From Summer to Santa Memories 2019 Part 1

From Summer to Santa Memories 2019 Part 1

It is amazing what you find when you have a sort out. I came upon a couple of projects that I had completely forgotten about. These are projects that I did before I had even heard of the word Blog. Therefore I apologise for lack of Photographs

The first project is a Fire Starter Kit I made for a friend’s Birthday. She was in to back to nature, woodlands and pre-modern inventions.

Fire Starting Kit

As you can see this in the above picture this is the finished item. The material was sourced locally. I needed one thick Branch, two long Twigs, some String, Drill and Sandpaper.

First of all I stripped the Twigs of their Bark. This gave them a chance to dry out a little. The Twigs were Willow but I am not sure what the Branch was made of.

I then marked three section where I was going to bore (for different sized Twigs). I selected a Drill Bit slightly larger than the Rubbing Twig. I Drilled down so far which was not easy as Branches tend to roll. I then changed Drill Bits and laying the Horizontally I began to remove the Wood at the Side to make a Notch.

I then smoothed out the Notches with the Sandpaper. I then strung the Horizontal Twig so it could be used as a Bow. I had to leave a little slack so it could be wound around the Vertical Twig in a Loop.

It was then ready to use. I got some dry material put it in the Bore Hole and started to use the Bow. The material started smouldering so I pulled it out on to other dried material and gently blew on the Embers until the Fire took hold.

Thus one ready to use Fire Starter Kit. I was quite impressed until I asked my then boyfriend if this was what he had used in the Army? He replied ‘No we used matches’. I walked right into that one.

The link below shows a similar Kit.

I dedicate this Blog to Karl who sadly passed away ten years ago.

http://www.jonsbushcraft.com/bowdrill%20tutorial.htm

Boxes Galore 2018 Part 1

Boxes Galore 2018 Part 1

I was given some Boxes as a present some time ago. They were made from wood and therefore in a natural state when I received them.

Natural Boxes

The Boxes have lids that have patterns cut into them or should that be patterns cut out?

Natural Boxes Lids Open

I wanted to decorate these Boxes so they could match in with my décor. However I have had so many other projects on the go I have not had a chance to make a start.

Choosing a Colour

Most of my décor is Green therefore that is the colour I chose. However since the kind of wood I normally paint are doors and skirting boards I needed a little assistance. Fortunately there is an art shop near me called Heaps.

Whenever I have an art query it is my first stop. The gentleman is extremely friendly and knowledgeable and pointed me to the correct type of paint to use. It is a water-based Acrylic and the shade is Sap Green

Boxes First Coat Inside

Since I had already opened the Boxes I decided to do the insides first. I used a medium sized brush and added a little water to the paint.

Boxes Painted Outside

Once I had painted the inside of the Boxes I then started to paint the outsides. I always paint with along the grain of the wood so it goes on smoothly. I also start at the top and work downwards in case it drips.

I haven’t as yet decided on what I am doing on the lids so I have left them natural. This is only the first coat so I will need to do more. However I cannot do anything until the first layer sinks in and dries.