Doug W Swanson
06-29-2011, 12:32 AM
Hey all,
First of all, since this was my first ever Symposium I wasn't quite sure what to expect. While seeing some the best turners in the world in the demo's was good, I also saw some great items in the galleries. Then, I met some wonderful people from SMC. The only thing I regret was not introducing myself to more Creeker's at the dinner.
As far as gloats go, I did pick up a few things: A Thompson bowl gouge and handle (and many thanks to Doug and his wife: you know what I'm talking about!), a Pendant Chuck, some sanding supplies from Vince and a few bargain wood blanks at the end (it sure was nice not to have to worry about space since I only live 10 miles from St Paul!)
And then there is my 10 yr old daughter. When I found out the AAW offered Youth classes, I asked her if she wanted to go and she was a little hesitant (my 7 yr old son would have jumped at the chance but the age limit is 10). Abby's experience with the lathe was cleaning up the dust around it so I spent about 45 minutes with her on my lathe the night before the Symposium.
Her first class was with Bonnie Klein on turning basics. Here she is before the class:
199748
The next class was 'Ball and Cup Toy'. Here she is sanding away...
199752
And the finished product!
199749
Then we show up for the drawing for one of the 25 lathe stations and hear her name called. She was pretty excited!
But to me the biggest gloat is how much Abby really seemed to enjoy herself and now she now has her own lathe to use.:) Even though I've been a stay-at-home dad since Abby was born and I've spent a lot of time with my kids, I can't wait to get some lathe time with both of them and see what they come up with!:D Heck, they'll probably pass me up in no time!:eek:
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/images/misc/pencil.png
First of all, since this was my first ever Symposium I wasn't quite sure what to expect. While seeing some the best turners in the world in the demo's was good, I also saw some great items in the galleries. Then, I met some wonderful people from SMC. The only thing I regret was not introducing myself to more Creeker's at the dinner.
As far as gloats go, I did pick up a few things: A Thompson bowl gouge and handle (and many thanks to Doug and his wife: you know what I'm talking about!), a Pendant Chuck, some sanding supplies from Vince and a few bargain wood blanks at the end (it sure was nice not to have to worry about space since I only live 10 miles from St Paul!)
And then there is my 10 yr old daughter. When I found out the AAW offered Youth classes, I asked her if she wanted to go and she was a little hesitant (my 7 yr old son would have jumped at the chance but the age limit is 10). Abby's experience with the lathe was cleaning up the dust around it so I spent about 45 minutes with her on my lathe the night before the Symposium.
Her first class was with Bonnie Klein on turning basics. Here she is before the class:
199748
The next class was 'Ball and Cup Toy'. Here she is sanding away...
199752
And the finished product!
199749
Then we show up for the drawing for one of the 25 lathe stations and hear her name called. She was pretty excited!
But to me the biggest gloat is how much Abby really seemed to enjoy herself and now she now has her own lathe to use.:) Even though I've been a stay-at-home dad since Abby was born and I've spent a lot of time with my kids, I can't wait to get some lathe time with both of them and see what they come up with!:D Heck, they'll probably pass me up in no time!:eek:
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/images/misc/pencil.png