#Easy Woodworking Projects

[pets12pets]

The Top DIY Woodworking Projects for Beginners

Woodworking is an ancient craft that has stood the test of time, evolving and adapting to fit the needs and desires of modern society. And while it may seem intimidating at first, it is a skill that can be mastered by anyone with patience, determination, and the right guidance. DIY woodworking projects not only allow individuals to customize their own furniture and decor, but also provide a sense of accomplishment and pride in creating something with their own hands. However, for those just starting out on their woodworking journey, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. That's why we have compiled a list of the top DIY woodworking projects for beginners. These projects are not only perfect for honing your skills but also serve as a great starting point for building your confidence and inspiring new ideas. From simple home decor pieces to functional furniture, we will guide you through step-by-step instructions and provide valuable tips to help you achieve success in your woodworking endeavors. So whether you're looking to pick up a new hobby or enhance your existing woodworking skills, read on to discover the top DIY woodworking projects for beginners.

Basic woodworking skills for beginners

As a beginner in woodworking, it's important to start with the basics. This includes learning how to safely use tools, understanding different types of wood and their properties, and mastering fundamental techniques like measuring, cutting, and sanding. These skills will not only help you complete your first few projects successfully, but they will also serve as a strong foundation for more advanced woodworking skills in the future. It may seem overwhelming at first, but with practice and dedication, you'll be surprised at how quickly you can develop your skills and create beautiful, functional pieces. Remember to always prioritize safety and take your time to ensure accuracy in your work. With these basic woodworking skills in your toolkit, you'll be well on your way to becoming a confident and skilled woodworker.

Crafting a simple wooden shelf

One of the most practical and useful projects for beginners in woodworking is crafting a simple wooden shelf. This project allows beginners to practice their measuring, cutting, and sanding skills, as well as learn how to assemble and finish a basic piece of furniture. With the right tools and materials, even those with limited experience can successfully create a functional and stylish wooden shelf. This project also offers room for creativity and personalization, allowing beginners to experiment with different wood types, finishes, and designs. By following step-by-step instructions and taking the time to carefully measure and cut, beginners can create a beautiful and practical addition to their home.

Building a sturdy workbench

Another essential project for beginners in woodworking is building a sturdy workbench. A workbench is a must-have for any woodworking enthusiast, as it provides a stable and secure surface to work on. It also offers storage space for tools and materials, making it a practical addition to any workshop. When building a workbench, it is important to choose strong and durable materials, such as hardwood or plywood, and to properly reinforce the structure for stability. With the right tools and techniques, beginners can create a sturdy workbench that will serve as a reliable and useful workspace for years to come.

Creating a custom picture frame

One of the most fun and creative woodworking projects for beginners is creating a custom picture frame. This project allows you to showcase your woodworking skills and personalize a piece of decor for your home or as a gift for someone else. With the right tools and techniques, you can easily create a beautiful and unique frame that will add a special touch to any room. Plus, the materials for this project are relatively inexpensive, making it a great option for those just starting out in woodworking. So grab your tools and get ready to create a one-of-a-kind piece that will impress your friends and family.

Constructing a wooden storage box.

Another great project for woodworking beginners is constructing a wooden storage box. This project not only allows you to practice basic woodworking skills, but it also serves a practical purpose. A wooden storage box can be used to store anything from tools to toys and can be customized to fit your specific needs and preferences. With the right measurements and materials, you can easily create a sturdy and functional storage box that will last for years to come. Plus, the skills and techniques you learn from this project can be applied to more complex woodworking projects in the future.

Designing a stylish wooden cutting board.

Another great woodworking project for beginners is designing a stylish wooden cutting board. With just a few pieces of wood and some basic tools, you can create a functional and aesthetically pleasing cutting board for your kitchen. This project allows for creativity and customization, as you can choose the type of wood, shape, and size of the cutting board. It also requires the use of basic woodworking techniques such as measuring, cutting, and sanding, making it a great way to develop your skills. Plus, a handmade wooden cutting board adds a personal touch to your kitchen and makes a great gift for friends and family.

Crafting a rustic wooden lamp

Another great project for beginners is crafting a rustic wooden lamp. This project will not only teach you basic woodworking skills, but it will also result in a functional and stylish piece of decor for your home. To create a rustic look, you can use reclaimed wood or distress new wood with staining and sanding techniques. This project will also introduce you to wiring and electrical work, making it a valuable learning experience. Plus, with the option to add a unique lampshade, you can truly make this project your own.

Building a functional bookshelf

Another popular project for beginners in woodworking is building a functional bookshelf. This project not only teaches basic woodworking skills such as measuring, cutting, and assembling but also allows for creativity in design and customization. A bookshelf is a practical and useful addition to any home, and building one from scratch allows for a sense of accomplishment and pride in creating something both functional and aesthetically pleasing. With the right tools and materials, a functional bookshelf can be built in a relatively short amount of time, making it a great project for beginners to tackle.

Creating a personalized wooden sign

Another great project for beginners in woodworking is creating a personalized wooden sign. This project allows for creativity and customization, as well as practice using basic tools and techniques. Whether you want to make a welcoming sign for your home or a unique gift for a friend, a personalized wooden sign is a fun and satisfying project to take on. You can choose the type of wood, design, and finish to match your style and skill level. Plus, it's a great way to add a personal touch to your home decor or gift-giving. With some basic tools and materials, you can easily create a beautiful and unique wooden sign to display proudly.

Constructing a sturdy wooden coffee table.

Another great beginner woodworking project is constructing a sturdy wooden coffee table. This project will not only test your skills with more advanced tools and techniques but also provide a practical and useful piece of furniture for your home. To begin, choose a type of wood that is strong and durable, such as oak or maple. Measure and cut the wood to the desired size and shape, making sure to leave room for the legs and any additional features like a shelf or drawers. Then, using a combination of screws and wood glue, assemble the pieces together, making sure to reinforce any joints. Finally, sand and finish the table to your desired look, and voila, you have a beautiful and functional coffee table that you can be proud to say you made yourself.

In conclusion, woodworking is a fulfilling and rewarding hobby that can also save you money in the long run. With the right tools, materials, and knowledge, anyone can create beautiful and functional pieces for their home. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced woodworker, the projects listed above are great options to start with. So gather your supplies, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to unleash your creativity and talent through these top DIY woodworking projects. Happy crafting!

FAQ

What are some easy DIY woodworking projects that beginners can try?

Some easy DIY woodworking projects for beginners include building a simple bookshelf, making a wooden picture frame, crafting a wooden serving tray, constructing a small storage box, or creating a wooden plant stand. These projects usually require basic tools such as a saw, drill, and sander and can be completed with relatively simple woodworking techniques like measuring, cutting, and assembling pieces of wood. They provide a great opportunity for beginners to practice their skills and gain confidence in woodworking.

How can beginners get started with woodworking, and what tools do they need?

Beginners can get started with woodworking by first gaining knowledge through books, online tutorials, or joining beginner-friendly woodworking classes. They should start with simple projects like a cutting board or small shelf to develop basic skills. Essential tools for beginners include a measuring tape, a circular saw or miter saw, a chisel set, a combination square, a power drill, and a set of clamps. As their skills progress, they can gradually add more tools, such as a table saw, a router, and various hand tools, to their collection. It's important to prioritize safety and always wear protective gear while working with woodworking tools.

Are there any specific safety precautions beginners should take when working with wood?

Yes, beginners working with wood should take several safety precautions. These include wearing protective gear such as safety glasses, ear protection, and appropriate clothing. It is also important to use sharp and well-maintained tools to minimize the risk of accidents. Beginners should take their time and focus on their work, avoiding distractions. Additionally, it is crucial to have a clean and well-organized workspace to prevent tripping hazards. Lastly, beginners should familiarize themselves with proper techniques and seek guidance from experienced woodworkers to ensure safe practices.

What are some common mistakes beginners make when attempting woodworking projects?

Some common mistakes beginners make in woodworking projects include not measuring accurately, not using the right tools or techniques for the task at hand, rushing the process, not sanding or finishing properly, and not following the plans or instructions closely. Additionally, beginners often struggle with not having a proper understanding of wood grain and not using clamps or supports to hold pieces in place securely. Overall, it is important for beginners to take their time, be patient, and learn from their mistakes in order to improve their woodworking skills.

Can you recommend any online resources or tutorials for beginners interested in woodworking?

