My Journey As A Creative Designer - Woodworking and Beyond #1799: The Value of "Creative Playtime"

It is probably the most frequent question that I receive as a designer…



“How do you keep coming up with so many new ideas?”  



It is a big question and one that really has no quick answer. There are so many things that factor into creativity.  Our mood, general health, and overall attitude are things that immediately come to mind. It is difficult to be creative if we are overwhelmed or exhausted. It is for me, in any case. While some great designers and artists are at their best creating in a chaotic environment, I need to have things clean and orderly. It is just the way I am. 



I remember seeing a slide show on Facebook not too long ago which showed photos of many famous artists’ studios. Some were neat as a pin and others were full of clutter and disarray. No matter which side of the scale they resided, they all were well-respected ‘masters’ that produced some of the most timeless and inspiring art.  It was a good reminder that our own needs to be creative are as unique as we are. I think that is a good thing. 



Lately, I have had trouble connecting with my creative side. Part of me feels as if I am making excuses for myself, as I haven’t gone through a spell such as this in quite a while. But a larger part of me knows better than to blame myself or feel back about it. This is part of a cycle that all designers go through, and with the many changes that have occurred in my life this year, I feel that this lull is warranted. It is part of the process. 



That doesn’t mean that it is comfortable, though. I have so many ideas that I want to implement and it just doesn’t seem that I have had the time or energy to do so. It seems to have been much easier for me to either create from others’ designs or to do the non-creative part of my job like cut surfaces.  It isn’t that I don’t like that part. I do so very much. It just feels that I haven’t produced a lot of my own patterns from either scroll sawing or painting or even embroidery. I had to try to figure out why. 



I have come to the conclusion that part of the problems is that I haven’t been taking enough time for some 'me’ creating. I like to call this “Creative Playtime”. I define it as “Making something just for the sake of making it.” It is something that as a successful designer, we don’t always have time to do.  The more successful we are, the less time we have to relax with our Creative Playtime.  It is something we have to watch and be aware of, I think. Especially if we are finding ourselves going through a lull in our own designing and creativity. 



In any case, I don’t want to be too lengthy on the subject. I thought though that this was something that I wanted to share with you all because so many of my friends and followers are creative people and I know that many of you go through this yourselves. While what works for me may not apply to you, it may help you at one time or another when you feel stuck or uninspired. It is something to think about, anyway. 



So how do we kick-start our creativity when things are like this? 



I have been trying several different things with marginal success. Getting away from work was one thing. My only problem was that when I returned, it seemed that I spent a great deal of time catching up with things. That only seemed to add more stress and sometimes even made it worse. 



I also tried taking some time to really organize things. That did wonders for me, as I felt a bit more in control of my life and as I mentioned before, I work best in a clean, organized environment. But I still wasn’t feeling that I was back into the creative mode that I hoped for. There was still that feeling of being anxious and uncreative. 



I tried to look at myself as objectively as possible and came to the conclusion that I had lost the time that I used to spend doing things for just 'me’. For the past two years, I have been working on some large embroidery projects in the evening, and I truly enjoyed them and found them both relaxing and fun. I had so many lovely supplies that I purchased and when moving and organizing things, I saw them again and wanted so much to use them. But time hasn’t allowed. It seems that since we moved, I have been working on my business just about every waking hour, and not getting the emotional 'downtime’ that I need. I realized that it had to change. 



So I made a pledge to myself that most evenings, I will be spending my time doing things for myself. I realize that this is not always possible, but I need to make a commitment to myself to take some time doing things that may or may not pertain to the business and must first feed my creative soul. That is probably the clearest way I can describe things. 



Keith often tells me that my play time looks an awful lot like my work time. He is probably right and on the outside, it probably does. That is because I am fortunate to be able to do what I love to do. Not everyone can say that. 



