March 15, 2023 TwoWritingTeachers.org
Today was hinge day on our new storage benches. I laid awake last night from 2-4 a.m. thinking about hinges. Why? Who knows? I wasn’t in charge; I trust my sister to do the thinking and brainwork, so I really didn’t need to worry. It was cold today, so we mostly worked inside.
We put regular hinges on, which we had to Dremel out a half inch section of wood to make them fit. (I would not have known to do that.)
Then we had some special hinges that needed to be added to keep the lid from slamming down. Those were really confusing. It took both of us to watch the video several times, read and reread the confusing instruction book, discuss and figure out how to get a little doo-hickey turned around, and some trial and error.
Now, I was finally able to put these storage benches at my table.
I plan to store tablecloths, placemats, and large serving pieces in one of them, and extra blankets in the other.
That little stink bug was hanging around when we worked outside. It was the third time we’ve seen him lately. I think he’s bored and enjoys the company.
Now about that table. I thought it would be all finished, but after the last sanding and polishing, it was cloudy. My sister suggested one more coat of varnish. Look what I did–gunked it up in too many places. I’ve learned finishing is the hard part of woodwork. I’m now going to take it outside and sand it again, and let my sister add the last coat of varnish.
I am participating in the March Slice of Life Challenge: A slice a day for all of March. Thank you, Two Writing Teachers!
Denise, having the little stink bug around was a sweet touch today – just that unexpected twist. One writing coach encourages writers to throw in a spider (an unexpected anything) and you demonstrate how to do this random technique masterfully. I love it. What I love more is the way each piece of furniture and your whole house has the story of transformation. There are memories in the making, alive in each piece. This table bench is lovely – and functional!
Denise,
I particularly like your use of the technical term “doo-hickey” here. That side hinge reminds me of the hydronic struts on a low rider. And I really hate reading instructional technical writing. It’s often opaque. Nevertheless, look what you’ve made. Be proud and enjoy.
Denise, I love your use of the word ‘do-hickey’! I could relate in the sense that I am a layperson, not a professional woodworker.
All throughout your slice I couldn’t help but think, you are not only making an anchor piece for your dining table, but crafting memories with and about your sister. When ever you look at your bench your sister will be with you.
Your work is phenomenal – I would not worry a bit about gunking up the varnish. Those benches are going to be so helpful for storage, and the sweet feeling of ‘doing-it-yourself’ never goes away. I know you struggled to get those special hinges on, but that was a very smart addition, I think. Love this! Bravo!
Denise, what a journey you have taken with creating these benches and table. I can feel your frustration with the varnish. Hope you get it just the way you want!
You may have “gunked it up,” but my goodness you did 1000x better than I ever would’ve done. Quite frankly, I’m impressed!
I am so impressed with your woodworking skills! Your pieces are beautiful!