Since I've been gone

[John Hart]

Hi all. Sheesh, I've been gone a long time. But ya know...sometimes life just kicks you in the stomach. But we recover and move on hopefully.
So I'm back. Sorry about that :p

During my absence, I did continue to turn any time I could. So I'll post a couple pics of some of it. Basically trying to improve my style and lock into something that was uniquely me.
Lot's of lacquer consumed in the process (hic!....excuse me :))

So I was feelin' kinda low and decided to concentrate on a project. I decided to enter a piece at the County Fair.
Ended up with this Oak Burl, Walnut, and Cherry thing on a pedestal. I named it A Fair Piece. Won first place. It felt good.

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Here's a better picture of the body...Just better color
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And I continued to work on pieces as I had time....these are the basic theme.
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I actually sold the one in the middle. I called it The Hershey Kiss cuz of that little walnut kiss in the center
It felt good that someone was willing to part with hard-earned dough for it. :)
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Anyway...I wasn't really writing today to show off my work. Just wanted to say Hi....I kinda miss it around here. :)

[Sam Beagle]

Gorgeous stuff!!!!

[Roger Chandler]

Hi John! You do still have a recognized form.........had that piece that won the county fair been a thumbnail, and I did not know it was you that posted it, I would still have thought that it reminded me of piece I used to see from you. Tickled to have you posting again! Btw, it is totally cool here to show off your work, so Keep 'em coming!

[Steve Schlumpf]

John - Welcome back!

Even though I was active on a few sites, I took a break from turning for a while. Did turn a few little things like snowmen just because they are fun and everyone likes them but no bowls or hollow forms. Sometimes you just have to take a break until the motivation comes back.

Nice work on everything and congrats on the 1st place win! Looking forward to seeing more of your work!!

[Dick Strauss]

John,
Welcome back! Your stuff looks great and the ribbon is well deserved! I was just thinking about you the other day while cutting some spalted sycamore that found its way into my overloaded vehicle during a visit to the old log dump. Good Times!

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Hi John! It's good to see you posting! You were missed!

Nice turnings BTW.

[Joe Mioux]

Hi John, ditto Ken's sentiment. Many of us have come and gone and returned. I am getting my second wind with woodworking and stopping into smc more frequently.

[David E Keller]

Howdy! Happy to see you out and about, and I'm happy to see you're still making stuff round as an excuse to spray some lacquer. Congrats on the ribbon and the sale... Well deserved on both accounts!

[Scott Hackler]

WHOAH! There is a blast from the past! Good to see you post again John. Nice looking stuff.

[John Hart]

Geez ....what a nice welcome. Thanks everyone :)
I hope to get back into full blown turning very soon. Had a little problem with my house burning down just after Christmas and lost power to the shop as a result. Probably restore power this weekend and the rebuilding will begin. Might head out and knock some rust off of the lathe.
It's great to be back. :)

[Larry Frank]

Wow..incredible work.

I have fallen in love with the last one...thank you for showing these.

[William C Rogers]

John, I appreciate you showing off your work. It inspires me to see beautiful turnings and wood combinations. I have to ask, the Hershey Kiss woods that you used. It is a remarkable work.

[Doug Herzberg]

Welcome back. Beautiful stuff.

[John Hart]

Thanks much guys :)

That Hershey Kiss piece is comprised of a Maple body, Brazilian Rosewood lid and pedestal assembly, and the finial is Curly Maple and Walnut. The bead at the bottom is a core from the Maple body. It's finished in WOP.
The Maple tree was a sapling planted outside my office at work 19 years ago. Over the years it invaded the sewage system and had to be cut down...very sad because I watched it grow. Got all the wood though!! ;)

[Keith Outten]

Welcome back John, its good to see that you are active again. Sorry to hear about your house, I know it can be a devastating event that can take a long time to recover from the loss.

Keep on Turning John!!!

[George Conklin]

Wow! What a great surprise! So glad to hear from you again. Truly have missed you, my friend.

[John Hart]

Nice to see you George...it's nice to be back.

Thanks Keith....the house can be replaced....and better than before. No one hurt, although that was shear luck....but all that really matters.
I bet I could turn a new house :)

[Adam Petersen]

Welcome back, and woweewow those are some beautiful pieces. The Hershey Kiss is just stunning in it's form and color. I really like the style of these pieces.

[John Hart]

I get a woweewow?
Thanks Adam :)