But there is a difference in doing something that you want to do for the sake of doing it and something you have to do for 'work’ or profit. You can’t see the difference, but you know it in your heart. Sometimes after creating it, it turns into something that is profitable, but that is only a bonus. The first priority is to fill your need to create and anything else that comes along is extra. So if you see me doing some off-topic creative things in the future, you will understand why. In the long run, they will help me create for my business and for my customers and I think I will have better projects because of them. I think it is a win/win for everyone. 



Last night I took the time to make something new. As I mentioned, I have so many lovely embroidery supplies that I can’t wait to use. I have silk threads and ribbons, glass beads, and even metal threads for goldwork embroidery, which is something I have wanted to explore for the longest time. I dug into my arsenal and quickly drew up a small design and spent the evening 'playing’.  Here is the result of last night’s work:

I chose a scarab because I have always loved Egyptian art. One of my greatest memories I have is when my son took me to see the artifacts of King Tut when they were on display in Chicago several years ago. I was in complete awe at the designs and craftsmanship of those artists over 4000 years ago. The colors, materials, and designs were amazing. 

The scarab is created on gold linen. The black thread for the head is cotton, the red spot on the back is rayon, the blue variegated back shell is silk. The beads are glass and the gold stripes and outline as well as the black jaw are metal threads. Being the first time that I used these goldwork supplies, it was a bit of a challenge. Most of the threads were purchased from Valdani (www.valdani.com) but the goldwork metal threads were purchased from The Crafty Attic (www.craftyattic.com) They have lovely metal threads, supplies and kits for goldwork, as well as many free educational videos for those interested in learning. 



My scarab isn’t completed yet, but I will work on him more tonight. I don’t know what I will do with him, but I don’t think it really matters. He has already served a purpose in getting me excited about designing again. I have two designs for the scroll saw that I want to work on today and a new painting design as well. I feel as if the floodgates are about to open. 



Never underestimate the value of taking time for yourself. No matter how much you have on your plate, it is important to take some time to do something that will feel your soul and help you feel refreshed and emotionally rested. What will work for you is as individual as you are. No one can tell you what it is. You need to explore and find what your own personal formula will be. Once you find it, you will be amazed at how much it will affect your life in other ways. You will be happy you took the time to explore. 

I wish you all a wonderful Tuesday!  Have a beautiful day and enjoy it to the fullest! 

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produits populaires

produits populaires cachés en bois porte de gobelets en papier | Kagamoku Blog

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Foldaway Two Seat Be

Foldaway Two Seat Beautiful Keruing Hardwood Garden Furniture Patio Bench - Image 2

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My Journey As A Creative Designer - Woodworking and Beyond #1798: "Next Year" is HERE!

It was exciting. 



It was gut-wrenching. 



It was just short of amazing. 



At approximately 2am last night Nova Scotia time, the Cubs did it. They won a World Championship. It has been a long, long time coming … 



Most of you know I come from Chicago. I lived the first 42 years of my life in the city and surrounding suburbs. The first 13 years of my life I lived on the south side of the city – IN the city. It was so different back then. 



I remember the first ball game I ever went to. My friends and I (probably about 10 years old) all took the bus (well – several buses) to the north side to go to a game at Wrigley Field. It was a Friday. I remember that because it was “Ladies Day” and we got into the park for free. We sat in the left field bleachers and had a ball. It was a great memory.



My grandfather used to drive a truck for a living. He would leave early in the morning before the sun came up and come home around 3pm, right before we got home from school. During baseball season, he would spend the afternoon watching the Cubs play. There were no lights at Wrigley then. The games started in the afternoon. Jack Brickhouse was a common name in our home (those were the days when Harry Carey was an announcer for the Sox) and if the game were close, my grandfather would turn it off in disgust – “I can’t even watch!”, he would say.  Those memories all came flooding back last night. I am sure that somewhere, somehow, he is happy. 



