July 2010

Welcome to this issue of Creative Woodworks & Crafts! This edition's keynote is "innovation," the introduction of new ideas and techniques to our unique sphere of woodworking.

I think John Polhemus broke some new ground in the way he developed the Birds of Prey Coasters (at right). While the coasters are based upon four great patterns designed by Bob Valle, we knew early on that the challenge would be to flesh out the coasters to look classy while being well sealed from the moisture they'd be coming into contact with. We also knew that we wanted them made from rich looking hardwoods, to avoid the look that plywood can give, especially the edges. John searched high and low for the best way to effectively seal the coasters, and we think he hit a "home run" with the techniques he developed.

One of the keys was the use of EasyCast, a clear-casting epoxy which seems made to order for scrollers. This product allows you to completely fill-in and seal delicate fretwork, preventing dust, dirt, and moisture from getting into the inside cuts, while actually enhancing the project's visual appeal; John even came up with a special jig for applying the material. I was so impressed with the prototypes when they arrived that I brought them home to show my wife, Cathy, whose opinion on fretwork creations sometimes differs from mine. However, in this case, I was happy to see her respond with "Wow—they're beautiful!" I knew at that moment something special had been born! Knowing how creative you, our readers, are, I think there'll be no limit to the ways in which many of you will apply this product to your intricate cuttings, giving them an even more elegant, "hermetically-sealed" appearance.

Another innovative contribution comes from our Contributing Editor to the north, Sheila Landry, with her "See Creatures." Most of us have experienced the frustration of misplacing our reading glasses or sunglasses, and Sheila gives us a fun way to keep tabs on them with her humorous four-eyed mascots. Sheila has been designing for us for over fifteen years, and she seems to tap into a bottomless well of creativity, always coming up with new ideas, and these See Creatures are perfect examples of her flair for the new and different.


And then there's Deb Nicholson's Bear Door Topper—what a great project! Everyone who has seen it reacted with a big smile—it's so simple, yet it really does suggest the presence of a big bear peaking at you over your door.

Our designers are our treasure and we're grateful for their ongoing creative efforts, which gives us the right to use the word "Creative" in our title!

Until the next issue, wishing you all health, peace, and prosperity!

Sincerely,