Yes, there are several online resources and tutorials available for beginners interested in woodworking. Some popular options include websites like the Woodworkers Guild of America, Wood Magazine, and The Wood Whisperer, which offer a variety of instructional videos, articles, and project plans. YouTube channels such as Steve Ramsey's Woodworking for Mere Mortals and Jay Bates' Jay Bates 2 also provide step-by-step tutorials and tips for beginners. Additionally, websites like Instructables and Do It Yourself offer user-generated content and project ideas for woodworking enthusiasts of all skill levels.

[bonestrouslingbones]

its rlly funny to me that i’ve always pictured all my skeletons with different forms of neurodivergence but for a very long time was too “scared” to actually think of any as outright autistic so even when headcanoning someone with audhd it was still always a wishy washy thing

and then now that i’ve been coming more to terms with my own brain & interacting with more people like me on a very regular basis i’ve come to understand the fact that i don’t have a single papyrus that is not very obviously audhd

[creative-hub-diy]

How to Make DIY Personalized Wooden Coasters: Stylish and Easy Home Project

Just made a post about a fun and easy DIY project—personalized wooden coasters! Perfect for adding style to your home or gifting. Check out the step-by-step guide on the blog creativehubdiy.wordpress.com! #diy #home #crafting

This DIY project is easy, useful and aesthetic. Personalized coaster are useful for keeping your tables safe from waterings and heat marks. They look professional and natural, making them a great addition to your living room, bedroom, or dining area. DIY coasters can also be a great gift for family or friends. Materials Needed: 🪛 Wooden slices (you can buy pre-cut ones or ask an adult to cut…

[nigel-haseldine-1993]

Easy Woodworking Projects - Farmhouse Style Shiplap Wall Key Holder - Cool DIY Wood Projects for Beginners - Easy Project Ideas and Plans for Homemade Gifts and Decor

[gallusrostromegalus]

The Van Has Officially Declared It Spooky Season

---

I've got my parent's van for the week and it seems determined to establish my status as The Local Cryptid by terrorizing an innocent 7-11 clerk.

...I might need to back up a bit.

My mother is an eminently sensible woman who knows herself well, and when The Plauge hit, she knew she'd need some sort of mentally and physically engaging craft project to keep herself from going insane and massacring the local zoning and water management boards (even if they have it coming). So she and Dad acquired a utility van and converted it into a camper van because while they love camping, they're past the age where their joints and immune systems will tolerate sleeping on the cold ground in a nylon tent.

They did a terrific job of it and my mom taught herself woodworking and carpentry and now the van has it's own cabinets, fold-away dining table, and removable queen-sized bed with memory foam mattress. My Dad was already a computer engineer, but he learned the dark magics of automotive software and electronics to install after-market backup cameras, a media player that would take a terabyte hard drive and a solar-powered battery and outlet so they could wake up and just turn on the kettle and griddle for breakfast without having to exit the van into a cold morning on an empty stomach.

Truly, the height of Camping Luxury.

My parents are both in their mid-seventies and my primary life goal is to be at least half as cool and hale as they are when I get old.

Anyway, they take it out at least a dozen times a year and it works fabulously, but, being as I am on good terms with my parents and also finishing the process of moving house, I've been borrowing it to move large and cumbersome objects that will not fit in the back of my equally lovely but minuscule Honda hatchback.

It's a Great Van. Very easy and comfortable to drive. Stunningly good MPG for it's size. The best cruise control I've ever had in a car.

It's just also. Quirky. Mischievous, even.

---

If this van has a fault its that it bears the unfortunate affliction that all lightly used white utility vans have in that the combination of an utter lack of branding features and the large dent/scrape I accidentally put on it while trying to escape a Denny's last Thanksgiving means that this vehicle is one addition of a Badly Spray-Painted "FREE CANDY" on the side away from being the sort of vehicle you see in an edgy horror movie.

It's got the same issue that Doberman Dogs have where they look like the sort of creature that likes to snack on toddler's faces whilst actually having personalities made of marshmallow fluff. This vehicle is unnecessarily menacing and I think nothing short of an airbrushed Epic Van Wizard will correct this. People see this van pull up and lean over and squint suspiciously at me when the driver's side door opens, and then look moderately confused when, instead of Charles Manson, a small, potato-shaped creature with neon purple hair and a statistically unlikely assortment of dogs emerges.

My own two dogs, Herschel the Hanukkah Goblin/Corgi and Charleston Chew The Taco Dumpster Dog, Do Not Like The Van. Even with the bed in it, they have a tendency to slide and roll around in the back, and both WILL chew through dog saftey belts or other attempts to secure them in there.

On the other hand, my house mate's dog, an exceptionally tall standard poodle whom we lovingly call "The Creature", loves the Van because SHE wears her doggy seat-belt with only mild complaining and gets to sit up in the passenger seat like A People.

Also like A People, The Creature likes to stand and walk around on her hind legs. It doesn't hurt her and it's entirely voluntary, but every so often I will feel a hand on my arm and instead of my husband or friend, it's a canine that's taller than I am on her hind legs who wants to stare at my face with soulful, concerned eyes. The Creature's favorite thing is that she is exactly the right height for me to hold her arm in Genteel Fashion and walk around the pet food or hardware store with her like I'm a count escorting a debutante around a royal ball.

---

As it stands, I am set to inherit this vehicle whenever my Honda gives up the ghost, and I fully intend to paint an Epic Van Wizard on it when that time comes.

The other peculiarity of The Van is that while Dad did manage to successfully install all his after-market electronics, not all the electronics get along. Sometimes, they fight for Dominance. The Terabyte Music Player and the Backup Camera have a particularly contentious relationship, and turning on the music has about a 25% chance of turning on the backup camera as well, and turning on the Backup Camera is equally likely to turn on the music.

Firthermore, The Van has a favorite song.

I am not kidding that Dad filled an entire terabyte hard drive with music and the software to sort it via the radio controls, but of all the Early Boomer Dad Rock (Kingston Trio over The Eagles) and Irish Folk and Symphonies and the entire discography of Weird Al Yankovic, The Van's favorite song- The one it picks to play as victory music every time it beats the Backup Camera at their weird electronic game of rock-paper-scissors -is The Liberty Bell March by John Phillip Sousa.

You all know this song already.

...but in case you've forgotten the tune:

Yeah.

The Van's favorite song is the goddamn Monty Python's Flying Circus Theme Music.

It does not play this song at a normal volume.

Every time I turn on the Backup Camera and it manages to turn the music player on as well, The Van insists on absolutely blasting this nonsense on at the maximum volume it's physically capable of producing, which I know is loud enough to be heard from the Denver International Airport's Pickup zone when they Van decided to start playing it from the economy lot about half a mile away.

Perhaps it's The Van's way of honoring the aesthetic sensibilities and sonic enthusiasm of Mr. Sousa.

...I can't help but wonder if the purpose of an Epic Van Wizard is to control this sort of faerie-like malarkey, and channel these chaotic energies into things like Spell of Don't Break Down In Nevada or Enchantment Of Always Have Good Parking.

---

So last Friday the 13th, I get a call from my friend and housemate, at said airport.

It's roughly 11PM at night, and I have already retired for the evening. I am in the exact minimum of clothing required to be a decent housemate and not scandalize the neighbors should I happen to walk by a window. My feet are up. There is a cat in my lap and fictional British people murdering each other in highly inventive fashion on the tv. -But my friend has returned from her friend's wedding,and either American or United Airlines has managed to lose her luggage, including, among other valuable possessions, the keys to her car. ...So she cannot just drive home as originally planned.

There are, as luck would have it, her spare set of keys not eight feet from me.

Being a good and decent person, I agree to bring the spare keys to her so she may get home before daybreak and not spend a semester's worth of tuition on an uber across the greater Denver traffic jam.

Being also that she Loves Activities, and it's her mom we're going to pick up, I elect to take along The Creature.

I am primarily focused on remembering how to get to the airport and not leaving my friend's spare keys on the counter, so I throw on a pair of flip-flops, step outside, remember that it's AUTUMN and my minimal evening attire is not sufficient thermal protection, step back in, grab the first coat in the closet I lay hands on, pull it on, check that I have her keys again and leave.

The trip to the airport is largely unremarkable, save that it becomes necessary for me to put on sunglasses to drive, despite it being nearly the witching hour and almost entirely darker than the inside of a cow.

It's necessary because this blissful darkness of night is violently punctured by a startling number of cars that seem to have installed miniaturized but no less powerful lighthouse bulbs in where their headlights ought to go so the oncoming traffic and sports cars that insist on tailgating me in the slow lane alike illuminate the road and my mirrors with the kind of radiance I'd normally associate with the arrival of a Seraphim.

