Valentine Pin's- from the Spring '06 issue of WCI

[Lightningbolt]

Normally, I usually don't dive head-first into the easy beginner type projects but sometimes "less is more AND simple is better". Referring to Cyndi Joslyn's beautiful article in the latest issue of WCI, page 44. I must say that it has saved me at the last minute (again!) from the women in my life as Valentine's day is almost here.

Thought that I'd post a few pictures from my efforts this weekend as the snow storm is blowing up the east coast and I just keep putting another log on the fire. I really had a great time with these little hearts. I first planed down some pine to 1/4" then traced off about 15 hearts then cut out on the scroll saw. I then glued a pin on each heart with some E600 craft cement, all from Wal-Mart.

I also showed the article to one of my woodshop classes last Friday and the kids really wanted to make them! I've got one class on Tuesday that has finished all of their required work so I'm gonna let 'em loose on them!

At work, everyone in the education department (except me) is of the feminine species! Soooooo... I've made six of these hearts for each of these fine ladies (see attached files). I usually keep myself in "deep water" trying to swim around so much estrogen, then combine that with my irreverent and highly politically incorrect mouth... well, you get the picture. I need some redemption bad and I think these pins will be worth their weight in gold this Tuesday!!

[Thor]

Those are well done! I enjoyed that article as well. You'll be very popular on Tuesday.

I am surrounded by 'men'. I don't think they would be as easy to please with little heart pins. Count yourself lucky from the side of giving gifts.

A couple of years ago, I got a table saw for Valentines' Day. I guess I'm the girl "they" have to please. That works out really well for me.
The men here all like fudge.
Thor

[Mottles]

Dave I saw these pins also and thought what a cool project for Valentines gifts. You had the right idea the ladies will love them and you too. Good job!
Kathy

[carver6]

Had the same idea. I carved two for the wife. One out of western red cedar and one out of basswood to be painted. The one made from cedar turned out real well but don't like the painted one. (Surely it wouldn't be the painter!!) Anyhow, my wife liked it and the box of chocolates, so that was really all that mattered. Now all I have left to do is take her out to dinner next weekend.
Garon

[Lightningbolt]

Thanks for the kind words! It's really amazing how such a quick and simple project can sometimes convey a message to someone better than 10,000 words!

Thor: I certainly agree that I'm luckier than most on the gender side of gift giving. Honestly, I have a much more positive reaction from women when I give them a hand-made woodcarving than I do when "giving" a carving gift to a man. The men seem to feel that when it comes to a personal woodcarving that I "owe" it to them but the ladies seem to really appreciate it much more down deep where it counts.

As for the heart pins, I just couldn't wait until today (Valentine's Day) to give 'em out so I caught all of them yesterday afternoon and presented them with personal inscriptions on the back such as "Everybody luv's Sue" or "Teddy Bear Luv". They all really went wild and have worn them proudly all day. These pins mended up a lot of "do-do" that I so often step in while trying to navigate through so much estrogen every day!

Hope that the next issue of WCI will include another such project because I'm sure that I'll be due for a re-newal by that time!!

[GILLY]

Lightninblot, thanks for such a good read, I laughed the whole way through. The pins are a great idea and sure turned out nice.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Well I posted this once, but it didn't show up? these are some earrings I did for my wife for valentines day, 3/4 in high olivewood from bethlehem,the pots are turned on the lathe and the crosses are scrollsawn.

[MelNM]

Goodwork Dave and Lightning Bolt, I'm like you LB I work with a group of ladies, I usually give stuff out for Christmas, that tends to keep me out of trouble up to June.
MelMatrix

[Lightningbolt]

Thanks for the comments to both guys 'n gals!

Dave: Wow! Thanks for giving me another great idea with the wooden ear rings. Those are really nice and with genuine Bethlehem olive wood, well that makes it super special!

Man! ...in some of my real life situations I need all the ideas that I can get with staying ahead of all the problems that my personality seems to generate like my foot were stuck on "wide-open" with the accelerator!!
Head Bange

Thanks for posting.

Edited to add that one of the educational assistants who I gave one of the pins to for Valentine's Day was still wearing it today! It was the one that I carved the little peace sign into the art. Sue is 50 years old and although she is one heck of a good teacher, she is also stuck in the Woodstock '60's generation. She REALLY loved that pin!