I trained to be a lumber grader while in Chemainus, something I had an appreciation for already, clear straight grained lumber, something that Chemainus mill employees prided themselves on getting the highest grade out of each log.
My blank Canvas as artists say 😀
Oh, soup, in the middle Polly created
Ta-da Santa created
I know I can't save every piece, but while I was at the mill I did ask and take home a few pieces that I made something out of, but of course when we moved into our trailer, I had to give all that I'd accumulated away to a friend, that gave it to his daughter. Still it was used, at least I hope so.
Moving forward while covid was a thing we had to stay put awhile, so I got my table saw back from my friend's shed, and a few more tools that I setup in a tent beside our trailer, and went to work doing what I loved. Pallets were easily accessible, and ideas were many, so I started making things people wanted. Funny how it went looking back now, I'm not sure what exactly I was making that I posted on FB, then a woman that I've known a long time asked, could you make me a wheelbarrow, one as a planter. Sure I said, and after a little looking around at what others had made, I came up with my version.
That was my start to making things for others that they wanted, and using pieces that would be thrown out to create these beautiful things. I'm not sure now how many things I've created, but every year I have a chance to create something new wherever I go, have tool's and love to travel!
This past year I created in Florida when asked to build a sign or two, when we moved on to Yuma I didn't create anything there this year, was a short time, but I had created a few signs and a bench there the year before, out of pallets. When we moved home, to Arrowvale I got into making planters right away, once I had my little shop setup, was a very productive spring, most all of this came from waste pieces from the sawmill down the road, some really nice pieces I saved from the firewood pile.
Moving here to our new home, we have been busy settling in, so haven't made much, but the other day I decided I wanted to, so off to Beaver Creek hardware and got two pallets on Sunday. I asked the yard guy where they stored them now, he said there are 3 right over there you can have. I took 2, the kind that had the boards I was looking for, knowing exactly what my plan was.
Into the back of my truck, and after a few visits on my way home I took them out and started disassembly. I see many that ask about the best way to do this on the Internet, using different tools, and saws, to get them apart, I've developed a very simple way, and baring getting a nail in the arm, or wrist, they come apart fairly easy.
The wood was all wet, which is better for taking them apart, but not so much for building something with, but luckily I have a shed now, and a heater to dry my pieces, so that made it better. After some drawing, and thinking, as I was following a picture I'd taken off of a pallet building site I'm subscribed to, I slowly got the Santa just the way I wanted.
Have some soup Polly said forcefully
This is my fun, just created something from what would have been thrown away, yet here it is now displayed in front of our house. Not Earth shattering, but it makes me feel good, and that's what I believe this life is about at this time in my life, doing something that you enjoy, and if it's something that others want, even better, and if I can do it with what would otherwise be thrown away, bonus I say.
Oh, and Writing, I really like that too, I'm guessing I'm creative when I'm doing this too. My thoughts pecked away here, that's also a favorite of mine. No cost, and helps me think of what's next in life, today shopping for a new couch I've just been told is my next adventure. How does that saying go? "Better have a plan, or you'll become part of anothers plan!" LoL 😂
Love our life ❤️
No comments:
Post a Comment