I arrive at the distant highly discounted airport car lot where my housemate is waiting, deeply apologetic. It's nothing. I say. Once I see that your car starts up, I'm gonna go to that 7-11 across the way that I parked in front of, get a slurpee or something and I'll see you at home.

While she is retrieving her vehicle (an equally eccentric but much more stately Subaru that is old enough to be elected to congress) I rifle through the loose change in the glove box and discover that I have exactly $6.66 in small bills and coins. The Subaru, continuing it's long voyage into vehicular immortality, immediately starts up.

Upon her return, we all remember that my friend had all her camping gear in the backseat of the car and there is no room for The Creature to ride home with her parent, so I again assure her it's nothing, and will just take The Creature into the 7-11 with me. She is trained as a service animal and needs the practice after the plague.

I wave my friend off and turn to enter the 7-11.

I promptly trip over the jutting back bumper of The Van and fall, cartoonishly, face-first onto the sidewalk.

Fortunately, I have a lot of practice falling on my face, and have learned not to throw my hands out but instead cover my face, so my unexpected self-inflicted attempted curb-stomping lightly scrapes my hairline and nothing else -my sunglasses even stay in place- and I get up and resume my quest for a slurpee.

It's well known that the airport is a lawless place, and the 7-11 across from the discounted airport parking at the stroke of midnight is no exception.

I know it's the stroke of Midnight because there's one of those Audubon society bird-call clocks that makes bird noises, and my arrival is heralded by the twittering call of a Summer Tanager. I am almost charmed enough by the unusual choice of chronological device to excuse the exorbitant Airport-adjacent mark-up of Slurpee prices. I stand at the machine for some time, trying to decide on a size for the price and guess what the fuck "Blue Lighting Blast" is supposed to taste like.

The Creature is being Very Polite but is somewhat agitated, I assume because she *just* saw her mother for the first time in three days and then she LEFT with no explanation, so The Creature is on her hind legs, staring woefully into my eyes, asking to be escorted around the 7-11. Even though that's not what she's not supposed to be doing, there's nobody else in here, so I let her hang off my arm and discuss various Slurpee Flavor options with her.

We eventually decide on an experiment in which I try a Small Blue Lightning Blast, and discover it tastes a bit like licking a nintendo cartridge but in a pleasantly satisfying way.

I go up to pay and realize something is amiss.

The Cashier is a young man staring at me with wide eyes, one had over the register and the other wrapped up in his rosary.

I look down at myself.

In my haste to reunite my friend with her spare keys and service animal, I had left the house in the following accoutrements:

Flip Flops. Not matching. It's below freezing outside. That last part is not particularly odd footwear for the weather in for Colorado, but it's an important detail for the rest of the ensemble.

Assorted scrapes, bruises, cuts and welts on my arms and legs that come with doing outdoor work and living in a house with three dogs and a fully-clawed cat that all want to be in my lap all the time. It's cold out, so vasoconstriction has pulled the blood away from my skin, a trait that served my ancestors well during the last Ice Age, but leaves me with pale skin to contrast the various wounds and I look like a corpse that fell out of the back of a pickup truck.

The black Bootyshorts with "CRYPTID" painted in bright red gothic font across my ass, that @theshitpostcalligrapher gave me for my wedding present.

A peculiar but extremely comfortable garment that straddles the line between "Lacy Camisole" and "Industrial-Strength Sports Bra" like the Ever Given straddling the Suez Canal. It is also Bright Red. with black accents.

The Jacket I had grabbed out of the closet, which is in fact, a black Velour Dinner Jacket.

The Tokyo-Ghoul inspired reusable anti-covid mask a friend made me with the set of Coyote Teeth.

My sunglasses, which are shaped like a Halloween Bat. The lenses are the wings and the body is the nose bridge. It is ALSO bright red.

A Very Large and remarkably Humanoid Poodle that I have been audibly affectionately calling "Dear Creature" who is hanging off my arm like she's my Prom Date.

The Very Large and remarkably Humanoid Poodle is ALSO dressed up in a black Dog Sweater that has white bones printed on it to look like its an X-ray jacket showing off her skeleton.

I look like I am taking my Very Fancy Werewolf Girlfriend to a particularly casual Dinner Party for Vampires, but the thing that's really selling it and probably alarming the kid the most is the fun accessory I acquired in the parking lot not five minutes earlier:

The "Small Scrape At my Hairline" is actually a painless but PROFUSELY bleeding head wound that I had somehow entirely failed to notice covering my face, neck, decolletage and magnificent cleavage with blood like a Tarantino Film Extra.

This does explain why The Creature has been delicately trying to use her bodyweight to push me down onto the floor for the last ten minutes. So I don't injure myself while we wait for the paramedics she hoped this kid called to arrive, you see.

The Creature has such a High and Naive Opinion of humanity.

I decide this social situation is already fucked, and the only way out is through, and with haste, before I start dripping on the floor.

"Hi there!" I say cheerfully, to indicate this is a visually alarming but not terribly serious situation. "Just a Small Slurpee!"

The Cashier has entered the relevant code into the register before I finish the sentence. His gaze flicks off me just long enough to look at the total, and he grips his Rosary harder.

$6.66

"Oh cool! I have exact change!" I say, taking the money out of my as-yet-unsanguined pocket without looking and slap it down on the counter. "You have a good night and be safe out there!" I wave, leaving.

I get in The Van, mortified, buckle The Creature up, and as I make to leave, I have to put it in reverse, which automatically turns on the backup Camera.

It also turns on the music player.

I make eye contact with the cashier as the dulcet tones of John Phillip Sousa boom from the van hard enough to make the windshield and the windows of the 7-11 rattle for the nine-and-a-half seconds I have to wait to be able to turn the volume back down. Not knowing what else to to, I give him a thumbs up, and leave.

Anyway, now I know what my Future Van Wizard has got to be dressed like, and what their familiar is.

---

If you enjoyed this story, please consider donating to my Ko-Fi or Pre-ordering my Family Lore Funny Stories book on Patreon

[maybejj]

what are your headcanons for theo as he gets older? what is he like as a teenager or young adult? or even a young kid (like 6-10)?

i love this question!! this lowkey healed my writers blocked i’m ngl. this also turned out longer than i expected so enjoy! 🫶🏻

theo throughout the years.ᐟ

ᯓ★ theo as a toddler is very shy and quiet. if he’s uncomfortable, he will hid behind his mom or dad’s legs. however, he is wild as a buck around the pogues (jj instigates this behavior) since he’s known them his whole life. pope is lowkey his favorite for sure but theo would never say because he doesn’t want to hurt jj’s feelings although sarah is a close second. he observes everything. he’s always watching every interaction. he’s a very curious baby and has so many questions. he gets scared real easy and is a total mamas boy down to his core. he’s tiny but he’s mighty so don’t mess with his mama. he’s obsessed with superman and legos! loves to build anything and everything his little mind comes up with. for valentine’s day, pope helped him build one of the flower lego sets to give to reader. she proudly displays it as the centerpiece on the kitchen table.

ᯓ★ theo as a young kid is still quite shy. it doesn’t take him as long to open up to people anymore but he’s definitely still cautious. he loves being outside and riding around on his bicycle rafe bought him. he’s starting to enjoy the ocean more and more at this age (wasn’t a big fan of water for awhile) so jj really hops on the opportunity to teach him how to surf. theo ends up loving it! he kinda has a temper in this stage of his life. he gets frustrated easily, has tantrums out of nowhere. he gets overwhelmed easier and will hit the side of his head when his environment becomes too much. rafe and reader work with him on this but it takes time. he loves going to his dads office and looking out the window-it’s very high up so he pretends he’s flying above the city like superman.

ᯓ★ theo as a teenager is very outgoing. once he hits puberty, he becomes very confident in himself. he’s basically rafe’s mini me in the best way possible. his sharp blue eyes are his biggest weapon. uses them to get whatever he wants and it works everytime. he becomes interested in baseball and golfing and rafe gets so excited about this. constantly taking him to the country club on the weekends. buying him all the expensive baseball bats, gloves, etc. he will only have the best of the best. he still lowkey loves superman but he doesn’t want his friends to think he’s lame so he saves his geek out sessions until pope comes over. his love for building things has only increased as he gets older so he takes a woodworking shop class at school and makes his mom all kinds of things. every holiday/birthday/special occasion, he builds her something she can use. at this point, 95% of their house is scattered with stuff he’s built his mom. his still has a slight temper but nowhere near as bad as when he was younger. still very protective of his mother, even more so now that he’s older and is more aware of everything. no one is messing with his mom.

