Every year I have done gift shows I have been asked for a holder fo wooden matches. The customers asking for this are older – those than can remember the ‘Old Fashioned’ match holder that hung by their grandparents wood stove or fireplace. This product would be useful to any one with a wood stove, fireplace, BBQ, or to someone that just wanted to have wooden matches at that ready. Great for a cottage, workshop as well. With this Machbox holder you will never have to rummage through the kitchen junk drawer again for matches! * Our match box takes a standard 250 wooden match box available from any hardware store. * There is a slot on the right side to access the striker strip. * Although you cannot see it I have put a hole in the back near the bottom so that it could be fastened top and bottom. This holds it firmly so that when you use the striker pad, the holder doesn’t move. * Handmade * Could be painted * Dimensions Height: 7.75", Depth: 3", Width: 3.25"

I have been going through my pattern list, looking for holes in the products. What jumped out at me was a lack of kerosene wall fixtures. A good project for a Saturday afternoon

The result was a simple sconce. It has a reflective back and uses a glass font. The combination of tin, glass and brass has all ways been a favourite.

My main concern in the design was creating a safe bracket the would hold the glass font. The bracket will be subjected to a lot of action every time the lamp needs oil. I think the weakest point will be where the ring, that holds the font. It is only attached at 3 points should one point of attachment become loose, the whole lamp could become unstable. To make the ring more secure I decided to attach it at the back with a rivet.

To order a sconce visit the product page at www.pietersmatinworks.com

Make your own cookie cutter

Every wanted to make your own cookie cutter? Our guide shows you how in step by step colour photographs. We show you all the steps in creating a cookie cutter including making of a jig and how to join ends together without having to solder.

Cookie cutters are fun to make. They are a welcome change to the day to day products we make.

Here are the steps I use to make a cookie cutter

1. Put on a good podcast. This is key.
2. Pick a subject. Some sort of noun.
3. Do a Google image search. Make sure you have safe search on, other wise you will be surprised at the variety of images you will see! You are looking for a simple shape. Or guide has some tips on what kind of image to select.
4. If you are having trouble finding a good image, add “outline” to the image search. Also try a Google web search with your subject and “coloring book”
5. Once you have found the image print it off in the size of the cookie cutter you want. You can resize the image with most image editors. Windows Live Photo Gallery or Picasa are free programs you can use
6. Now the fun part grab the cookie cutter jig (we show you how to make this in the guide) and start bending.
7. Take your time. As with any craft there is some skill behind it.