Australian-American Houses

Assiniiboine Community College Woodworking course #12: Last class of Level 2 …and probably for the rest of the year:-(

Well the course is over; I learned a lot and had a lot of fun. I suspect Ryan learned a lot about conducting a classroom and managing the administrative types at the College. I really enjoyed using all the tools and the great setup of their shop. Its given me a lot of ideas to incorporate into my shop, a bench, vise and mortising attachment for my drill press are all pretty high priorities now…just after getting the new tablesaw.

I didn’t manage to finish my project yet but got pretty close. All that is left really is mounting the hardware and finishing up one set of M&T joints (I just realize I missed them this evening just before class!). Bil

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Stylish Decor with Hi There Press

Bird Told Me canvas with Ari (1 1/2)

Recently, we were introduced to Hi There Press when we wanted to provide a special little person (Casa Diseño President’s Goddaughter) a special gift. Hi There Press is an online resource that provides customized home decor and housewares for your space. From mugs to coasters and eco-cards, they have a pretty good assortment for both your everyday and occasional (holiday) needs. We were most impressed with their baby and kids section.

Have you been thinking about decorating your child’s room? If so, capture your family’s memories via canvas art. Hi The

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Projects #1: Toddler Bed #1

A coulpe weeks ago, out of the blue, I decided I was going to make a toddler bed for my soon to be 2 year old dauughter Emaline. I wanted it tbe fairly simple so she wouldn’t be 6 by the time I completed it. And I wanted it to be easy to take apart when she, and maybe the next one, grow out of it.

Oh, and it had to be painted. That was my wife’s choice. She’s one of those people that wants everything painted.

So poplar and pine it was.

Well, it’s poplar with pine “slats” going from rail to rail that will support the hardboard and mattress. The corner posts are 2×2’s. Rails 1×5’s. The support slats are 1×2’s. And the headboard is two 1×5’s glued together. The foot posts are 13”

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Table Saw Upgrade #2: Strip, Prime, Paint

This weekend I decided to strip the Powermatic 66 and the 2 Beisemeyer fence systems and prime and paint them. I was hoping to keep the stripes on the saw, but the decals were tool badly damaged and I do not have the time to paint new ones on. I also was not able to match the original color, but I came “close”. (I keep telling myself, “It is a saw, not your 65 Mustang,”)

I still need to finish up some of the paint on the edges of the top, mount the fence rails, attach the starter controls, polish the top, and then of course—get everything perfectly square and parallel.

I still have not painted the rectangular tube that the fence slides on. I sanded

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Freedom Autumn 2011

Last week I was a guest of Freedom for the launch of their Autumn 2011 collection. Impressive in every way. Heading in a new direction, the line is a mix of sophisticated design with the highest quality workmanship. There is something for everyone whether just starting out, family living or downsizing, a rambling cottage or chic townhouse. To grab your attention here is Freedom’s limited edition range. Bright, fun, punchy and directional. The Venus dining chairs are in a delicious range of colours. Be quick for these. They won’t last.

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