officially a craftsman!

This has been for sure one of the most interesting and exciting experiences I have had in my life. From the first day, to graduation time, everything was  full of adrenaline, an exciting learning process that this craft has to offer. Fine Woodworking is not understood by many, but fine pieces of furniture are enjoyed by any individual. I proved that to happen on the Year End Show. 

Showtime! Everybody enjoying our work, how cool is that!

People from different places, professions, ages, came to the show and it was fascinating watching their faces as they approached our projects. I must say it is exciting to look at your work outside the shop. It gives another concept to this hole new world for me. everybody was curious about the process, why did you decide on this, and that. 

I met some woodworkers as well. It was satisfying just knowing the fact that this school is at this level, and so respected by other experienced woodworkers. Cheers for that Inside Passage!

My benchmate's work, some nice looking tables. 

So we all had a different at the show, a good one for sure. All the work finally got to be seen by different eyes, I guess that's the way to go. 

My cabinet, Monica put some of her jewelry on the trays, it looked fantastic.

So it came time to say goodbye to everybody, we had some good times this year, I guess won't forget this experience, because this is when all begins for most of us, we'll go for this craft as a way of living is what we got to choose, so I'm really excited about learning so many things and possibilities. 

Goodbye everybody!

paparazzi's @ work

I will come back as a Resident Craftsman at the school, this second year will be a complete different story, with advanced themes in woodworking, and more personal projects. I will take a break over the summer, go back to my beautiful country, Mexico, and do some projects over there. It will be nice to have some work at the shop where everything started. 

I will be back on September to complete my first project, I will make a stand for my cabinet, and practice some joinery and some of the Danish "wings" that I like so  much on this stand.

 I really liked how the first part of the project came out, specially on how the pulls came out. I used some olive that Robert Van Norman, Resident Craftsman and teacher at the school generously gave me. 

I will have my piece proffesionally photographed this week, and will have some nice photographs by then. 

Pull detail,  rythm and balance, it's all it takes for a positive result.   

Cabinet at its final stage at my bench. 

Olive and Boxwood really go together. 

Nicolas learned a lot over this course, he had a good time enjoying this place, and meeting new people all the time. 

Talking about wood with his danish friend, Ingrid.

So it's time for a new experience everybody, enjoy your work, and keep on woodworking. 

See you later!

Empty benchroom, I'll be back next year!

5,4,3,2,1.....Showtime!

We are very close to the show now, closer than we might even think, but it's all part of the craft. I have been busy completing my cabinet. I glued up the carcass of my cabinet and I'm now working on the display trays, or drawers. 

Bottom of trays fitted to cabinet. 

Every step is very important at this stage. It is time for concentration and achieving daily goals. It is so easy to make mistakes, you know, we are now close to the completion of this Craftsman Program, intensive learning, living, and hardwork. 

I have been thinking about what I've learned in this place, and I look forward to apply every part learned from this school, and just explore my creativity, and make things happen. I must say that my hand skills have improved on every project, now that I'm cutting some dovetails I've been doing a nice work. 

Dovetailing Process

This process is a challenging way to end up this project. This joinery not only brings up the skills learned, but has no room for mistakes, so let's keep on the good work. 

Drawer parts waiting for assembly.

This trays will be incorporated to my cabinet, one on each level, as you will see. 

I also went to pick up my glass, for the top, which now fits. This makes it more exciting, all this elements will come together to a final piece, I can't wait to finish this. 

This will make more sense in the following days, in which we can see our completed piece, it's just exciting sharing what I'm doing right now, if you have any doubt about any of this, please ask!

Well, it's 7 a.m., time for some coffee and woodworking. 

Cheers!