2.

Dressed for Winter.

[Photo: From the North Country. Always wears a toque]

The Workshop is unofficially a dozen years old, and I sure have collected a lot of wood and tools and bits and bobs and whatnots during those productive, entertaining years.

Q: What does one do with odds and ends that just can't be thrown out because one day - one day far away sometimes - one might find a use for them?

A: Make Whatsitz.

Please link to Workshop WHATSITZ 1.

Photos GH

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