Old Tools

New old tools

I get excited when I get new tools, especially when I know who held them before me. Some I know have been touched by my father and grandfather. They are chisels, screw drivers and rasps with smooth wooden handles and a patina of oil, sweat and time. I have a pair of tiny pliers made in Sweden that belonged to my father-in-law, a bench vice that was my mother-in-law’s, a Dremel that my husband shares generously with me and little bits from hardware stores and op shops. It’s wonderfully endless.

Last week I bought a second hand mini hacksaw that had been used by a woman in Hamilton for her beautiful wood and bone carving. She’s a really brilliant artist whom I met briefly years ago but the memory of her dental drill creating stunning wooden sculptures has never left me. She’s downsizing, living in a retirement village and her lovely daughter gave me a peek at some beautiful tools and materials that she has been tasked with sharing through the community. I came away with plans and inspiration... far more than I could ever have paid for.

Old materials and old tools are like beautiful pens and blank paper to me ....

they invite creation.

Like my Nanna’s chopping board and particular plants in my garden,

some of my tools draw me into lovely memories of special people. I love it.