It's fun every once in a while to dig into my scrap bag of wood bits, and see what I can make with them. Well, we have a pipe box, a candle box, a foot stool or bench, a tray, a candle stand and a wood box.
I've written about the difficulty of getting good wood, since Michaels is the only supplier here; when I was in Maine this fall, I picked up a bag of jumbo craft sticks, and some of the items in this group were made using them. They tend to be quite straight, most of them, and they yield quite a bit of good wood. The wood box was made from less than two of them. It will get leather hinges and rope handles, once the box is stained and painted.
They all need painting, of course! But first, I have to find a colour of water-based stain to use as the base coat. I used to use Varathane Ipswich Pine, a lovely rosy brown shade, but the water-based stains have been discontinued. My local hardware store dealer suggested I look at Min-Wax water-based; although I won't find an ideal match, there may be a colour there that I can deal with.
I'm making things that could sell, but if they don't, can be incorporated into one or another of my mini projects. There are more small bits I'd like to try....
The "fancy work" is done with files, sanding sticks and sandpaper, as well as my trusty knife. My sanding sticks are worn out, and I don't know where to find more of them; the ones I had were purchased some years ago at the NAME National in Nashua, NH (USA). I have people looking out for them for me, though. They are so handy for making nice curves in basswood pieces!
Your collection of handmade wood items are lovely and will be even lovelier once you've stained them to your specifications.
ReplyDeleteWhat great pieces, Marijke. I hope you bring them to our mini day at Louise's on Wednesday. I'm looking forward to seeing them in finished state. What a perfect look for so many decors. - Marilyn D.
ReplyDeletethere is a woman called cat or kat on youtube who boils her wood sticks so she can bend them into different shapes, she made a toilet out of hers scraps. you should check it out
ReplyDeleteYou have really made the most of the craft sticks with this nice collection of well done mini items! You may be able to find the Americana Gel Stains, which are water based, at Michael's. They come in 2 oz bottles so you can buy them all and mix and match until you find the tone that you like best! Good luck!
ReplyDeletehttps://www.amazon.com/DecoArt-Americana-Stains-Paint-2-Ounce/dp/B004BPSABG/ref=asc_df_B004BPSABG/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198061515308&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10879837633639914706&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033471&hvtargid=pla-320319109353&psc=1
Thank you all for your comments. I was at Michaels this morning Jodi, to buy some gray paint, and missed the gel stains! I'll look for them next week.
ReplyDeleteI'd suggest checking out Amazon and look for the Minwax stain pens. I've used them a bunch and they're easy to work with, especially on smaller pieces.
ReplyDeleteI love your little scallops on the box and the handle to hang them up!
Thanks Sheila, another good suggestion. And I think I can purchase them here in the hardware stores, as they all carry Minwax. Added to my shopping list for tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteYou can also get Saman water-based stains at hardware stores. I can get them at Home Hardware in my town. They come in a wide range of colours and you can also mix them to make new colours.
ReplyDeleteThe Saman stains are gorgeous, and very very expensive! I did look at them, and was told that Kent's here carries only a small variety of colours. The smallest container here was close to $20. But the quantity is such that it would likely dry out before I could use it all....
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