The Unveiling

Time for the reveal of my big project!

I had some wood left over after cutting my piece for my upcoming 16x20" show piece, and decided to make this for my mom and stepdad.

It's a cabinet and holder for toilet paper.  Their house was built in 1861, and so I chose designs for the wood burning that suited that time period.  The design on the cabinet door is of a late 1800's staircase baluster that would have been a piece cast in iron.  On the top I chose a honeysuckle motif that was popular for use on dishes, wall decor, embroidery, etc.

 Which, for some unknown reason, my computer has decided to rotate counterclockwise no matter what I do.

I finished the structure with a polyshades stain and coated the burned portions with mineral oil.  I had attempted to seal the entire thing with urethane, but after putting a coat of it on the backside of the door, I discovered that it turns the laminated pine yellow.  Unfortunate, but other methods will work.

So there you have it!  A large piece I built from scratch!  Now that's a sense of accomplishment!

Leave you wanting more

One big project this week and one smaller.  Just to string this out, I'll share the smaller one with you now.... and make you wait to see the big one!

Centerpiece

So I found this really cool wood frame that's rustic and natural looking and is deep enough to fit a piece of wood or a canvas.  So now I'm on the hunt for the ideal picture to wood burn and put in this frame.  I've got to choose carefully, though, because it's a 16"x20" piece!  I want it to be able to fit in at any and all shows I do, so I need to choose a subject that appeals to a wide audience. 

I posed that question on Facebook, asking my friends for opinions on what I should burn for this show piece.  I got a lot of really cool ideas... and some interesting ones...  I think the most interesting one was 'A surfing unicorn with a bear on its back holding a shotgun.'  As entertaining as that would be...  I don't think anyone would buy it for the price I'd have to put on such a large piece!  But you never know!

The options I'm most strongly considering are either an animal, probably a horse, or a castle or a forest scene.  I'll do some more research to find a photo that really inspires me and see what I come up with!

Born to be cute

The sea turtle craze seems to have died down a bit, but I have a feeling these cute little guys might find a home this holiday season. 

They're so cute!

I seem to have a thing for baby animals lately...  Whenever I pick up a new piece to burn I just choose whatever image will make me happy or give me inspiration.  It's two in a row now of baby animals.  I think I may continue this trend.

Finally!

After such a busy, busy month, I've finally found time to sit down and do an entire wood burning!  Not that that doesn't mean I had nothing else to do... But that's not the point.  I have two stores to stock with product by the end of this month, and then by the end of November I'll be showing my work at the Art Center in Brownsville for their holiday show.  And so, this is the first of many new pieces to come this month!

Christmas on the brain

I know that for most people it's a little early to think about Christmas.  But for me, it's got to start now!  Wood burning takes quite a bit of time, and if you're wanting something made as a gift, now is the time to order!  All you have to do is email me.  Tell me what you want, what size and way to contact you and I'll get right to work!  Below are some pricing guides:

5x7" - $40
7x9" - $70
8 1/2 x 11" - $100
Custom size & shape - email for a quote

greatjesspectations@gmail.com

Come November I'll have a selection of pieces for sale at First Alternative Co-op in Corvallis at both locations, 3rd Street as well as 29th. 

I look forward to seeing what you have in mind!