Ed Gerhard
Member
- Messages
- 265
- Location
- PA
My granddaughter is 3 yrs old. Last year I was visiting, and couldn't help but notice the toy mountain. Actually some of mine were on that hill. She does appreciate her toy gifts, but the memory of who the giver was fades, and how long do toys last anyway. So I decided that at least for her birthday I was going to build something for her that has a chance of being around for awhile. I don't care that she won't really appreciate it now, but maybe someday when she has her first apartment she'll set some of these things around and occasionally be reminded that her grandpa loved her. Maybe even long after I'm on the wrong side of the grass.
So last year I made her the clock. It's walnut from a log that a friend gave me. I milled and air dried it, and it was a project waiting to happen. I made the dial face on Autocad so I could personalize it.
This year I made her the jewelry box. It's cherry from my brother's place in the Poconos. The lid insert is spalted maple that I got from a piece of firewood. Two small drawers, and a divided upper section with a removable tray.
I brand my pieces, so she'll be able to remember where they came from.
I may cheat a little the next three years. I'm thinking of a barrister's bookcase...make the base, top and one unit for next year, and another unit for each of the next two years. If I get feeling too guilty about that I may just do it all next year and choose something else for the following years. Actually choosing is one of the hardest parts, so any inputs on the decision would be appreciated. I'm also thinking of etching the birthday thing in a corner of the glass, so any advice on glass etching would also be appreciated.
Thought maybe some other grandpas out there might think this a good idea.
Cheers.
So last year I made her the clock. It's walnut from a log that a friend gave me. I milled and air dried it, and it was a project waiting to happen. I made the dial face on Autocad so I could personalize it.
This year I made her the jewelry box. It's cherry from my brother's place in the Poconos. The lid insert is spalted maple that I got from a piece of firewood. Two small drawers, and a divided upper section with a removable tray.
I brand my pieces, so she'll be able to remember where they came from.
I may cheat a little the next three years. I'm thinking of a barrister's bookcase...make the base, top and one unit for next year, and another unit for each of the next two years. If I get feeling too guilty about that I may just do it all next year and choose something else for the following years. Actually choosing is one of the hardest parts, so any inputs on the decision would be appreciated. I'm also thinking of etching the birthday thing in a corner of the glass, so any advice on glass etching would also be appreciated.
Thought maybe some other grandpas out there might think this a good idea.
Cheers.