Today was one of my Dad's rare vacation days, so we spent most of our time working together in the woodshop making two frames for some prints we picked up at the Art Fair on the Square this summer, one called Pads by Bruce Peeso. They have unique dimensions, 6x8 and 22x8, not normally found in stores, and we used some black walnut from Grandpa's supply. They turned out better than expected, and they brought out the deep browns in both of the prints.

We also crafted a paper towel holder for our kitchen, and I learned of Grandpa's secret for cutting a circle with a radial-arm saw. What you're realing doing is cutting tangents to the curve until you've cut the curve itself. First, drill a hole through the center of your block of wood, and then screw it into another piece of scrap word, making sure the top will rotate. Then measure your radius and line it up with the blade of the saw. Now you can make cuts with the saw and turn your block of wood until you've made enough tangents for a rough outline of the circle, kind of like those machines at the deli that make slices of meat. Finally, move the saw out and just spin the piece of wood until the full circle is cut, and you're finished. As long as your project requires a hole in the middle of the circle, it's perfect.

Laura was busy learning how to make trivets from The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Knots and Ropework. She perfected the Long Mat Knot, one that can be extended as long as you want by following the pattern. You can never have too many potholders. Laura also cooked with Mom for the trip to NC tomorrow, making some Vegi-tales inspired sugar cookies and Mom's famous Mint Brownies, each batch tasting better than the next. :)