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3.17.08

Woodturning #4: Figured Maple Bowl

I bought this piece of figured maple from Rockler a couple of weeks ago when Francis, George, and I drove out their anniversary sale. As far as I can tell, “figured” means that the wood has some sort of irregularity in its grain. This one has a few little dark threads making a cloudy patch (the edge of it is visible on the lower left of this picture), giving a more interesting look to the bowl.

I learn something every time I put wood on the lathe, but I make so many mistakes. For the time being, I’ve given up trying to make natural-edged bowls from fresh wood — after a few catastrophic mistakes turned a couple hours of work into firewood. I really need either a class or a mentor.

Filed in: workshop

by Sally

comment
March 21, 2008 - 12:31 pm

Patrick - Holy smokes Matty. Thats a damn good looking bowl. The trees are no longer safe.

I am really stoked to do a little lathing next time I am in Chicago..

March 22, 2008 - 1:35 pm

The Olson Family - where's mine?……….your loving sister……J

3.14.08

Grey Finch Design + Photography

If you’re a regular visitor of this blog, you already know that my wife Sally is a talented photographer.  You might not know that she has launched her business, Grey Finch Design + Photography, specializing in portrait and event photography.  Just like her design style, Sally has this knack of capturing and portraying fleeting moments and moods through the lens.  She’s taken a couple weddings and several portrait sessions, and I just can’t believe how much life and artistry there are in these images.  Check out her website (linked above) and her photography blog, and if you have some moments in need of capture, give her a call.  She’ll travel.
(it’s not self-promotion if it’s your wife)
Filed in: greyfinch | photography

by Sally

comment
March 14, 2008 - 7:50 pm

Kristen - matt, i couldn't agree with you more. "capturing artistry and mood through the lens." she really has a wonderful eye for seeing the moment as we all wish we could! you better watch out what you say… saying your wife will travel. word gets out and you may never see her again — she'll be that much in demand!

anyway, i look at her pictures and all i can say is, "she is such a rock star, i can't believe i know her!"

aren't you the luckiest one of all…

March 14, 2008 - 7:59 pm

Sally - Whatever, my friend, you're the one who inspired this venture. I know everything I know from YOU. Couldn't have made this leap without you. And still, you continue to encourage and teach me so much. Love you so much…

March 15, 2008 - 12:11 am

Sally - Both of you.

March 15, 2008 - 12:33 pm

Kristen - seriously, the romance and beauty is so thick in Sally's photo, it reminds me of this one: http://www.robertdoisneau.com/robert_doisneau_hotelkiss.htm

everybody knows brides are stress- cases on their wedding day. how'd you get that feeling, sal??

March 15, 2008 - 4:40 pm

Fulmer Fam - Did someone say travel? Hey I have an idea, two photographers travel to Nashville and then take a drive to nearby Fort Campbell, wink wink.

March 15, 2008 - 10:27 pm

Sally - How'd I get that feeling? Ask Anna…she's the one kissin'! 🙂

I think the Nashville/Ft.Campbell trip sounds purty good!

March 19, 2008 - 11:52 pm

Lea Parrott - I think on your way down you should swing by Louisville. We would love to have you visit again!

March 31, 2008 - 4:15 pm

lauren - While I wish we could fly you down for a session Sally, Curt and I were wondering if you had any advice for taking the "baby in the hands" photo like this one: http://www.invitingsmiles.com/Bella-large.gif
or
http://www.invitingsmiles.com/Gracie-large.gif

We have our new Colleen and want to have a great photo for our birth announcement.

We were going to pay a photographer to do a portrait, but we won't be able to do that after all, so we thought we'd try it ourselves.

Any tips? Thanks!!

Lauren Gulde

April 7, 2008 - 3:10 pm

lauren - Thanks for your help Sally! I have some of the photos up on our blog… they turned out much better than I thought they would. All thanks to your advice! We tried to take some more yesterday, but Colleen wasn't cooperating.

July 25, 2008 - 12:39 pm

Sarah Porter - These are just so cute. Please take a look at some cute sites I found

http://www.cardsshoppe.com http://www.express-invitations.com http://www.cards-411.com and http://www.birth-cards.com

I think you will like these too.

3.14.08

Sneak Peek: Baby B

Well, he’s not really a BABY anymore. He just turned one a few weeks ago and given that he can already RUN, I think it’s fair to call him a toddler. I tell ya, this kid is the most easy going kid I have ever met. He’s just chill. It wasn’t until oh, maybe the 500th photo, that I saw an inkling of frustration out of this guy. So so cute, this one. He was truly a joy to shoot. So busy and sweet. Enjoy the sneak peek momma E!


Eating peas and carrots for lunch, but absolutely positively NO lima beans. 😉





He was on the move!


Filed in: photography

by Sally

comment
March 14, 2008 - 3:24 am

Steve Ballmer - Your photography is phenominal!

March 14, 2008 - 7:44 pm

Kristen - i love the seventh one down, the black/white closeup the best. i’d love to see this one really, really big. his eyes are just so amazing!!

great work, greyfinch! let me know when you’ll be in the area and you can take all my millions for trade of beautiful photographs. it is surely worth every penny and then some.

March 14, 2008 - 8:02 pm

Sally - I have to add that I love the eating photos. I think they would be so cute framed in a series really big, in the kitchen eating area of her house. They’re just so graphic and sweet all at the same time. If I don’t say so myself – ha! 🙂

March 14, 2008 - 8:03 pm

Sally - Thanks Kristen – You’ve got a deal! 🙂

March 18, 2008 - 12:57 am

tami - congratulations, sally! these are such lovely photos. here’s to many more successful shoots for greyfinch! 🙂

3.9.08

Whatcha thinkin’ ?


This photo was taken at a five year old’s birthday party last Sunday. I love the expressions in this. So darn cute. This house was not only full of excited 5 year old girls, but full of great artwork as well. So inspiring.

Filed in: kid stuff | party
3.9.08

More Free Woodturning Videos

I recently pointed out JET Tools’ wonderful practice of posting woodturning instructional videos on YouTube.  Here’s another treasure trove of woodworking videos that I came across via WoodMagazine.com.  Scroll to the right to find woodturning videos, which are shot from great angles with nice close-ups; you can see exactly how each chisel is engaging as it cuts.  There’s a whole lot more than just woodturning material here, but that’s what I’m obsessed with at the moment.

Filed in: matt | workshop