Jack Ackerman (left) and Cal Mullins (right) with woven-wood lazy Susan
Joni Matthiessen
Our last article talked about the mentor program being implemented in the woodshop. This includes help on the CNC machine with Kathy Dial and Larry Ditch, and pen making with Loran Christiansen and members of the pen club, and now it is expanding to other classes for new, specific projects. One such project is the technique for a woven-wood lazy Susan and wall hanging. Cal Mullins initially made the ripple pattern for the lazy Susan, he taught Jack Ackerman, and Jack, in turn, taught me. Jack put his project for sale in the shop display case and it sold right away, so, more are in the making. Because this project is so popular, Jack and Cal have offered to teach small classes on how to make it. At present, the first two classes are filled, with additional classes being formed to accommodate everyone interested in making one. There is a sign-up sheet in the woodshop for future classes if you are interested in this technique (you must join the shop and take safety training first).
There is another class coming soon on making toys, and there are still mentors available for anyone needing help on beginner projects. Also, soon there will be a new children’s rocking horse project for beginners. Mike Riewe will conduct that class on how to make a simple rocking horse. Everyone participating in this class will receive their very own branding iron to make their mark on their horse. The time and date for signing up for that training will be announced soon.
Stop by and see what is happening in the woodshop, and be sure to check out our display window. You just never know what treasure you might find that you just need to have!