The Merry Month of May

MAYDAY!  (Notice my finely-crafted pun).  Yes, snow AGAIN!  Definitely no garden this year.... and I'm guessing my orchids won't make it from the FedEx truck today.

Caption: the top of my deck rail -- I estimate the snow on the rail itself to be about 18" high.

Snowy conditions in WY persist

So... I'm not sure exactly what the draw is for Arctic/Antarctic explorers... Don't let that gorgeous blue sky fool you!  Trying to get the car out of the driveway, I walked almost a mile in 22'F temps, 40MPH winds blasting right on my face, the snow 3 feet deep in spots.  Not a fun time. 

Car got part the way down the road, but braking downhill was far too slippery to attempt, so we never went down the third hill that would take us to the main road.  Still effectively snowed in.  At least the view is gorgeous!

New Beads!

I've had a couple of requests to split up my bead sets, so I've just posted them individually on Etsy!  Check out these gorgeous gorgeous dyed hardwood beads -- all hand-turned by me.  They are fantastic made into a necklace, bracelet, or adding to hand-made cards, or to your knitting, crochet, macrame, and dreadlocks!

These are just a tiny sample!  I have LOTS on Etsy, including some made from natural exotic hardwoods, and some with "funky" decorative shapes.  Check them out!

More snow!

Due to last year's drought, Mother Nature has decided to deliver the year's precipitation in one lump sum -- today.  (Yes, while the rest of the northern hemisphere is pushing tulips, we can set up a sno-cone business!)

World of White

Woke up to a world of white this morning.  Expecting 12 more inches today, and another 6 tomorrow.  Soooo... I'll be snowed in.  Incidentally, one of my favorite sounds is that of snow :-)

Stay warm and cozy, everyone!

New Web Site Design!

I am thrilled to announce the launch of my new web site! I'm thankful to my collaborator, Robert Countryman, who is a PHP Wizard! http://www.KatherineKowalski.com/

 Here is a tiny little teaser for you....

I wanted a design that was more airy and open. The old web site was getting a little too crowded and didn't really express the feeling of my work.

Robert came up with the concept of  a beautiful simple/open design to highlight my fiber arts tools, and make it easier for everyone to find what they are looking for.

Please let me know what you think!  Here's the link again:  http://www.KatherineKowalski.com/

A new way to measure woodturning progress... It's not the QUANTITY of chips you produce, but the cornucopia of colors!

These are literally "bowls in progress" -- work on custom orders!  http://www.katherinekowalsi.com

Fall Sale -- New Spindles, bowls, shawl pins!

Hi everyone!  I know it's been a while since I posted, but I've had soooo much going on!

Firstly, I would like to announce my FALL SALE -- 3 DAYS ONLY! Use coupon code "fall2012" for 30% off anything in my Etsy shop!

I've been busy creating some GORGEOUS new Russian-style support spindles -- along with matching spindle/spinning bowls. These are available in my Etsy shop.  (Also check out the matching dizzes, wrist distaffs, and nostepindes!)

I've also been keeping up with posting new crochet hooks in the shop all the time -- as well as hair sticks, and other fun goodies!

Shawl pins have been leaping from my shop my shop as well!  FOr many of them, I've used glorious natural woods, and then inlaid some beautiful glittery inlace for a touch, (who am I kidding here???)... a LOT of BLING!

Find this one, and many more, also in my Etsy shop!

I hope everyone has a fantastic holiday season! And remember -- if you need a custom order made, there's still time!  Just e-mail me: katherine@daystarhandworks.com

Katherine

Estes Park Wool Market, 2012

I had the most FANTASTIC time this past weekend at the Estes Park Wool Market!  I absolutely LOVE to go - it's a lot of fun, and I just revel in seeing all the new and exciting techniques out there!

(Keep in mind -- you can click on the photos to enlarge).

The drive to Estes Park, CO isn't too far from where I live -- about 2 hours. The mountain passes are spectacular to say the least!

It's amazing to see the trees growing in such tight places!

When my ma and I arrive at the Estes Park Wool Market, we head first to the alpaca tent where there are lots of animals on display, (and goodies to buy!)  All of the products for sale are 100% grown and made in America!  (And I have to say -- I certainly did my part for stimulating the economy!  Yay!)

The alpacas were wonderfully sweet to see -- just lovely creatures.

