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

Gone to Chicago!

Get your motor runnin'

head out on the highway

racing w/ the wind

and smoking a pipe all the way!

We'll be back with tales to tell and plenty of photos! -T

Last Minute Teaser!

Anders and Martin ( Vollmer & Nilsson )just sent me an email letting me know they have finished their batch of pipes for Chicago and that they are on the way. They also sent a few more photos as teasers. They seem to have a cruel streak I haven't seen before. They seem to take delight in tempting me. Here's a picture of one of the  really amazing pipes they are bringing to the show. Yes, I have a cruel streak too, so I thought I would spread the temptation! -T

A Musical Interlude

My daughter Maggie came by for the weekend. It's always great seeing her and we always have a lot of fun. Maggie is a young woman of many talents ( visit her website -  luvreforsale.com  ) and while the family was talking it up in the living room, my wife Pat brought up the old Dolly Parton song "I will always love". I broke out the guitar and Maggie and I sort of figured out the tune. Pat grabbed the camera and recorded the event on a whim. Maybe I'm biased, but I think Maggie sings like an angel. Thought I'd share it with you. -M

http://s658.photobucket.com/albums/uu302/hendrenpat/?action=view&current=HPIM0232.flv

Looking Our Best

Mark and I both attempt to keep our pipes clean. We are not absolute pigs when it comes to pipe maintenance - but at this time of the year, we both turn into cleaning machines. We may look shabby, old, slightly pathetic, but our pipes will look good for the Chicago Show! 

I recently had several stems oxidize and turn green rapidly. I am not sure why. Weather? Anyway, they looked bad. As though I never cleaned them. And they were difficult to clean w/ any of the creams, pastes, gooes that I have accumulated over the years. Nothing was working until I saw Jeff Gracik's blog. He had 3 posts on ways to clean your stems and they work. The bits on my pipes haven't been this black and shinny since they were new. Thanks Jeff! -T