The Real Bench

No filters, no cleanup — here’s what’s really going down at the bench today.

I’ve got a test piece in progress: a crow standing in front of the moon. I’m experimenting with a new antiquing technique — trying a black background with white antique. It came out super light, so I outlined it in acrylic... but I’m still not sold on the result. Might be one of those “live and learn” pieces.

Also just wrapped up 20 knife sheaths for Nine Point Knives, so there’s leather dust, thread ends, and a few tired tools still lingering from that push. I’m in cleanup mode, but also shifting gears — prepping materials for the upcoming leather journal class. That means cutting signatures, prepping covers, and organizing take-home kits.

As for the vibe? Calm and focused. My cat Olivia is in the chair like she runs the place. I’ve got my coffee close and an audiobook rolling — just started The Path of Ascension, a LitRPG series that’s shaping up pretty nicely so far.

This is the heart of the grind. Not every day is flashy, but every day builds something — whether it’s skill, structure, or the next spark of inspiration.