These little alpacas were recently sheared for their luxurious fiber, (and it helps to keep them cool in the summer heat!) I love the haircut on the leftmost critter -- he looks like he's literally wearing "a rug!" :-)

My FAVORITE part of the event -- the llama competition! The participants train their animals to complete various tasks simulating the natural obstacles found in their original environment. (In Peru, llamas are historically used as pack animals and must navigate the steep Andean mountains, as well as any number of blockages).

This photo is of the jumping contest. My vantage point is directly behind the bar -- the lady dressed in pink is holding it.) In the background, you can see the High Park Fire burning in the distance... more on that later.

These two are Laurel and Hardy.... Laurel is the trainer, and it's very clear that she has an INCREDIBLE relationship with her llama. He follows her every command. (And when they pass the obstacle, she kisses him on he neck! So sweet!) Here, he balks at first, but then leaps and lands safely on the other side!

Another llama leaper! 

Here, the llamas and their trainers line up for the next event -- the llama limbo! 

The bar on the llama limbo is getting lower, and Laurel encourages Hardy to get on his knees to pass under the bar. It was wonderful to see the camaraderie between trainers and animals!

Next, my ma and I went into the paco vicuna tent to see these gorgeous little creatures! Their fiber is some of the finest (translation: softest) on earth! (And also very highly priced/prized). They are much smaller than alpacas.

After having a snack, we went to see the goat tent. (These are all fiber-bearing critters, in keeping with the Market). This little baby is scratching herself with her horn.

This goat has a fantastic set of horns, and was only too happy to leap up for attention! 

This little goat turned her head when I walked by and seemed to want a photo taken, so I obliged! 

This goat was very peacefully sleeping when I walked past -- all the commotion got him tuckered out! 

I couldn't resist taking a photo of this goat's glorious set of horns! Wow! They spiral so beautifully!

The vendor's barn was FULL of the most spectacular goodies you can imagine! From fiber arts tools, like looms, spinning wheels, and other fantastic stuff to processed fibers in all the colors of the rainbow to finished products! I bought a selection of all of the above!

I bought a beautifully-made niddy noddy from a craftsman who lives right here in Cheyenne! (and a lovely Fair Isle knitted winter hat from his good lady. The rest: on the left, the purple and blue roving is Wensleydale wool, the gray in the center is llama & silk roving. The pink is a skein of lamb's wool yarn.

On the left, the black/white and natural shades are GLORIOUS skeins of handspun alpaca yarn. (It is so lusciously soft.... mmmmmm......) As for the other colorful stuff -- the green, orange/yellow, red/green -- all mohair roving. The purple stuff in the front is bombyx silk roving. And the center gloves are hand-knit, 100% alpaca!

And... not pictured -- I got two fantastic knitting books with wild techniques therein. I also bought a new technique -- punch-needle rug making stuff. (And do I have ideas!)

The one downside to the trip was that during the day we could see the High Park fire growing. Here we are going home on I-25, about 6:00PM or so, and you can see how the fire is creating a HUGE stream of smoke.

Here is a panoramic view of the smoke from the fire -- the left is a WNW view to ENE on the very right. The wind was blowing toward the NE, and when we got home, there was a huge cloud of smoke trailing all the way there and beyond into Nebraska. My heart goes out to those who are suffering under this tragic event.


Overall, a GREAT day -- I learned lots of new stuff, bought fantastic goodies, and got my yearly dose of ruminant fixation!  (I just love those critters!) I can't wait to go again next year!  (And I think I'll buy a loom!)

Craftsman's Success: Make a Lasting Impression by Delighting on Delivery

"Craftsman's Success" is a new article series I'm writing based on my experience as a full-time craftsman selling my work online. I hope to share some of the processes I use to help other practitioners of craft to reach a higher level of success in their ventures and improve their marketing efforts.

Each article can be downloaded as a printable PDF. (Please note, articles are Copyright Katherine Kowalski 2012. Please ask for reprint permission. E-mail me at katherine@daystarhandworks.com).

This is the first in series. I present:

Make a Lasting Impression by Delighting on Delivery
By Katherine Kowalski

Introduction

After you spend so much time creating beautiful work, give it respect by presenting it impressively to the client.

It seems trivial compared to the rest of the production process, but delivery is in fact the most important part of selling work. When you sell one of your pieces online, you can't simply shove it in a box and mail it to your client. Otherwise, when they get it, it'll look like it was shoved in box and mailed to the client!

Presentation is everything. The send-off you give your pieces is a reflection of how you feel about them – the respect you have for your own work. The packaging/presentation doesn't have to be elaborate, but it should be impressive. Giving a nice presentation will wow your clientele and entice them to come back for more. It makes good sense because it is part of excellent customer service.


