![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/63fc36_769b89756b634786885293d6d5d345cc~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/63fc36_769b89756b634786885293d6d5d345cc~mv2.webp)
![Australian Blackwood/Engelmann Spruce OM](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/63fc36_769b89756b634786885293d6d5d345cc~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_319,h_240,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/63fc36_769b89756b634786885293d6d5d345cc~mv2.webp)
Australian Blackwood/Engelmann Spruce OM
In terms of figure, this Australian Blackwood might rate as a "AA" back-and-side set; however, there's enough contrast and colour present...
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/63fc36_4b2dab57031b4b23b253ce40629d7d33~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/63fc36_4b2dab57031b4b23b253ce40629d7d33~mv2.webp)
![Now, Where Was I...?](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/63fc36_4b2dab57031b4b23b253ce40629d7d33~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_319,h_240,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/63fc36_4b2dab57031b4b23b253ce40629d7d33~mv2.webp)
Now, Where Was I...?
I had planned to fit out my workshop with cupboards I built myself, but the mess I made as I fashioned a new workbench top out of MDF was...
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/63fc36_eb6670a5ff6b467e867d149e52625c3f~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/63fc36_eb6670a5ff6b467e867d149e52625c3f~mv2.webp)
![Workshop/Studio Progress Report - Moving In](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/63fc36_eb6670a5ff6b467e867d149e52625c3f~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_319,h_240,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/63fc36_eb6670a5ff6b467e867d149e52625c3f~mv2.webp)
Workshop/Studio Progress Report - Moving In
With the final, thin coat of render now dried on the internal straw bale walls, plans are afoot to begin the process of moving into this...
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/63fc36_a2c3c23f5f3b4589a8121cd6e2b2be6c~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/63fc36_a2c3c23f5f3b4589a8121cd6e2b2be6c~mv2.webp)
![Workshop/Studio Progress Report - Ceilings and Sills](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/63fc36_a2c3c23f5f3b4589a8121cd6e2b2be6c~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_319,h_240,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/63fc36_a2c3c23f5f3b4589a8121cd6e2b2be6c~mv2.webp)
Workshop/Studio Progress Report - Ceilings and Sills
The weeks slide past in a blur, and it seems I'm only able to fully appreciate the progress I'm making when I take the time to record the...
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/63fc36_64bc81f97cee4f97b1a7352618ff272a~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/63fc36_64bc81f97cee4f97b1a7352618ff272a~mv2.webp)
![Workshop/Studio Progress Report - More Render](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/63fc36_64bc81f97cee4f97b1a7352618ff272a~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_319,h_240,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/63fc36_64bc81f97cee4f97b1a7352618ff272a~mv2.webp)
Workshop/Studio Progress Report - More Render
After a frustrating delay due to the rendering contractor's wait for materials from China, the second, much thicker coat of render is in...
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/63fc36_d0d94af252084483bdb22b0158c6bc18~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/63fc36_d0d94af252084483bdb22b0158c6bc18~mv2.webp)
![Workshop Progress Report - Render!](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/63fc36_d0d94af252084483bdb22b0158c6bc18~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_319,h_240,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/63fc36_d0d94af252084483bdb22b0158c6bc18~mv2.webp)
Workshop Progress Report - Render!
Yes, it's a mess, and no, the render has not dried enough that I can judge its final colour, but I'm choosing to view the application of...
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/63fc36_9d8b552cd524489795ac534d85dc547b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/63fc36_9d8b552cd524489795ac534d85dc547b~mv2.webp)
![Workshop Progress Report - Doors and Windows](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/63fc36_9d8b552cd524489795ac534d85dc547b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_319,h_240,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/63fc36_9d8b552cd524489795ac534d85dc547b~mv2.webp)
Workshop Progress Report - Doors and Windows
I had a long wait for doors and windows to be fabricated and delivered, but I'm pleased to report that they're now in place. I've more or...
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/63fc36_e5dced0ef956461cb4e8e7f14eff78a6~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/63fc36_e5dced0ef956461cb4e8e7f14eff78a6~mv2.webp)
![Workshop Progress Report - How to Eat an Elephant](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/63fc36_e5dced0ef956461cb4e8e7f14eff78a6~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_319,h_240,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/63fc36_e5dced0ef956461cb4e8e7f14eff78a6~mv2.webp)
Workshop Progress Report - How to Eat an Elephant
With all the straw now in place, wire mesh fixed over the junction of posts and bales, the supporting framework for doors and windows...
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/63fc36_c6cacf5f8e3545fb90f29ccbd9ce59be~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/63fc36_c6cacf5f8e3545fb90f29ccbd9ce59be~mv2.webp)
![Workshop Progress Report - Endless Details](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/63fc36_c6cacf5f8e3545fb90f29ccbd9ce59be~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_319,h_240,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/63fc36_c6cacf5f8e3545fb90f29ccbd9ce59be~mv2.webp)
Workshop Progress Report - Endless Details
Tony is a very helpful and energetic neighbour who seems to know everyone in our little town; he was therefore well-placed to co-ordinate...
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/63fc36_0f6fa6322b78498f992ec2e9472260f5~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/63fc36_0f6fa6322b78498f992ec2e9472260f5~mv2.webp)
![Workshop Progress Report - Straw and Stuff](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/63fc36_0f6fa6322b78498f992ec2e9472260f5~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_319,h_240,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/63fc36_0f6fa6322b78498f992ec2e9472260f5~mv2.webp)
Workshop Progress Report - Straw and Stuff
The workshop has been shrouded in tarpaulins for the past few months and hasn't been exactly photogenic. Here she is, decked out in her...