Monday, September 10, 2007.
That's the day I sat down to write my first blog post, not knowing if anyone would ever be interested in reading it. But, that was okay. My sole reason for starting a blog was to make friends with other likeminded folks. And if that didn't happen, I'd just head back to my quiet little corner of the woodworking world.
But it did happen. I made tons of friends. And I never could have predicted all the other things that occurred over the next five and a half years because of my blog.
I'm grateful for all the opportunities that came my way, the encouragement I received, and the knowledge I gained.
For the first three years, I was obsessed with "feeding my blog" with visits to historic sites and woodworking events, and pushing myself to try new things.
Since then, I've cut back on blogging. With so much great content out there through podcasts and blogs, and online communities such as the Modern Woodworkers Association, it seems as though all the bases are covered.
I played fastpitch softball until I was 33 years old. That's when I decided to hang up my cleats while I was still playing good ball.
I'm not sure what my next step is in woodworking, but I feel that it's time to take a seat on the bench in the blogging league and watch the game from the cheering section.
With that, I'll leave you with some of my favorite posts, and offer you my most sincere appreciation for reading The Village Carpenter blog.
All the best to you.
~Kari
February 14, 2008
March 12, 2008
August 30, 2008
May 3, 2009
July 10, 2009
October 31, 2009
February 18, 2010
July 11, 2010
May 22, 2011
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91 comments:
Great fun, and thank you! I learned a lot from your posts, and truly enjoyed reading them.
Also it was nice to meet you at PATINA a while back when were on our east coast trip.
badger
Sorry to see you go Kari. Thank you for giving me such inspiration, and good luck with any new ventures.
I will miss you, a lot
:(
Your words and photos are top notch and inspirational, Kari. Will be sad to never see any more updates from The Village Carpenter.
But I get it.
Feel free to pester me on my blog, if you ever want. Or you can be a Guest Blogger, I suppose, if you don't mind associating with a miscreant.
Kari,
I always enjoyed your informative and instructive posts. Have fun doing whatever it is you decide to do. If you decide to return to writing I am sure many of us will be right there to follow along.
I've really enjoyed the blog all these years.
Best of luck in your future endeavors!
But....but...I'll miss seeing what you're up to. Maybe you'll still share pictures on Facebook from time to time?
I for one will miss your blog and want to wish you and your partner all the best!
Kari, I too will miss your blog. I have enjoyed each and every entry. Thank you for the valuable lessons you have taught me. Even though you are closing your blog, keep us posted every once in awhile on Facebook. The First Lady of woodworking will be missed.
Hi Kari - I'm sure this is only a sabbatical...I went through the same thing some time back. Circumstances are different for sure, but I have absolutely no doubt that...as the big man said..."I'll be back!"
Understand completely.
Hopefully you will share occasionally on Google+. It would be nice to see some pictures of what you are doing.
I think its simpler easier and more social way of sharing.
Kari, I'll miss the blog, but we all have to move on to new things. I always learned something from your postings, and usually with a smile to boot! Thanks.
Kari it won't be the same without seeing your latest post showing up in my reader.
You are an amazing inspiration and I really appreciate your passion.
Just please don't say you're going to play for the knitters!
Your words and talents will be missed. Thanks for all you have shared through the years!
Sad to hear that you are leaving the blog world. It is your blog that got me hooked on following blogs in the first place. I was looking for down to earth people that enjoyed woodworking and I stumbled on to your sight early on in your start up and have been following since. Good luck and hope that this is a sabbatical as another said and that you will come back to it. If not, I can truly say that I have enjoyed your blog. Thank you !!!!
Kari,
Thank you so much for the knowledge, entertainment and enlightenment you have provided. I found your blog looking for information on chip carving, but have found so much more. Good luck and much fortune in your future endeavors. You have touched many and karma wil give you many returns.
Kari
Like all your other comments here, I too will miss seeing your writings and projects. But I understand, thinking about how much time one spends on a blog like yours. More time for shop work, and life itself. Hope to catch you around,
PF
Aw shucks!!!
All the rest of these folks are too danged courteous, seeing you off so easy.
Someone has to beg. I will. Please don't go. It won't be the same around here. Please stay! I'm beggin' ya. Please?
OK. That's unbecoming, isn't it?
