A new day - A new Product

Dusty Santos
Sep 6
3 min read

Hello Hen House readers!

I've hit a groove. Restock product during the week, work on a problem or new product on Friday. This Friday was quite a day. Lets talk about the week first.

This week I took my Fire Starter production into high gear. I made so many I ran out of the wood shavings I thought would last for a long time.

I also worked on the tags. You've read a lot, so here is me showing the process via my TikTok.

Check out my TikTok for more. I even show my setup for making Fire Starters. The tags turned out sooo beautiful. I even put a note inside for those who choose my products.

Upcoming Events:

Christ Church United - Yard Sale

September 20th 8:00 - 1:00

Rain Check on Sep 27th

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Friday 1/2 - Dynamic Designs

I went to Lowell Makes to work... again... on my magnetic interchangeable design. My 'Dynamic Designs' as I've been calling them. I added magnets in the past but they just were not strong enough. So I ordered more.

This Friday I tried my new stronger magnets. They were placed on the tray side and are indeed strong. When paired with a metal table, or themselves. Not when paired with the less strong magnets I already put into the design side.

So, I have some decisions to make.

Place the stronger magnets into both sides. This will be expensive to the point that, affordable price for the customer is lost.
Drop the whole idea
Look for an alternative material for the back of the design. For instance, a metal backing. I have to take a magnet into Home Depot and check around.

I know myself, and I don't want to give up. This, however, will be my last attempt.

Friday 2/2 - New Product

If I could get personal for a sec. When making a new side to my tray (to add the new magnets) I need to use the table router to add a grove that the bottom of the tray and magnets fits into. The bit in place was not what I wanted. I needed to change it.

Who ever put that bit in used all the strength of Thor himself!

I couldn't find anyone that could help. Nobody I wanted to ask anyway for a variety of reasons. I just plain didn't want to ask for help. I tried and tried to loosen the bit, then, finally... it gave!

I let out a "I don't need no man" and continued on with my project. As if the universe thanked me for my persistence. Something unexpected walked in the door.

Before I even finished my cut. John, the captain of the wood shop, walked in with three huge logs of Birch Tree!

He showed me how to clean, trim, and cut the trees to size. Then he showed me how to safely drill a place for tea lights. I made my own jig based on his.

Now I have a new product! Something I could make fast and offer it for a great price. If demand is good among my customers, John will take me to his secret birch harvesting area.