Pine Needle Embellishments: Techniques and Tips, Joan Lech

August 21st, 2024 – Cancelled – will be rescheduled

We will explore of using natural pine needles anddyeing them for color and how to make them flexible so they don’t break as easily. Next, we will look at how to prep the bowl and the materials you can use to attach the pine needles to the rim. Finally, a look at the finished pieces and how to salvage a bowl and give it a new life.

Joan Lech is an accomplished wood artist whose work is deeply inspired by the beauty of nature. Armed with a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education from Penn State University, Joan’s journey as an artist began with a passion for photographing wildlife, particularly birds. This love for nature led her to explore woodcarving, starting with bird carving classes at Lehigh Community College in 1988—a pivotal moment that set her artistic path in motion.

Joan’s artistry goes beyond woodcarving. She has embraced woodturning, combining it with her carving skills to create unique, multi-dimensional pieces. Her work is further enhanced by techniques such as pyrography, chip carving, and the incorporation of pine needles, reflecting her connection to the natural world. Joan teaches both woodcarving and gourd art to students of all ages.

As an active member of several AAW clubs, Joan collaborates with fellow woodturners, continually evolving her craft. Her art is a celebration of the natural world, a theme that remains central to her work and life. “It will always be a part of who I am,” says Joan, whose art is a direct extension of her life and interests.

July 17, 2024,

This demonstration will explore the process of making a “Holey Bowley”.  Aspects of this presentation include standard bowl turning, power carving and painting (should time allow).  The demonstration will also include insight into displaying your finished works. Even if I cannot show start to finish the process, I will demonstrate each aspect of and hopefully enlighten you to some new ideas for exploring your work!

The process of making a Holey Bowley can be loud and a bit dusty, while I will be bearing the brunt of said noise and dust, I encourage people to prepare for some sawdust on their clothing for the ride home.  

Keystone Wood Auction

Keystone Wood Auction

Wednesday, June 19th, 2024 at Dave’s

Auction begins at 6pm – arrive early to preview.

Please see the newsletter for details. Not a member yet? Not receiving your newsletters? Contact Keystone at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help you.

Visit our Facebook page and see Keystone emails for address, information, and updates.

We start at 7 but you may arrive early and get situated. There is a park right next to Dave’s with a huge parking lot. Please use it.

By David Souza

A note from our president –

the meeting will be held tonight – read more below.

Friends, neighbors, fellow chip makers,

After high level conferences, discussions with NSA types, a face to face with NASA administrators, and NWS, we are a go for tonight! 

I seem to remember that someone invented waterproof footwear and rain slickers/jackets.  The grass will be wet, perhaps even a bit squishy.  C’est la Vie-C’est la guerre.

Dave has planned a nice, very informative demo for us.  We will learn about how to identify logs, how to address logs(mam, sir, woody), how to discern the most useful bits from the detritus.  We will chat about saws and how to use them.  Dave plans to have a tree identification segment using the trees on his property as props.  See what I did there?  We may even get to watch Karl do something.  Besides fall down-like he did a few years ago throwing a frisbee. 

So, bring a folding chair, just in case, a rain jacket to keep the mist at bay, and wear sturdy waterproof shoes/boots.  We will have show and tell in the shop after the demo.  The bonfire may, or may not, alight.
Park in the parking lot next door.  There are breaks in the fence to get into Dave’s yard.

Remember to bring a bit of cash for the symposium ticket raffle.

Karl

P.s. if a log could dance, would it be log-a-rhythmic?

April 17, 2023, 

Not Your Basic Pen – Barry Gross

With over 30 years of varied experience working in several diverse media, Barry Gross is an artisan who enjoys creating his fine writing instruments!  He is an artisan who is inspired by nature and the rich textures of all the distinctive exotic materials he utilizes to create his one-of-a-kind fine writing instruments. His ongoing curiosity to discover more and diverse materials to create his unique pens is a driving force behind what inspires his creativity.

Future Meetings

May – David Souza “Log to Lathe” at Souza shop. Note: This is an off site meeting and will be held at David Souza’s shop. Check back soon for address and time.

June – Auction, at Souza shop

July – Dan Zobel

August – Joan Lech

Sept – TBD

October – Bob Z, Ornament

September – TBD

December – Holiday Party

Past Meetings

March 20, 2024,

Turning an End Grain Box – Mike Kuterbach

Keystone member, Mike Kuterbach will demonstrate turning an end grain box. A box is a great project for those who have mastered “bumps on a stick”. It requires a minimal number of tools – roughing gouge, spindle gouge, parting tool and a round nose scraper. Mike will cover wood selection, design considerations, shaping the outside, hollowing the inside and fitting the lid. He will also show a quick and easy finish for small projects. Mike is a fabulous demonstrator, Even experienced turners will pick up some tricks from Mike’s demo.

February 21st, 7pm 

Working with Dye

We will have our annual gift exchange so turn something great and bring it along. IT MUST FIT IN A STANDARD LUNCH BAG!  If you can’t find one, we have a bunch at the shop. Bring your gift and bag it in the back room! Then put it on the table. 

Brian Maguire will demonstrate Patina Finishes at our monthly meeting November 15, 2023 at 7pm.  Brian achieves unusual and beautiful finishes and will share his techniques so you try them too.

All are welcome.  If you are new to Keystone be sure to introduce yourself at the welcome table near the door when you arrive.

Janie is a craftsperson who works professionally in the design and modern production of retail home goods and furniture, while keeping one foot firmly rooted in woodturning and hand-crafted world, believing that we need both in good design. She has exhibited and done residences widely, at institutions such as the Center for Art in Wood, Arrowmont School, and American Association of Woodturners. She holds a BA in architecture from the Cooper Union, and MA in Furniture Design from the Rhode Island School of Design, and began teaching in 2020. She currently lives in Philadelphia, where she also works as part time faculty in the Fine Woodworking department at Bucks County Community College.

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