old time music – Preindustrial Craftsmanship

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

The Hills of Mexico

Meredith Moon's version of the Hills of Mexico. Enjoy. https://youtu.be/jBkhAg8S_Gs

Since my playing time is very limited I've learned to connect with other musicians via the internet. Having a great selection of "Play Along" tunes lined up on YouTube has really helped me out, especially when trying to keep up or understand variations in a tune. There are so many great garage artists out there …

Continue reading "Swallowtail Jig"

Saturday, January 9, 2016Saturday, January 9, 2016

Soldier’s Joy, Saturday Morning Music

Enjoy a little fiddle music to start the weekend off right. I'm stuck with snow and ice and little outdoor work is appealing today. https://youtu.be/KWMZ2dP0Eas

A Gallery of Some Past Projects

A little walnut oil brings out the grain.

Mountain dulcimer.

My traveling bucksaw.

Bodhrans.

Or just click the image to get to the gallery.

Argh! A moment of distraction means the snap of a stone bit!

The sacred connection.

Higher, more ergonomic table.

The small rucksack with the portmanteau attached.

Dopp kit and some leather working tools I use to create items like this.

Willow pack basket I made several years ago. The straps were obviously new then.

The author with his antler-fork walking stick and his dog begging for a walk.

Design was kept as short as possible for transport. The cross bolt where the arm hinges is a salvaged bolt from an old truck spare tire holder.

Flame maple neck, walnut rim.

My Portmanteau. 18th Century style, it has become my favorite overnight bag.

And I added a leather thong.

The bench’s small size will allow it to pack easily into the truck, even holding items in the tills.

Elk leg sinews dried and ready for processing.

Paleotool at Rabbitstick, Rexburg, Idaho

The holdfasts in place, holding nothing in particular.

Taking a break.

Tools, clockwise from lower left: large awl, sewing awl, rivercane needle case, bone toothpick, sewing needles in center.

Low-resolution selfie from a morning hike.

Bodhrans.

An overview of traveling gear. I see this format on the web a lot so I’m stealing the style from far batter photographers than I.

Replicated woven sandals from the Southern High Plains and the greater Southwest. Produced from narrow-leaf yucca.

The little table has many miles on it now and doesn’t look this pretty at all. I’m actually in the midst of refinishing it and will post pictures sometime soon.

My personal favorite (at the moment).

Treadle lathe turned bowl and plate made by Mick Robins in spaleted alder (I think). The spoon is Osage orange carved by me.