Undisputed Champs!

Yesterday was the 29th gathering of friends and family for a 4th of July celebration. We had a great time as always - I feel like someone beat me with a 2x4 during the night, but it's worth it! Friends, family, kids, conversation, food, bocce, pipes, cigars .... what more could you want? Well, I would have liked to beat Mark and Chuck at bocce, but that was impossible yesterday. They were unstoppable! My son, Corey and I made a couple of good tries, but not nearly good enough to whup the dynamic duo of Hendren + Wallace.  There's always next year! -T

Happy 4th O'July!

African Adventure Pipe Cabinet!

I recently received a commission for a 60 pipe cabinet from a man who had spent several years in Africa, He wanted elephants on the doors, so I gave it a try. I think it all worked well. -T

New Mission Style Rack from Mark

Mark just completed a new pipe cabinet in the Mission style for a customer and I think it turned out great! The customer seems to think so too. It's a style that Mark loves and I'm sure you'll see more along these lines in the future. -T

Still Busy

I know that it was Memorial Day weekend, but it felt more like "Labor Day" weekend as I spent most of my time in the shop putting the finishing touches on one cabinet commission and starting another. I am really grateful that Tim and I seem to be busy with commissions even in these tough times. I find that working in the shop is the thing that keeps me happy, keeps me excited. The new commission that I am working on  came from a customer who wanted to know if I could do something in the Mission Style. I couldn't believe my good fortune. I LOVE that style and have books all over my house about the Arts and Crafts Movement that I have been studying for years.  The commission that I am finishing up was a special cabinet that had to meet the needs of a shop that sells pipes and tobaccos. I was able to talk to the customer and figure out exactly what I needed to make it work for his space and his needs. That's the kind of thing that gets me out in the shop and starts the saw dust flying!! It was a fun weekend. -M

We're Busy!

Just a quick note of apology for neglecting the blog. Mark and I have been busy, and that's good! We always come back from Chicago fired up and ready to make pipe racks and fortunately we have customers who want them. Here's a couple we've been working on. -T

Old Clyburne Farm

New Swanborough Road

Home Again, Home Again!

We made it home yesterday afternoon. The Chicago pipe show was superb as always. Mark and I had a great time. We saw old friends and made new ones. We bought pipes and tobacco. We smoked a bunch, ate some good food and talked a lot. We are both worn out. It will take us a couple of days to get our thoughts and photos together- then we'll do a proper post on the show. Until then - here's a photo of my haul. -T