Picking up SPEED!!!

Gaining momentum for the upcoming show season.  I've got some new things.  I've got some old things.  And I've got some old things done in a new way.  One of the new is my toddler pounding bench.  One of my old things is the four poster American Girl size doll bed.  And the old thing done in a new way is my Tic Tac Toe Game set.  Check out these items and more on my new, improved, and now FASTER website.  Also coming soon photos and maybe a video inside my workshop.  So stay tuned.  Also up to 53 people who like The Rutland WoodWorks.com on Facebook.  If you haven't liked us yet do so to get updates, new product features and more.

Designing Fun

Designing fun.  Sounds a bit like structured chaos.  But that's kind of what its like designing toy's.  Trying to develop something kids will like to use and is reasonable to build.  But now I'm switching from design to development (same as production but not so much like manufacturing).  Putting all of those ideas into action.  With a few custom projects sprinkled in there.  It keeps life interesting.  I'm still only spending a few hours in the shop a day as the temps are still pretty cold and still no heat in the shop.  I pray for spring every day! :)  Till next time be good to your kids, spouse, and yourself.  You all deserve it!

It's begining to look a lot like Christmas...

The weather outside is frightful.  Vermont ice and snow on a November morn.  But inside my shop is nice and toasty, thanks to my new heater.  The toys and games are starting to fly out of the shop now.  Lots of new products to be thankful for, and many new friends too.  Thanks to all who have stopped by at the Rutland County Farmers Market.  We are still going though.  We have moved inside the College of St. Joseph's Athletic Building keeping us nice and warm, (and you too!).  Hope to see you there, Saturdays now through Christmas 10 - 2.

See one, Do one, Teach one.

As Norm Abrams from "This Old House" has said,  In order to be good at something you must see one done, do one yourself, then teach someone else to do one.  So far I have seen many done, I have done many myself, and today I will begin to teach.  I have a student starting today, from the Vermont Jobs program.  He is coming to learn what I can teach him about woodworking.  And hopefully I will learn through teaching him as well.

Time will tell

Like Robert Frost wrote about two diverging roads in a wood.  I too am choosing my path.  Sometimes the path of least resistance, but my path none the less.  Making things up as I go along, is quite a bit harder than it seemed from the outside. And i'm finding to be truly unique in a craft that is thousands of years old is daunting, to be salable seems to be just as daunting. For you can be truly unique and not sell anything, and you can be cookie cutter and make a million.  Where is the balance?  What is the order?

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

Green Car

The toddler psyche is fairly simple to dissect.  Bright colors, simple shapes, and things that move.  When I try to come up with designs, I try to KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid).  But adults are much harder to figure out.  What moves that adult brain is clouded by years of wants, likes, dislikes, can's, can'ts, and so much more.  Is it utilitarian, like a cutting board of sturdy Maple, or is it nostalgic, like a a toy car or truck from their past.  Wood products are warm, inviting things that evoke memories of simpler times, feelings of community, and a sense of history.  But each memory, feeling, and sense is different for everyone.  One thing is certain we all want better for our kids.  Quality Counts!   Products found on www.therutlandwoodworks.com

Cherry and Ash cutting board

The Debut

I am what I am, and I am a man of a craft.  I am new, and taking my first tentative steps.  But I am moving, I am growing, and I am evolving.  My journey is not a simple one, nor is it truly frought with peril.  My journey is one of discovering myself within my craft.  Please come along on my journey.  I will let you into my shop.  Pull up a stool.  You will see where I lay the wood bare, where I measure, where I cut, where I glue, and where create.  Simple at first, then more complex.  I am a woodworker.  I am a man of his craft.