Not Usually Made This Time Of Year

[CharleyL]

Not Usually Made This Time Of Year

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Post by CharleyL » Mon May 02, 2022 1:04 pm

I have a friend coming to visit soon that I won't likely see again for several years. She doesn't have any of the ones that I've been making over the past 18 years, so I decided to make her a full set. One of the mid size gets a pin (shown) attached for wearing on a sweater, etc. The other mid size becomes a necklace, the two smallest become ear rings, and the largest is just for display or hanging on the Christmas Tree.

You can see by the included dime how small these are. I made and finished all of these, including clear lacquer spray and jewelry assembly in 2 1/4 hours yesterday. I have promised a few sets of ear rings to others, so will likely make and assemble them tomorrow. Then on to some larger projects.

I need to make more boxes, so I think they are next on my list.

Charley

[OCtoolguy]

Very nice Charley. I'm going to have to give them a try sometime. What wood do you use? It looks like maple. Something hard?

 

[wombatie]

They are lovely and a great idea.

Marg

[stoney]

Hi Charley, I really like that pattern and have made many of them as Christmas ornaments.  I turn them into Rudolph's.   Just wondering what species of wood you use.   

[Norm Fengstad]

Neat idea and any time is reindeer cutting time

[daveww1]

very nice

[scrollerpete]

I did cut some and I used any pieces of scrap HARD wood that I have around.

[edward]

Cool Never to early to start!

[CharleyL]

The smallest do not usually survive cutting, unless made from hardwood, and if they do survive cutting they don't survive wearing as jewelry. I use Hard Maple and most survive quite well. The mid sizes can be made from Hard Maple, but I usually use White Poplar, being choosey about which boards that I pick up to avoid the green and brownish colors. This works well for the largest size too, but I had a carpenter friend who was bringing me off cuts of SPF construction lumber from job sites and I still have a significant amount of it, so the largest size is usually White Pine (avoiding knots) or Poplar. I was recently given some Soft Maple, so I will likely be using that for many of the larger sizes this year. I usually begin making them in the Fall, about mid September, when I change my shop over to make Christmas Gifts. This is the 18th year that I've made reindeer, but I couldn't get to my shop for most of last year, due to a health problem with my right leg. Only 6 reindeer were made last year during one very short shop visit. 

I have never sold any of my woodworking. I give the reindeer away during the Christmas Season, to any woman or teen girl who helps me in some way during the season of November through New Years. My doctors, nurses, cashiers, sales girls, etc. are all offered one at the completion of my transaction with them. It's usually held out toward them in my right hand, palm down, as I wish them "A Very Merry Christmas". When they reach out, I drop the reindeer in their hand. The ear ring and necklace versions cost me more in time and purchased jewelry fittings to make, so they are only given to "Special Women". My female doctors each have a set, as well as my Favorite Pharmacist, as well as all of the women in my family. The manager of my favorite restaurant and several of the better waitresses also have them. At one time, every female worker in the restaurant had them, but many have left the restaurant over this past two years and we have not been eating out since COVID either.

We have now had our 2nd COVID boosters in early April, so we have started eating out occasionally again. This year, all of the new waitresses will likely get at least one reindeer for Christmas. The restaurant is called "Breakfastime". It's a chain of about 6 restaurants in Central North Carolina. They are open for breakfast and lunch from 6 AM to 3 PM seven days a week and one of them is only about 2 miles from here. Great food at reasonable prices. You get a full plate too, so you will never leave hungry. The two of us can usually eat very well there for less than $20. 

Charley