The Postman Comes A-Knockin'
In my business, people often leave feedback about how nice the packaging is! Your presentation differentiates you from the "faceless corporations," and allows you to stand out as an individual, which allows people to relate to you.

If you've ever bought anything from Etsy (http://www.Etsy.com), you know how special it feels to get a parcel from a real person! The product comes beautifully wrapped, often with a hand-written note thanking you for your purchase.

Why do sellers go to this much trouble? Because every sale matters to them, as it matters to you, the craftsman. (As an aside, nowadays, I go out of my way to support real people, instead of buying from big-box stores whose products come from mass-production factories in China. These are often poorly made goods that don't last. Instead, I'd rather buy a high-quality item from a craftsman in my own country). Just think about it: how many times have you bought from a big-box store online and felt special? When people buy a handmade item, they want to feel special!

OK, So How Do You Do It?

I pre-cut items like ribbon, and punch holes in my tags so that they are ready to go out the door!

First question on everyone's mind: what does it cost? The answer: a little time and some materials. (Of course, if you have the capital, you can buy a huge variety of pre-made gift packaging items, like wooden/plastic cases, boxes, bags, pouches, etc. Just search online).

In this era of green living, however, I like to make my packaging materials decorative, but also usable. (Basically, something that won't simply be thrown out). The pouches I enclose my fiber arts tools within not only make a great impression, they also protect the item from scratches. The tag, held on by a coordinating ribbon, gives the client information about the piece, (the wood from which it is made, the size of the crochet hook), and, most importantly, my web site address, so they know how to find me again.

Small items (like jewelry, pens, and small pots/bowls) are most easily enclosed in pouches or small boxes. Larger items look best in gift boxes. Or, if the item is too large to reasonably enclose, wrap it in tissue paper with a hand-written note to the client).

Even simple paper cards can look great! (Such as for pens, earrings, etc.) And they're recyclable too.

After enclosing in the fabric pouch, I then wrap my items in tissue paper, ensconcing a business card. I place it carefully into the box, and send it through the mail! Remember – since you've already enclosed an info card with your web site address, the client can feel free to give the business card to friends and family members. In fact, you may want to enclose two!

Ready to Make Your Own?
For me, money is very tight, (as I suspect it is for most professional craftsmen). Thus, I choose to make my own packaging materials, (even though it takes a greater investment in time than simply buying them). But there's another reason too: the pouches I make are a branding tool for me. They are unique, because I choose to use unique fabrics, print my own cards, and follow a specific color scheme.

Because I spend so much time working my own business: making items, online promotion, as well as teaching and demonstrating, I want to do my "grunt work" (like online listings and making packaging), as efficiently and quickly as possible. I want to save every second. (For an excellent example, check out my pattern instructions for making pouches at the end of the article. It's filled with lots of time-saving examples).

Tips for Delighting on Delivery
I've made and sold thousands of fiber arts tools, which has given me new perspective on how to save time while maintaining excellent customer service.

• Do things in batches that make sense. E.g. print all of your shipping labels at the same time, THEN pack everything. (Don't keep running back and forth to the computer).

• Ship promptly, and keep your shipping promises. If it says on your web site that you ship every other day, do it. DON'T wait three weeks so that orders can accumulate before dropping them all off at the Post Office. (Clients LOVE to receive their items as fast as possible!)

• Charge reasonable shipping costs, and combine shipping charges. I sell primarily on four web sites: eBay, two Etsy stores, and my web site. I invite my clients to purchase from all three, and items can ship together in the same box, saving them money. Only charge what it actually costs to ship, and refund extra monies paid.

• Communicate promptly. Sometimes there's a problem with the order – always help the client immediately.

• Avoid "canned" responses. Address your client's questions personally. (If you find that people are always asking the same questions, revisit your item listings and add more details.)

• Personalize the experience. Enclose something hand-written, or a thank-you note. Always personalize e-mails, and send shipping confirmations, advising the client what to do if something's amiss. (Include your e-mail address and/or phone number).

Package Making Tips

• Choose a consistent color scheme to represent you and your business. (Please, after reading this article, don't choose my color scheme – buyers in my market already associate those colors with me!)

• Utilize consistent materials. Example: even if you are using different colored (coordinating fabrics), use the same color of thread – it will save you LOADS to time. Similarly, buy ribbons in bulk to save money.

• "Real" looks better than imitation. Example: use satin ribbons instead of paper/plastic, unless it is intentionally part of your "look."

