One would think, with reasonable surety, that once the wood has been cut to short lengths, movement would no longer be an issue. One would be mistaken. It's important that the initial grouping of the four-piece bundles be gap-free. This will be important for the second turning when the seams all need to fit together neatly. The bundles are grouped with fibre tape at the ends. In short order, a gap will develop in the middle of the span between taped ends. a A couple more bindings on either side of centre, and finally(!) the bundles have been convinced to be proper squares.
I knew a roofer once who practiced Zen Buddhism. He shared with me a prayer discipline he practiced at work. He would take a piece of chalk and write a Zen prayer on the underside of each of the roof shingles. The entire house would be covered in silent prayers for the well-being of the occupants. There are opportunities to connect with the Divine in all places - even in the wood shop! If you're inclined to offer prayers such as my Zen Buddhist roofer friend, you might be inclined to write a prayer, a character or image, a love note or a kind word on the ornament at this point. No one will see it when the ornament is done, but you will have inscribed into it a blessing that will radiate through it as long as it exists. Next comes the fun part - the turning! Come back again for the next exciting episode of inside out ornament turning.
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The Maker and the MakingI'd like to say I'll let my work speak for itself. How can I do that when there's so much that can be said about it? Archives
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