Saturday 21 December 2013

How to get your kids involved in woodworking

If you're anxious to get your kids away from the TV, here are a few projects to inspire your children.

1) Harry Potter Wands
Instead of watching the movies over and over, turn or carve a wand. Help your child be the coolest kid going back to school launching their own spells... "Leviosa!" (I had to Google that one... I'm lacking on my Harry Potter trivia)
Photo courtesy of Jason Trudel


2) Hockey Table
A fun project for you and the kids providing endless entertainment! You can purchase the hardware kit from one of our favourite stores, Lee Valley. Here is a direct link to purchase the hardware for this project.
Photo courtesy of Lee Valley

3) Piano Stool
I remember the days when my parents forced me to practice piano 30mins a day. Yikes, glad that's over! Why not make it a little more enjoyable with a custom piano stool? Laser engrave their favourite cartoon/movie on the top and treat them to a play-along book to get them inspired. Here is the link to Lee Valley to purchase the kit.

Photo courtesy of Lee Valley
Example: Star Wars themed music & stool design
4) If only we could fast forward to the spring...  but since we can't, might as well embrace the snow and get some exercise with the kids. Build a sled! Some of my best memories are down at the Arboretum racing down the hills with my family. Lee Valley sells a great plan - here is the link.

5) Teach them how to make their own pen. Many schools are already offering pen turning instruction and the kids are just loving it. In less than an hour, they can make their own pen... and when school is back on, they can write their love letters to classmates in style.
Image courtesy of Mike MacMillan
6) Every kid dreams of being a music star of some sort... whether singing like Brittany Spears or rocking out like One Direction. It's time to crush those dreams and make new ones with decent role models! In the meantime, teach them how to make a simple cigar box guitar. Spice it up with a wooden neck in their favourite colour.

Yellowheart

7) If you can draw, you can burn... wood burn that is. Trace your own comic character, doodle your name, make a "keep out" sign for their bedroom... their imagination is the limit. Basswood, Maple and Birch Plywood are some good options to start with. You can purchase the wood burning pen here from Lee Valley and their imagination can lead the way. Not for the little ones - perfect for teens but keep those fingers safe! 
Image courtesy of Lee Valley


8) If your kids are like me, math homework was as bad as doing the dishes. For some reason my parents never believed me that I was allergic to those things, always ended up having to do them anyway. Lee Valley has a neat project kit that can help make their homework at least slightly more fun. Convert a cool piece(s) of wood into a clipboard for doing homework or showing off in class. Here is the direct link to the kit.
Images courtesy of Lee Valley


9) What is the best way to carve wood? Whittle by whittle. "Groan"... I thought it was funny!
Carving or whittling is a great way to entertain your kids... give them a block of wood and say GO!
For a Whittle Fun, here is a book that will keep them entertained for awhile, also available at Lee Valley.
Image courtesy of Lee Valley


10) If you are not board yet, I'll leaf with with one more tip. For the older kids who spend countless hours playing Tony Hawk, give their thumbs a break and help them build a skateboard. We've got the Baltic Birch plywood that will do the trick and the internet is filled with many DIY articles and videos for the rest.

Hope you enjoyed reading todays tips. You can probably tell we love Lee Valley so if you haven't been there yet, stop reading this and head over there now!

The "K" in KJP

Thursday 19 December 2013

Livos - What we carry

We are beyond happy with Livos so we keep expanding our selection!

If you haven't used it yet, here is a link to our blog post for some "Tips & Tricks"

Livos, Kunos: Natural Oil Sealer and Finish
Available in 50ml, 250ml and 750ml
Livos, Kunos: Countertop Oil
Available in 50ml, 250ml and 750ml
Livos, Kunos: Natural Oil Sealer
We just brought in 50ml jars of the full colour line up. Visit the store to see samples on actual wood. (It's a work in progress but we're on it!)


Some of the popular colours are available in 250ml - Smoked Oak, White & Intensive Cherry

Rosewood, Cherry, Walnut & Black - 250ml

Gleivo - Beeswax - available in 250ml

Saturday 14 December 2013

Wood puns never grow old

Are you board?

Wood you prefer me to tell you a joke?

I consider myself very poplar so you better laugh.

I will ash your opinions when I need them and cherry pick the best answers.

You're probably thinking I need to spruce this up a bit.. feel free to log in with your comments.

Now that I have twigged your interest, I can branch out into more interesting conversation.

For you yoga enthusiasts, branching out into the downward dog should knot be done in your workshop. I saw you... and it wasn't pretty. Why don't you walk the plank instead? At least you won't be warped or twisted.

I hope yew all enjoyed reading this sappy post. I'll leaf you with this...

What is the best way to carve wood? Whittle by whittle.

The "K" in KJP

Wednesday 11 December 2013

Don't feel like shovelling? Shop from home

Does the thought of having to shovel before leaving your house get you cranky? Wouldn't it be nice to just sit at home and feel productive?



With Christmas just around the corner, you may not have a choice. Well, we are here to help you stay warm at home, while crossing off someone on your Christmas list.

Gift Certificates - available in any denomination. Give us a call (225-6926) and we will mail the certificate directly to you. Done in less than 2 minutes. Then you can go back to "not shovelling the driveway".

If you do have the ambition to leave the house, have you read the post on "10 gifts you can make for $25 or less"? The timing is even better now as Turning Blanks, 24" Shorts and Burls are 20% off!

And just a reminder of our holiday hours: 
Tuesday, December 24th - closing at 12:00pm
December 25th - January 1st - CLOSED
Will be re-opening on Thursday, January 2nd - 9am - 5pm

The "K" in KJP