I finally got back to doing some woodworking yesterday. I had finished drawing this pattern up last week and got it cut out, but it seemed that I was in several other directions the past several days and it was kind of woven in between all the other things I was doing.
It is a simple design by my own standards, and I had mixed feelings about it. I find however that every design doesn’t have to be complex to be successful, and I think it will have a wide appeal. After seeing it finished though, I think it looks nice. My partner also created some designs on this theme for smaller votive or tea light candles. He has been making some nice complimentary pieces to my larger tray sets and they are selling very well. It is nice to offer a variety of sizes of these holders, as different people have different tastes in what they want.
Here is a picture of the basic tray:
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| From SLD348 Musical Candle Tray and Charm Set |
I used hickory and walnut for the overly pieces. I included a variety of notes and musical notation marks in the pattern, with three sizes of each symbol. That way people can use them for other purposes, too.
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| From SLD348 Musical Candle Tray and Charm Set |
For the finish, I used my favorite mineral oil and allowed it to dry a couple of days. I then sprayed it with several coats of shellac. I love the warm color that the hickory turns when oiled. It soaked it up like a sponge, as it must have been very dry, but came back to life very nicely with the application.
The walnut too took on a rich, dark color. I was afraid that it wouldn’t show up well for the photographs, but it looks OK.
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| From SLD348 Musical Candle Tray and Charm Set |
The complimentary pieces that my partner made are done in maple. He likes to use spray poly for the finish and did so here:
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| From SLD348 Musical Candle Tray and Charm Set |
It was more difficult to photograph the treble clef holder and make it look good, so I kept it at an overhead shot like this. I think it conveys what it looks like alright though, and you can get the idea of what is going on. They seem to look much better in person however, and I may want to re-take the pictures when I figure out a better angle.
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| From SLD348 Musical Candle Tray and Charm Set |
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| From SLD348 Musical Candle Tray and Charm Set |
Overall, I think they are two nice projects. If the other smaller trays are any indication, they should all do well. I heard from a customer yesterday that made a couple of the candle trays that he took them to work to show his colleagues, as he had intended to take them to a craft show and just wanted his co-workers to see them, and not only did he sell those two, but he also had orders for five additional tray sets I like to hear that – especially with the economy still being what it is. I am very happy for him.
Today I need to switch gears again and move in yet another direction. I have been asked to teach a painting class or two when I go to the States and I need to draw up the designs for the class. DecoArt has already agreed to supply the paint and I need to get a color list to them so they know what I will need. I can’t do that until I design the project, so I need to get moving on that.
I have decided to teach some individual sea shell magnets. With summer coming, they will be a nice little project that most people will enjoy. In painting them, I will incorporate several of the basic techniques that are the basis of most painting projects: base coating, float shading, dry brushing highlights and basic line work. Since sea shells are something that can vary a great deal from shell to shell, it is a very forgiving subject. That means even a lesser-skilled painter will be able to accomplish the design fairly easily and it will encourage them to continue on with painting other things. I think it will be a great project for people to get their feet wet and try out painting.
I already have several (hundred) photographs of shells, and need to pick through and see which ones I will choose to draw up and make a pattern for the classes. I plan to make good headway on it today.
I also need to finish up the bears and snowflakes. I need to repaint the original Northern Lights project and really break it down so that I can teach it. That will be a little bit of a challenge, but I want to do it while the process is still fresh in my mind.
With that said, it is time to get at it. I love being focused and busy and checking things off of the list. It really makes the days fun.
I wish you all a wonderful day!
