Mark's Musingsbronkalla

Mark Bronkalla

Introduction

This is the first of my monthly columns as the new president of the guild. I hope to be able to perform as well as John Petrovic did for the last 4 years.

The column is titled ”Musings”  as that is what I am often doing as I  am woodworking. My mind often wanders as I work (but not when using power tools – all fingers are still attached). I find woodworking to be a contemplative activity, whether thinking about the next steps in the project or other matters.  It is another advantage of woodworking versus other more passive past-times, such as watching TV.
 

Toy drive

The response to the toy making drive was tremendous. The quantity, variety and quality of the toys were amazing. I had the privilege of bringing a truck-full out to Elkhorn. The toys were enthusiastically received and there were a number of complimentary comments.

The toy drive does help a good cause. In an indirect way, we are serving as positive role models and examples of what is good for someone that may not have many positive role models in their lives.

For me, the toys are a fun project where I also test out new techniques and attempt to learn some new skills. The toys are of a small enough scale, that if I make a mistake, I have not ruined a small fortune in wood or lost many hours or prep time. Additionally, having multiples, means that in case of a mistake, only one of the “spare” pieces will get messed up.

Last year I did my first hand cut dovetails. I also learned that ash is not a favored wood for working this way – far too tough. This year I sprayed shellac over boiled linseed oil.  I have often padded on shellac, but with the pile of cradles and a time running short I needed a quick build finish. I have an HVLP conversion gun that had been sitting in its box since purchased. The big projects were too big to risk to trying it out on them. The cradles were reasonably sized and I convinced myself that I could always wipe off a bad coat.  By the third coat, the technique and settings were dialed in and they looked great. An advantage of learning to spray with shellac is that any runs or sags scrape off cleanly after drying a couple of hours. Now I have a new skill learned and it is a real advantage to get the entire finish done on a project in only 2 days in the winter (without stinking up the house).

I would bet that many of you have tips, techniques, jigs and work methods to share from the “small production” toy building you have done.



Program

January Program

The January program will be presented on Wednesday, January 8th at the Washington Park Senior Center. It will feature Richard Judd who will speak on the topic of Studio Furniture.  Mr. Judd is a member of The Furniture Society. He produces ‘Studio Furniture’ in his shop in Bellville, WI.
  Studio furniture is designed more as an art object than as a daily functional piece of furniture, although the two types greatly overlap. He is known for curved veneer furniture and will be sharing his work with us. Mr. Judd’s work is sold throughout the United States.
Richard Judd Studio Furniture

Guild Calendar


Raffle

Alan Clapp

      Bob Petrovic was the year end raffle prize winner at the holiday party last year. We hope he can use the Ryobi Oscillating Spindle Sander.  Congratulations Bob!
 
   Rockler Woodworking and Hardware is getting our year kicked off with a great raffle prize.  Rockler has donated a Flip Top Roller Stand.  The unit easily converts between a roller stand and a ball stand.  This is a heavy duty stand with adjustable height and a leg leveling feature to compensate for uneven floors.  Rockler Woodworking and Hardware is located at 845 North Mayfair Road Milwaukee, WI  774-1882.

Planned Programs / Workshops for 2003


Reflections

Holiday Season Dinner Party

 Four score and some members of the Guild met at Panos’ Char Broil on the first Wednesday in December for fellowship, feasting, member recognitions and toy gathering.
  It was a festive evening. The food was good (as usual), the conversations were stimulating, the honors passed out that evening were significant, and the outpouring of love via the toy turn-in was tremendous.
  Outgoing President, John Petrovic, was presented a plaque in honor of his  four tremendous years of leadership of thepetrovic Guild. Not only did he serve as President, he worked with the  Program Committee, conducted workshops in his studio in Illinois, and was responsive to the many demands made upon him by the membership. Thank you John, for a job well done!
  Ron Hinderman was recognized as the Woodworker of the Year and was presented a plaque to mark the occasion. His 16 plus years of Guild membership and input has materially strengthened the Guild and enabled the Guild to make a strong statement to the many communities through the toy program.
  Ron presented certificates of appreciation to many individuals who had made significant contribution to the toy program. Inasmuch as some of the intended recipients were not in attendance, he will present their certificates at a Guild meeting.
board   The Board of Directors for the Year 2003 was presented to the attendees. Mark Bronkalla, President; Dick Yezek (not in attendance); Si Farmer, Director of Publications; Don Berger, Exhibit Director and Publicity Chairman; Ken Bahr, Program Director; Elizabeth Rohde, Treasurer and Jeff Nebel, Secretary.  




