Who knew stamps could be so cool?

 If you're like me, you still drop letters in the mail a few times a month. 

Oh don't get me wrong, I switched to online bill pay years ago. And most of my correspondence is through email. But I do like to send birthday cards, sympathy cards, and still have to pay a few odd bills that arrive in the mail.

I've learned something this month – woodworkers are definitely represented in the variety of stamps that are available through the US post office right now.

My longtime favorite stamp has been this piñata stamp, it reflects everything that I love about the Southwest. 

But when I went to re-order some piñata stamps recently, I found these other excellent stamps with woodworking themes. This one featuring Shaker Design was a MUST purchase for me, 

as well as this postcard stamp featuring tree leaves. Now I don't send a lot of postcards, but considering that it featured a sassafras leaf on the stamp, well – it won me over. 

Some of the causes that the stamps reflect are near and dear to my heart.

Hell, I went to college on a Title IX scholarship, so I'm particularly fond of this one.

This one commemorating women cryptologists is really great!

Hell, there's something for everyone!

These two women definitely deserve some recognition!

Here's the full sheet of the Shaker Design stamp that just arrived yesterday -It's almost a shame to use the stamps. I'd rather frame it!

The most ridiculous thing I saw this year ....

The end of the year always brings up thoughts of "wrapping up" the last 12 months. Good things and bad... 

Here's a great doweling tip to make up for that bit of woodworking nonsense...

click here

 

The joy of outsourcing...

I wrapped up these eight dining room chairs a few weeks ago, amen for that! 

The chairs were sent to the finisher for final sanding and the spraying of lacquer. Some people might feel that's "cheating" by not finishing them myself. But - to me, it makes a lot of sense to hire a professional to do what they do best!

Hector has been a finisher for years, and my friends who have used him rave about his work. 

Each chair had multiple coats of sanding sealer, 

followed by a few coats of clear lacquer. 

Now they're headed to the upholsterer.  

I can't wait to see the finished chair! 

So - yes, the finishing and the upholstery was outsourced. What's that Dirty Harry line?... a man's got to know his limitations? I fully understand that I'll never be an expert at spraying lacquer, and I'll certainly never be a master upholsterer! So it's much smarter to turn to the pros for this work. 

Stay tuned for final pictures soon!