OMG, Where Has the Time Gone?
OMG, where has the time gone? I apologize for not posting a new blog update since spring. I guess it speaks volumes about how busy I’ve been with life. And at my age, that’s actually a good thing!
Here are just a few of the things that have kept me busy over the past few months:
- Put the boat in the water in April and officially started our 2026 fishing season.
- Researched, compared, and purchased a 100W MOPA fiber laser.
- Added more woodworking tools to the shop to take my sign-making to a new level.
- Created a special legacy sign for the Team Crozier family.
- Kept busy with all kinds of crafts and apparel decorating projects.
And that’s just the short list!
There has been a lot happening behind the scenes at Harvest Time Designs, and I’m looking forward to sharing some of the projects, new equipment, and adventures in upcoming posts. I’ve learned a few new things, tried some new techniques, and, as usual, probably created more projects for myself than I have time to finish!
But that’s part of the fun. I’m retired, I enjoy creating, and I certainly don’t seem to have any trouble keeping myself busy.
From Salmon Head to Family Legacy
In my previous post, I was working on a shaped salmon head. I have since completed that project, and I was really pleased with the end result. Along the way, I learned a lot about airbrush painting and everything that goes into the process—from preparing the piece to applying the paint and getting the finished look I was after.
Once that project was finished, my creative senses told me it was time to pivot in a new direction. This time, the project was something a little more personal: a legacy sign for my son’s family.
He wanted a full-size King Chinook Salmon, so I came up with a mighty King of my own. This time, there was no laser involved. The entire salmon was scroll-cut by hand, which made this project quite a bit different from many of the projects I normally create.
The final result was amazing. I combined walnut and ash to create a three-dimensional image that really brought the salmon to life. It was one of those projects where the finished piece ended up looking even better than I had imagined when I started.
And, of course, every artist should sign their work. I engraved a personal message on the back of this masterpiece to make it a true family keepsake.
This one was special—not just because of the work involved, but because of what it represents. It was created for family, and hopefully it will be enjoyed and passed down for many years to come.
So, What Will This Laser Allow You to Do?
A new addition to the hobby house. 100 Watt MOPA Fiber Laser.
“So, what will this laser allow you to do?”
That is by far the number one question I’ve been asked since I brought the fiber laser into the shop.
The primary purpose of this machine is to engrave and mark metal, which opens up a whole new world of possibilities for me. Want a QR code engraved on a polished steel shaft? No problem. Want your names engraved on your wedding bands? That’s possible too. How about a personalized metal business card? Or an engraved leatherette patch for your favorite hat?
And that’s just the beginning.
Right now, I feel like I’ve just walked into a huge buffet restaurant and I’m starting to sample everything on the menu. There are so many materials, techniques, and possibilities to explore that it’s a little overwhelming—but in a very exciting way.
I’m still learning what this machine can do and discovering where it will take me. I have a feeling there are going to be some pretty interesting projects coming out of the shop.
Stay tuned!
Still Making Crafts
Of course, I’m still making crafts! These are a few examples of the bookshelf animals I’ve been working on. It’s always fun to switch gears and create something completely different.
There’s plenty more happening in the shop, so stay tuned. You can also check out the Harvest Time Designs Facebook page, where I regularly share photos and updates of my latest projects.
