Happy New Year!

Happy New Year all!

The shop is quiet today, the first day of the New Year. I spent the day quietly sorting digital files in preparation for the installation of a new computer early next week. It was fun to review old pictures and projects from years ago.

As I walked through the shop on the way to my office I took a few pictures of the projects on the go including the dingy house. As the painters apply the many colors it is quickly coming alive - one of the most colorful features to date on this project. 

I love how the warms and cools interact and work together. The colors will get to be even more dramatic tomorrow when the final coats of color and then the glazes go on to tie it all together.

An exciting new year has begun! Stay tuned for a whole lot more...

It's been a wonderful year!

2015 proved to be our best year ever in many ways. We enjoyed a hardworking and happy crew who continually raised the bar creatively on every project.  Together we accomplished a great deal of work too.

Tonight as I looked around the shop for the last time this year I had to smile for the work I saw was second to none. The crew's work just gets better with each passing day and the results were scattered through the shop for me to see. The Walk the Plank sign was finished today and looks pretty cool. It will be added to the rest of the collection of attraction signs. Each sign is special and unique and each is over the top in its own way.

Home Sweet Home

We are a home based company and have been from the start, about forty years ago. Janis & I purposely chose to work from home so our growing family was never far away. For many years I worked in a spare room, a basement studio or out of the garage. Twelve years ago when it was finally time to build a proper studio/shop we decided to built it at the back of our property, the house at the front. There is about 300 feet of rolling lawn in-between. The distance between the shop and house is just far enough that the noise, dust and smoke we create out there doesn't bother those who are in the house.

Whenever Janis needs me she gives me a buzz and I come running (literally). It's not that she demands it, but rather a way for me to get my exercise. On most days there are many trips made back and forth including when I come to the house for lunch. My favorite trip of the day is after the crew leaves each afternoon around 4:30. I spend  little more time doing my closing chores and then I take one last look back before switching off the lights and locking the shop door. Then I take a leisurely stroll back to the house and enjoy the view. In the winter months the sun has already set and the sky is starting to darken. The giant walnut tree is silhouetted against the sky. In the house the lights are on, and through the large windows at the back of the house I can see someone is busy getting supper ready (unless it's my turn to cook). It makes me smile for after a busy day there is no where else I would rather be and I'm glad it's only a short walk.

I am home sweet home.