ᯓ★ theo as a young adult is very successful. he goes to UNC and studies architecture. he just loves to build things so he decides to make a living off of it. he wants to start his own business eventually so he shadows rafe for a few months to get the basics down. he’s had a few girlfriends by now but nothing serious, he’s more focused on his career at this point. he’s a great public speaker and always leads all the group projects in college. he doesn’t play any sports in college but volunteers as a baseball coach in his free time for his hometowns little league. he also golfs on the weekends with rafe when he has time. also loves coming into town and having dinner with his parents. he loves sitting down with them and telling them what he’s learned in college and what he’s currently working on. rafe always asks if he’s seeing anyone and reader just rolls her eyes at the typical boy talk. theo always laughs when they start bickering. he’s learned how to control his anger completely by this age and thinks things through before making any decisions. eventually starts his own business after he’s got a couple of years of experience and rafe really helps him out when theo starts to doubt himself. his business doesn’t do as good as he thought in the first year so rafe dedicates a lot of his time and effort into helping his son build it back up and where he wants it to be. definitely still builds things for his mom. it just becomes second nature and he loves being able to give her things that no one else has.

[cressidagrey]

Not to be pushy or anything but we now need Felicity negotiating Oscar’s next contract with McLaren. Like then letting her take the lead and make concessions that they normally wouldn’t do hoping that she would go easy on them. But she doesn’t or just like people tip toeing around her and her family cause they know if she sees them doing something she don’t like to her family they better watch out.

I also have questions. Does Felicity have a job or just works on passion projects and does she have any other interesting hobbies besides reading contracts. Then when Bee goes to her first race does she have like a costume racing outfit and a clip board or does she wear something else. Then does Oscar like honor her with a special helmet design or something when she comes or on her birthday.

You are so right and now I need to see it too 😭 Felicity in full calm-and-terrifying mode sitting across from McLaren Legal with a binder, an arched brow, and Bee on her lap with an iPad and matching contract notes. McLaren: “We’re prepared to offer—” Felicity: “We’re prepared to walk.” Them: sweating profusely and immediately folding like lawn chairs.

People 100% tiptoe around her now — not because she’s loud, but because she’s quiet and ruthless when it comes to protecting her people. She’s got respect in that paddock. And fear. And she deserves both.

To answer your questions:

Felicity does not have job in the sense that she works for somebody else and gets paid for it. She restores cars that she sells sometimes though.

She also has like a bunch of random hobbies, which include (but are not limited to): Investing all the money Oscar makes and playing with stocks (very successfully), ballet dancing, playing the violin, restoring vintage cars she and Bee work on together (garage day is sacred), knitting, embroidery, watercolour painting (sometimes), a short stint of woodworking (because who else is gonna make bookcases to cover the whole living room), cooking, baking, watching Oscar's onboards with Bee, terrorising Bee's kindergarten teachers, actual Beekeeping and vegetable gardening. That's from the top of my head. She also has an intense herb garden, and definitely wins every pub trivia game she attends.

Bee’s first race look? Oh, she turns up. Fliss and her have matching denim Jackets with patches and PIASTRI emblazoned over their bags. She also has noise-cancelling headphones with sparkly stickers. She also asks mechanics very intense questions.

Oscar’s helmet? 100% yes. T I also have the head canon that both Felicity and Bee were born on the 18th, so Oscar has their number with him (in a way) anyway.

Thank you for giving me the best visual spiral — Felicity Nation is always thriving in this house and I love that you're here for it 🧡✨

[knightly-knits]

2025 update part 1: cardigans!

Hey guess what! I'm still alive!

I haven't been able to craft at quite the same rate in the past 6 months but here's some of the stuff I completed since January:

The Unicorn Cardigan by starcrossedknits:

This looks all wrinkled because it's been in and out of the frustration bin for the past three months. Knitting it went pretty smoothly, but it turned out just *slightly* too small to be comfortable :(( . I've already blocked it so I don't know if there's any chance of stretching it out any more without making it look wonky. Given that this same problem (project comes out way to small, even after knitting a size up based on the gauge) has happened twice now with this yarn, I think I might just have to stop using it for projects (even though it's the softest thing ever, unfortunately). The sleeves are the biggest issue as they're about 2 inches too short, so I when I finally work up the desire to I can frog those and add some length as I have plenty of leftover yarn. That might make it feel better overall, but if it still is too tight across the body to be comfy, I may just gift it to a friend.

Freehanded cardigan:

This was my first official attempt at freehanding a cardigan, and despite knitting/frogging/knitting/frogging the sleeves about 8 times because I couldn't come up with a design that I liked, it was pretty easy. It's just three rectangles for the front and back panels, as well as two more rectangles for the sleeves (which I finally decided to just knit straight without any increases or decreases-- makes the cuffs slightly too big but overall looks fine albeit very oversized) and picked up stitches to knit the button band. Fun fact: the cord on my circular needles was wayyy to short to knit the whole button band at once, so I knit it one half at a time, then seamed it together at the center back. I used the Italian bind-off, which I think give sit a nice look. I also did make 6 buttonholes, but I currently only have one button since I decided to make the buttons out of avocado pits (and by me I mean my dad with his actual woodworking skills and tools). I haven't found any useable pits lately, so this thing only has one button for now.

Cozy cardigan pattern by Mahum crochets:

See, I LOVE this yarn and this pattern (this stitch is a yarn-over slip stitch in the back loop only-- it has such a lovely texture), but I think this cardigan just came out a little too bulky for my comfort. I also made the front and side panels slightly too short as I was playing yarn chicken, so they don't sit quite right on my body. I think that I may just frog this and reuse the yarn for something else eventually. We'll see when we finally escape the hot weather months and I actually have use for something as warm as this.

Well, my cardigan attempts haven't exactly gone as well as I'd hoped, but everything is a learning experience :)

[toasted-buguette]

Into Your Own Hands

Summary: Ryis decides to pine from a distance in order to be a better wingman for March. The farmer has other ideas.

Ryis is many things: A son, a brother, a nephew, a pretty good woodworker if he were to say so himself. A friend, and he tried to be a good one. 

Ryis is also in love, although he would desperately like to not be. 

Mistria is, despite its constant activity, a very small town with a very close knit community. It’s one of the things that made him love it there, that and the quiet that let him hear birdsong with more clarity and variety. Everyone knew each other and everyone had some manner of bond that had existed for at least a year or two, so it made sense that the arrival of a new member of the community would spark interest in everyone. Ryis wasn’t exempt from this, after all the last time someone new came it was him, but he liked to think himself a little bit chiller about it than some others.

Chiller than March, he means.

March is, as much as he likes to hide it, a pretty good guy underneath all his bluster. He just doesn’t like change, when Ryis first moved in it took March a week to stop sulking and talk to him. It was only once Friday came along and Olric dragged his brother to the inn that he and Ryis actually got to have a conversation and that (Plus one or two of Hemlock’s drinks) was all it took to spark a friendship that would surely last a lifetime. Because besides being craftspeople and their mutual adoration of Mistria and its citizens, the quality Ryis and March shared in the highest quantity was their loyalty. 

Which is why Ryis can’t acknowledge his growing fondness for the new farmer. 

You see, after the earthquake a lot of things needed repairing and the citizens of Mistria needed a distraction, so a new face was just what the town needed. Ryis, on his part, was eager to welcome the new farmer into town, after all he knew better than anyone what it was like to be the new member of a well established community. Besides, he knew they would be working together on the myriad of reconstruction projects, so it was only natural that they get along outside of work. It helped that they were very easy to get along with. 

March, as is his wont, was not as receptive to this newcomer. No one was surprised when any conversation with him eventually led to him grumbling about the no good farmer who was only here for their own gain and totally wasn’t going to last the season. Ryis, at least, was surprised when these grumblings continued past the first week of the farmer being there. 

After all, the farmer went to very great lengths to talk to everyone frequently, March included, and usually once he got to know someone he mellowed out at least a little. But no, it seemed that March’s ire only grew with every attempt to make peace the farmer made. Ryis tried to reassure them that March would warm up to them eventually, (He had to, they were just too charming even for March to hate for long), but his reassurances could only go so far when March seemed to go out of his way to antagonize the farmer. It wasn’t until late spring that Ryis found out why March was being so… like that. 