Seriously, like everyone else, I've enjoyed every single post. And when I recently completed a treadle lathe and discovered how easily it can be controlled, I thought "This is a lathe that Kari could like."
THANK YOU for all you have shared with us. All the very best to you Kari. Live long and prosper.
Bob Easton
Thanks so much for all the nice comments. It was not an easy decision and one that I've been thinking about for over two years.
If you're not already friends with me on facebook, please look me up. I'll continue to post projects there and I'm on FB an awful lot (and Google+ on occasion).
Thank you for all your wonderful writings, Kari! I wish you the best, no matter what or where.
And, whatever you do, please enjoy, knowing the journey will always be wonderful.
I send hugs from Missouri!
Al Navas
Kari, hate to see you go, but I get it. I made my first post in my brand new blog back on 8/15/09 and worked hard to post things people could learn from, as well as sharing my work with friends and family. For the most part I was happy with the results, but have slowed down posting because of what you mentioned, there are so many resources out there it's had to sift through it all. Maybe I will see you at WIA in October.
All great things sooner or later must come to an end. You've been an inspiration to all who have read your musings. I'm sure I speak for many when I say your presence here will be missed. But sometimes you just know that it's time to move on. Thank you for everything you have done, and no doubt will continue to do, for the betterment of the craft. You hav certainly left your mark. Keep on making shavings, and I hope we get to cross paths again somewhere down the road.
One hell of a ride, Kari. Thank you for everything you have done - and everything you will continue to do! :-)
Thanks, Kari.
You inspired me to try a few new things, and you gave me a new perspective on the value of carved details.
Thanks for all your wonderful posts giving us a glimpse into your world!
I've been inspired by your musings and wish you the best of luck on whichever path you're taking ... although, I wonder if I'm seeing publishing in your future outside of PW?
A new book you say? How about it Kari - a published work is in order.
I too am sorry to see this is your last blog post. I think this is just my fourth or fifth comment after reading your blog for several years. Your work is so far ahead of mine, that I felt content to simply read your blog. Best wishes and I hope you will someday change your mind.
"You can't leave! All the plants will die!"
Thanks for all the great writings and sharing Kari.
Thanks for a great run, Kari. You've made the web a better place.
Thanks Kari,
Your blog has been so inspirational. Best wishes.
Paul Saffold
Hey Kari. I have enjoyed reading your blog posts over the years and I think you really did something great here for your fellow woodworkers. Your posts were always genuine and of a very high quality. I hope you'll find some way to keep your online buddies in the loop on your woodworking adventures, even if it's just on Facebook.
I wish you and Nancy all the best and happy woodworking my friend!
As with all the other comments, first things first - Thank You!
Second, another thanks not only for the wonderful posts but for the Class... you are a class act Kari and respect your integrity and sincerity that truly is clearly read and felt with anything you do. Looking forward to your updates..
Kari, I've enjoyed reading your adventures in woodworking. Best of luck on the new adventures, wherever they lead you.
Though I'll miss the continued adventures of Sven the Viking handplane, scourge of the shop. :)
I'll miss reading these. I wish you well.
Terry
Hi Kari!
I learned so much from your postings!! I still need to make myself a meditation bench, doh (kids have pushed woodworking out of the picture for now)! I hope to meet you in person some day at one of the woodworking conferences. You are truly an inspiration, especially for new woodworkers (and women woodworkers of course)!
All the best to you and Nancy!
-Helen
Thank you Kari. So many great and inspiring projects. Of course you don't know me, but I fell like I'm losing a close friend.
Thank you again everyone! You're always welcome to contact me directly (villagecarpenter1@gmail.com) and look me up on facebook, where I spend way too much time. If I spent as much time in my shop as I do on FB, I would have built enough furniture to fill a warehouse.
Chrzan---> thanks for the chuckle!
I have enjoyed your BLOG and was a pleasure to have met you in person and spend a little time talking. Best Regards to you and hope to run into you again down the Road.
Charles
Thanks for your efforts and a always an enjoyable read.
And in social media news, Facebook experiences an mysterious surge in new account creation...
Kari, your blog has never let me down and is truly an "evergreen" resource. I can't count the number of Google searches that have led me here. What's better, I always come away with an answer. You will continue to help woodworkers long after you stop writing here and thank you so much for creating this incredibly helpful and honest resource.
