johnfrancisdesigns

[johnfrancisdesigns]

If you told me, 7 years ago, how many fantastic people I would meet online and in real life because of woodworking and Instagram, I wouldn't have believed you. This beautiful Zippo was engraved for me by my very good friend Paul, aka @copper_pig_fine_woodworking Paul (and his better half @jasperfarms ) are truly wonderful people, and Paul is constantly pushing himself into new mediums and new techniques, which really inspires me to keep pushing myself past my comfort zone. Thank you for the gift @copper_pig_fine_woodworking ! https://instagr.am/p/CPQxUCuNlVm/

[johnfrancisdesigns]

I have a love/hate relationship with this texture on these little leaves. It looks so good and is very satisfying to make so many fine, consistent cuts. It also makes me cross-eyed, and leaves me with a sore neck 😅. https://instagr.am/p/COaoo2WHQ7v/

[johnfrancisdesigns]

In my happy place, sunny window, listening to a podcast, carving, with a @tinyarmscoffee cold brew. (And my hair is finally long enough for a lil' man-bun, so it's not in my face anymore 😅) https://instagr.am/p/COXqNZsHYHq/

[johnfrancisdesigns]

Monday meditation. 🙏 https://instagr.am/p/CNk-J-RHQGi/

[johnfrancisdesigns]

Sometimes when I find myself in a bit of a creative rut, revisiting past designs is the perfect remedy to get those juices flowing again. This lil baby is a commissioned side table in the style of one I had done in the past. https://instagr.am/p/CNIVUdNHBI1/

[johnfrancisdesigns]

I've been a little quiet on here lately, but getting back into the swing of things today, prototyping a wooden base for my carved side tables. - I don't usually get too personal on this account, but my grandfather passed away this week, and as I've been getting caught up on orders, I've had a lot of time to think and process. One of the things I've thought a lot about is who I am as a person, and how many people have influenced that. My grandfather was an incredibly hard worker, someone who noticed and appreciated details, and really took care of what he had, because he worked very hard for it. (Not to discount my grandmother, they are two peas in a pod in that sense!) And so much of that, whether it was directly transferred to me, or indirectly thru my mother's influence shaped who I am. He was an avid car lover, and would always notice if I hadn't kept up with detailing my cars (even before I could drive, I was probably the only 8th grader who was waxing his Schwinn 😂 but I worked hard to save for that bike!) He took care of his cars, his homes, his tools, and his family. There were a lot of memories, and little lessons over the years, but even if I only walked away with that importance of taking care of the things and people in your life, I think that he's left his mark. https://instagr.am/p/CMsDvNMHI1j/

[johnfrancisdesigns]

I've had the itch to get back to this art deco inspired leaf motif. This was inspired when I was digging thru art deco architecture books, and similar motifs kept popping up on elevator doors, air vents, room dividers, etc... typically done in metal. Any suggestions on where you could envision some carving like this? https://instagr.am/p/CL4jMNknkTm/

[johnfrancisdesigns]

So, the goal was to get these out before Valentine's day, but supply issues with the heart cutters pushed things back. BUT when ISN'T a good time for love? ��� There will be a batch of these heart ravioli molds in Wednesday's shop update! https://instagr.am/p/CLmlhTtnSPv/

[johnfrancisdesigns]

Even though I've been on a ravioli kick, I haven't given up my mirror projects! I have some ideas kicking around for some large scale pieces, but in the meantime I've been making a hand mirror here and there! (This one isn't spoken for yet, so if you need a Valentine's Day gift, shoot me a message! 😉) https://instagr.am/p/CK1oT_OlbRz/

[johnfrancisdesigns]

Here's a llittle detail shot of my latest mini-side table. I REALLY enjoyed texturing those rays, just disappearing into the work and flowing. https://instagr.am/p/CKPE6EWlu2O/

[johnfrancisdesigns]

Here's a small little ring or change dish, it has some beautiful curly grain, so I didn't go too crazy with the texturing. I tried to not take away from the natural beauty of the wood! - This will be up on my site within the next few weeks, along with some other dishes and new ravioli molds. Stay tuned for the time and date! https://instagr.am/p/CKMiEz7lzYC/

[johnfrancisdesigns]

This is my favorite time of the year, the holiday rush is over, my order queue is clear, and I can take some time to explore some ideas that have been growing while I'm spending hours and hours sanding molds and spoons! I'm trying my hand at making some wooden statement rings! Incorporating plenty of texture of course, so hopefully they'll double as worry stones of sorts 🤞 A HUGE thank you for all of the support the past few months, it has really meant the world to me! https://instagr.am/p/CJHex77n6n9/

[johnfrancisdesigns]

Shop update, tomorrow, at 12pm EST! In addition to restocking the ravioli molds from the last update, there will be a few new styles available. New patterns in the triple and single molds, as well as 2 patterns in the new large raviolo molds! https://instagr.am/p/CIRN-uln6si/

[johnfrancisdesigns]

These Sun & Moon combo ravioli molds will be available this Wednesday, at 12pm EST on my website! These make the same size ravioli as the triple molds, 2.75" x 2.75". https://instagr.am/p/CIOYB_bnsQt/

[johnfrancisdesigns]

Next Wednesday, December 2nd @ noon EST, the next batch of ravioli molds will be available! I'll be restocking the existing designs, and adding a few different egg yolk raviolo molds, and some new patterns on the smaller molds, so stay tuned! https://instagr.am/p/CIBWt5bH8x8/

[johnfrancisdesigns]

Today is the day! Noon - Eastern Standard Time Ravioli molds are up for grabs in my shop, link in profile! ☝☝ https://instagr.am/p/CHdNxucnT9T/

[johnfrancisdesigns]

Tomorrow is the day! The first batch of ravioli molds will be up for sale, on my site, at 12pm EST. I have the next batch in the works already, with some new designs. So if you miss out on this round, I have you covered! https://instagr.am/p/CHazgXunh5d/