productive procastination

So I'm adding a monogram to my "branding" ....now to hit the bench.

Charles Clary

I've always liked the idea of layers. You can take something simple and upon adding layers to it make it intricately complex. That probably explains why I'm attracted to using veneers as a way of building wood.

Charles Clary, a SCAD artist perfectly embodies this concept in his group of work. You can check out more of his stuff on his blog.

some progress.

I know it's been a while but here's some FINISHED (yay!) prototypes. Each piece is made from layering several layers of veneer on top of each other so that these are actually dimensional pieces, not just a "print on wood."

Still working on launching my etsy store but I am also planning a wedding now so I'd rather wait till I'm ready to launch then rushing into it.

Constructive criticism welcome. I'm still trying out photo compositions so if you have suggestions that would be appreciated as well!

pop wood.

I love it when pop culture and wood grain mix. It seems that the vinyl world has been introducing more and more wooden toys. Why not? Wood brings a even more unique touch to these collectible items. Best of all the artist has taken the initiative to make them as eco-friendly as possible. Wood always adds character and gives another layer of customization.


This little guy is named Mimushi:

"a sumo kid who was adopted by American parents, and who developed an identity crisis so strong, that it froze him at the age of 3."

You can find out more about Mimushi at their blog. The coolest part is they give you a step by step look at the process. Very inspiring!

Twee!

With a name like Twee you really can't help but like them, but it also happens that they make some pretty sweet wood jewelry. They are definitely a couple of craftsters that have caught my eye: simple aesthetics that showcase the beauty of wood.

prototype.

So, obviously I haven't been able to keep to my schedule of productivity. I'm not sure when I'll be able to launch my store but until then I'll post pictures of prototypes I'm trying out.

on with the theme.

I have also created an etsy store. My user name is Mindelicious.



I've been working on a line of wood-based jewelry items. My initial plan for launch will be the end of the month.


work in progress...

procrastinating.

I think i've spent enough time procrastinating on making things. I'm happy to report that I have turned the extra unused space in my apartment into my work area (I know it's amazing that I have extra space in a NYC apartment). This will have to do until I can afford studio space. And of course what work space is complete without a workbench:

Might I add that I accomplished making this with only a handsaw, jigsaw, hand drill, and chairs for a saw horse. Proved to myself that all you need is will power. The joints are through bolts with 3/16" deep mortise/tenon just to hold things in place...I know it's a bit excessive but I thought it was a good opportunity to work on chiseling technique. Kind of merged a couple different plans to come up with the design for this table but it's sturdy as hell {yes I'm standing on it to celebrate}.


And of course it's complete with a vise. Strangely vises make me very happy.

take-g toys!

I'm extremely biased on this but I'm going to 100% declare that japanese woodcrafts is a million times more cool than anything I've ever seen in the US. I think that's just because of what my aesthetic tastes are. But anyway, just found this toy maker and

.... just adorable.




title> アインとニーチェ
material> various types of wood
source> Take-G

spiritual inspiration in DC

I remembered going to the National Cathedral on my 8th grade field trip to DC but I think I must have had a entirely different perspective on it's beauty back then. These days contemporary architecture and construction is all about speed and money. Although efficiency is important, I believe so is longevity. In this technological age we have improved construction efficiency to the degree that we make and replace things perhaps too quickly. So quickly that it almost makes the saying, "Rome wasn't built in a day" seem irrelevant: Irrelevant in the way that people appreciate the efficiency of mass manufacturing versus handcraft because of the time perspective. Living in NYC definitely emphasizes the fast moving world and visiting DC last weekend acted as a incredibly grounding experience, that I was not expecting.


Up on the hills of DC sits the National Cathedral which I learned took 83 years to construct. The idea of something taking more than a lifetime is pretty much lost today. And really makes you take a step back and slow down. Just the architectural integrity of building is inspiring enough to gawk at for several hours but inside it is filled with even more "move you to tears" moments. Serendipitous that this structure happened to be located right across the street from where I was staying and had it not been, I wouldn't have had time to go see it. Even better, it also happened that in it's centennial celebration it was showcasing a tribute to the artisans/craftsmen that contributed all the detailing that went into this Cathedral. I found one biography especially relative. I think I need to print this out so I have a daily reminder that things have a way of working themselves out.



some droolworthy smithing:


and now for the woodworking parts


title> Various Photos from National Cathedral in DC
source> My Flickr

On Hold

life is picking up the pace and forcing me to put down my chisel for a while. I'll be stuck being a blog reader and not a writer for a while longer.