Ally Richardson

I have a few more details to add so its not a BB yet.

At Wheaton labs in July, I completed a 7-foot high, 7-foot wide, and 6-foot long (no slope). The pictures include the poles for marking the premeasured spots. I completed the hügelkultur with help from the excavator.  What a fun experience finding all the materials in the majestic woods!    

The wood used for the hügelkultur consisted of mostly pine fallen trees, downed pine dead trees, and twigs/branches found on the ground from the surrounding area (less then 1/2 mile away). Three comfrey plants and three sunchoke plants were planted into the Hugel, and then I mulched with brome grass, Fraiser Fir, Ponderosa pine branches, pine cones,   The interesting part was the blessing for the fruitfulness the Hugel will one day provide. I did a shimmy.


Here are the photos showing the requirements are being met:
1. Two pics of the site before the work is started
2. Three pics of three different stages of construction
3. One pic when the hügelkultur is completely built but not planted or mulched
4. Pics of all the stuff about to be planted
5. List of the seeds used for
6. Sepp Holzer Grains- At least a dozen
7. Two pics of the site after the work is complete from the same two locations as the beginning pictures.

 - mulch it with at least 4 different kinds of mulch
  - seed/plant at least a dozen different species
  - seeds are mostly nitrogen fixers (>75% by volume)
  - at least three comfrey plants
  - at least three sunchokes
  - at least a dozen sepp holzer grains (currently available as a prize for anyone who reaches BB20)




 

Started with a hatchet I haven't used in a while and was quite dull. There were a few knicks at the beginning. Using a 400 grit wet stone, I sharpened a dull hatchet.

Three pictures are included:
1. closeup pic of the dull edge
2. action pic of sharpening
3. another closeup of sharp edge  

I fried an egg on a cast iron skillet.
Below is a link to the 10 second video of the egg sliding around merrily in my favorite cast iron skillet, and a photo of the same cast iron pan cleaned and prepped for next use tomorrow.

https://youtube.com/shorts/qnsq1b0hT_c?feature=share

At Wheaton Labs, and using a kantana handsaw, I cut down a dead tree.
The photos below show the chosen tree to cut, my wedge/notch cut completed, the fallen tree, and the measurement across the stump showing the diameter.

Using hand tools only and green wood, I was able to make two coat hooks at the Wheaton labs workshop with a flat mounting surface. After drying, I used a coffee stain.  
The photos below show the chunks of wood that I started with, the progress about halfway through with the hand tools I decided to use, and the final product.

While foraging at Wheaton Labs, I was able to gather one pound of serviceberries (which will later be turned into muffin or most likely pie).
The following photos show the serviceberry plant the foraged food came from, as well as the picture of the bounty on a scale showing the weight.

Using a chunk of Oak wood at Wheaton Labs, I was able to make a Hatchet with a wedge-style handle using hand tools only.
The following photos show the Hatchet without a handle, the new handle under construction, the tool with the handle through without wedge, and a final showing the wedge in the handle.

At Wheaton labs, I cut down a dead tree using a chainsaw.
Below are the photos of the tree to be cut down, the shot of the wedge cut, and the felled tree with the measurement showing at least 6" in diameter.

I created a woven, German style, basket from locally harvest willow branches. First time!! I was told you either bury your first basket or gift it away. I choose away with goodies inside.
Below are the required photos of raw materials, the in-progress basket, and then the finished basket.
Using my hand for reference, the basket is well over the minimum requirements of 4" across and 3" deep.

Using an Aspen branch, I made a spoon using hand tools only.

Below is the picture of the wood I started with, the process half-way, and the final product.