Since coming to Nova Scotia 12 years ago I haven’t watched too much sports. I used to be an avid football fan,, with games going all weekend long in the season. I would watch baseball on and off when the opportunity arose, but we all know how it goes – sometimes life gets in the way. I don’t have ‘regular TV’ here anymore and being in Canada, things just aren’t the same. 



But these past few weeks have been different. Many of you know that I spend a good amount of time on Facebook. There I have reconnected with so many friends from my childhood and you adulthood, as well as made new friends from all over the world who share my interest in art and creating in many forms. It has truly been my 'window to the world’ these past years and allows me to live in a beautiful, rural area and still have friends and family near by. Sometimes technology is really amazing. 



Throughout the past couple of weeks, as the Cubs came closer to wrapping it up, I noticed something nice. Instead of the usual bickering and nasty political comments and posts, there were more posts that were supportive and encouraging regarding the Cubs. It appeared that so many people were pulling for them. Not only those from Chicago, such as myself, but from all over. Everyone loves an under dog. 



I was unaable to see the game live last night, but I did find a 'virtual scoreboard’ that kept score close to 'real time’.  I tuned that in and was doing some things here while keeping watch. I also saw the growing posts of my family and friends as the game progressed. It made it fun. 



I was reminded of days gone by when games were 'blacked out’ in Chicago and my grandfather would put the radio on in the bathroom and go in there to listen. (This happened with Bears games as well as White Sox games too). I remember listening back then with no visual and still feeling the great excitement and sometimes disappointment as our team(s) fought for victory. That in itself filled me with emotion. 



The evening progressed and the excitement grew. I found myself being more and more drawn to my Facebook friends. I began seeing better play-by-play from them than the channel I was watching. No matter where they lived now, we had the common bond of growing up in Chicago and waiting until “Next  year” for it to be THE year of the Cubs. 



Well, last night made THIS year Next Year! You all probably know it by now. Some of you care more than others. Some may be quite indifferent. As for me, I am thrilled! 



I am not only happy for the team, but I was so happy to see the excitement that brought everyone together for those few hours during the game. People that I have seen post completely opposite viewpoints on politics, the election and so many other subjects, were all joined together in happiness and anticipation. Even the Cleveland fans were cool. Everyone was respectful and excited and having FUN! Besides the occasional “goat” post, there was nothing at all bitter, mean or negative.  It just goes to show how people can be on opposite sides and still get along. It is a lesson we all need to observe, I think. 



I give the Cleveland team and fans a huge amount of credit. I am sure their disappointment in losing was profound – especially given the nail-biting-heart-stopping game. But as of this morning, I have not seen ONE negative, mean or ugly post from them. I think they were all the epitome of class and sportsmanship. This is how things should be. This is how a LOT of things should be.  (Oh – if the world were just that perfect!)



I went to bed and it took me a long time to settle down and fall asleep. My heart was pounding long after the final out was made. Not only because of the long (LONG!) awaited victory, but because after months and months of seeing our countries (BOTH countries that I call home) tearing themselves to shreds, for a few hours they seemed to come together. That, my friends, is MAGIC! 



We all can accomplish so much when working together in a positive direction. I preach that every day here. Sometimes a bit more subtly than others, but it is my underlying message all the same. 



By tearing each other down and focusing on things that are negative, we waste so much energy hurting each other and ourselves. We need to take the time and turn our anger and frustration into something good and positive. It is hard to be angry or sad when you are bringing joy to another. Be it a friend, a stranger or even an animal. It is a good lesson to learn. 



I will remember those hours of last evening probably for the rest of my life. I am not sure why it impacted me so much. Was it because things have been so bitter lately? Was it because I have been 'homesick’?  Or was it just because the world has seemed a bit harsh lately?  



Whatever the reason, it wasn’t there during this game. You can say “It is only a ball game.” , but for whatever reason, I felt really GOOD last night. And HOPEFUL. And PROUD.  There IS hope for people. Sometimes we just need to take a breath and think before we act or say something. Maybe if we change how we react to people and how we act towards others – just a little – we will help ourselves overcome this apathy and sadness that has seemed to grip so many. Just one day and one act at a time. 



