Productivity

My life is full of projects, some large and some small. In the woodshop, we have a white board with our running to-do list and our completion list. We figured out that approximately 45 (plus or minus) finished products left the shop last year and we were very impressed, especially considering that I travel semi-often, Michael travels semi-often, Jonah came into the world and took mine over, and we bought our first house - all things that "detract" from woodworking. We've always had a very good buffer in our schedule for family/life stuff so there is less pressure. I thought an important step for this year was to look back at the processes that made our year productive and establish some goals for 2012. Before that discussion ever happened, we had 29 items on the to-build list, including some rather large pieces for Michaels daughter and step-daughter. We talked and decided that we would probably have to say "no" more than once in 2012 due to the already accepted workload. We also conceded that a great many lessons were learned in 2011 that will help us this year and they've already started.

Since the first day of the year, we've finished 5 pieces, re-arranged (organized) the shop, and will hopefully be done with another dresser by the end of next week. We wrapped up 3 pieces last night for a friend of mine who works a side-business consigning and selling odds and ends (will advertise for him when he has his website ready). He wanted some smaller pieces that he can put on display for sale in their rented space. There is potential in this for both parties to make money and market their services. Will let everyone know how this experiment works out.... (sorry for the IPad pics!)

Ski Rack (Beetle Pine)


Ski Accessory Shelf (Beetle Pine)


Ski bench (Beetle Pine)


Would love to hear thoughts on this unique wood!