From the Studio — Tips+Tutorials

For my new line of California Coffee Tables I needed a good standard template that I will use to hand cut many new versions of this design from various types of wood. The original reclaimed version above was a bit too big for many living spaces + I need to maximize how much I can squeeze out of 1 sheet of plywood for more modern looking versions of the design.

I employed a bit of old and new school...

Today I'm sharing a legendary shop secret that I use at least a few times a week. I forget who and where I attained this golden tip, but I know it's used around the world. My hunch is that an inventive Mexican thought of this;)

Whenever there is a need to drill a certain depth you can either use the (guessing) force or go out an buy a drill press. Here's and ingeniously cheap solution that only requires a slice of tape.

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house,

Not a creature was stirring--except for 2 crazy parents who decided to make a bunch of gifts this year!

We set aside some time the week before Christmas to make some handmade creations for our kids and familia. But as things go, Honey and I will be burning the midnight oil to get these things done by sun up Christmas day:/ Here's a glimpse at our elvish ways. We will be posting up the finished products...

In days of old, you could take a walk to the nearest woods - chop down a nice tree - then take it back to the homestead for decorating. This year I did a 21st century twist on this ancient technique that makes the old way seem almost convenient.

I made a tree out of old shipping pallets...

Oh the possibilities (and danger) that lurk within a stack of these...

Yes I know many of you have a retail hangover from yesterday, but I'd like to put a small biz bug in your ear at this time of year.

One of the most practically radical 'protests' one can make these days is simply buying local goods from local vendors. I realize Cheap is King these days, but you'd be surprised how much extra value you can get from getting your gifts from people who've made or chosen their own inventory...