Opening packages is FUN!

I love to get the mail. It is fun - even if it is only junk mail. I'm still a big kid at heart and I never tire of surprises. I put the key in the lock and give it a turn... then peer inside to see what surprises lay in hiding. Even better is when a giant truck backs down the drive. I guide him up the long winding drive then stop him on the cement pad, forklift idling in wait. We roll up the big door and glimpse inside to see what surprises lurk in the dark.

Today was such a day. Today, our big supply of Precision Board arrived from California. Three large pallets - almost five and a half TONS in all. This is the material we use in many of our projects. This supply was enough to keep us being creative for a LONG, LONG time.

This load was special, for it contained large blocks of this material that we will use with our new four axis MultiCam router.

My good neighbor Gord did more than just lend me his forlift, he offered to help unload as well. I know he too is a BIG kid inside and loves deliveries just as much as I, so I allowed him to play in our yard. I was glad he was there for this was a challenging load to get off the truck. We had fun for almost an hour before it was all off safely! Then he had to go do his chores while I used the forklift to bring it all into the shop.

For the next two hours I unpacked, sorted and piled our supply. It was way more fun than actually working!

Now the real fun can begin once more. There is enough Precision Board to make a WHOLE LOT of cool projects!

Stay tunes for what develops...

-grampa dan

HOME SWEET HOME

After many months of being out of the studio most work days, and lots of trips to far off places, it is time to be in the studio once more. I'm really liking the idea! 

Each time I return from a trip or job, it takes me a couple of days to adjust. I have to bring my head back to this place and settle into my routine once more. Initially there are things that need to be put away, countless emails, messages and chores to catch up on. Then as I settle down I can relax, kick my shoes off, put my feet on the heat register under my desk and get down to designing and creating once more.

It feels good to be really home once more at last!

-grampa dan

Going through the list

Now, as the Fox and Hounds project is substancially done, it is time to draw up a list and then go through it one by one and totally finish things off. Most of this work will be done in our shop. 

Today I started in on that work. The sign that honors the contractor on the project was the project I sculpted. It is now ready for final paint. A second copy of the sign will be presented to the team at the grand opening celebration to be held in January.

The sign features Harold Fine Wines - Since 1655. Harold Esau, the owner was born in 1955, hence the date on the sign. Since the sign is for the pub project we made it into a wine label. Quality and Honesty sum up the Harold's team approach to constructionand business. The crown ay the top of the sign ties into the British theme of the pub. The sign will hang from a gable end of one of the rooflines above the pub fireplace.

This is but one of a number of such signs still to come, along with some directional signs and rule signs for the pub as required by the regulations. All will be dimensional of course. Our goal is to get as close to finish as possible before Christmas.

Stay tuned for progress pics...

-grampa dan