Sunday, July 30, 2006

I'm a LumberJock!

I've recently signed up for membership on a newer woodworking site called LumberJocks. LumberJocks put out this notice the other day:

LumberJocks.com Announces
First Annual Summer Woodworking Contest
International Woodworkers Invited to Participate in Free Competition

LumberJocks.com, one of the most innovative woodworking sites on the Internet, has issued a challenge to the world's do-it-yourself enthusiasts, weekend warriors and professional woodworkers.
Beginning this week, registered users from around the world can enter their projects—at no cost—to compete in the First Annual LumberJocks Summer Woodworking Contest, which runs through Sept. 23 (visit http://lumberjocks.com/contests/summer_2006 ).
"We wanted to add some sizzle this summer," says LumberJocks.com founder Martin Sojka, who also presides over the successful PowerToolBench.com . "Anyone who posts a project on or before Wednesday, Sept. 20, is eligible to compete—and like everything else on the site, contest participation is free."
Every project is required to feature at least one photo (up to three may be posted per project), as well as a personal story. These stories may cover tips and tricks, materials used, challenges encountered, sources of inspiration and what one might do differently in the future. Typical projects include furniture, home accessories, remodeling, woodcarving, toys, miniatures, gifts, fine art and sculpture.
What makes the contest unique is that registered users can rate each project on a 1–10 scale, post comments and ask questions, creating a truly interactive experience. Once a project receives three ratings from other users, it will automatically become the contest finalist.
Sojka's goal? To create an online community of woodworking aficionados who receive personal web space to post their creative works free of charge.
"There's no designated jury of experts in this contest," Sojka says. "The LumberJocks community will decide, through a democratic voting process, who takes top honors."
The top three LumberJocks will receive a free one-year subscription to their choice of seven leading woodworking magazines: Popular Woodworking, Fine Woodworking, Wood, Workbench, Woodworker's Journal, Woodcraft or American Woodworker.
"Contest winners will be announced on Sept. 24," Sojka says. "I can't wait to see the creative entries our growing community of members create!"


So here's the big question... with what I've posted here and on darrylmasterson.com are there any suggestions on what I should enter?

Saturday, July 22, 2006

Christmas in July

One of the several woodworking magazines I subscribe to is Wood Magazine. There have been some rather interesting articles in the few issues I've received so far. One article that recently caught my attention had to do with making a turned Christmas Tree ornament.

Having not made anything other than pens with the lathe, I thought it would be nice to make a smaller different project. The lighter wood is Cherry and the darker wood is Walnut. This is a very small lightweight ornament, it only measures about 3.5 inches long and 1.5 inches wide.

My wife is already making plans to give these as gifts this Christmas, so I'm sure you will be seeing more of these in the near future!