• Recycled materials are generally free. Example: you can craft small boxes from old Christmas/greeting cards, or wrap cardboard boxes in the comics pages from the newspaper. (Please, avoid the murder headlines!)

• You can also recycle clean packing material. Ask local businesses if they have extra that they would be willing to give to you.

• For a long time I printed my own tags, but after the constant cutting became too much, I ordered them as business cards. A hole punch in each, and they serve as wonderful tags! (Be sure to buy matte – the glossy ones are difficult to write on!)

• Create in "do-able" chunks. Example: while you may want to cut 3 yards of material to "save" fabric in the final cutting stages, realistically, 3 yards is unwieldy. One yard is far easier to put on your ironing board, sew, and manage.

• Use "easy" materials. Flannels fray less than cotton calicos, and quilting flannels much less so.

• Use "easy" tools. Cutting large amounts of fabric with a rotary cutter on a self-healing mat is much faster and easier than by hand with a pair of scissors.

• Buy in bulk, and on sale. If you know what you need, buy in bulk – it will save you a LOT of money. When I go and buy fabric, I am armed with a multitude of coupons, and will buy a whole bolt at a time. (Note that many craft stores will take competitors' coupons). Sales are usually less advantageous than a good coupon, so watch for what you need. I buy ribbon online in 100 yd. spools.

For the Step-By-Step Pouch Pattern, please feel free to download the article (in printable PDF form) here. (3 MB, illustrated)

Copyright © Katherine Kowalski 2012. All Rights Reserved.

I invite you to visit my web site: KatherineKowalski.com for more articles on online marketing, as well as woodturning instruction and design.

New Publication!

I am absolutely THRILLED to announce the publication of my "Color Rim Bowl" article in the latest issue of Woodturning Design Magazine! (Winter 2012 Issue). Please pick one up at your local newsstand, and check it out!

Also, I'm adding SIX new crochet hooks to my eBay Auctions page this evening. Please check out recent additions to my Etsy store: BRAND NEW nostepinnes, spinning wheel orifice threader hooks, hair sticks, letter openers, and more!

New Year & New Opportunities

Almost the New Year now, and I've decided to change things up a little in my online shops.

Firstly, I've got SIX brand new crochet hooks on eBay right now! I'll continue to post crochet hooks on auction on a regular basis.

Etsy is now my main fiber tools shop! I have a HUGE selection of special crochet hooks, nostepinnes, orifice hooks, needle cases, and thimbles. I also have other marvelous items, like hair sticks, dread beads, letter openers, toothpick holders, jewelry, as well as very fine scale miniatures. Also check out Etsy (or e-mail me personally) about gift certificates or custom items!

Please check them out, and e-mail me if you have any questions!



I just want to thank all of my wonderful customers for your continuing support! Thank you! My best wishes for a fantastic New Year!

Katherine

Dread Beads!

Whenever I do I custom order, I always make some extras! I just listed these extra Dreadlock Beads in my Etsy store. They have a center hole of 10mm (3/8"), and can also be used as focal beads in any fiber arts project! Check them out!

Posting Day!

I just posted some colorful new crochet hooks and hair sticks on eBay last night! Check them out!

Garden Glories

Summer is in full swing here in Cheyenne, WY. We are in the midst of Frontier Days -- a nice outing if you're from out of town, but an inconvenient traffic entanglement if you are local. It's brings good business to town though, and the Native American dances are fun to watch.

In my own "backyard", my mum has been working and working to get our garden growing, and what a success it's become! Our planting area is quite large - about 12 by 50 feet, so it takes a huge amount of care and maintenance. Forgive some of the weeds in the photos. Yesterday was a harvest day, and we spent over an hour collecting chard, spinach, and snow peas.

I figured I should post some pictures of our garden glories while the growing is good!

A virtual tour of the garden:



On the north end, we have summer squash in the form of yellow squash and zucchini, which are just starting to bloom. Then, two rows of snow peas, uplifted by trellises. The peas have been fruiting like crazy! We are harvesting every couple of days -- and goodness are they sweet!!!



Between the rows of peas, we snuck in some parsley and dill.



Mid-garden we have tomatoes in the forefront, just beginning to bloom. Behind them are the cucumbers, also starting to have blooms. Both of these plants seemed to get started late -- the cold prevented a lot of the "leaping" from the ground that we have come to expect.

In the very background are raspberry bushes, some type that apparently grows well here. No sign of flowers or fruit yet...



