Making Gifts for Friends

In a few days we head off to Kodiak, Alaska. Yes, that Kodiak with the largest bears in the world. Though we may see a bear or two, the reason why we are going is to visit some old time friends. And I will also be helping out on a documentary about some of Alutiq people that live in the island's villages who are getting together to have a good time, explore some of the traditional customs and crafts, and have a moment for the elders to interact with the younger folk. It will be near the village of Akhiok in Kodiak.  More about that later. 

For now, i wanted to tell you how much I enjoy making gifts for friends. There is something amazing about the process of creating something that is uniquely for a particular person. As you are pouring in love and energy into forming this gift, you know exactly who will be using it. Every step makes feeling the gratitude of friendship so tactile. 

This is a spatula and tape measure are made from walnut. It's the same wood from the base I'm making for our walnut slab table. I like that our table will be sharing the same wood as this gift for our friends.