: . . . I found a 15' fairly straight and thin trunk of a cedar or
: cypress tree. I broke it into two pieces so I could transport it home and
: have made two walking sticks. Planing them down was so much fun! The smell
: was heavenly and revealing the purplish/red of the inside of the wood was
: like a treasure hunt. Now I have a paper bag full of wood shavings that I
: don't want to throw away because they're so pretty and smell so good.

Give the shavings away as presents. Sew or buy some small bags that you can put them in and tie the bags shut with a decorative ribbon. If you want to enhance the aromas, you can find essential oils at craft stores which you can add to the shavings. Go easy with the added aromas. A drop or two goes a long way, and these aromas last for months. Keep the stuff in plastic bags and out of sunlight until you use it.

At a garden show in Chicago last year there was at least one vendor selling variously scented wood shavings -- plain, or mixed with pinecones, spices and fragrant herbs -- and asking an outrageous price. I think it was about $8 for a 1 quart bag. He was doing a lot of business, too!

Have you considered gluing thin boards to one of your walking sticks and then planing those boards into padddle blades? Making a paddle while waiting for your kayak kit is a good way to spend the time.

Why are you waiting for a kit? Sounds like you are ready to start from plans and plywood panels.

Good luck with your building

PGJ