Next, we have kohlrabi, with it's strong and beautiful leaves. And in the same row, bok choy, which has gone to seed (regrettably) without producing a full head of leaves. We think it must be due to the weird weather -- first very cold, then very hot and raining. At least we'll harvest more seeds than were in the packet. (Only 10 seeds!)

The strong beets are next, and spinach. After, chard, which was just harvested yesterday, (hence the de-leafed appearance of the plants). Behind those are onions.



Here, an onion plant is having an intimate entanglement with a strawberry!

The onions are doing great! We planted about 200 of them, (overdoing it, I know), but we can have fresh green onions every single day!

Katherine

The excitement of something little...

I just made some GORGEOUS new crochet hooks and posted them on eBay last night. (See photo below for the glorious details!)



This spring I was in the unfortunate situation of not having my beloved lathe to work on. My busy hands needing to keep busy, I decided to get out my crochet hooks and knitting needles to delve into some fiber arts. Most specifically, I am knitting socks. I started out by buying the typical ok-but-not-great yarn found at my local craft store, mostly skeins on clearance... and then, as I was searching for nice knitting needles online, I found something entirely different...

(I needed, needed, some Addi Turbo Circular needles -- they are soooooo much easier to use than some other brands I've tried. I like to make my socks on two circular needles -- that way I can do both socks at once, (making sure they are the same length), and finish them both at the same time, avoiding the dreaded "one sock syndrome"!)

Forgive the diversion... I shall continue the story...
At this online fiber-holics shop I found yarn, (sock yarn), on sale... so I bought some. It arrived a few days later and I was enamored: sparkly yarn, yarn that was knitted into flat squares, then printed, yarn space-dyed into brilliant colors! I was hooked!

I then went back and found sock yarn that was NOT on sale, but I couldn't help myself, I bought it anyway! This glorious spun wool felt so scrumptiously silky running through my fingers, it was ecstasy through propinquity!

Then, last night, I sauntered through the gardens of Etsy, and found and found and found... (and bought!) Goodness me it felt fantastic!



And... I have been knitting like crazy, finishing 7 pairs of socks in the past month! (see above) Anyway, I guess my point is -- even if sometimes it feels like there's "no money" -- it can be worth it to treat yourself to a little something. Such bright little spots of happiness enliven and invigorate the spirit, awakening creativity once again.

Starting by following the first couple of patterns by-the-book, I've moved on to designing several of my own, creating unique works for myself and my mom. (One thing I like doing is calculating the exact number of stitches in each sock, so I can relate the fact to curious onlookers. Did you know that (on average) there are over 21,000 stitches in a pair of socks?)

Anyway, I suppose the point is -- take care of yourself. Do something special for yourself: treat yourself to a dinner out, a skein of yarn, a hand-made wooden crochet hook, or even a CD of your favorite artist. Have fun!

Katherine

Posting Day!

More brand new crochet hooks! I've just posted ALL of the below on eBay, including those scrumptious hair sticks! (With the hot weather, I've been wearing my hair up every day using my favorite hair pin, which I made from Bethlehem Olivewood.)

It's interesting -- when one must take a brief hiatus from creating, sometimes new designs come into view -- it's been fun getting back into the swing of things, turning gorgeous new hooks and hair sticks! Check them out!

Tis a Gift to Be Simple

Gardening can bring unexpected pleasures: a walk through growing things, the scent of blooming flowers, and the ability for a spontaneous snack!

My mom has been tending the garden this year. (I've been so busy with my turning production work that I've scarcely had a moment to get out there!) She's been planting, weeding, watering, and the like, and FINALLY her herculean efforts are paying dividends. (The growing season here in Wyoming is very short and starts quite late, so we're only just now starting to harvest).

May I present a harvest of peas from this afternoon (along with a smattering of spinach):



Chard is coming up, so is the bok choy, spinach, radishes, beets, etc. The strawberries are fruiting tenderly, but the birds are pinching all the bounties! Our tomatoes and cucumbers are just beginning to flower, and so are the zucchinis and squash.

All the while I was meandering through our trellises of snow peas, an old Shaker song kept repeating itself in my head and my heart: Simple Gifts. "'Tis a gift to be simple, 'tis a gift to be free..." Gardening certainly qualifies as a precious note of freedom in our busy world.

Katherine

New! New! New!

I've been busy with teaching and demonstrating woodturning the past few months, so I am just getting back into the swing of things. I'm delighted to have had some creation-time to make some beautiful new crochet hooks! With the hot weather we've been having, hair-up seems like a good idea, so I've also posted lots of new hair sticks in gorgeous colors and natural wood! Check them all out in my eBay store & auctions.

