Friday, September 30, 2016

Laser cutter for a new toy...OH MY :)

Yep, I finally did it, and she has arrived.  This massive machine will cut my heddles and I will be able to make larger ones....I'm super duper excited about this.  Now to learn how to make cut files with new software....yes I can do it.  I'm confident!  So I was thinking not only will I be able to make larger heddles on this massive machine but maybe other things too...I need to think, think and think some more.  What kind of weaving tools can I make with this monster?????
Oh, and I'm thinking of naming her ...yes...I am a bit strange sometimes but I think Kat will love her new name ;)
So now I'll need to re-organize my garage...I'll give it a good clean in the process so that's another great reason to re-organize!  I've ordered a wood storage shelf...and I'm going to get 3 more cabinets for storing paint...I'm sick of looking at it sitting on a shelf.. I prefer stuff like that hidden. :)  I'd rather see my tools...yes I am serious...I LOVE TOOLS....all kinds of tools, kitchen tools, crafting tools and power tools.  There is nothing like getting a new tool and this girl "Kat" ..well...she is the ultimate tool.



Monday, September 12, 2016

So you need unique towel hooks?

You've made some awesome tea towels, you are so pleased with them you'd never think to use them.  Yes we all feel this way with some things we make. Well now I/we need a unique way to hang them, to draw attention to them so we can say, I made those tea towels on my loom and those are my special hooks to hang them.
Weird, yes, crazy most definitely but most of all the funniest conversation piece and you'll never see these again.  I made them using clay and I then fired them in my kilns and glazed and tinted then fired them again....  I no longer have kilns, I sold them trying to pair down my craft and hobby hoard.  So yes, when I say these are one of a kind I am not joking.  :)
They are ready to attach to the wall or to a plaque to hang on the wall being careful not to screw too tight and break your holes out. I would probably use hard as nails and attach them to a kewl plaque of sorts then use short nails and gently screw them in for affect....:)  For now they come just like this.  If they don't sell right away I will be putting them on something and selling for more ;)






Saturday, September 10, 2016

Making a 48" Rigid Heddle Loom

A customer requested a 48" rigid heddle loom that would use an manufacturers heddle.  This was a fun but cumbersome project but it's getting there.  All that is left to do is the routing of the edges and sanding smooth.  Then I'll put a coat of wax on it and shine it all up.  I might have to make one of these for myself!  You could get a twin size blanket made easily with such a large loom.
Here she is almost finished.



Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Exotic Wood Boat Shuttles

Well, I've found a great source for Exotic wood boat shuttle.  Only for the 9 inch shuttles for now but I'm on the look out for sources for longer exotic blanks.  As I find cheaper sources my prices will also drop.  Exotic wood is not a cheap option but I still wanted to add some to my shop for those that want the look that exotic woods offer.  So my first order came in and I got to work..:)  I am very pleased with the outcome for the most part.  I didn't waste much wood and that is a big PLUS.
Here are some images of some of the exotic wood (and other) shuttles I made this past week.



And this is what I have at the moment to make weaving tools from.  I've got more species on order so keep a look out.  :)


Saturday, August 20, 2016

New Rigid Heddle Loom for my shop

I've been trying to find time to make a loom that would take other manufacturers heddles because of many requests.  My customers seem to like the artistic look of my hand made looms with the hand made ratchet and pawls.  I like them too.  But I am not able to make every single size heddle that people request.  Making heddles is a difficult business for sure!  So finally here it is.  This 16" loom can come with an ashford heddle or of course a handmade heddle.  You can also choose wood ratchet and pawls or now you can get plastic ones.  both are made by me :)
Anyway here is the new 16" version of my loom.  This one shown with plastic ratchet and pawls. :)  So darn cute!