The Magic of Hand-Made
I read last week that an alarmingly high number of Americans are still paying for gifts from last Christmas Season. One of the wonderful benefits of being a wood turner is that we can take a relatively inexpensive lump of wood (or plastic) and turn it into a treasure. Think about it, here in the south Momma’s biscuit bowl is a treasured family heirloom to be passed down through the generations. I have things from my mom and dad that they hand-made which are priceless to me.
This year and there is still time, consider special gifts, turned lidded boxes, platters, plate or bowls. Or, maybe a set of candle sticks pepper mills or salt and sugar cellars or French rolling pins perhaps even a honey dipper. Kids of all ages love spinning tops. Executive desk-top-quality spinning tops from scrapes of exotic hardwoods are appreciated by even the most successful business types.
The bottom line is this; spend a little time and not a lot of money hand crafting many of your Christmas Gifts this year. You will be much happier facing the New Year without having to pay off those huge credit card bills for stuff which will probably be unappreciated and may even be returned.
Great Tip for new ideas:
One of my favorite resources for ideas of things to make for family gifts is the internet. I use www.Startpage.com as my search engine and select “Images”. That way all I see are pictures. I’m not suggesting you copy someone else’s work for profit, but as inspiration for something you personalize with your own twist on it. After all we learn in Ecclesiastes 1:9 “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.”
Sweet Janice and I have had our share of desert experiences over the years and it was during one of those lean times that I came to understand this truth. It was Christmas time and Grandpa needed to think about gifts for the kids, grandkids, daughter in-laws and son in-laws. Cash was in short supply this particular year. I made turned lidded boxes for everyone! It was loads of fun, a great learning experience, and they still talk about it. I even did a video later which has proven to be a perennial best seller for many years now.
Here is wishing you a very Merry and blessed Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year because wherever you go, there you are.
Here is my inspiration for this message:
Acts 7:50 NIV Has not my hand made all these things?
Eph 2:10 NIV For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Isa 66:2 NIV Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the LORD. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.
Your response to last week's sale has been overwhelming, thank you. Let's give it another week.
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Shipping policy for this Christmas Season:
Free USA shipping for all domestic orders over $50. For orders less than $50 a flat rate of $7.99. I simply cannot afford to continue shipping the smaller orders for free.
Just so you know, here is a partial list of the items we make right in our own shop in Atlanta, Georgia, USA:
Amazing Doughnut Chucks, Amazing Bucket Caddy, Universal Setting Jig, Quad Setting Jig, Golden Mean Calipers, Indexing Wheels, Laser Cut Kits and Inlays, Gluing Guides for Laser Cut Kits, Made By Medallions for your work, Gouge SetUp Blocks, Angle Gauge SetUp Blocks, How-To DVS's 100% produced and published in-house
And this week you can save 20% with free USA shipping on orders over $50
Special prices for Club Buys
If your club is interested in putting a Group Buy together, CBN Wheels for example 10 or more, Laser Cut Kits 50 or more, Turners Laser Guides 10 or more, Amazing Doughnut Chucks or Longworth Chucks, I can provide very special pricing. Drop me a note at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Made By Medallions Identify your work
This year, mark your treasures with a professionally created wooden "Made By Medallion" available in 1" and 1-1/4" disks with your name and information. Cut from 1/8" Baltic Birch, you simply drill a shallow recess with a Forstner bit and glue it permenantely in place. Those who receive your treasure know exactly who made it and if you wish, how to contact you.
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Including Bottle Stopper Designs - 50 Plus classic designs. Free PDF.
Amazing Doughnut Chuck™ Instructions
ProGrind Instructions
We have bundled several of the most popular documents into one downloadable zip file for your convenience. Still no charge.
