UPDATE (Jan 26, 2024 @ 1:00 PM): Here are a couple of shots of the shelf in situ in my wife's office...

UPDATE (Jan 21, 2024 @ 1:07 PM): Completely finished with all hardware, including keyhole hangers on the back.

UPDATE (Jan 20, 2024 @ 7:45 PM): It's (all but) finished! I just have to get some black screws to attach the hooks. Check it out:

I'm working on a little project for Celeste. I am using some of the black walnut from the farm in Iowa to make something like this (she found this photo online somewhere, probably Etsy or Pinterest or some site that I never visit):

Last weekend, I milled a rough cut black walnut plank and cut it down to size. It was warped, so I used a little trick to run it through the planer to make it flat, mill it down to 1/2 in. thickness, and prep it for use. You can check that out on my YouTube channel. Today, I plan to square the edges, cut the board for the shelf, sand the wood for what will feel like an eternity, and then get to assembling the final product.

There is one issue, though: it is currently 7 degrees Fahrenheit outside. I will be working in my garage with door closed, but my garage is not heated. This ought to be fun!

More to come...