Remembrance Bench

This Proejct was a request from GPC son-in law to commemorate his father's passing.  The only instruction we has was 1) use the lumber from his favorite tree and 2) it was to be a bench mis mother may use sitting outside.  We, GPC and I, surpassed the requirements.  (We tend to do that).  Perhaps too much as, after they looked at it they decided, perhaps it doesn't belong outside, perhaps it can be used as a reminder in the home.

These are the projects I enjoy, ones with meaning and longevity.  Few understand this today,  In a society filled with consumables and fleeting comments, its special to create items that have permanence and significance.  These I gladely do for free.  Who am I kidding, I do all this for free.  The payment is the look and feeling people have when they see and feel the piece.

A Technical Note:  

Some time we experience the unexpected during fabrication of these pieces.  On this piece, we carved out the river (we most have discussed 7 different patterns ), and came back to it the following weekend.  Although the wood had been kiln dried (thick pieces are notorious for keeping a bit more moisture than measure), the top left corner raised almost 3/16 inch up, because the material in the riverbed was thinned to 1 inch as opposed to 2 1/2 inches everywhere else.   With some creative geometry GPC and I were able to flatten the top again and realign the sides.  How is now a trade secret...lol.

We clear coated this top twice, requiring the surface to be planned a third time, because the seal coat wasn't effective.  Bending nature to your willing can be frustrating and requires much patience at times.  That's where GPC talents come in...stopping me from doing rash things.

Fun fact: 

Those are the father's fishing lure, many are hollow, have BB rolling around in them and are SHARP.  Yup, this project got all three blood sweat and tears.