Not Just Killer Tables!

I took on a huge project, at such a bad time.. I half regret the choice, to build it.. But, the outcome is is pretty fantastic!

Probably the toughest build yet, and definitely the longest.. Not because of design or lack of skill.. It's just that I had people coming to view the house.. Documents to sign.. Open house.. Ugh. It was just bad timing. My own fault. And had I known.. I would have waited, until after the move.

That being said.. I know the client, and wanted to get this big bastard done! She'll love it. Assuming it fits in her truck.. I so, hope it fits..


This exact model is certainly not available, by the way.. It's definitely one of a kind.. However.. That being said. I will most likely have a similar model, once I am back up and running.. Maybe a bench / coat rack.. With storage.. Maybe.. I don't know yet!

Did I mention the house is sold?!? Sell with Keller Williams. They are very dedicated and knowledgeable! Not your average slithering, shifty Realtor.

Thanks Michelle and Rob! <3

Vacation

I am back to being optimistic about my hobby. We went for a quick little vacation, in Port Stanley. Holy crap. It was so nice, and relaxing..

The place was a fun little spot, right on the beach, called The Beach Hotel.. Or, more visibly known as, The Buccaneer. Which was the name of the restaurant. We got this weird package, called the "Romantic couples" or something squishy, like that.. A little pricey.. But, it was one of those "all inclusive" deals.

The inclusive steak was deliciously under-cooked, at dinner. Although, my wife wasn't entirely pleased with the amount of blood.. I certainly was. Luckily, the liquor and pie made up for her disappointment. As it always should.

It felt good, eating a really satisfying meal, and walking off, knowing the bill is covered. The super friendly waitress surely liked our generous appreciation. I don't even mind that she forgot my coffee.. Yes, I was drinking coffee.. I don't consume alcohol. I am a good boy! ;) 

There were only a dozen rooms, at most, in the hotel.. Most of which had minimal luxury.. And that's pretty much exactly what we wanted. That's not to say it was a hole in the ground. By no means. The bed was very comfortable, with no bed bugs! The shower was nice.. I was a little bummed out about the lack of coffee maker, though. At least we had a little fridge! Of, and the TV may have had cable, I dunno.. We brought a few dvds.. And our portable dvd player.. Which is good, because, the dvd player in the room had no remote.. :(

All in all.. Great little spot. Right on the beach! Sand blowing right up against the door to our room. I loved it. I am going to check it out again, for sure! 

Getting Started

Okay.. I know what you're thinking.. How the heck does an author land himself a successful furniture "business." Going from writing, to woodworking? That doesn't make any damn sense at all!

And you're right. I never would have imagined myself as a carpenter.. Although, my father would be presently surprised, I am sure. As well as his father. Both of whom were fully certified carpenters. With their fancy book learned trade papers and all! Not me though. I can't stand the abhorrent taste of tuition, on my tongue. It would ruin the whole experience, for me. Entirely!

So, I skipped school.. Skipped the loans and debt.. And now? I am making a name for myself.. My popularity is growing, due to my low cost, high end looking furniture. I mean.. There's no real difference, aside from how the builder values his time. I am just being more realistic.

So what kind of investment did I make? Roughly? Well, I needed to make straight cuts. So I bought a $20 mitre box, from home Depot.. A couple of nails.. A hammer and about $20 worth of lumber. That takes care of the building process. What about stain? A hunk of steel wool and a few cups of vinegar. That's it. The whole thing started with a few bucks and a little patience.

Now I've got a whole plethora of RYOBI tools, and gadgets.. Saws, stains, fans, and filters..

The best advice I can give, for anyone looking to get started?

-It might not work out. So don't get carried away, with buying tools. Start small.

- Don't over estimate your value. Whatever amount of time you put into a project, is Irrelevant to the consumer. Price realistically.

- If a customer doesn't like a piece, made specifically for them. They're either looking for a freebie, or they have far too much free time. Drop them, immediately.

- Some people are just fucked, and should be avoided at all cost...