I was working at a Bible camp and it was hosting a recognition banquet. One of the co-directors asked if I could come up with an idea that was better than 8 X 10 Certificate of Appreciation. I found a log slice on the grounds and went to the crafts cabin and got a few wood burners. I made one and they loved it. I ended up doing 20!! Life wasn't the same after that. I had fallen in love!
The Beginning
As you can see, these rounds were be-tween 1 1/2 to 2" thick. They were oak and they were HARD, They were unevenly cut with a dull blade and I sanded for hours. I took this picture with some unusual burning aids; hot water bottle, exercise balls, anti-inflamatory cream,etc. :P
Appreciation Plaque, Red Willow Ministries
Person- alized apprec-iation plaque on oak round. Camp logo in center. Olde English font. Burned on oak from camp's grounds. I had done lots of calligraphy work in the past, so the task at hand was just how to use the burner.
Second Award; Camp Bench with Logo and Staff Signatures
After learn- ing a bit about writing on log rounds, I was soon presented with a new surface. The camp wanted to present a portion of a bench on which the award recipient had sat for countless meals as a staffer in his youth. I found a signed staff picture and reproduced the signatures on the bench, along with the camp logo.
45 Year Old Bench
Much of the bench was rotted. We cut a portion of it and put on new legs. What a truly unique and thoughtful way to recognize his many years of service at and for the camp! I was beginning to realize the many wonderful ways lives could be enhanced through my newly found talent.