Starting Over.

The last two years have been quite a journey.  I never thought I would use a power tool, let alone own several, and then become pretty skilled with them.  Never did I imagine I would be able to tell the difference between almond, oak, or olive logs. Never did I imagine I would be out in my garage working and sweating in the summer, or freezing in the winter - all to make something new from a log! Never did I imagine that I would enjoy sitting in a garage that was either too hot or too cold, music playing and working away on anything I wanted to make. Never did I imagine I would look at a log looking for the beauty of it and make something other people would want. Never. Funny how life does that to a person. 

With all that said,  I no longer have a workshop where I can keep the logs or use the loud power tools. Somehow I don't think an apartment manager would be too understanding of a 12" skilsaw revving up at 10:00 at night. 

This was a very tough decision for me to make, but instead of closing my shop, I have decided I want to start my shop over from scratch. I feel a bit lost, as the logs were such a huge part of my shop and life. I used to work with them about six days a week - now zero. It was a bit of a shock at first. But, I am not one to sit and dwell, but more of a "what can I do now" type of girl.  I have been teaching myself to sew, and looking into a variety of fun things to make. I hope you will bear with me as I go through a trial and error period.  I love a good challenge, and I am definitely up for it.



I will always be so grateful to have been a small part of so many weddings, proposals, gifts, and even funerals of people I have never met. People who trusted me to make something they would enjoy - I can't explain how amazing that feels - it just feels amazing. 

Maybe someday when I move again, I will make sure to have a workshop and just might get back into making log items as I really love doing that. :) This is a huge change, but I firmly believe in making the best of any situation and to always move forward. I am excited for the new things I will be making and hope you will be too.

Here are some of the things I have made that I loved making. Maybe someday I will make more. :)

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My Workshop - Deerwood Creek Gifts

A customer asked me what my "workshop" looked like. My workshop? I had to think for a minute as my workshop is in an overcrowded one-car garage.  The customer thought I had a fabulous workshop where I made my orders. I think she was imagining Santa's workshop where it was clean and sparkly. (I wish!) Well, I wouldn't exactly call this fabulous, clean, or sparkly, but it is a great place to work and I love it. Here are two pictures.

These pictures were taken on a rainy day. The rain makes it pretty "cozy" as I have to squish all the tools and logs inside the tiny one-car garage instead of spread out on the driveway.  But, as small, dusty, and dirty as it is, I love being out there. 

Other than that, here are a few random pictures to show a bit about me.

This is me about to make some orders.

Ah the rain. Gotta love when my goggles fog up. ;)

A new pile of logs. This makes me happy.

This picture has nothing to do with my business, but thought I would put up a picture where I wasn't covered in sawdust or wearing goggles. 

And this is Neil. I love this little guy.

This is me having a discussion with Neil telling him to quit running in the house. ;)

Take care all. I hope your workshop is fabulous and it is somewhere you feel creative. Please feel free to leave questions or comments. :)

Cindy Breninger

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My, what a fabulous pocket!

As much as I love working with logs and concrete, I am also finding I love to sew. Sewing is one of those things I have always wanted to learn, but never knew where to start. I am fascinated when someone shows me their newest sewing creation - mainly because it is such a mystery to me how that started from a piece of fabric and is now something useful - so I am more than happy to try to figure it out. 

I recently acquired a sewing machine and took a few sewing classes. These classes were wonderful as I had no idea what a bobbin was, or a footer, or even how to thread the machine. But, since learning the basics, I am starting to get the hang of it.

I spent Friday night hanging out with the machine. I found the cutest material, it is light green with cute little ladybugs and I wanted to make a cute girls' dress. How hard could that be? It looked easy....but things are not always what they appear to be.

Oh, head's up for new sewers buying patterns marked "Easy": Easy does not really mean easy. Trust me on this and I will explain. I bought a pattern that was labeled "EASY" but it turned out to be anything BUT easy. Unless their easy means you will be sewing for six hours, cursing at your machine, walking away from the machine, coming back, and then finally getting it right at 2:00 am., it was not easy. But, I am not one for quitting, so I had to finish.

About 2:00 am, a miracle happened, a moment of triumph - I finished the little dress AND I added a pocket! This is only amazing as the pattern did not include a pocket and I figured out how to make one and sew it on.  To a veteran sewer, or even an intermediate and maybe even some beginners, that would be no big deal, but to me, it was huge. I finished the dress AND sewed on a pocket! Like I said, a moment of triumph! I have to take them where I can get them.

Here is the little dress I made. Please go on and on about the fabulous pocket. haha

Cindy Breninger

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Much ado about Logs! So many uses, so little time.

Ahh logs. What can I say about them that hasn't already been said? Everyone loves logs, right?

After recently acquiring several new logs, I wanted to write about their many uses. For those who haven't realized how useful a log can be, I am pleased to help out and give you a few fine examples:

Take these logs, for instance. They could be used as artwork  in your backyard. A bunch of these standing on end would be quite unique. No one else will have "art work" like yours! Or, if you want to impress the neighbors, put them in the front yard - everyone will be talking about them.

 If that is not your style, how about a one-of-a-kind, great-for-relaxing, put-your-feet-up, good old-fashioned footrest. It doesn't get much better than this.

Or, how about a pizza holder log? Just order the pizza, have it delivered, put it on the log - you don't even have to get out of your chair - and Whaaa-laaa! Dinner is served.

Last, but not least, how about a log chair. It is perfect for sitting and with another as a footstool, can you say lounge chair?

Everyone needs a log, and you know, I just might know a place where you can get one. Ahem. Just follow this link:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/108028057/log-stump-table-wood-table-night-stand

If that isn't your style, I have plenty others to choose from. I will sand them down and make them presentable and post them online.  They may not be 100% level, but they are great to look at, wonderful to put your feet on to relax, and the best pizza holder ever. :)

Cindy

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