Congratulations, Cubbies! 



Congratulations to ALL the fans – from BOTH sides. You all showed a huge amount of class. 



Happy Thursday to you all! 



“Next Year” has arrived! We can make it better than ever!

My son Phil in 1994 and his dad.  True “diehard” fans. I am so, so happy for them! :)

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A Ming-Inspired Cabinet (77)

Our son turned 4 month’s old recently, and he’s been teething for the past month. Suffice to say, sleep is in short supply and I’ve been managing to get just 3-½ days per week in at the shop, so progress is slower than I might like on these cabinets. It’s a fair trade - nothing more important than doing the ‘dad’ job as well as possible.

Speaking of jobs, it appears I have picked up a bit of extra work with a project to replace a ceiling in a Japanese tea room located in a house just outside of Boston. I’ll be acquiring some Alaskan Yellow Cedar, or Yellow Cedar as I prefer to call it (the tree was first identified and named in British Columbia, and its range extends down into Oregon, so 'Alaskan’ seems, well, slightly misleading to me. I’ll also be obtaining some quartersawn Western Red Cedar. The ceiling will be the coffered type, the frame of Yellow Cedar and the panels of Western Red Cedar. More on that project in a separate thread I’ll be starting in the near future.

Meanwhile, I’ve been plugging away at getting the demountable back panels fitted to cabinet #1. Here’s a look at the middle panel assembly fitted to the carcase:

Eventually, all three 'demountables’ were mounted:

Another view:

A wall of quartersawn bubinga.

How about a look from the front?:

The lower panel will be completely obscured by the drawers. One could argue perhaps that it could be left off, however it serves an important job in keeping dust out of that section of the cabinet.

Once the panels were in place I could turn my attention to mortising for the clips. I originally had left the batten tenons on one side of each frame a fair bit long, piercing right through the outer frame, intending to use them as tenons to hold the frame to the cabinet. I thought better of it however, and decided to trim those tenons flush - it made it simpler to fit the frames closely to their openings instead of making allowance to be able to tilt the panel into position, which would have meant trimming them down in height a bit. In place of those three tenons per side, however I needed to mortise for a larger number of wooden fixing clips than before.

In total, 36 mortises were involved for the three panels. Each panel is fixed by three clips top and bottom, the upper and lower back panel frames are secured by an additional clip on each side, and the middle panel assembly, being the widest, is held by two clips each side.

The clips passing horizontally are shared between adjacent panel assemblies. Here’s a look down a mortise passing through the upper frame’s lower rail, then the cabinet carcase shelf, and then through the middle panel’s upper rail:

If you’re feeling a little puzzled by the mechanical aspects of this clip system, I’ll be doing a video when I assemble the backs to the carcase later on, and that will make it perfectly clear.

Here’s a look at the two mortises for the middle panel assembly’s left side (viewed from the rear) fastening:

The clip mortises on the top of the carcase:

The clips themselves will be fabricated soon enough, however I will have to do the same process of panel assembly, fitting, and, yes, the 36 clip mortises for cabinet #2 beforehand.

As these clips will fit to the rear surfaces of the cabinet, the entirety of which goes against a wall and is unseen, I am thinking it might be an idea to leave the heads of each clip proud of the surrounding frames, rather than recessing them as I might do more typically. I’m thinking that by leaving the clips exposed in a more obvious way, it will be more apparent to anyone in the years ahead how the clips work, and that the panels can be readily removed. If they are fully recessed, it might not be noticed that there is any provision at all for demounting the panels. That’s what I’m thinking today, but I could change my mind yet! Trying to think ahead 50 or 100 years, and more, involves a certain amount of guesswork of course. Many people today are quite unfamiliar with wood joinery, so I wonder if it will be at all on the radar of a person working on this cabinet in 2116? I put the demountable panels in to facilitate making drawer adjustments, modifications, etc., however if the person repairing the cabinet does not even notice that the back panels can be demounted, then, well, it would be a message that was lost over time I guess. Still worth doing though, in my view.