For all his guardedness it only takes a couple drinks to get all of March’s walls to crumble like a termite infested fence, and once they did the blacksmith was the most open book in the world. There was no such thing as secrets with drunk March, so Ryis got a front row seat as March got to rambling about the farmer once more, and it instantly became plain as day that March’s blush that night was not caused by the beer. 

Ryis couldn’t remember a time March was ever so enthralled with someone. He sat there and listed out Ryis’ thoughts verbatim about how interesting and capable the farmer was, how helpful and hardworking, and Ryis realized two things simultaneously.

One: He was developing a crush on the farmer.

And Two: He could not, under any circumstances, let it continue to grow.

When was the last time March was so enamored with anyone? When had he ever been this animated when talking about something that wasn’t made of metal? March had always been a happy drunk but this was beyond anything that Ryis had ever seen from his friend and he wanted desperately for that happiness to continue.

So he resolved himself to try and help March realize the feelings he had while he was sober as well as pushing the farmer in his direction whenever possible. It was easy for Ryis to ignore his own feelings, at first, after all the farmer hadn’t been there long and was always running around going who knows where to do who knows what. Out of sight out of mind and all that, and when they were not out of mind Ryis could always find a project to take his mind off them for a little while. And when that failed to work he could always tell himself that once their novelty wore off so too would his unfortunate crush.

And then the general store was ready to be remodeled and all that flew out the window. 

Unlike with the bridge Ryis couldn’t do the whole thing alone in a single day, and aside from his uncle (Who he loved very dearly and wanted to enjoy his retirement as much as possible) the only person qualified to help was the farmer. So the two of them set to work and Ryis tried very hard not to think about how every time their hands touched when exchanging tools a shock would go up his arm and send his heart racing, or how every so often he’d look up from his work and see them so deeply focused that he fell just a little deeper in love. 

That, he thinks, is what finally broke the dam and now when he aims the farmer in March’s direction (Because he still does, because he loves March) it is accompanied by a horrible pang in his chest that he knows he’ll never be able to get rid of. 

‘It’s fine.’ He tells himself. He’ll make do with what he can get and he’ll blame the work on why he’s so flushed every time he joins the farmer on a project and when March can finally admit to himself that he doesn’t hate them Ryis will look on as two of his favorite people can freely admit their love for eachother and it will be because of him and maybe the ache in his chest will get a little easier to live with. 

The next time he sees the farmer, Ryis wants to hide in his scarf. They’re sweaty and out of breath and he can tell why when they hand him a stack of hardwood so big he wonders how they fit it all in their bag. They smile so wide when he accepts it and their face makes him want to melt. That doesn’t stop him from inviting them to the shop, of course. After all, it's hot and he can’t move all of that himself (he can) and wouldn’t they like to sit down and cool off for a second after all that work? Really it’s the least he could do after everything they’ve done for the town (for him). 

And now they’re alone in the shop and the wood is all put away and Ryis would talk about all the projects he has planned for it except the farmer makes it really hard for him to think and of course Landen is gone and can’t distract the farmer from him so they’re just watching him stammer with those intensely beautiful eyes of theirs and Ryis realizes a little too late that he said that last part out loud. 

Mortified, Ryis looks away and it takes him a minute before he can bear to take his eyes off the pile of sawdust they landed on and return them to the farmer. The sight that greets him when he does is not what he expected; The farmer is staring at him with a sort of half-smile and did they get closer? Their face is definitely closer to his than it was when he looked away. He bashfully tells them that he’s sorry and they should probably forget what he said and after a second they say that maybe they don’t want to. Maybe they gave him all that hardwood because to them his smile is the prettiest thing in the whole town. 

And every plan Ryis ever made to play matchmaker for March goes in the trash because hearing that makes his heart stop and when the farmer kisses him it is the most right anything has ever felt. And soon they’ll have to leave because it’s late and their chickens are still outside and then Ryis will have to grapple with the fact that he just kissed the person his best friend is in love with but for now none of that matters because after a season and a half of pining and pushing his feelings down it feels like he can finally breathe. 

And as the farmer leaves, trailing promises to see him soon behind them, Ryis revels in not having to dread their next meeting any more.

[nargacuga-tamer8000]

What about a player/hunter who's trying sooooo hard to be supportive and helpful with Erik, but they're absolutely terrified of bugs! But they still wanna help him with his research and spend time with him sooooo bad! They try their best to put on a brave face but.... creepy crawlies 😖 <3 woodworks!anon

I feel this up to a point😣 I hope you enjoy! Sorry if it got dragged out a bit, it was late when I got finished

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Madame, Why Do We Keep Meeting Like This?!

You may have a fear of bugs, but that doesn't stop you from helping Erik with his insect research. But what is with this guy and Lala Barinas?

In the heart of the Scarlet Forest's base camp, you found yourself nervously pacing back and forth. Erik, the charming and bug-obsessed biologist, had invited you to assist him with his latest research project. Something along the lines of Lala Barina hatchlings and other insects they may be competing with. You were thrilled at the prospect of spending time with him, but there was one tiny problem—bugs.

You were absolutely TERRIFIED of bugs. Why so many eyes? Why so many legs? What's with some of you having wings? Even thinking about it now made your skin crawl.

And why did Erik need to take an interest in little spider babies. Those Temnocerans were your least favorite monster group.

Erik's enthusiasm was contagious as he explained the importance of studying the local insect and baby Barina population to understand the ecosystem better since the hatchlings and other insects may be competing for food. You nodded along, trying to ignore the fluttering in your stomach every time he mentioned creepy crawlies. The camp was bustling with activity, researchers and hunters preparing for their daily tasks. The air was filled with the scent of fresh earth and the distant calls of wild creatures.

"Alright, let's get started!" Erik said, handing you a small jar with holes poked in the lid. "We'll be collecting samples from the nearby forest."

You hesitantly took the jar from his hands, fingers gently brushing together. The slight touch gave you some courage to get through this.

"Wait, are we collecting the native insects AND the baby spiders?" You asked, your nerves getting the best of you as you tapped your fingers against the jar.

"Yep!"

Your heart sank. So much for only having to worry about one thing today.

"Aren't you worried about the...you know...Mama Barina?" You mentioned, remembering last time he met one of those large monsters. Just the thought of being in his position made you feel nauseous.

Erik chuckled a little at your choice of words as he set his things aside. Brushing some pale hair out of his face, he looked at you with a small smile.

"Don't worry, Y/N. Olivia and some other hunters have made sure there are no adult Lala Barinas around. A young specimen will be easy to collect. And they aren't as deadly as the adults, so you don't have to worry about me."

Erik laughed a little at the end before continuing to organize his things, not even realizing your discomfort. If only he understood that he wasn't the one you were worried about. You were more worried about making a fool of yourself in front of him. Some may view him as a quirky and eccentric guy who got into trouble.

But in your eyes, he was perfect in every way. And you just wanted to spend time with him.

"Okay Y/N, let's go!" His voice shook you out of your thoughts and you glanced over to see he had finished his meticulous organizing and now wore his pack on his back.

You took a deep breath and followed him into the dense foliage. The forest was alive with the sounds of chirping insects and rustling leaves. Some monsters could be heard, and the two of you even got the joy of seeing a Rathian with her young. The green wyvern kept a stern eye on you guys but made no move to attack as you kept walking and didn't impose on her family. That had to be the highlight so far.

Ugh, why couldn't Erik want to study the cute baby wyverns instead of creepy crawly baby spiders.

Because he's Erik, that's why. And it was a quality about him that made him, well, him. You liked him for every quality he had and this was no different. You just wish you could share it with him.

Erik's eyes sparkled with excitement as he pointed out various bugs, explaining their unique characteristics. Some were spiky, some were pollinators, some were spiky AND pollinators. You tried to focus on his words, but every time a bug buzzed past, you couldn't help but flinch.

"Are you okay?" Erik asked, noticing your discomfort.

"Oh, I'm fine!" you replied, forcing a smile. "Just... not used to being around so many bugs."

Erik chuckled. "Don't worry, you'll get used to it. Besides, you're doing great!"

His encouragement gave you a boost of confidence. You wanted to be helpful and supportive, even if it meant facing your fears. As the day went on, you found yourself slowly getting more comfortable. Erik's passion for his work was inspiring, and you admired his dedication. The forest was a vibrant tapestry of life, with sunlight filtering through the canopy and casting dappled shadows on the ground. You marveled at the beauty of the wilderness, even as you kept a wary eye out for any unexpected insect encounters.

