From the Studio

Ever wonder what to do with that spare clunky piece of plywood sitting in the garage? Well, when you have two boys who love basketball and it's Christmas, the answer is clear. If you build it they will jump!

So after finding a nice solid steel hoop at Goodwill, it was time to alchemize these humble materials into gold, literally.

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...

Here's one of those designs I ripped right out of a magazine. Well technically, my client messaged me the pic from her phone. Not sure what company it's from, but thanks for the idea;)

As always, I added a few twists and turns of my own to make it work for this particular situation. Now it's another design solution up my sleeve for the next time someone wants a less traditional (and very economical) 'frame' for their fireplace...

Happy Chestnut Roasting,
©MonkCarpentero™
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