Thanks for visiting the Carpentry Way.

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My Journey As A Creative Designer - Woodworking and Beyond #1797: My Winter Pumpkin

As a designer, we try to think of original things to create. When I mentioned that I wanted to make a “blue pumpkin with Christmas roses” on it, he cringed. He just didn’t see my vision. 



That is the risk we need to take every time we try something new. Over the years, I have learned to have a pretty tough skin. I used to be greatly influenced by those around me when I had an idea as to what I was going to design. I would try my best to explain things so that people would be able to see the same vision that I was seeing in my head, but I wasn’t always successful in doing so. I think sometimes we just assume that others can grasp the ideas we have and understand them fully, but the more I created, the more I saw this wasn’t the case. 



In my early days, I used to try to tell people what I was thinking and in a way, obtain their approval or encouragement. But after realizing that most didn’t have the same ‘vision’ that I had of these things – no matter how accurately I described it – I also realized that I was asking approval on something that perhaps wasn’t at all what I was thinking about. When those people would describe them back to me or see them finished, I would find out that their concept of my idea and the actual idea were often not even close. It was a good lesson to be learned. 



I think back on how many ideas that I shared that were 'nixed’ because I didn’t have the confidence to move ahead on my own and asked the opinion of an outsider. It is a shame really when I think about it. There were probably at least a couple of 'good ideas’ that got trashed before they even had a chance. I suppose I will never know. 



The reason I am telling you this story is because I want you all to realize this when you are coming up with your own ideas. While sometimes it is nice to have feedback on certain aspects of things, remember to take it with a grain of salt and try not to allow others who may not see the same vision as clearly as you do stop you from trying something new. You probably will surprise not only yourself, but them as well and it will help feed your confidence in anything you create whether it be painting, drawing or designing. Every idea my not be the biggest hit, but at least you know it had a fair chance. And I look at the ones that don’t make it as 'school’ where I learned something from the process. It is a win/win.



Now back to my blue pumpkin … 



I had a couple of stumbling blocks in creating this pumpkin. I learned a lot while making it. But by figuring things out, I learned a bit about the process and I will now be able to apply that knowledge to other projects and share the information with you. Whether the project is a 'hit’ or not with others is rather inconsequential. It was a benefit to me and will be to others indirectly, too. 



I finished painting the glass pumpkin yesterday and this is the result. 

I must say, it is pretty darn close to what I had pictured in my head. I wanted something 'different’ that could be displayed not only through the Christmas season, but the winter as well. 



The design is quite simple, with some gently float-shaded leaves and petals to form the flowers. 

You can’t see it on the photograph, but the centers and spots on the petals are metallic gold. 

I even painted the fabric leaves with some matching paint and metallic gold:

Overall, it makes a nice presentation, I think. I already sprayed my own piece with some gloss varnish and I MAY add some crystal rhinestones just for a finishing accent. (I haven’t decided yet!).



To create this pretty piece, I used all DecoArt products (Americana Acrylic paint, Metallic Lustre acrylic wax finish, Chalky Paint for Glass and Gloss Spray acrylic varnish) Everything is odor-free and cleans up with soap and water. 



I am spending today creating the pattern packet and the video that will be available on ToleTown. I invite you to check it out. You can join for a very small fee and you gain a wealth of classes, patterns and videos. It is well worth the small fee. 



I hope you like this piece as much as I do. I know it isn’t the norm, but I think it is a fun and unique project that can be displayed the entire winter. 



Sometimes thinking of things that are a bit different can be a lot of fun. I think this was one of those time. 



Enjoy your Wednesday! 

