Monday, March 1, 2010
New Blog
To go along with the new website, I've also started a new blog!
All the content from this blog has been transfered over, so this blog, sadly, will be "riding off into the sunset" in a month or so. Never to be seen from again.
The good news is that I've got a couple projects going now and new stuff like this just adds fuel to the flame.
Come on over to the new blog. Check out the new website. Browse the new stuff in the Etsy shop.
Enjoy!
David J. Ulschmid
Designer / Craftsman
~ Wisp Woods ~
Arlington, SD 57212
wispwoods@gmail.com
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Big news!
Thanks for looking,
David J. Ulschmid
Designer/Craftsman
Wisp Woods
Valentines Day is fast approaching so head over to my Etsy shop for an extra special gift package for your sweetie.
http://www.wispwoods.etsy.com/
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Featured Project - Student Desk
The basis of a good workspace must begin with evaluating the demands we will place on it, both functionally and aesthetically. Finding your own point of balance between these often opposing characteristics will help to narrow your options.
I presented my client with three options for this project.
Since his workspace is occupied by many heavy items, I designed this model with maximum sturdiness in mind. The four laminated legs could no doubt support his equipment (and probably his car too).
A design that seemed popular online was one that included a small bank of cubbies at one end of the desk. This would increase the desks functionality, but also occupies much of the floor space available for the desk. And anyone who has rented an apartment will surely know that space is often at a premium.
This design was the most aesthetically based, but I kept strength in the back of my mind, knowing his needs would require an rigid base. The advantage this model gives over the four legged option is that it will be easier to slide up to, since the legs have been moved back, yet still support the front thanks to the cross bracing.
This was the model he chose, so now it is on to joinery selection and ( most importantly ) execusion.
Another twist in this projects path to completion is that it must be able to be knocked down for transport. Solid yet agile is the battle cry.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Featured Project - Etsy Shop Re-Opened
Last night was the grand re-opening of the Wisp Woods Etsy shop!
Head over and get a closer look at the gift items and other cool stuff.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/wispwoods
I'm excited to see what type of feedback I receive from my latest products.Enjoy!
And look closely, please.
David J. Ulschmid
Designer / Craftsman
~ Wisp Woods ~
Arlington, SD 57212
wispwoods@gmail.com
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Ponder This - Why Wood?
Why wood?
To me, it is a connection to the past. My family history and the history of this great nation.
And at the same time it is my connection to the future. To build things that will outlast me. To be remembered for something, be it great or small.
I'm thankful for the talents I have been blessed with and I'm happiest when the results make someone's day.
Here is a sneak peek at a small Cherry box that I hope will make someone's day.
This will be featured in my Etsy shop when it gets closer to Valentine's Day.
Enjoy Life!
David J. Ulschmid
Craftsman / Designer
Wisp Woods
Arlington, SD
Monday, December 28, 2009
Featured Project - Christmas '09 Gifts
I was inspired by an article in Wooden Boat magazine about a handy tool box and I decided that that would be something useful for each family.
The Pine for these gifts had the large "bird's eye" figure in it, so it was a joy to apply a finish to, just to see it pop to life.
The handle is an octagonal shaft with a sculpted arm on either end that is as functional as it is beautiful. When the handle is in the up position, it locks the lower drawer shut, so you can move about freely with your stuff securely inside.
The hardware is brass, which compliments the light colored wood very nicely.
We filled the upper section of the toolbox with goodies, family photos and this carved ornament.
My thanks go out to Marty at http://www.mychipcarving.com/ for providing the pattern.
For my notoriously hard to impress Father and his fiancee', I designed and carved an Aspen trivet with horse motif and their names with an unity symbol between them.
Again my thanks go out to another chip carving master, Wayne Barton for writing the book from which these designs came from.
Enjoy!
And look closely, please.
David J. Ulschmid
Designer / Craftsman
~ Wisp Woods ~
Arlington, SD 57212
wispwoods@gmail.com