First Independent Woodworking

Sorry for the overload of posts, but today was a big day for me. I was able to get into the classroom and get some real woodworking done today so I felt like I had to accomplish a lot. I snapped a few pictures of my equipment and the setup, but I also did some woodwork. Earlier in the week I glued together some more pen blanks so I could turn another pen to practice my new skills. Today I put them to the test without Mr. Cowell watching over my shoulder! Up until today he had been guiding me along with all the woodworking, but he was busy so I decided to take it upon myself and see what I could do. There was an adult in the room, but he was running a class so I set up and turned the pen all by myself. It was a pretty rewarding experience! I felt like it was my first sink or swim moment in my project and I'm pretty sure I swam. Cowell came into check on me toward the end and was impressed with the amount that I had gotten done. I got the whole pen carved and sanded down nice and smooth. Now all I have to do is wax it so it comes out nice and shiny, and then assemble it. From what I did today, I think my skills have really improved and I feel a lot more like I know what I'm doing in terms of woodworking. Lots of my peers ask me questions and I find myself explaining things to them like I've known them my whole life, this is definitely shaping up to be quite an experience for me.