I had salvaged an Oak timber from the old barn on my family's farm years ago. The barn had been burnt down but the original timber was safe in the dirt. It's a shame too because the big old barn had been considered a landmark even before the Civil War, I had grown up playing in it. A few small pieces were brought with us when my family moved to Costa Rica. Yesterday it occurred to me that they would make awesome beads for a lanyard, so I went to work. My tools are limited to a handsaw, grinder and sandpaper but I am super happy with the results. It's crazy to think how long ago that tree was harvested! It makes me happy knowing that I'm carrying a bit of my roots with me out in the field.