MIXED MEDIA - COLLAGE - CRAFTS WITH MY KIDS - THE ARTISTIC MOTHER ART GROUP

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Artistic Mother - Tip For Drilling Holes in Balsa Wood for The Butterfly Reminder, Week 5

I have heard from several participants of The Artistic Mother Art Group that they were hesitant to move forward with the Butterfly Reminder project from Week 5 of The Artistic Mother by Shona Cole because they were concerned that the balsa wood would crack when they drilled their holes, and that is a possibility. To avoid that from happening, what you can do is make a starter hole with a smaller drill bit, then proceed with the 1/8" (ISO 3.2mm) drill bit that the book recommends. Just take it easy going in a little at a time. I would suggest practicing this method with a scrap piece of balsa wood before attempting to make the holes on your butterfly. I hope this helps. I didn't have any problems doing it this way; so you should be fine.

Please let me know if there are any other concerns or questions with any of the other projects that I might possibly be able to help you with.

31 comments:

  1. Trudy,
    Thanks for the tip on drilling small first then bigger, that is a good one and makes perfect sense. I have never had a problem with the balsa wood splitting, unless it was a really small piece or I was being super sloppy. I hope that everyone in your group are able to work it out.

    Funny, this post that is very timely - cause just the other night I made a workshop video of me making balsa wood ornaments (though I use an awl to make the hole rather than a drill). I will post it next Wednesday!

    thanks for being a wonderful artistic mother!
    Shona

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  2. Hi Trudy, I'm just stopping by after a visit to Shona. The colour in that butterfly is amazing - it matches nature's most magical blues which is usually so very hard to do.

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  3. Thank you for the reminder and for your sweet visit, xoxo

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  4. Hi Trudy!
    Thanks for your visit - I hope you are happy and well, xoxo

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  5. Trudy...where are you????
    You've been tagged... go check it out at my blog.

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  6. Hi Trudy!
    Thank you for your sweet comment - I hope you are happy and well, xoxo

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  7. Trudy, I've just listened to you speaking on your video in the last post, and it is awesome to hear your accent and see you talk! It's funny, but now I feel like I know you better! One's personality really shines through "live" in a way that can't be achieved in prose. Thannkyou for taking the time to do that!
    I hope you had a great date!

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  8. I was thinking of trying with a different sort of wood: not sure what to call it, but my honey-who-is-an-artist uses it a lot. It isn't as brittle as balsa wood.

    THANK YOU for posting this, though. It affirms me.

    The blog where I post my Artistic Moms projects.

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  9. Hi there!
    WHAT a sweet message - thank you so much for taking the time to write - it means so much. I am so happy to have met you and to be a part of the AMG! I am looking forward to finishing with the projects outlined in the book - to have the beautiful pieces completed is something I want to accomplish. I have been saying that for a while now, so I need to get back on track! How long will the group be open?
    Either way, I hope you had a great Thanksgiving and are looking forward to the Holidays, xoxo

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  10. Kristin, I don't have a set date for how long the group will be open. I still have five more projects to do; and with the holidays upon us, that will slow me down a bit. My guess is that I will be done with the projects by the end of January to sometime in February. My new goal is the end of January. I may leave the group open for a little while after that, though, to give others a chance to catch up and complete their projects. I look forward to seeing your completed projects as you do them. Enjoy your holidays.

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  11. Trudy, this is so sweet! I love your butterfly! It makes sense to drill small then big. I've had the same problem with balsa wood and other type woods too.

    Very pretty!

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  12. I forgot to mention that I stopped by to tell you Merry Christmas Trudy! I just can't believe that you actually figured out a hoola-hoop that I could work! You've inspired me!

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