Mimi just asked me that last evening. Pretty much everyone has gotten at least 2 of everything I make.

Every year my wife and I take turns making ornaments for the grandchildren. By the time they grow up and are on their own, they'll have 21 or so ornaments. I made a bunch of wooden gingerbread houses and they are awaiting decoration. I also made a bunch of sleds from craft sticks so that each of them will have one for their future (or current) spouse with their name on it.

I went to a session last Saturday on making christmas decorations. It was a bit of a disappointment. Some of the ubiquitous table top trees made from cedar fence, a few candles, a manger (already have one), and a dozeen or so charcuterie and cutting boards. The presenter is a friend of mine, but it seemed more oriented to 'what can I sell at a craft show?'

nothing.

just me around now, i'm not decorating (well, i'll hang the wreath on the gate), i'm not giving out presents, and i expect to get none. just a quiet season alone.

now....if i can just find my missing cordless drill....arrgh.....

found my previous order on amazon, $39.....current listing, same item, $69. nope.

go to eBay, search for cordless drills, a ha! find one (actually a kit) for $26. that's better. i'll keep the "good" one for the shop, the lesser, new one for the house (less use).

you guys are awesome.

as i was typing that last post, i had an "a ha" moment...the drill is in the drawer! and it was!!

it was in the tool drawer (there are several) in the studio (a room i don't use much), where i had previously kept the "house" drill.

grabbed it, put it on the "going to the shop" pile, so now i'll have 2 good drills for the shop, and a lesser "made in China" one for the house.

thank you all.

I may do boxes again. Last year I made salt and pepper cellars. That’s not what they used it for, tho.

Most people use solid wood, but veneer really opens up the possibilities. Really easy to make, no joinery!