something new

I've got a new project I'm getting ready to put up in my shop in the next few days. A totally new genre for me--well, not completely new, but new in this space. But I'm still thinking it through. This is really just a test-run, if you will. See if there's any interest in them because I'm really enjoying making them--the mixture of modern-day tools, with the steady rhythm of working with my hands. Working alongside my husband, needing his steady hand and knowledge to make it through the whole creative process. The transformation of something rough and raw into something useful, smooth and practical. Seeing the deep color emerge with just the first swipe with a soft, oil-soaked cloth.

Can you tell I've been reading Wendell Berry? My husband turned me on to him and after just finishing Andy Catlett last night, he may now be one of my favorite authors. I can't quite put it into words yet, exactly what it is that I love about his writing. There's no plot, no drama--it's just about living, and work and rest and home. I filled pages and pages of my notebook with favorite quotes:

"The households of my grandparents seemed to breathe forth a sense of the real cost and worth of things. Whatever came, came by somebody’s work."

The book is inspiring me. Inspiring me to be away from my computer; to finally just jump in and start a quilt, but only with the things I have on hand; to read in the evenings and pick up my knitting again; to replace a few missing buttons and patch up a worn-out knee; to put a good, hearty dinner on the table and enjoy the warmth and rhythm of "putting things to rights" before relaxing in the evening.

I'm sure you'll be hearing more Berry-filled quotes and inspiration here in the time to come. I hate it when I come to the end of a good book so I think I'll savor it here for awhile longer.

Be watching this space. Once I get my ideas in order, I'll be showing more of what's above. There will only be two available to start. I'm starting simple and small. We'll see what happens.

Happy Tuesday.

Comments

[melissa f.]

i am terribly excited about this. (whatever it may be)

[coronita]

Ooh! What fun. I can't wait to see. Isn't working with wood fun...and incredibly challenging?

[beki]

How exciting!

[carol]

oh, I want to jump into those photos and into that room of production!

[Amy]

Alright, you have me very, very curious. And I was just thinking this morning about the "worth" of things, so that quote is really good timing for me.

[Grace]

wow, this is a beautiful post. wow. i am so inspired, too. you have me wanting to get off the computer and go make a bunch of stuff right now. with my two hands. beautiful.

[Mama Urchin]

I see a few rattles there like my husband makes. I love the smell of a woodshop,

[Cassi]

Sounds wonderful! Can't wait!

[blair]

I'm excited too!

[wilsonian]

It's been a really long time since I had out my tools... your post and gorgeous pictures have got me longing to feel a chisel handle in my hand...

[erin]

sitting on the edge of my seat....i can't wait to see what it is!

[ldpaulson]

Any time I see wood shavings next to a curvy wooden thing, I immediately think "INSTRUMENT! Yay!" Geek that I am. It could be any number of fine things, even a jewelery box. Do tell!

[ldpaulson]

Any time I see wood shavings next to a curvy wooden thing, I immediately think "INSTRUMENT! Yay!" Geek that I am. It could be any number of fine things, even a jewelery box. Do tell!

[emily]

i can't wait to see what it is!

and i'm wondering what, exactly, you're reading of wendell berry? i've been thinking of picking him up since i read animal, vegetable, miracle - kingsolver mentions him quite a bit in the book. but i wasn't sure where to start.

[Michelle]

Oooh, you are such a meanie. Okay, I'll just be here, patiently waiting for the big reveal (foot tapping, hands on hips)...

[Sarah]

It looks lovely. I've never been very good with hand tools- too impatient, I fear- but I love what other people do with them! Can't wait to see the finished project. My guess: musical instrument (my hope: banjo)

[Stefani]

Well you big ol' tease! I love it! Thanks for the reading suggestion, and for the little glimpses of goodness to come. Can't wait to see!

[kristin]

i love that top photo with those
wood whittles (shavings?)... this is such a nice
post. can't wait to see what you're up to.

[Melissa]

I've got no idea what it is, but I want one!

[Louise]

I love Wendell Berry-- I just finished The Memory of Old Jack, and Hannah Coulter is one of my favorites. I would love to live in that slow and steady world. Very nice post.

[Ellen]

Looks wonderful! How nice to be able to work with your husband - some time (although limited) to be together. You must also work with very pleasing aromas - mm..the heady scent of freshly-hewn wood shavings.

[elle]

wendell berry is one of our absolute favorites. we had "the mad farmer manifesto" read at our wedding, & have started to dig into his essays, as well. (in particular, the essay collection called "the art of the commonplace" is very inspiring, & he declares working from home/making a home such an important, noble choice!)

[bad home cook]

Just blogged about your wonderful site at BabyCenter.com...and glad I found it! What a kindred spirit. Guess I'll have to pick up some Wendell Berry now, huh?