I guess I have more reasons to come hang in your shop again eh?
Kari, it is truly a sad day for me, I do totally understand that life moves on and we must evolve with it. I just wanted you to know that your posts have helped convince my partner that she can be creative with woodworking, I love my tiny shop, not many tools as yet but enough that I can make small things, now she has taken over the shop area and I love it! Oh and by the way, I am 63 retired/disabled with RA, she is "retired" to help care for me.
Wishing you and your partner many many years of happiness, as someone else said, you are the First Lady of Woodworking!! You will be sorely missed, God Bless and keep you in the palms of his hands today and for always...
Hi Kari
It goes without saying your work has filled our souls of inspiration and courage to run into our workshops and trying to reach your level of woodworking
Your kindness is absolutly a treasure I found years ago and your blog is one of the greatest sources for the woodworking community of any level.
Thank you so much for your thousands of interesting musings and keep on enjoying the journey, the life.
Anyway I guess you will be back on writing at some point.
My best wishes.
Julio Alonso
Hi Kari
I've always looked forward to your witty and inspirational posts. They have given me lots of ideas to take into the workshop.
Thank you for sharing them.
All the best for the future
Kari, thank you for the great posts, they will be missed.
All the best in the future.
Thank you so much, it has been a real pleasure. All my best wishes for success with your next adventure.
Wesley Tanner
Thank you. I have learned a lot from what you have been so good as to pass on.
Good for you to know when it is time for the next adventure.
Follow your passion and you can't go wrong.
Doug
Thank you. I have enjoyed your blog for a while and you will be missed. Good luck and god bless all that you do.
Kari please don't do this, tell us this is a joke.
Thank you for all the words of encouragement and understanding.
But, I'm sorry to have made some of you sad. Truly.
Kari, I feel that I have come to be a friend. Your entries have been great. Thank you for all that you have done.
I have been following your blog since about it's beginning and I will miss you and your wisdom. I hope you will be back. It's hard loosing a friend and fellow woodworker.
Until we meet again, may God's SHALOM be with you and Nancy, who I pray is doing better!
I know you are still there, just know that I am still here.
Love you and respect your decision. You have my full support.
Your friend in the shop-
Todd in Montana
I'm sorry to see you close your blog. I agree there's tons of material on the web. But you are one of the few that can actually explain techniques (warts and all) in an understandable yet elegant fashion. Please don't take down the blog. I'll be referring back to it. A lot. Thank you!
Thanks for allowing us to walk along with you for a time. It's been a treat.
Thanks, guys. The blog will stay up as long as blogger will have me. Feel free to shoot me an email if you questions about any of the posts. villagecarpenter1@gmail.com
Kary, I'm an Italian that for 5 years I follow your blog, I learned a lot from your labors, I will miss you very much, good luck, sorry for English. Emilio
Kari, I will miss your blogs. I will get to see you at the occasional WIA I hope.
You really are an inspiration, and I will always love your passion for the craft and how well you were able to convey that passion.
Take care,
Corey Megal
Thank you for your inspiration and your art and style. I will miss you as will all the others posting here.
Best wishes to you and your partner. My partner and I will miss reading your updates, even though only one of us is a woodworker.
Kari, I'm sorry to see it! Your blog was one of the inspirations for mine. Thank you for that.
You always had great projects-oriented posts with great photos. It will remain as a great resource for people.
I understand the drive to post things, with never enough time to do all you want, and real life always getting in the way. Part of the curse of the hobbyist!
Thanks for the great blog. It has been my #1 favorite woodworking blog over the last several years. You have been my model as an amateur woodworker.
I will miss your posts -- for now. :-o) I know you'll be back. It's like my daddy used to say, whenever our latest visit was at an end: "Ya'll have to go home, if you expect to come back!"
I have loved your writing, your projects, and the knowledge you've imparted to me (and others.) So it is with great anticipation, that that I look forward to our future encounters.
well heck! Not what I actually said but I don't post such language on the web! See you on fb!
Sorry to see you go! I really learned a lot through your blog.
Thanks for all of the great posts. I look forward to reading all of them again.
Thank you for your fine efforts
Kari--
Instead of saying what a loss this is for the woodworking community, I want to point out what an amazing contribution you have made to the woodworking community. Your post have always been so detailed and meticulous, while not being long winded and boring. A skill we can all learn from. Your work has always been so inspirational, and a level of work that some of us dream of achieving.
oh--and you are cool too!
