at the workshop

Popa’s workshop is much like his potting shed; overflowing with collected bits and bobs. The industrial theme is a little more prevalent though – spanners instead of shovels, oil instead of dirt. But just like Popa grows things in his garden, he gives new life to things at work. He restores old cars; beautiful vintage rides. He can take the shell of a Jaguar and turn it into a prize-wining piece of art. He sources the oddest of engine parts from all over the world and if he can’t find what he’s looking for he just makes it himself.

My dad doesn’t buy a lot of new. Instead, he scours and collects and often, he makes-do. It was a lesson instilled in him during childhood – the second-youngest of five in an English working-class family.

I love that he’s encouraging my children to think the same way.

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Showing 18 comments
  • Belinda
    Reply

    This post sparked memories of my pops work shed. He was very similar. My brother would emerse himself in the grease and pops tools while I would play secretaries with my Nan. X

  • Anna...
    Reply

    What a great example for Che x

  • Sian
    Reply

    wow – what a great workshop, you need smell-o-vision : )

  • katiecrackernuts
    Reply

    Your father and my father have a lot in common, even the tinkering around with old cars – Jags in particular. Bless them.

    • Anonymous
      Reply

      What vintage jags?my era is the early 50s

  • lou
    Reply

    We have a popa, he goes by the name of Grampy. But it's not metal he works with buy wood. I love the wonder and excitement when they wander around his workshop. x

  • Imogen Eve
    Reply

    Fabulous lesson. Oscar (and Rodge) would love to play around in Popa's workshop. Very lucky.

  • Maxabella
    Reply

    I think many dads are 'natural' upcyclers and recyclers. I know my dad doesn't like to throw anything away that he could make into something else later. My old school bag still has life as a planter outside his shed… going strong for over 20 years now!

    My FIL is a good old fashioned Italian gent who has turned his workshed into storage for the tomato pasta sauce he makes from scratch and stores all year. Salamis and vegetables hang to dry above the workbench where he crafts garden tools by hand.

    'Grandad' (or Pops or Nonno at our place) spaces are wonderful places for kids to learn. x

  • Nikki Fisher
    Reply

    Hi Jodi, lovely post as always. so special all that childhood memory making happening between Che and his Popa. On a different note, if you are ever inspired to write about your story of blogging, how your blog has grown and evolved over time, I would love to read about that and I am sure others would too. Nikki x

    • Jodi
      Reply

      Oh I've never thought about writing that story. But I will, if you like. x

    • Nikki Fisher
      Reply

      yes please! x

  • Lilli
    Reply

    Hi Jodi,

    If only every child had a Popa in their life. For inspiration, for knowledge, for the joy for inventing and working with your hands – and for good stories, I am sure. A feeling I remember from being a child, when meeting grown ups who could make something with their hands, is that everything is possible. It depends on you, and how you look at things. That is a wonderful lesson for life, and you are of course an excellent example for Che and Poet yourself.

    (My blogger account has been hacked and I have had to start all over again. I would be very honored if you would like to follow my new blog as well).

    Kindest regards,
    Lilli
    x

  • SUNDAY COLLECTOR
    Reply

    Oh, brings back memories of my Pop! He was a builder and would make us all super cute mini furniture when we were little. I loved his workshop too!

  • Mariela
    Reply

    Hi Jodi,

    Lovely post about your Popa. Sounds like your Popa is a great inspiration for your children. Have a lovely day! xo

  • Karen Wilson
    Reply

    Hi chook nice piece

  • love love, lady
    Reply

    This brought a tear to my eye. Reminded me of my late Papa.
    Beautiful post, Jodi. Che and Poet are so blessed to have such a wonderful Popa!
    Sar x

  • one claire day
    Reply

    Such wonderful values to be passed down.

    The light in these pictures is divine, Jodi!
    x

  • jody
    Reply

    Such beautiful photographs. x

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