Redneck Bootcamp: a Box, a Basket and a Salamander

Mr. Basketmaker created a special project for Ben to do in addition to a basket. Last year was a birdhouse and this year it’s a hinged box. Which Ben was excited about since he told us he needed more storage for all the money he’s been saving (that comment made a frugal and thrifty Aunt and Uncle so Proud!). Here he is sanding the parts that Eric created ahead of time…

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Next was burning the wood. He enjoyed burning a design into my walking stick last year that we wanted him to have a much larger “burning wood” project. He sketched out the lid design in pencil (on the right – hard to see in photo) and then started practicing with the different tips on a scrap piece of wood.

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So far it looks amazing! I was impressed with his creativity. He is still working on it however, so no final pics of the completed project as of yet.

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He also got started on his basket. Here’s Mr. Basketmaker adjusting his uprights and giving him a lesson on keeping them straight and uniform. I must also point out that he changed into his camo here… Not sure why but I’m thinking because Eric was wearing his Patriots ‘digital camo’ hat. Or, it could be that he wanted to look ‘manly’ while working on a basket. Could go either way…

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Ben definitely is a multi-tasker. He would periodically jump from weaving to working on his box. I don’t know about how he treats other disciplines but for Art & Craft projects he is so focused! You don’t hear a peep out of him!

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And at the end of the day, as we were walking into the house from the workshop he met his first Salamander…

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Did you see those hands? After an hour with his new little pet, he went straight to the shower before dinner.

comments

4 Replies to “Redneck Bootcamp: a Box, a Basket and a Salamander”

  1. Ben, your box looked great when I saw it last and the basket turned out fantastic! You are so creative! Thanks for keeping me company in the shop while I was weaving my baskets with your uncle. Whatever happened to the salamander? You are gonna have some great stories to take back home and share with friends and family. Have fun!

    1. I will send your message to him. He set the salamander free. We couldn’t find any worms and he wanted him to find something to eat!

  2. I am truly enjoying your Boot Camp Jounal again this year. I am smiling with each entry. And the photos are great. I think that Ben is the Best!
    He is so creative and his final projects are works of art. And I love home made tomatoe sauce! A man of many talents! Ben your weaving was very impressive!! I will miss boot camp when you go home. Enjoy
    The rest of your summer. 👀👍🏻😊 thanks for sharing your family time together. Jan

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