Or monster encounters for that matter. You guys still had to find a baby Barina.

At one point, Erik handed you a magnifying glass to examine a particularly interesting beetle. You hesitated but took it, determined to show him you could handle it. As you leaned in to get a closer look, the beetle suddenly scurried towards you. You let out a small yelp and jumped back, causing Erik to burst into laughter. Your cheeks turned scarlet.

"It's okay, it's harmless," he said, gently picking up the beetle and placing it back in the jar. "You're really brave for trying this, you know."

You blushed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and pride. "Thanks, Erik. I just really wanted to help you with your research."

Erik smiled warmly. "And I appreciate it more than you know. You're doing an amazing job."

The two of you continued to move through the red waters of the Scarlet Forest. Despite the comfort you started to feel, dread began to set in when you noticed the sticky red webbing of the Lala Barina den. Without even noticing, you began to shake from fear. At least now, you had a good reason.

To your surprise, you felt your left had warm up.

Glancing down, you looked to see that Erik had grabbed your hand in his own. Following up his arm, you met his eyes. He offered you a sweet smile while squeezing your hand.

"I'm right here, Y/N. Don't be scared," he told you gently and you felt your face heat up.

Still holding your hand, he guided you into the red webbed den. Truth to what he told you earlier, there was no Lala Barina in sight, so the hunters did a good job. You were able to find one of the monster's egg sacs and carefully extract an individual Lala Barina offspring. It only tried to attack Erik (futile as its tiny attacks were) since he had you stay back, understanding your fears.

It was a shame he had to let go of your hand to do this.

"There. We should be good to go," he flashed you a smile after putting the baby Barina in a jar. Disturbing the nest caused many more babies to start crawling out and once again you felt like throwing up, yet you couldn't move or tear your eyes off it.

So, Erik stepped into your field of vision to block the baby spiders. No words were needed because he understood. Reaching up, he gently rubbed your shoulder in a comforting manner before moving to grab your hand again.

"Let's head back to base. The others-" His voice cut off when he saw you paralyzed with fear, your eyes fixated on something behind him. Turning around quickly, he made eye contact with the Temnoceran that wanted to eat him not long ago.

"Um...hi?" Erik weakly said in hopes that would somehow appease the angry Lala Barina.

"That's all you have to say?!" You shouted at him, but Erik didn't take it personally one bit. He knew fear and anxiety had you all riled up, and in truth, he was afraid too.

But still, he moved more in front of you to better protect you.

The monster shrieked, raising her pincers. What happened next was all a whirlwind to you. The Lala Barina, your guys' Seikrets coming, the hunters soon following, and then a dead Lala Barina. Truth be, you were in a state of shock. All you could hear on the way home was Erik apologizing again and again for getting you into that situation. He was also expecting to get another lecture from Olivia, but to his surprise, she apologized as well for not handling the monster sooner like she and the other hunters did earlier. This one must've snuck by them.

Once at base, with no harm being done, you were able to calm down and reassure Erik that, mentally, you were fine and not mad at him at all. In fact, you told him that this actually helped your bug-phobia a bit.

"I couldn't have ever done it without you. Thank you for being so kind, Erik." You said with a soft smile.

It was his turn to blush now.

By the end of the day, you had collected several samples and learned a lot about the local insect population along with the singular baby Barina that you guys managed to snatch. Despite your initial fear, and the rather intimidating Mama Barina encounter, you felt a sense of accomplishment. Erik's encouragement and support had made all the difference. The forest seemed less intimidating now, and you found yourself appreciating the intricate beauty of the insects you had once feared.

As you stood up from his research table scattered with jars and notes, Erik turned to you and said, "You know, you're pretty amazing. Not everyone would face their fears like you did today. Especially after that monster encounter."

You smiled, feeling a surge of happiness. "Thanks, Erik. I guess bugs aren't so bad after all. Even big angry ones that you seem to have a knack for attracting."

"Hey now! I don't mind it!" He said and then Erik grinned. "Now, let's get these samples analyzed."

After you finished gathering your own things, you returned to Erik and you guys worked on the research, ready to tackle the next challenge—side by side. The camp was a hive of activity, with researchers examining specimens and hunters preparing for their next expedition. You felt a sense of belonging, knowing that you were contributing to something important.

Over the next few days, you continued to assist Erik with his research. Each morning, you would meet him at the camp entrance, ready to venture into the forest. Your initial fear of bugs gradually diminished as you became more accustomed to their presence. Erik's patient explanations and unwavering support helped you overcome your anxiety.

Even after the multiple Lala Barina encounters that you guys kept having. Seriously, what is with these Temnocerans and Erik? At this point, it feels like he is purposely making these encounters happen so he can see one.

One afternoon, Erik suggested exploring a new area of the forest known for its diverse insect population. And this time he promised that no Lala Barinas would be there as you guys would be far from the nest. After all, he has all the young ones he needs for the research. You agreed, eager to discover more about the creatures that fascinated him so much. As you trekked through the underbrush, Erik pointed out various insects, sharing interesting facts about their behavior and habitats.

"Look at this one," Erik said, crouching down to examine a brightly colored butterfly. "It's a rare species that only appears during certain times of the year."

You leaned in to get a closer look, marveling at the delicate patterns on its wings. "It's beautiful," you said, feeling a sense of wonder.

Erik smiled. "Nature has a way of surprising us, doesn't it?"

As the days turned into weeks, your bond with Erik grew stronger. You found yourself looking forward to each new adventure, eager to learn more and spend time with him. Erik's passion for his work was infectious, and you admired his dedication to understanding the natural world. You couldn't help but notice how your feelings for Erik were growing deeper. His kindness, intelligence, and unwavering support had captured your heart. Not to mention how sweet and brave he was when he tried to protect you from that Lala Barina. That moment has always been on your mind.

One evening, as you sat by the campfire, Erik shared stories of his childhood and how he had developed his love for insects. You listened intently, captivated by his tales of exploration and discovery.

"I've always been fascinated by the tiny creatures that most people overlook," Erik said, gazing into the flames. "There's so much we can learn from them."

You nodded, feeling a deep sense of connection. "I'm glad I decided to help you with your research. It's been an incredible experience."

Erik smiled warmly. "And I'm grateful for your support. You've been amazing."

As the fire crackled and the stars twinkled overhead, you felt a sense of contentment. You had faced your fears and discovered a new passion, all while forming a meaningful bond with Erik. The wilderness no longer seemed daunting; it was a place of wonder and discovery.

Together, you and Erik continued to explore the forest, uncovering its secrets and contributing to the Astrum Unit's research. Your journey was filled with challenges and triumphs, each day bringing new opportunities to learn and grow.

One night, as you and Erik sat by the campfire, the atmosphere felt different. The air was filled with a sense of anticipation, and you could feel your heart racing. Erik turned to you, his eyes reflecting the flickering flames.

"You know," he began, his voice soft and sincere, "I've really enjoyed spending time with you. You've been an incredible partner in this research, and... well, I've come to realize that I care about you a lot."

Your heart skipped a beat as you met his gaze. "I feel the same way, Erik. You've been so supportive and kind. I... I think I've fallen for you."

Erik's eyes widened with surprise and joy. "Really? I was hoping you'd say that."

He reached out and gently took your hand, his touch warm and reassuring. "I know this might sound crazy, but... would you like to be more than just research partners?"

You smiled, feeling a surge of happiness. "I'd love that, Erik."

As the stars twinkled overhead and the fire crackled softly, you and Erik shared a tender moment, knowing that your bond had deepened into something truly special. The wilderness, once a place of fear, had become a backdrop for your blossoming romance.

Together, you continued to explore the forest. Your journey was filled with challenges and triumphs, each day bringing new opportunities to learn and grow—side by side, and now, heart to heart.

You were going to have to find a way to tell those Lala Barinas to back off. This was your man now.

Later...

"Please let me keep them."

"No Erik. You can't keep the baby Lala Barinas."

"But why?"

"Because babies eventually grow into adults and Temnocerans grow quickly. The camp, nor I, want a grown Lala Barina here."

"But Olivia-"

"Please Erik. You know how I feel about those spiders."

"Okay Y/N..."

[gabessquishytum]

Dream is bored and he'll be the first to admit that his boredom tends to make him an easy mark for his siblings shenanigans. Case in point, his sister Tel has convinced him - cajoled, dared, whatever, to give a few classes at her always in need of funds community center.

