Since February of ’09, the living room in the new addition has kind of been on hold as more pressing projects have needed to be worked on. But perhaps due to our long, cold winter, Will decided to finish up the decorative medallion he was planning to install at the peak of the 12-foot ceiling. Will decided to use ash to build his medallion as the ash lumber we’d been saving for quite a while turned out so well in the kitchen, as a door for a small base cabinet for cookie sheets and cutting boards, and the baseboard.

Medallion-spot

While I was gone to rehab (sore shoulder from falling off the barn roof a couple years back), he designed, cut, and fit the lumber. The result was stunning and I was totally surprised when I came home to see what he’d been up to.

Medallion

It’s now got four coats of clear polyurethane sealer on it after being well sanded and should be ready to put up in a day or so. Will also plans on outlining the entire medallion with small birch branches with the bark left on. I think it will be awesome!

I’ve just completed an order for more tomato (and some other things!) seeds from Sand Hill Preservation Center in Iowa. Any of you who are not familiar with this one-couple company should get a catalog. I’ve never seen a larger collection of corns, melons, tomatoes, and squash in my life, not to mention a ton of poultry of all kinds. This is a very worthwhile company. I know you’ll love them. — Jackie

17 COMMENTS

  1. Sheryl,

    Oh, does that mean we’re not invisible any more? Heck, on Google Earth, you can see me mowing the back yard and Will hauling manure out of the goat yard. (He says he’d better stop peeing outside!)
    By the way, Will says thanks so much for the hammer drill! And just a day before his birthday, too! Talk about great timing.

  2. All,

    Thanks for all the compliments on the medallion and Will. Yes, my shoulder IS getting better, thanks to rehab! I’m so happy I’ll be in better shape for spring digging. (No, I won’t overdo it. Learned my lesson. More or less….)

  3. Debroah McEnulty
    No. First off, we’ve had the roof shingled for four years now and no leaks. Second, under the medallion is a base of OSB so that’d shed any possible drips. Hopefully, the medallion will stay beautiful forever.

  4. What fun…I just discovered that if you put Jackie Clay in the search engine of Pintrest you will find all sorts of pictures of the homestead.

  5. Will he put sealer on the “under-side of the medallion in case there are leaks in the roof?

  6. The medallion is gorgeous. What a nice surprise for you. Hope the shoulder’s improved soon.

  7. Jackie, As I said before ( even if it seems like a cuss word.)….You’re styling with work like that…..Will is a craftsman and you are an amazing mentor to so many of us!!! Accolades to whom they are due, you and Will. Rick

  8. Too funny, Jackie. But now that you mention it, it would be great for puzzles! Surely he can make another one? After all he’s got nothing else to do…lol

  9. The medallion is totally, completely awesome. Will is amazing. His skill set and craftsmanship are hardly ever seen these days. Ummm, about selling those Will clones…
    I’ve been buying from Sand Hill Preservation Center for about 4 years. Anything I bought has been top quality, way ahead of other companies I deal with. And with their focus on preserving and promoting heritage foods you know you are supporting an important genetic heritage. They get my highest recommendation even to the most picky gardeners.

  10. Love it. Beautiful wood and woodwork. Reminds me of the construction of a log cabin quilt. He does fine work. Hope your shoulder is feeling better. Thank u for all the valuable information.

  11. It’s absolutely beautiful. My dad used to plane walnut wood to make grandfather clocks, but I believe the ash has a much prettier pattern to the wood. Will did an absolutely marvelous job, and I think it’s going to be an eye catcher once it’s up. Congrats to both of you; I’m sorry the old fall is still giving you problems.

  12. Rose Queen Creek AZ

    I know I’m lucky. Do doubt about that at all. I’m glad you learn things from the blog. That makes my life even nicer!

  13. That is one talented man. I will be beautiful when it is installed. You are a lucky woman Jackie. Of course Will is lucky as well. you inspire us all to do more . We all are learning from you every time we read the blog

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