What do you think of this clock!  Nice isn’t it.  Yes and no.  Yes that is my house and no I didn’t build it.  This is a Shaker clock built by Glen Huey for Popular Woodworking issue number 163, 08/01/2007.  As a woodworker, I have a strong aversion to purchasing furniture.  When I see a piece of furniture that I like, I say to myself “I can make that and I will be able to justify a new tool”.  The piece goes onto my list of things to build which is presently, six months behind!  So when recently visiting Chris, I noticed this clock that was still sitting in the office.  After some pleading, I was able to take it home. 

Now, when sitting in my favorite chair looking at this piece I feel inspired.  When I look at pieces I have built, I tend to focus on what went wrong.  I say to myself, heck there is that gap that was caused by…or, if I do that next time I won’t make that mistake again…on and on.  When I look at this clock I see what is right.  I notice different things and think “how did he do that”?   I grab that article and find the answer.  I am also inspired by the dimensions and can use the width/height ratios or the size of moldings on the waist or hood to help me design a new piece.  It is nice to see something in my own house that encourages me to get up out of the chair and as Glen says, build something great!

-John