When you’re working with such a versatile medium as wood, the possibilities are endless.
The Moose Jaw Woodcrafters Guild held a display show and sale at Moose Jaw Union Centre on Saturday.
Members had pieces on display ranging in size from letter openers to enormous doll houses.
The exhibit is also used to learn and share different techniques and tools used by the woodcrafters.
“I’ll first find a pattern I really like and will then decide what types of wood will work best for the project,” member Ed Beler told the Times-Herald. “I use all natural wood, oil and varnish from all over.”
Moose Jaw Woodcrafters Guild was formed in 2002 to promote, facilitate and publicize all aspects of woodworking in Moose Jaw and surrounding area. The guild encourages adults and students to discover and/or expand their woodworking interests. and encourages sharing of Information and discussion. Demonstrations and discussion topics such as techniques, tools and material are covered at meetings, usually held around ten times throughout the year.
“If you’re starting out, you could use western cedar,” Beler offered when asked for starting tips. “And then you could move onto hardwood; walnut is quite nice to work with.”
Beler said it usually takes 40 to 50 hours to complete one of the intricate pieces he designs and works on the craft more during the colder months of the year. “You do it for the love of the craft... you want to show the natural beauty of the wood and I’m constantly trying to challenge myself with the projects I choose.”
The natural elements will also have a strong influence on how the aesthetic of a finished piece will look.
“The grain patterns are shaped by nature,” member John Soika offered. “moisture, insects and bacteria play major roles in how the wood is going to form and look.”
For more on this story pick up the next issue of the Times-Herald.
