Pins & Tales is the quarterly digital newsletter of SAPFM, published in Adobe PDF format. Issues are sent to current members at the end of March, June, September and December with the latest listings of classes, events, news and articles on research, construction and finishing of historical forms of furniture. Members also have access to all previous issues of the quarterly. This is just one of the many benefits of SAPFM membership.
The SAPFM editorial team is pleased to present the Winter 2025 issue of Pins & Tales
We wish all of you – current members and future members – the best in the coming year. In this issue we list the latest classes, chapter meetings and events of interest. If you are a member and are logged into this website, you'll see a link to our newsletter archive at the bottom of the screen where you can access and download the current and all previous issues of Pins & Tales. If you are not yet a member of SAPFM scroll down to download a complimentary copy of the current issue. If you want to be part of an active, growing group of people you can join us at this link. <https://sapfm.org/membership2/join-with-sapfm-today>
In this issue we recap chapter meetings from this fall. Our regional chapters do a wonderful job of bringing members together to share what they have been working on, ask for and give help on the tricky parts and visit historic sites. We also feature a recent effort of the Great Lakes Chapter (with an assist from nearby chapters) to return to an annual event held at the Detroit Institute of Art. Events like this help to let the public know about our organization and interact with museum visitors. We also salute the recipient of the 2026 Cartouche Award and list relevant classes for the first quarter of the new year. Be sure to take a look at the back cover for a great presentation by 2018 Cartouche recipient Ray Journigan that will take place at the Colonial Williamsburg “Working Wood in the 18th Century” conference this January.
You will want to read the articles in this issue about keeping your hand tools in good condition. We have to articles written by the guys who make the tools. Dan Shwank writes about floats and how to keep them sharp. Mark Harrell explains why your saw handle gets loose in the winter and the proper way to fix that. Instead of reaching for a screwdriver and making things worse follow his advice and discover how to do it the right way. Peach State chapter member Jay Stallman writes in detail about line and berry inlay and offers several tips to make sure your next project goes well. You’ll also find news about a school that is positioned to grow, and how you can help with that. Our Zoom series of expert interviews and hand tool sessions is also growing. Read about all the great presentations already online and how you can help SAPFM with more in the coming years.
Pins & Tales is one of the many benefits of SAPFM membership along with our annual journal, American Period Furniture, website, and regional chapter meetings. Please spread the word about our organization to your friends and neighbors, either in person or through social media. There are many folks out there who would enjoy our organization but aren’t aware of us yet. We need your help to increase awareness about SAPFM, the things we do and the fellowship among our members. If you
are not a member yet, download this issue of Pins & Tales and have a look at who we are and what we are about.
Our publications, events and chapter meetings all depend on members to share their efforts in making furniture and growing our organization. Make time to participate, volunteer and explore the numerous ways to give back. Every volunteer is important. Your local chapter always needs help planning, organizing and conducting meetings. If there isn’t an active chapter in your area, consider starting one or stepping up to revitalize one. If you want to get involved on any level there are numerous opportunities. What you receive from your SAPFM membership is directly related to what you contribute.
If you have an idea for an article for either of our publications get in touch with me to find out how easy it can be and how much it helps everyone in the organization when you share what you are working on. We’re all in this together.
-- Bob Lang, editor