Guest Blog Post by Graham Rankin, owner of Creations by BG
Many decades ago, Tom Paxton wrote a novelty song recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary about a Christmas present a small boy received.
The chorus:
It went “zip” when it moved and “bop” when it stopped,
And “whirr” when it stood still.
I never knew just what it was, and I guess I never will!
Earlier this year, I got my own “marvelous toy” in the form of a computer-controlled laser so that I can etch illustrations and text on various of my “wine related woodworking” projects. Unlike the toy above, I do know what this toy does and how it works! It allows me to personalize items for customers.
The result is much like older days with a woodburning tool. Age and failing eyesight have made doing this by hand impractical and such that I could not sell the products at affordable prices. Thus, my new “toy”.
Some of my popular products include cutting boards with an etched “show side” and a plain work side such that the cutting board can hang in the kitchen as decoration while being handy for cutting up veggies. It is coated with butcher block oil for easy cleanup and many years of use.
Recently I created an image of a steam locomotive as a present for a friend who is a “train nut”. This was etched on a piece of thin plywood and framed with some weathered fence wood (I like upcycling materials that would normally be burned or trashed). He was very impressed. Nice thing is I can make more by custom order.
For the sports enthusiast, I made sets of coasters with either sports balls or sports players. Perfect for the “man cave”. These could also be done with your business logo or other message.
In the coming weeks, I will have several other products suitable for etching with your company logo or personalized (think wedding gift!). Check out my website, CreationsbyBG.biz for other products and ideas.
Watching my “marvelous toy” making a Father’s Day coaster: