I'm embarking on a couple new projects. No, not writing projects. Yes, I'm still editing and I still have tons of stuff to do in the writing vein. These are for me.
First off, Hubs and I decided to try our hands at growing trees from seeds. Yesterday, I went out onto the property and gathered seeds pods from the redbud, then I gathered fruit from the dogwoods, the spicebushes, and the carolina buckthorns. I've already done a ton of research to see if this is even possible and then to see what exactly needs to be done to get the seeds to germinate and thrive. I've already planted an elm (poor Elmer, may he rest in piece... he was quite lovely before the deer ate him) and two cedars (Cecil and Cedric. Cecil is doing fine in a pot right now. Cedric never recovered from a late night critter attack.) This won't be a short process and we won't even know if this works until Spring. Fingers crossed.
The other project... err, hobby?... I'm gotten the urge to embark on is woodcarving. We have all this wood and some of it is quite lovely (cedar, lilac, black cherry), so I'm going to try my hand at using it to make something beautiful. I spent some time yesterday reading up on it and looking at tools on Amazon. Sadly, the majority of inexpensive wood carving tools are made in China. I may have to spend more to get domestic tools. We'll see.
Yes, I am quite aware that these are distractions and time sucks away from what I should be doing. I also think I need this to keep myself sane. :shrug: Who knows how long I'll stick to this stuff? It's worth a shot. I mean, sure, I still have a big plastic tub full of yarn from my crocheting days - along with a blanket I started back in Colorado that I have yet to finish. This may all come to nothing. Either way, I'll learn something and that's never bad.
If the trees and shrubs work out, they'll make nice additions to our landscaping. If the carving works out, I'll sell the stuff I make - or use it for gifts for friends and family. I really want to carve up some really nice walking sticks and canes. I have a thing for those. :points to sporadically gimpy leg:
Your turn... Tell me about something you do as a hobby. Or tell me about a hobby you would like to have.
I'm a gardener. I spend a lot of time experimenting with any seed I come across just to see if I can make it grow.
ReplyDeleteI would love to carve canes, but the arthritis in my hands prevents me from doing too much intricate work. Years ago, I used to make miniature furniture.
I look forward to hearing about your progress.
Cool stuffs there that you are embarking on! The redbuds populate pretty easily. I have volunteers all over the "jungle" portion of the yard. Heck, I even have a peach tree that grew from a peach pit that Only dropped in the yard one time. 🤞🏼 all the seeds propagate and you get awesome trees and bushes! In time, of course. Also, cool on the carving! I'd end up in the ER. LOL Also, no artistic bent that way. Can't wait to see what you come up with when and if.
ReplyDeleteMe? I used to hook rugs and needlepoint. I did some cross stitch but preferred the needlpoint. I also know enough about sewing to be a menace--I made almost all of Only's Halloween costumes and some clothes. I also can knit but it's not really my catnip. These days, I guess my only "hobby" is listening to audio books. All my "artistic" mojo is going into writing at the moment.
I'm a quilter, sewer, knitter and champion reader. I've tried crochet but prefer knitting. I'm looking forward to retirement in 20 months and would like to have a go at painting, probably water colours. Not sure I'll be able to crack it but I'd like to have a go. I look forward to seeing your wood carving efforts on the blog.
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