As you can see in the photo at left, the next step in making the rustic chair is finishing the arms. I used some rough-sawn and weathered cherry for making the arms and drilled mortises in them to fit tenons formed on the front legs. The arms are dryer material than the front legs so before assembly I'll cut slots in the ends of the tenons so they can be wedged tightly in place. Tomorrow I'll glue the chair together.

Tomorrow is the "Celebration of the Child" at Clear Spring School, our annual end of the year program in which each child is celebrated and for his or her special qualities of character as well as intelligence. School is not just about making kids smart. It is also about developing those character traits that lead to lifetime achievement, responsible action, and active citizenship.