Back from Utah

Oh, what a time I had! There is something very special about the Utah Woodturning Symposium; there's a sort of magic in the air, a wild anticipation that comes straight from the snow-capped mountains, a sparkle, and glitter in the wind. Every time I've come back home, I feel immeasurably inspired, that my life has made a hard right turn into a positive future destination.

The Utah Woodturning Symposium, (known simply as "Provo" to the old guard), is one of the largest and most prestigious symposiums in the world, and also the longest running -- 32 years as of 2011.

SUPER WEDNESDAY
In case you're interested in making the trip, I'll tell you what you can expect... the first day begins with Super Wednesday at Craft Supplies. The staff there go out of their way to make everyone feel welcome. The big draw is the sale -- I picked up lots of DVDs, books, wood, and tools for seriously inexpensive prices!

Gorgeous books! (I even bought a few extra as gifts for friends!)

Some beautiful figured cottonwood.

Pen blanks, including Trustone and several acrylic varieties.

While their warehouse clearance sale is going on, there are 6 demonstration rooms, (including another at Treeline), to view presentations by top turners all day long! It's like getting an extra day at the symposium for free!

I'd like to thank Dale Nish and Darrel Nish (and the rest of the staff!) for organizing this wonderful event -- I had a fantastic time!

THE SYMPOSIUM
The Symposium lasts for three intense days, and I was very honored to be invited to demonstrate this year. The first day I had one rotation, a popular presentation in which I make my Color Rim Bowl. (To my great surprise, many asked me if the coloring is done freehand -- nope, it's all wood! The designs are produced by cutting into dyed plywood, no painting skills required!)



The second day I presented "Grinding, Sharpening, and Chips," in which I talked about the relationship of the tool grind (the shape of the tool) to the cut it's capable of making in wood. I also did my demonstration on Goblet with a Twist, which combines end-grain hollowing with thin-stem turning with a hand-cut twist.

As with the Goblet demonstration, the last day I had a full house, demonstrating Platters: cutting techniques, and decorative embellishments. I'd like to thank everyone who came to my presentations -- I enjoyed meeting everyone!

WHAT TO DO, WHAT TO DO....
In between demonstrating, I caught as many of the other presentations as I could, seeing Bob Rosand, Bonnie Klein, Hans Weissflog, Jacob Weissflog, Kip Christensen, Dale Nish, Jason Breach, Rudy Lopez, Dick Sing, and so many others!

I also took time to browse the Instant Gallery, which was full of incredible work! (I took two treasures home this trip: I bought one of Bonnie Klein's top boxes, and a set of three spinning tops from Kip Christensen!)

The Swap Meet is on Thursday evening -- a parking lot full of wood vendors and others selling tools, finished work, even lathes! I brought home a large box elder burl, some Mormon Poplar, a block of Willow, and some little Japanese Yew logs. To top off the evening, three special presentations were scheduled.

From left, clockwise: Maple Burl, figured cottonwood, and a big boxelder burl cap! (The maple square is about 8" across)

Friday is the night of the legendary banquet! After chatting with friends and eating a sumptuous meal, the auction starts. Both world-famous and local artists donate their works to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. I'm delighted that my platter "Sway with Me" was won by a friend!



THE LAST DAY
By now, nearly everyone is exhausted, but three more rotations ensue, followed by a "good-bye" ceremony filled with door prizes! Then, everyone goes off, driving, flying, walking... back to their own shops, their thoughts filled with inspiration!

WHAT MAKES UTAH SPECIAL?
People ask me what makes Utah different... I guess I would have to say "the community." Every year we return again, greeted by the same friendly faces. They are there year after year, working tirelessly to create a fantastic event. I've come to treasure these dear people just as I would my closest friends.

EXTRA KUDOS
I wanted to make special mention of some things that were really great this year. First -- videography -- the camera operators were either videography students from the college or woodturners with video experience -- they gave huge value to the demonstrations by following the demonstrator's every move, capturing closeups of the techniques.

The Volunteers: they were always there with a smile, happy to answer questions, or find a forgotten tool, or whatever-you-needed. THANK YOU for your dedication!

And who can forget the organizers: Mike Mahoney, Kip Christensen, and Dale Nish -- THANK YOU!

CONCLUSION
My own conclusion is that I will never miss the Utah Woodturning Symposium -- it's like a family get-together with the added benefit of learning new techniques, making new friends, and having a three-day party all at once! See you there next year!

Katherine