Adventures of an Imperfect Man In Search of a Handmade Life
Colored saddle thread was on sale at my supplier last month so, guess what? I'm going to try it out on some upcoming projects and see what the reception is. Nothing too flashy, just a bit of red, yellow, or blue on the horizon. Since I'm also a fan of mixed materials, this next bag … Continue reading A Touch of Color
These Flint and Steel Fire Kits are hard to keep in stock. Since I don't mass-produce things, I'm pretty slow at filling the shop. We did well enough last year that I still haven't caught up but hope to in the coming weeks and months. Please check out the shop and consider making it a … Continue reading Fire Kits Again
I began version one of my Vardo Caravan eleven years ago this month. As I published updates and details along the way people have for a detailed "how to" for building a vardo. Since everyone's needs, skills, and resources are different, I will leave the task to others. My suggestions are this. Decide on your … Continue reading Building Your Own Vardo
The shop has been a little slow with outside projects and day work taking over my hours. However, I do get a few things done along the way and some projects are coming to a completion. I have a load of FLINT & STEEL fire kits on the way for late winter purchase and have … Continue reading Fire Kits on the Production Bench
I wish all of you the best this holiday season and hope you enjoy a little time taking stock of what is truly important to you and your families. Merry Christmas...
I know this year has been very strange for most of us but please remember... Life is Short. If you're fortunate enough to live with the means and privilege and food security, consider yourself lucky. When I feel low or unhappy, I always want to remember the people subjected to abject poverty worldwide through no … Continue reading Don’t Forget to Enjoy the Ride
With an excellent video with music of Clanadonia. Let us begin the winter feasting season in the old north. Not just a Scottish or Christian holy day, much of Europe is tied to animal slaughter and feast days to kick off the long dark season. From and anthropological and historical perspective the feast itself is … Continue reading Happy Saint Andrew’s Day!
Here are some throwback photos from Ghillie shoe making classes from 2009 and 2011. The first pair is from a small class at the Bois d'Arc Rendezvous in southwest Missouri (note the lush green of late summer). Maybe not as sexy as the arrow-making class but it is a very real and useful skill. I … Continue reading Ghillie Shoe Class
These ratty old moccasins have spent a lot of time in the woods. These have been my winter moccasins for over two decades. I can't remember exactly when I made them but it was a quick and dirty sewing job. They have been re-soled at least twice and need it again. The uppers are an … Continue reading Moccasin upgrade time again
It just seems right. The timing, the monetary investment, the effort. This is a requested repost of a series I did almost five years ago when I took my eight foot single-axle vardo caravan and reconstructed it into a 12 foot body on a robust tandem trailer. After adding up the mileage from the log … Continue reading Remodel and Rebirth of the Little Green Vardo
Sandals in progress... If you have ever taken a class with me you might know that all the intimidating sewing isn't as bad as it looks. The sole is three layers thick but the use of a good, sharp awl makes the double needle sewing go quickly. A lot more work goes into these than … Continue reading Handmade Sandals
On a Cello Banjo no less! I gotta say, I'm not sure I've ever seen a Cello-size Banjo before but I like it! Robby Faverey has some amazing talent and I hope you check out more of his work on YouTube. https://youtu.be/CSUUajaRdzM ENJOY! If you are still interested at this point, check out more about … Continue reading Bach Cello Suite, Prelude
One of the better things about modern communication is the ability to meet and talk to people from nearly all parts of the globe. I have been in communication with Jacob from Botswana for years now and he has shared some photos of the beautiful backpack he made based on my earlier design. That one … Continue reading Jacob’s Beautiful Leather Backpack
There was a time when Britannia accidentally ruled the world through commerce... Other European nations partook of the colonization of vulnerable lands with massive resources as well, tying the world together, for good or ill, and shaping the modern world as we know it. It was common for young men to begin their careers by … Continue reading Colony Exports
During the heyday of Caravan living it is important to remember that these were rarely the dwelling of a loner. The Caravan was the hub of the nuclear family and groups of wagons represented larger, extended family groups and allies. We are social creatures that thrive in community.
Every traveler has a campfire has the center of daily life. The hearth has been our home for 1.5 - 2 million years now. No wonder it fascinates us and brings so much comfort. Nomads in a stationary culture are often tolerated at best and left only marginal space to congregate. This will probably never … Continue reading Traveller Life
The heart and soul of a trail camp.
Does this mean we should neglect our intellect? Absolutely not. In fact, the opposite. We should strive to cultivate both mind and body to become the most perfect specimen we can become, daily. I came across this passage while reading a bit this morning from Amateur Joinery in the Home (1916) by George and Berthold … Continue reading Everyone Should Cultivate Manual Training
Well this is exciting. I got interviewed at winter count near Florence, Arizona back in February. It's heavily edited from a much longer discussion but I don't think I sound too stupid here talking about the Vardo. The interview is very close-up and tight but you can get a feel for the interior layout. There … Continue reading Interview Time
On the Subject of Beer: "Little children, that do not work, should not have beer." William Cobbett, Cottage Economy 1833 (25). I guess we need to put 'em to work then. How things have changed in 180 years!
Preindustrial Craftsmanship 