Dream is a world renowned international (dance, ballet, artist, designer) star and he has never been know to hang around normal people, but his inspiration is in a ditch, hole, dark empty place,,,,so he decides how bad can it be.......

Well it's certainly not good, there are no supplies for the classes he wants to teach, and the kids have no idea who he is....just that he seems stuck up. After his first disastrous first day [if it's art classes not dance, Dream leaves the center with paint in and covering places he hasn't since he was teaching Del to paint,,,,, when she was 5], he is taken under the wing of (after his sister leaves him to a hoard of children on his own) the cheerful "Mr. G".

Hob "Mr. G" Gadling has been working at the community center forever, and the kids love him. If asked, Dream would say that he is only flustered around Mr. G because he's still finding his way around the community center, not because on top of being nice Mr. G is gorgeous.

This is so sweet - gotta love Dream doing his best to function around normal people!!!

The kids really aren't so bad. They are, for the most part, simply bored. The community centre is a wonderful place but it lacks funding for really exciting projects, and the kids are kind of tired of making macaroni art, ya know? "Mr. G" kindly explains all of this to Dream as they sit in the car park (and Dream vainly attempts to scrape some of the paint off himself so he can avoid dirtying the interior of his fancy car). And Dream realises that he had been kind of an ass to the kids, and patronised them a whole not... maybe he needs to figure out a new approach.

So he recruits Hob’s assistance and together they head for the nearest art supply superstore. Dream buys several carts full of stuff with his own money and Hob maybe tears up a little bit because Dream is so determined and kind and pretty. Hob definitely has a weakness for beautiful men with big hearts.

Art classes at the community centre take a turn for the better as Dream asks the kids what THEY would like to do. It's settled that they'll make a big mural for the reception area, and everyone gets involved doing stuff that they enjoy. Dream and Tel's brother Ollie is persuaded to come in and help out with some woodworking so the kids can even help make new furniture! Hob offers his own assistance wherever he's required, whether that means opening paint tins or comforting frustrated artists. He's much more gorgeous covered in paint than Dream was.

And at the grand opening of the new reception area, complete with mural and custom artworks, Dream has hardly ever been so proud. Mostly because he's found his inspiration: his sketchbooks are full of sketches of Mr. G... and yes, some of them are nude, but Dream just blushes when asked how he knows about the tattoo on Hob’s left buttock!

(He knows about it because Hob showed him, in great detail. But Dream isn't one to kiss and tell about his boyfriend's intimate parts!)

[stackslip]

If I may ask, how did you find/get access to these historical restoration projects? Do they pay you money or pay for your food and lodging? Is that something anyone can sign up for or do you have some special connection to an organiser or something?

it's with a french heritage preservation org, which coordinates and helps funds a lot of small local heritage and archaeology associations. anybody can apply and sign up for it, including international volunteers, though in some places the local org and volunteers might only speak french or the local language (on the italian site i was on last year there were a couple of french volunteers who spoke italian and some italians that spoke english which was how we communicated mostly, but thankfully french and italian are so closely related it's easy to figure it out). during my time doing this ive worked with people from italy, turkey, poland, uk, germany, colombia, spain, morocco, democratic republic of congo, and more. some of the local orgs the group has connections to internationally are in romania, spain, portugal, china, mexico, and this year ive also seen poland, egypt, tunisia, croatia, and sweden.

it's volunteer work, all they want is for you to be capable to do physical labour such as carry buckets of mortar/dirt and be able to do some digging with a pickaxe and shovel. for archaeology you're working under trained archaeologists and/or people who've done archaeology independently for decades but are widely respected as archaeologists; for restoration you usually work under professionals who know traditional masonry/stone carving/woodworking techniques, most of whom are also volunteers and some who might be paid for it. you're usually fed and get accommodation, sometimes on site camping and sometimes in dorms or rooms of some kind (im fine with both as long as i get access to a shower and toilet). money wise, you do pay a relatively small fee—usually it's the adherence fee to the local org. if you cant afford the fee or travel, the large heritage org you signed up with can pay it for you and/or give you a bursary. for french dig sites and restoration projects it's between 100 and 200 euros for one week to a full month's stay. for me this is worth it, and i save up money for at least part of it—many of these orgs dont get money from the government or very little to fund their work and it's my contribution to what they do, and i get so much peace and joy from it that it works out. i also get to discover a new place, usually on days or time off we visit local sites or go swimming in lakes or at the beach if there's any nearby. last year in italy we spent the day at an etruscan necropolis and visited local museums for example. they also tend to be understanding of disability, and since you're a volunteer they're not gonna force you to take on a task you cant or won't do (when i worked on the chapel last year i was in charge of making mortar because im scared of heights and couldnt get up on the high walls, and when i got overload they drove me back home to rest and everybody was very understanding. some people who have back problems come and they get to do other work that would affect them less; one autistic guy one year just couldn't work at all and he still ended up staying the whole trip). travel costs are on you, but again they offer bursaries to people who want to go but cant afford it. for the international sites it can be more expensive both in fees and travel, but again for me it's legit been my greatest source of joy and comfort and happiness in the past decade and without it im not joking when i say i would be dead. something about this work basically keeps me going the entire year afterwards

it's open to international people too, including non french speakers who come to france. a couple of years ago i helped translate spanish for a colombian man on site, and usually we can use a translation app if needs be. ive met amazing people from all walks of life doing this, there's many students and retirees but ive met people with very different life expériences and it's usually a really good time. ive met a number of folks for whom its their only vacation but they enjoy it so much it's what they want to do with their time off. it's open to anyone as long as they are able and are aware of the kind of work and conditions one will work in. if you're interested in this i can give more info about the org itself and the projects this summer!

[roniinoodles]

Out of the Ordinary. john price x reader (2/??)

old west vibes. reader isn't referred too as 'you', reader is referred to as she/her because the story is written from john's pov. no physical description is given. title is based off of ordinary by alex warren. not beta read.

1st part.

The whole thing starts when he runs into the preacher, early on a Tuesday morning at the general store.

The man is pleasant as always, makes conversation easy, and leans into the fact that the town is finally getting a teacher after all these years, (it’s slow going getting there because the man talks about everything from the weather to Mr. Saunders’ horse having another foal, to how John missed church the past Sunday).

John wonders the whole time the man’s talking about this new teacher, why this concerns him, he’s known how to read and write for years. They’ve also had the school completely built for three months. It’s not until the man finally gets to the point, it’s not until John has checked out the few items he needs and is standing outside, purchases already shoved in saddle bags, and waiting to climb onto his horse.

The preacher finally says to him, the school doesn’t have a desk for the teacher, nor do they have desks for the kids and he’s wondering if John had the time to make some like he did with the pullbin and pews for the church. The church would pay of course, seeing as how they were the ones asking.

John says yes, he’d be happy too if only to get out of this conversation and go home to cook supper. He asks the man what he’s thinking, gets an idea of what they’re looking for, and finally gets on his horse.

It’s not until much later when he’s home, had some supper, that he finds himself in the shop, looking at the wood he has, thinking he’ll make something nice, something stained so the teacher can feel the softness of the wood without worrying about spills or marks from chalk that won’t wash out. He’s gonna make something that’ll last through multiple teachers because he’s sure once that young woman gets this far out west and realizes it’s not what she thought it was, she’ll be packing to head home and they’ll be waiting for the next teacher.

Not everyone stays or survives their first time out west.

It takes a few weeks, between finishing other projects and the few duties he has outside of woodworking, to get 20 desks made, big enough to fight the older kids, but still be comfortable for the little ones. The teacher's desk takes him just a little bit longer because he adds drawers to it, for her to keep things in, carves designs into the legs because the idea struck him when he couldn’t sleep and no one was there to stop him from doing it.

There’s pride in his step when he’s unloading everything into the new school, one of the older boy’s helping move everything in, get them set up just the way the preacher’s wife wants them.

That’s when he sees her, the new teacher.

He’s standing outside watching the young man load off the last student desk and he looks up for just a moment, there she is.

God must have been doing his best work when he made her, all delicate features and soft curves. He’s never been a religious man, a devout one anyway, but he’s thinking he might have to start worshipping if God was making things as beautiful as her. He’s seen a few of God’s more beautiful creations during his thirty five years on this planet, from views of the mountains when he’s standing in the valley to views of the valley when he’s standing on the mountain, but he’s never seen anything like her.