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My Journey As A Creative Designer - Woodworking and Beyond #1796: Some New Projects

I am posting a little later than normal today. I am starting to wonder what ‘normal’ really is. I haven’t been doing anything in particular this morning that is interesting or fun, (like sleeping! ;) ) but I have been doing the usual organizing and checking and responding to emails and general straightening of the house here. Things we all do in the morning. 



Lately I feel as if my world is spinning a bit too quickly. More so than it usually does for me. I am not quite sure the cause of it and I am not quite sure that even really matters. It may be 'growing pains’ or 'moving pains’ or even just part of the creative cycle. As I read that so many of my other creative friends whom I admire and respect go through the same thing, I can’t help but think that it is part of the process. After all – who I am I to think that it doesn’t happen to me as well?



It isn’t as if I am out of ideas. In fact, it is more likely the opposite. Too many ideas and not enough time. If I allow it, it will stifle me just by the feeling of being overwhelmed. I don’t want that to happen. 



I have thought things through and I have come to the conclusion that the best way to continue and overcome this 'stage’ is to just do the best I can and be happy with that. No disappointment in myself or shame is allowed. For even though I have only been feeling this way a couple of months, I realized that those feelings only make things worse. I need to take the advice I have been handing out so freely these past several years and focus on the positive things and the things that I HAVE accomplished. That will certainly point me in the right direction. (I know – easier said than done sometimes!) 



With that said, we will move forward. I still have lots of wonderful things to share with you in the near future if you are a little patient with me. I feel that my creative journey has just began in so many wonderful areas and I invite you all to come along and see what both Keith and I have in store for you. I am sure it will be inspiring! 



Yesterday we updated our website and sent out a newsletter to our Mailing List subscribers. We have some new designs for you all to enjoy and I would also like to share them here… 



First up – Keith has a new Christmas Greetings word art sign pattern that I just love:

You can get the pattern for it here on the site  - SLDK692 - Christmas Greetings Sign. It is a fun project to cut and would make a lovely gift for anyone on your holiday list. 



He also added in a beautiful set of Dimensional 12 Days of Christmas ornaments (SLDK693):

The ornaments are a great project for someone who hasn’t cut a lot on the scroll saw, but also very pretty. The ornaments can be created either dimensional or flat, which makes them even more fun and versatile. 



For my contribution this time, I created a fun and simple “Merry Christmas Word Art” pattern (SL534):

It is a fun and easy scroll saw pattern to make the word art in a beautiful, natural finish, but it also comes with full painting instructions for those who like to paint. I also have the pre-cut wood piece available (SPDPK155) for those who don’t cut wood. The wood piece also comes with the full painting instructions using DecoArt acrylic paint. But you can use any paint you like and decorate the wood piece to your own taste. 



We also have our usual Sales and Specials available with some wonderful seasonal items on special.  We know it is a busy time for everyone and lots of you are getting ready for your craft shows and holidays. 



Besides getting the new items ready for the update, I have been working on a project for Toletown online painting community.  I am a member of the design team and I have the honor of having one of my projects featured for the month of November. I am working on this cool glass pumpkin that I am painting with a winter theme:

I love the blue chalky paint that I used for the base and I am in the process of adding winter roses on it:

I should finish up today and then I will get the packet ready and shoot a short video on some of the techniques that I used to create it. I hope everyone likes it. 



I am also running an 'event’ for my painters through Toletown. They have their annual Halloween hunt where you can visit various online businesses for lots of great 'treats’. You can get your map HERE and start collecting yours!  It is always a fun event and offers lots of cool savings for my painting friends. 



Well, that is it for me today. I am off to finish painting my pumpkin. Thanks again for all of you who visit my blog regularly and also those who comment. I appreciate knowing you are there very much. I know I have been slow going by my own standards, but I hope to be back to full speed soon. I am sure there are many great projects to come. I hope you join me on my journey. 



Happy Tuesday to you all!  

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