And we’re back…

Its been a while folks – sorry! There was a small matter of some postgrad studies to get out the way which I am happy to report are now all done and dusted. Phew!

What did you miss…

Term 2 at Sturt School for Wood! Luckily if you have been following us on Instagram or Facebook you wont have missed out! If you have not been following then I can’t imagine how you have coped for all this time! I am proud to report that we now have four completed pieces of fine wooden furniture and plenty more in progress.

The first…
A BEAUtiful hall table, designed and made by the one and only Christopher Neal!! It’s not only wonderfully proportioned, beautifully finished and finely sculpted, its truly a work of art and I honestly couldn’t be prouder. Someone asked Chris whether he was going to sell it… Chris mentioned it was my birthday and he would probably give it to me – it was advised that if that was the plan – he best marry me to avoid me running off with the table!! I am pleased to report, that after over 16 glorious years I have now got what I wanted and am off! Hilarious!

The curves…
We also have a gratifyingly functional but gloriously sculpted sofa or side table – designed to fit snugly over any part of the sofa so that it can be used for drinks, nibbles, a laptop or anything you so choose.

Is it a stool or is it a table…
We are now midway through Term 3 and can’t believe its going so fast. We are right in the thick of the batch project – two of the four stools or tables – depending on your needs desire – have been completed and which you may have seen on Instagram. Sights are firmly now set on the up and coming cabinet project. Watch this instagram shaped space.

Chris completed his essay and presentation on the life and works of Hans J Wegner last week which had been looming for some time. Not one for public speaking (who is?) or particularly wordy (unlike me) it had been a rather unattractive prospect even since signing up but we can consider it an awesome JOB DONE!

PS In case you were wondering the timberbits pub quiz team is taking a more relaxed approach to attending the weekly pub quiz with their rank wavering probably less than their commitment. I am not sure I ever got to report the winning of a $50 drinks voucher but this has been their result to beat and I am delighted to report they have never come last… did I just say that? If ever there was a way to tempt fate!

fine furniture collection is growing
Our fine furniture collection is growing. 
And we’re back…

Career Change – A Work in Progress

So no matter who you are, the words ‘career change’ followed by ‘going back to school’ sound pretty daunting. This is starting again, it is not a ‘this will look great on my cv’ type occasion, keeping up appearances or trying to get ahead with something extra – all this is of course hard work but ‘this’ – quitting work as Chris has known it for the last 15 years to study a course in fine furniture making – is putting what he has done, up to this point, aside and starting again! School starts at the beginning of Feb so the count down is on!

Were/are there doubts that this is the right thing to do? Naturally! But if a positive change (and hopefully happiness) hangs on a decision which is in your power to make and if no change was going to perpetuate the downward spiral of job loathing and depression then no matter how nerve wracking wouldn’t you choose to change something?

Making the decision to actually commit to change and embark on this journey seemed like the hardest thing to do but I have no doubt that the hard work is yet to come!! I am sure I don’t need to tell you life in general is expensive, learning is challenging and achieving success – whatever that looks like for you – the ultimate and elusive goal!

We are however doing it… well, Chris is doing it really but I am here to cheer him on and share the journey with all of you in the hope that one day you will perhaps see some fine wooden furniture made by Chris and know the story behind it!

Illawarra coastline
Welcome to the Illawarra – Looking for a new home and a fresh start in a new neighbourhood!

PS Once Chris starts his course we hope to share all kinds of woodworking updates including showing off all his hard work! Watch this space!

Career Change – A Work in Progress