Woodworker  of  the  Year ww of the year Award

    At the Annual Holiday Season Dinner Party the Guild honored Ronald Hinderman, Sr. as the Woodworker of the Year. Ron has been a member of the Guild since May 30, 1986. In this sixteen years he has been active in the life of the Guild, both in participation in the offerings of the Guild but also in  workshop presentation. In the the last few years, Ron has more than been occupied with the toy program. He serves as the Toy Committee Chairman and has consistently prodded, cajoled, threatened, enticed, and pleaded for the Guild members to make more toys for the kids in battered family shelters. Evidently his tactics have paid off. Under his chairmanship, the toy output has increased steadily, going over the 1300 mark this year! Ron is to be commended for his tenacity and dedication, and we are indeed fortunate to have him among us and in this important leadership position. Ron said that he was humbled by this presentation and extends his gratitude to the members that nominated him, and to the selection committee that chose him to receive this honor. Congratulations, Ron, you earned it!


Special Features

Upcoming marquetry event at the Milwaukee Art Museum

Bruce Bogust

(This is a communique received by Bruce.)

Dear Mr. Bogust,

    Thank you for your email. As I mentioned in my telephone message, I want to get the word out about an event that we are holding at the Milwaukee Art Museum on February 16th. We are doing a demonstration day from 2pm to 4pm, relating to our current exhibition “Skin Deep: Three Masters of American Inlaid Furniture.” One of the “masters” is Silas Kopf, considered by most to be the leading living marquetry making in America, and he will be demonstrating marquetry techniques. He will be working alongside Steven Latta, a craftsman who works in traditional modes, who will be doing an 18th century-style inlay demo. Glenn Adamson and I will also be doing a tour of the show afterwards along with the two demonstrators.
    The event is free with general admission to the Museum.
    Can you think of any ways that would be good to publicize this event? We would love to fill out 290 person auditorium!
               
                Thank you,

                Nonie Gadsden
                Assistant Curator of Decorative Arts
                Milwaukee Art Museum
                700 N. Art Museum Drive

(This is a ‘must-see’ event for woodworkers! Ed)

Skin Deep at the Milwaukee Art Museum
Silas Kopf

Membership  Renewal

    Please note that membership renewal fees are due January 1, 2003. If you have not turned in your renewal fee of $35, please do so no later than the Guild Meeting on Jan. 8th. The Publication Committee will begin typesetting for the 2003 Membership Directory following that meeting.
    Please return your completed renewal form with your check for $35 to Mary Anderson, Membership Chairman, or pay her at the January Guild Meeting.

Toys   Toys   Toys

Ron Hinderman

  I would like to thank the Wisconsin Woodworkers Guild Members for their stellar job of creating a toy wonderland for the kids in Battered Family Shelters.  
  The toy gathering at the Holiday Season Dinner Party was very successful indeed!  This year you folks fabricated one thousand, three hundred and forty-six (1,346) toys . This included wooden toys,  dolls , stuffed animals , blankets ,
pillows etc. the dolls and other things that Gail Yun & her sister in law, Christine Yun, also made. All those wonderful wooden toys were just great!  You folks all need a pat on the back for all your hard work making every one of those !     Now let’s get going on the toys for 2003. That way there won’t be a last minute rush.  If you need any wheels or wood to get started, just let me know.
            Thank you so much an enjoy     

            Ronald Hinderman


Notes of Thanks

... Thank you for your generous donation of handmade
wooden toys to Sojourner Truth House. When the need was greatest, your reached out to our residents, demonstrating faith and support that will help them move toward the peace and joy they desire for their families.
  Your kindness this holiday season has brought hope to
families experiencing domestic violence. Thank you for
making a difference.
  What a wonderful tradition. Thank you for your faithful support. You have all embraced our mission.
Kathie Stolpman
Executive Director


...Thank you so much for your donation of wooden toys which we received at our shelter recently. They were beautiful. We are very grateful for this gift. We are rarely able to provide more than the necessities. You helped make the holidays and upcoming birthdays much brighter for many children.
  We are grateful for your care and concern for victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault and your willingness to reach out to help. thank you for the support you have shown our mission. Please extend our thanks to all those involved in this project. Have a wonderful holiday season.
Sincerely
The Staff at Advocates of Ozaukee

Classified

For Sale

For Sale
Small Cyclone with 1 hp Daytaon Model 4C108 Blower with
controls. $450
Wood:  Aromatic Cedar and Oak. $1.25 bdft.
        Dale Lagerman