Where We Meet

Metro Hardwoods

4243 S. Noland Rd
Independence, Mo.

Click:  http://mapq.st/1jjGqsW for a map

Turning to the Library.
 

     As a reminder, be sure to take advantage of the fact that our monthly demonstrations are not only in our library on DVD discs, but are posted on You Tube.  One advantage is that the most recent demo will be on You Tube faster than it shows up in our library.  This is true for most of the demos done this year. Simply go to the You Tube site on your computer, tablet, iPad or smart phone and in the search box, search for  “Indep Woodturners” and the topic in which you are interested. And usually, the first item in the search results will be our YouTube channel which when you click on it you will get our channel with all the videos. Not only will the video of our demo show up, but related videos will show on the screen for later viewing.
          Don’t forget to check the inventory of our library as we are regularly adding new items.            
---  John Thornton, Librarian

       
     "I am a maker."  That is the phrase that is going around now.  Everyone considers themselves to be a maker.  What is that?  As I understand it, it is simply someone that makes things.  Anything.  Artists, craftsmen and craftswomen, inventors are all makers.  It doesn’t matter what you work with – wood, glass, metal, clay, electronics, paper or even food. 
      Are we makers?  Technically, I guess we are.  We do make things.  But, in my mind, I wonder if we are more than that.  Being called a maker just because we make things almost seems impersonal. Are we artists?  Crafters?  Each has its own definition and connotations.  Some say artists make only one of a thing and crafters make the same thing over and over.  We can argue that even though we make the same style of bowl over and over out of the same type of wood, each one will be different due to the nature of wood.  To some, artists are eccentric and snobbish.  Crafters may be seen as simply someone with a hobby.  We know that it is more than a mere hobby.
     This was brought on by an event that happened last weekend.  A couple of weeks ago, my daughter called and asked me if I would mind making her 4 pens – one as a graduation present for her college roommate and three for teachers that she has had for the last few years as “Thank you” gifts.  What else could I say but “sure”.  She picked out the kits and the blanks that she wanted for each one and I “forced” myself to go to my happy place and get lost in the process.  When she gave her teachers the pens and explained what they were, they looked at me and started asking questions.  One said “So are you a maker?” Another said “No, you are an artist.”  The third said “No, he is a craftsman.”  I was unsure, so I just smiled and said thanks, I just like working with my hands to create something.  “See, a maker.”
     On the drive back home from Lamoni, IA, I had time to think about it.  Often on applications for shows, they ask if you are showing an art or a craft.  I am never sure how to answer.  After thinking about it for a long time this weekend, I believe that I prefer the term “craftsman”.  I am not sure that I can explain why other than I do tend to think that “maker” is a bit cold and everyone in the world could be called a maker of something.  “Artist” tends to make me think I will have to explain to someone what a piece represents and how they should feel after looking at it with their platinum card in my hand.  “Craftsman” seems to leave me with a warmer feeling.  We may do the same type of thing over and over, but that is because we are trying to perfect it, not duplicate it.  Crafts are more of a class of art that is not overly expensive and that can be used in someway everyday – something substantial.  Many crafts are dying off.  I can think of myself as a craftsman trying to save a dying art or two.  I will never consider myself an accomplished craftsman, because I will never be done learning and trying.  Artists tend to burn out after a few years and go into seclusion because many will never be recognized until after death.  The maker term and movement may well die off in a few years.   Craftsmen are appreciated every day for what they make.  Craftsmen have been around and practicing for thousands of years and we have no plans to go anywhere anytime soon.
      You may not agree with me, but that is OK.  Maybe you consider yourself an artist.  I will not argue against you calling yourself that or calling yourself a maker.  It is something that each of us can think about and decide what label we are most comfortable with for ourselves.  Let me know your thoughts.


Crafted by Bill Baker

Discount Update
 

   

            Regardless of how well your turning techniques are, everybody needs sandpaper sometime. Be advised that our membership list has been updated with Klingspor Woodworking. And I have already tested it by placing an order. You save 10% automatically once you’ve set up your online access. If you don’t already have one, simply create one when you attempt to login. Be sure to use the email address that we have in our records. Then when you shop, they will show you the discounted price automatically. They have several woodturning tools as well as other woodworking tools in addition to their premium sandpaper. Give them a try. To check them out, click on this link to Klingspor woodworking (or the logo at the top).   If you order by phone, be sure to tell them that you are a member of Independence Woodturners.

           Once again we are on display at the Public Library.  Our Independence Woodturners have put together an impressive mixture of items on display at the North Independence Branch, Mid-Continent Library, just across from the Truman Presidential Library.  One entire section of the glass display cases in the front lobby area of the library are filled with the handiwork of our members.   Those contributing their turnings for this event are Mike Straughn, Lester Gillett, Mel Bryan, Gary Gahm, John Thornton, Mike McReynolds, Gayle Markley, Don Bird and Don Burns.
The display will be in place for an unspecified time, so don’t miss the opportunity to see this extensive “Show-and Tell”. 
     If you would like to enhance the display with some of your work, please contact Michael Straughn (816 812-7621) to make arrangements and more information.  

    Please make sure all your items are identified by having your logo or name on them or with a tag or label. It will insure that they are returned to you. 
      So, gather your woodturning work and  share it with the public.

Submitted by John Thornton 

     Once again we have the opportunity to take our woodturning craft to the younger generation. We've been invited (and have accepted) to go to the Tomah Shinga Youth Camp to help the youth campers turn pens. Tomah Shinga is just outside Junction City, Kansas. It's about a three hour drive and we go out and return the same day and spend 3 or 4 hours setting up, turning pens with the kids and packing up to return. It's a good days work, but quite worthwhile and fun. We are open to volunteers that can make the venture with us. We will be going out on; June 6th, 20th, and July 11th, 18th. It will be discussed at the meeting and you can contact any one of the officers to volunteer or for more information.
     We will be preparing the pen blanks at the upcoming Open Shop in preparation for going to the camp. All help will be appreciated and if you'd like to learn about the pen turning process, this is an excellent opportunity. Please bring any tools, jigs, or equipment you think might be helpful. 
     The urgent need to start with is acquiring the pen kits. We use slimline pen kits and need several. (We will possibly help 50 or so kids through out the summer.) So, please donate some kits if you can (even if you can't go) or cash donations will be accepted so we and order kits and supplies. We seem to have enough pen blanks at this point.