Here you’ll find a few collections of projects that I’ve messed about with over the years. Obviously I’ve only included the vaguely successful items – the rest would have gone with the Guy on 05 November.
I’ve included whatever pieces of information or history to hopefully add interest or inspiration.
- Furniture and Joinery – All of the stuff I make is designed, planned and constructed by me. Those with knowledge in this area will know that also includes selecting the right materials, techniques and tools in order to produce the best result. This is not as complex as I may be portraying. Start on something simple and move forward
- Sewing projects. Most of what I do here is pretty blokey stuff of a practical application. Some outdoor clothing and equipment, and practical items to keep the body warm and comfortable. Again this stuff really isn’t difficult and I’m not in the habit of over dramatising tasks in order to make myself look clever. It doesn’t work.
- Medals and Insignia. I’ve been collecting Soviet medals and insignia for over 25 years and some of it I’ve framed for display. There’s still quite a bit to do so this may spur me to get on with it!
Design Process
After putting up the Gallery pages a while back it seems that the design directions are a bit brief. I wanted to make them simple and not weigh the whole thing down with detail that would then need images to clarify. Therefore it’s better if I deal with some of the questions directly right here. Below is the basic criteria list. This is not straight pathway, but a sound starting outline
- Need
- Size
- Design
- Resources
- Skill
What’s driving the project?
Need – Neccessity, in other words you need an item to resolve a problem or situation. Whether that is a storage solution, a gift or even just a desire to create. All have relevant value, and impetus.
Size – In many cases the need will also dictate the size. If it’s a bookcase you need to make it to fit all the books (by number and size). Making it too small when you have available space is a missed opportunity. How big someone’s home is, or the room it is intended for should come into the process. Doorway size or access (stairs, corridors etc) are considerations, as are the ‘gap between other items’ or ‘the space behind a door’.
Design – The item is going to have to be robust enough for its role. It will also need to be achievable with the resources you have available – materials and tools. If your design cannot meet your need or the size parameters – it’s not viable. Already you can see everything impacts most of the other criteria. Going back and forth between the different headings tweaking detail isn’t failure, it’s part of a dynamic process that ensures the sucess of any given project. It applies to ANY plan. In the past I have built items, such as bookcases and storage racks, to fit materials/budget available and the ‘need’, only to find the original piece is no longer big enough. Removing the top cornice – adding identical shelves and – replacing the cornice -thereby changing a 6ft tall bookcase to a 7ft plus bookcase is a valid solution. Often designing in such an option is simple and desirable.
Resources – Materials and tools are not only relevant in the design process but also budget dependant as noted above. This is very relevant when pricing work for a customer, or yourself. Some woods are very expensive and any fittings, embelishments (inlays, finishes etc) push up costs drastically. It’s worth saving scraps of pricey woods for plugs, inlays, repairs and so on. Cutting into a large piece of timber just for a plug is very annoying. Alternatively change your design to use a complimentary or exotic wood for plugs, and make it a design feature. And we’re back to design!
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