And today was the day to put up the decorations. Here is the "Partridge in A Pear Tree" carved many years ago to festoon an actual espaliered pear tree out side the back door at our old home on Knox Ave. Now moved to a metal tree at our new home, the family tradition continues.
So here is the Partridge, sitting atop the metal pear tree beside the entrance to our home.
And here is the whole works, carved so many years ago, golden rings, calling birds, lords a leaping and even a few fake pears to liven things up. All of the figures of the song. Whittled and painted in my workshop.
Maids a Milking
DRUMMERS DRUMING
MORE DRUMMERS
LORDS A LEAPING
THERE THEY GO AGAIN, ALONG WITH ALL OF THEIR OTHER FIGURES, WHITTLED AND PAINTED WHEN MY CHILDREN WERE YOUNG. MANY YEARS AGO.
Back in the workshop it was time to begin assembling these ukes. First the assembly jig.
You place the soundboard and neck upon it ready for the sides.
Eye balling the fit, you trim the bent side to fit the soundboard. Here I am trimming off excess wood on the end.
Make sure the sides fit into the neck slots. This is looking very good.
Once you think you have a fit, liberally glue the back of the butt block and apply a thin line of glue to the bottom of the side. Now quickly put it in position and clamp it down.
It is a good fit, and I was able to secure it all with a few tentalone strips This uke is going together nicely.