It’s her voice too, like the perfect song to soothe a wounded man’s heart, almost what he imagined angels were meant to sound like. When she speaks to him, introduces herself, he finds himself without words, finds his heart beating several speeds too fast and his mouth dryer than it's ever been. (Even when he was stuck in the trenches during the war and hadn’t had a thing to drink in almost a week.)

He’s glad for the preacher’s wife then, when she introduces him and he finds himself removing his hat, combing a hand through his hair so he looks mildly presentable. If he knew he’d be meeting an angel today, he would have removed some of the sawdust from his clothes, would have run a brush through his beard. She doesn’t seem to mind though, just smiles softly at him and keeps talking. He finds he could listen to her talk about just anything and be happy for the rest of his days.

" Captain Price made the desks, you see. " The older woman says, looking between the two of them. There’s something in the woman’s eyes that John can’t quite name, but the teacher just keeps looking at him, the smallest smile on her face.

" Just John, not a captain anymore, ma’am. "

Her cheeks are pink though and he speaks up about getting them inside and warmed up, one of the older boys already started the fire for her. Not that any of them knew she’d be coming today, not that it was really cold enough to have a fire going, but the preacher had insisted once the weather started to chill.

Yet when they get inside, her cheeks don’t stop being pink, only seem to get pinker the longer she looks at him. Perhaps now she’s too hot, should he take her coat? He can’t do that, ain’t his place after all.

He finds himself a silent observer as the preacher’s wife leads her through the school, shows her around, goes over lesson plans, lets her have a look at her small home just behind the wall that holds the chalkboard. Again, his mouth goes dry when her hands touch the wood of the desk he made for her. The way small fingers slide gently over the wood, the way she smiles when she sees the little woodland creatures carved into sides, or the greenery carved into the legs.

When she looks up at him, the smile she gives to only him makes his heart stop beating in his chest for long enough he thinks he might have died and gone straight to heaven. Even if God doesn’t have a place for him up there, not with the blood that stains his hands, not with the lives he’s taken, and all of the mistakes he’s made.

There’s no angels for him either, he knows that. Even if his heart wants the sweet little thing in front of him; young and beautiful, well spoken, with a soft figure. That’s an angel not meant for the likes of him, but it doesn’t mean he’ll stop wanting. After all, he’s just a man, one filled with enough sin to keep the devil busy for a few decades.

Eventually he does have to leave, has other projects to complete, and it's almost time for supper. As much as his heart hates the idea of leaving, of his eyes missing a single second of looking at her, he knows he needs to leave because lingering like this ain’t gonna look good. Especially if the preacher’s wife leaves, being alone and childless with the new teacher won’t look good for her reputation, and he’d hate to get her off to a bad start with the town. She’ll be good for this place, he thinks, bringing a little sunshine and light to a place (and a man) who could use a little more of it.

Her voice washes over him when he leaves, telling him thank you for the desks, that his work is beautiful, and it makes him want to linger. He doesn’t though, thanks her before sliding his hat on his head, paying the young boy who helped him off load and climbing up on the wagon.

He misses the way she lingers in the doorway to watch him leave, misses the preacher’s wife have a knowing smile across her face, but he doesn’t miss the way his heart screams at him to turn back, to sweep that woman off her feet and drag her back to den to make her his.

He won’t though, he tells that old thing he’s surprised is still beating, she deserves better than the likes of him.

[samuelsdean]

Loving Joel (And His Dad Jokes)

pairing: joel miller x reader

summary: days like this make you realize how much loving joel makes everything worth it—even his stupid dad jokes.

genre: fluff

word count: 0.9k

author's notes: in my mind, joel is happy and thriving. he's living his best life in jackson. and you're in for a treat because joel is very much happy in this fic & in love (with me). yup, have fun reading!

MOST PEOPLE WHO KNOW OF JOEL MILLER WOULD SAY HE’S THIS BROODING, MYSTERIOUS, AND SCARY GUY. And they were right, mostly. Joel was someone you should be scared of. He is a fierce and ruthless protector of those he cares deeply for. He would stop at nothing. He’d do everything for his family.

At the beginning of your relationship—or when you only knew of him—Joel was someone you didn’t expect to fall for. He wasn’t your ideal man so to speak. But for some reason, despite your differences, both of you grew closer and then one day, you just woke up and realized that Joel Miller was the one for you.

And it seemed the feelings were mutual. 

As you got to know him, Joel was quite the polar opposite of his reputation once you had managed to thaw his hard exterior. He had this other side to him, all hidden from those who weren’t special to him. It made you feel giddy knowing someone as hardened by life as Joel is enamored by you—which wasn’t an easy feat. You’ve had your fair share of ups and downs. Love isn’t simple especially when the world fell apart a few years ago. But loving Joel has been nothing but worth it.  Waking up next to him, getting through the day, and falling asleep right next to him has made living better—like life was still worth fighting for because you had Joel.

You love him, and he loves you.

And you especially love his dad jokes, even if they were insufferable from time to time.

“It’s quite warm today,” You said to your lover as you descended the stairs of your home. “Do you wanna have a picnic or something?”

Joel, who was busy tinkering with his new woodwork project, which particularly looked a lot like you, or so you think, looked up at you. “That’d be nice, sweetheart. Do you wanna go now?”

You nodded as you placed a peck on his salt-and-pepper hair. “Maybe this afternoon,” You replied, heading straight for the bathroom. “I’m gonna go shower and then I’ll head over to Ellie and Dina’s, so I can invite them. Why don’t you go ask Tommy and Maria too?”

“Want me to join you?” Joel joked, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

“No, Joel.” You laughed as you threw him a dish towel, which he dodged easily as he was laughing now too. “If you’re joining me in the shower, we are never going to have that picnic!”

A few hours later, you were able to wrangle some bread and other snacks to take with you on your little picnic. Unfortunately, it was just you and Joel. Ellie and Dina had other plans, while Tommy and Maria had errands to do. But it was perfectly fine. You had a lot of time on your hands. A picnic in the future isn’t a farfetched plan for you to make.

“Jesus, I underestimated the heat today,” You claimed as you fanned your face. Joel was grinning at you as he looked like he thought of a joke you weren’t in on. “Care to share with the class, Mr. Miller?”

He simply shrugged and retorted, “Oh, it’s nothing, baby.”

“Out with it,” You nudged him. He shook his head no, to which you scowled teasingly. “Tell me!”

“Nope,” Joel snickered, pinching your cheek. “I’m not saying anything.”

You pouted and rolled your eyes. If he doesn’t want to tell you, then so be it. You were about to let go of the entire thing and dig into the food you laid out when the heat started becoming even more unbearable as if it were possible.

“Fine, don’t tell me anything,” You muttered. “But we’ve got to move over there. This heat is killing me.”

As you pointed to a bunch of trees where you could sit for shade, it’s like Joel could no longer hold back as he started guffawing, slapping his thigh in entertainment.

Oh, it’s that thing.

The thing in question was a pun he thought of. Real mature.

“Joel Miller!”  You exclaimed as you started laughing along with him. One thing about Joel’s smile is that it’s as infectious as it’s your favorite thing in the world. “You’re worse than Ellie. Do you know that?”

“No, I’m not!” He denied, still laughing. “I haven’t even told you the pun yet.”

“Fine, tell me.”

Trying to stifle his laughter, Joel wheezed before schooling his face to a neutral expression. “I don’t think we should head over there. I don’t trust those trees.” He stared at the trees.

You looked at him, perplexed as to why. As far as you know, Jackson was the safest place you could be in, and those trees looked nothing out of the ordinary.

“Why?�� You asked, starting to worry. “What’s wrong?”

You can slowly see the mischievous grin forming on Joel’s face. 

They seem kind of shady.”

You groaned at him as Joel guffawed once again. You were starting to get looks from passersby as to what reduced the formidable Joel Miller while you were shaking your head.

“You’re so stupid,” You started chuckling. “Sometimes, I ask myself how can people take you seriously. Jesus, what was that pun?”

“It was funny!” Joel laughed, poking your side. “You even laughed.”

“I did because it was stupid.”

“That’s the point,” He retorted immediately. You rolled your eyes at him endearingly. “Puns are supposed to be so stupid that they’re funny.”

“You’re lucky I love you.” You responded immediately.

“Yes, ma’am,” Joel saluted. “I love you more.”

You smiled widely and landed a kiss on his stubbled cheek. Days like this make you realize how much loving Joel makes everything worth it—even his stupid dad jokes.