(Bob) More Small Folk Style Painted Boxes . . .

I put together 7 boxes yesterday and got them ready for painting. They don't take me long to make and my new table saw really helps me get the job done quickly.  One feature I like about my saw is that I can hook the shop vac up to it and cut down on the dust flying around the garage.  I have also rigged up a makeshift way to suck up dust on my belt sander, using duck tape, as there isn't a port for a vacuum. I must confess that I'm not really a woodworker, but do put together simple stuff that I can paint up.  My daughter says I am more of a painter than a woodworker.  I think she's right. I have spent many years practicing drawing and painting and maybe I can now call myself a painter without feeling embarrassed or self-conscious.  I have been selling quite a few things I've done in the Folk Art style, and I think I will continue with that line of painting for awhile.

Here is a picture of how I painted up the first box in the batch I just made.  I still have to put the hardware on it and seal it, but it is mostly done.  It is an updated version of one that I did a few months ago.  I brightened the colors up a bit on this one.  As long as I don't put the two boxes side by side I don't think anyone will notice. --Bob

(Bob) Small Thread Box . . .

Here is a small thread box I made yesterday.  It is for those who don't have a zillion spools of thread to store.  Of course, you could put other sewing notions in the box instead of thread.  I am not going to put this up for sale on Etsy, but take it to a craft show.  --Bob

(Bob) We've Changed Our Name!!!!

We have changed the name of our Etsy Shop from Cranberry Run to Cranberry Woods.  I felt that the word "Run" was a little difficult to grasp, so I changed it to "Woods".  Diana likes Cranberry Run and hated to see me change it, but I'm sure in time she'll get to like Cranberry Woods. --Bob

(Diana) Canvas Storage Containers . . .

I started making these canvas storage containers a few days ago.  I think they are a really pretty way to store what nots in the bathroom, bedroom, vanity, or just about anyplace else in the house. I put pencils and pens in a cup and set it inside one of the ones pictured above. I am probably not going to put them for sale in our Etsy Shop, but sell them at Craft Shows. -- Diana

(Diana) Making More Business Card Holders . . .

Since retiring early this Spring, I have had time to make more Business Card Holders.  Here are a couple photos of one I just made. In addition to holding business cards, they can be used to store appointment cards, or tea bags, or sugar packs, or even bandaids. To see other designs that I made and that are available to purchase, go to our Etsy Shop and take a look.  They are listed under the classification of Multi-Use Card Holders. --Diana

(Bob) My First Recipe Boxes . . .

Here's a couple Recipe Boxes I've been working on the last day or so.  These two are for a craft show, but I plan to make a couple to put on Etsy.  I like making Recipe Boxes and hope that people will like them. I have never painted a lemon before and don't think this one turned out too bad.  I plan to do one with cherries next, as my wife really wants me to. --Bob

(Bob) Working on a Horse Box . . .

Here is the cover of a box that I am currently working on. My Mother doesn't like the color of the horse, but I do.  I am thinking that when I antique the box, it will darken up a bit.  Also, it is a Folk Box and the horse is not meant to be an exact rendering of one.  I am interested in hearing what my daughter has to say about it.
--Bob