New Faces at the school

School has been back in session for a month now. We have setup this blog in the hopes that you will be able to keep up with our projects, the challenges we face in the coming year or even a friend or family member you know at the school.

We are craftsmen first, so please do not be critical of our journalistic shortcomings.

The first year students are off and running into their exercises. They have already made several wooden hand planes, honed their sharpening techniques, shaped their gumby legs and are coopering doors for their Wabi-Sabi cabinets.

Barb has already completed a box of lacewood as a warm-up exercise, presented it to the class this past week and has started working on a showcase cabinet. Steve has completed his "eighth" project and is working on a mirror to complement the walnut side board with eight drawers. Jason is continuing work on his elm laptop and Daisuke, who finished a chair this summer has begun work on a coffee table in curly sycamore. Neil is off to a productive start on his krenovian clock. He has re-sawn his laminates and is preparing to glue them together on a curved form.

Robert and Yvonne will be hosting a memorial honoring the life and work of James Krenov at the school. If you are interested, we encourage you to contact Yvonne for details. Robert is busy in the planning stages of his first project for this year. He is promising to hold himself to the same guidelines as the first year students- "small, simple, solid, and sweet." Details to follow in future posts.

Morrie from Halfmoon Bay, BC applying glue to some wood he brought from home to dry in the kiln.

Neil from Sechelt, BC working on a reproduction of a clock by James Krenov. Neil is back for a second year and had been a big help to the first year students.Barb from Roberts Creek, BC all dressed up:
Meredith from Vancouver, BC brings an artistic energy to the class and has shown great dedication and perseverance during the exercises. She keeps spirits high with her sense of humor.
Byron from Port Moody, BC seems to complete exercises before Robert even completes the lecture and is still looking to learn more as he explores our craft.
Michael from Edmonton, Alberta working on an edge joint for his coopered door. He is a very quiet and productive classmate.
Don from Golden, BC shared a great quote with some of the class, "Nature is the standard for truth and beauty." Very applicable to our wood room.
Ian from Calgary, Alberta is here with his wife and newborn daughter Rya. There is a lot of thought and a quest for perfection evident in the Ian's approach.
Evan from Bellingham Washington has moved with his wife and young son August. While August brings the class smiles and youth, Evan brings his tenacious search for perfection.
Hong from Vancouver, BC was here for the Artisan classes in the summer and is back for 9 more months.
Daisuke from Japan is here for a third year to set a fine example for the rest of us!
Bruce from Smithers BC has left his large family and farm to come and pursue his love of woodworking. On top of completing all of his exercises, he has naturally taken on the role of school spokesperson by greeting everyone as they enter the school and also being the resident handyman.
Steve from Placerville, California arrived with his best friend Lacey (his beautiful dog...) who has become loved by everyone in the school.
Michal from Victoria, BC and Byron discussing how to build their first Krenovian wooden hand planes.
Junior from Sydney, BC showing off a perfect shaving from one of his first hand planes he made at the school.
Jason from Asheville, North Carolina feeling pride for his well organized bench.
Steve from Ladysmith, BC meticulously chopping dovetails for his walnut sideboard.