Best to you and Nancy!
See you out there!
-Chris
Thank you so much for all you've given of yourself over the past few years. You've been a constant source of wisdom, joy, and peace. Best of luck in whatever you will be doing to replace the gigantic blogosaurus time-suck.
You rock.
With much woodworking love,
Jeff Kirby
Kari,
I've never posted here before but I just want to say how much I appreciate your work. You taught me dovetails. You taught me to carve letters! (Band-aids I learned about from Roy Underhill.) Thanks for Everything
Joe L
A mere sentence can not express the loss that is felt. Hopefully this will give you more sawdust time. Be well.
Thank you everyone for the kind words. :o)
At warp speed, I've reverted back to doing what I used to do before the blog: working on my house and gardens.
....and making my neighbors very happy....
I'll echo the same statements as a lot of other people, sorry to see you go.
I've been checking back to your site, on and off for ages.
All the best
Take care of your family - you will be missed.
We enjoyed reading your posts. Best wishes.
Thank you for all the inspired and generous teaching, Kari -- and for representing the few women out here so very well! I'll miss you, but am so glad you've left the posts up. Thank you for that too! Hope to communicate with you again some day...
Oh yes: one little thing. I did finally find a dovetailing plane, from Preston in Aberdeen, probably 1840s to 1860s. It had all its parts -- but fettling it has taken a long, long time! I'm nearly there -- one last bit of hollowing in the sole to hone away. You kindly chatted with me about dovetail planes. I went on to take Phil Lowe's wonderful, inspirational, transformative dovetailing class at Lie-Nielsen Toolworks this summer. Now if only I had enough time to practice my lessons!
With warm regard,
Sue in Chapel Hill
Thank you for all of the detailed posts. Best of luck.
you've made a great contribution to woodworkers around the world, many thanks
I was a loyal reader, and I'm still really bummed that this went away. Every so often I check back, just to see if you decided to revive it. If not, best of luck to you and thanks for all of your hard work!
I'm sorry, Marco. I'm quite sure I'll never revive the blog, but you're always welcome to friend me on FB.
Thank you for all the inspired and generous teaching, Kari -- and for representing the few women out here so very well! I'll miss you, but am so glad you've left the posts up. Thank you for that too!
Carpenter
Sad to hear that you are letting this blog go. I always hate when someone ceases to blog, but again, it's all about managing circumstances and choosing the best path available !
Neeta from Drum Sander Specialists
I just saw this blog when searching for scroll saw reviews but definitely sad to see you actually stopped blogging about woodworking. Anyway, good luck and hope to see you again in the blogging world!
Still reading :)
Hi! Just pinging you on the off change that you have another blog somewhere -- regardless of the degree of woodworking content. You are an engaging writer. :)
Also, I'm pretty sure I mentioned this before, but because of your blog (the title, plus your explanation of), I tracked down the Village Carpenter book -- which was engaging, illuminating and useful (much like your blog!). So if nothing else, your blog serves to publicize a book which many people may not know of.
--GG
Hey Gye! I'm glad you found The Village Carpenter book and enjoyed reading it. It's still one of my favorites. Sorry to tell you that I do not have another blog. I'll keep this one up as long as blogger allows it in case people can find some helpful information. I actually stepped away from woodworking after I wrote this last entry and am now working with leather. I hope you are well! I would recognize your name anywhere. :)
Well -- the non-public life is good, too. :)
Glad you've left the blog up: from skimming the recent(-ish) comments, I can see that it still serves as a resource.
Haven't done leatherworking, myself. Am pleased that you have yet another creative endeavor (I suppose you use your "woodworking" workbench for leatherworking?).
--GG
I use a different bench for leather, one that I made from 2x4s. I'd hate to get leather stain on Greta! haha
Hi! Just a quick note to say that I **still** think your blog is informative and entertaining: was Googling for an old blog entry of mine on dowel plates, to share with a co-worker -- and came across my comment in your "broke a dowel on a table: used my L-N dowel plate" entry.
Still sorry you left. Do you have a replacement blog, on any other topic? You're a good writer. :)
--GG
Thanks, Gye! I do not have another blog, sorry to say.
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