13 Things: May 2025
A taking stock, of sorts. A snapshot of life this month, including three books, a table saw and colour perfection.
French cleat deep dive
With the school hols, public hols and a malaise about the state of the world, I’ve struggled with clarity. Thankfully, I have a husband who is willing to simply listen to me (attempt to) untangle my thoughts until I’ve some sort of realistic plan.
Realising parallels
Patchwork and woodwork are actually sisters. If you've skills in one, consider trying the other. These are the parallels I've realised as I deepen my understanding of both disciplines.
Atelier observations and progress
One lolly right now? Or two lollies later? Which option do you choose?
Side of the road
One type of person slows traffic, gawking whenever they see the Pick Up Sticks mount of discarded furniture perched on the side of the road. The other type simply sees rubbish.
These two types of people marry each other.
Atelier DAY 1
Be careful what you wish for, because now I have a workshop.
And for my next trick
In January, we were in Espain visiting my parents when we received an email. We were being evicted from our home, effective two weeks after we were due to return to Australia.
Reframe
Sometimes. Sometimes, it really is a matter of reframing. I’m trying it on for size.
Decisions
Is making the wrong decision better than making none at all?
UPDATED: Woodworking and furniture design library list - September 2024
Not all of the physical books have made the cut for this list. But those that have, how can I not share them with you?
Lessons from a fledgling furniture maker
One year. That’s how long it’s been since I decided to try woodworking on for size. Our home has been taken over by (saw)dust bunnies, and I’m not (too) mad about it.
The definition of a project
If I’m working on a ‘project’, does that imply it must end as a Finished Thing? Is it classified as an ‘abandoned project’ if it doesn’t end as a Thing?
Does it even matter?
Making looms
I’ve been itching to make more stools. The idea of combining two disciplines — wood working and weaving — has been keeping me up at night, and I needed to do something about it.
Amigurumi charcutería
I don’t mind projects that take me years to complete, but sometimes, I need the hit of dopamine tout de suite.
Timber timber
Another trolley. Quelle surprise. It was a necessity, promise.
Plywood
Until recently, I've felt indifferent toward plywood. It was the stuff of cheap furniture and graffiti-inviting worksite panels, of knots and warps and school hall speakers. It just was.
I have this thing with trolleys
I especially like to snoop in yours. And if it wasn’t for social norms, I’d absolutely be asking you about its contents and your plans.
The first piece of furniture
A jill of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.
A beautiful mess
How do you get your ideas/thoughts out of your head? Do you say them aloud, or scrawl them on paper, or punch them out on a keyboard?
Blue and green should always be seen
In fact, I seek the two often.