Making a Rustic Maple Mirror for my Off Grid Log Cabin

I make a mirror for the bathroom in my off grid log cabin using maple that I cut down and milled off my property a few years ago. I harvest a deer and cut off and cook a steak on my woodstove while I'm butchering and preparing the venison for the freezer. At the end of the video, I check my trail cameras behind the cabin moments after a bull moose rubs a tree down to bare wood while a cow moose protests as her bull calf looks on.
Log Cabin Building, Bushcraft, Survival Skills, Cooking, Canadian Wilderness, Off Grid Living, Homesteading
Hi, I'm Shawn James. I am a passionate outdoorsman living the life of my dreams in a log cabin that I built by myself in the Canadian wilderness. Join me and my golden retriever, Cali and listen to the sounds of the forest in this relaxing wilderness setting. I prefer to keep my talking to a minimum and let the natural sounds of nature make you feel as though you are there with me.
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My Self Reliance/Shawn James
200 Manitoba St., Unit 3, Suite 415
Bracebridge, ON P1L 2E2
[e-mail]

[@PunkyBrewster-u8l]

It’s good to see the log cabin again. Thanks Shawn. Merry Christmas and many blessings to you and your family.

[@cbass2755]

Here’s a man who’s surround himself with beautiful things to fill his mind, body and soul..Bravo

[@Hummingbirdranch]

Rustic in elegant way. I have watched you for years and to see your advancement never disappoints. I moved off grid 7 months ago after retiring and it has been a struggle but made it through winter so far😊

[@Ocheecheenay]

Amazing moose video capture. Perfect Saturday morning video. Thank you Shawn.

[@Corbindallas34]

5 years strong watching your content... After a long work week, this is my serenity.. appreciate the Videos

[@PlaylistsStation1]

Can't help but marvel at how unique the cabin is and everything he's restored and built. Even the work shop is amazing.

[@rzrabbit]

Single Handedly. Beyond Amazing.

[@B-leafer]

Sitting with the dog by the stove in your cabin with a book.. One of the top ten most beautiful things I've seen this year! A wonderful gift. Ty. Merry Christmas!

[@jimsparling7677]

Fascinating footage of the Moose Shawn - Thank You !

[@cherylfrey7318]

Incredible footage of moose in Forest. Absolutely fantastic w yearlings. The BEST. ❤❤

[@ChildOfGod0777]

The mirror is beautiful, the bathroom has such a nostalgic feel, and the moose my goodness how cool!

[@samspade7753]

Must be so satisfying to relaxing in a chair by the fire in the place you built.

[@MichaelJosephJr934]

That cabin is just a masterpiece! Long time follower since the tiny first one and I was so glad to see this much bigger one during the build.

[@marygordon3032]

Hey Shawn, all the things that you do are amazing and a blessing from the Lord who knows your heart and we appreciate your videos, thank you! 👏👏👏🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🤩🤩🤩💯💯💯❤️❤️❤️

[@anniefoster6672]

Nice to know that their people in this world like you guys❤️🙏

[@bradcavanagh3092]

This is the cool and refreshing video I needed after spending the day working outside in 40C.

[@BuckduNord76]

That cow moose acts like she is in heat. Pretty special for this time of the year. Thanks again for sharing that with us.

[@stephenreiner1523]

That's the nicest bathroom I've ever seen, truly.

[@annrhodes3544]

Just needs running hot water!

[@RedGreenTV]

Maple mirrors, moose drama, and a woodstove steak-just another day in off-grid paradise, eh?! Keep living the dream! Merry Christmas from Possum Lodge!

[@snowysnobdds7842]

This episode reminded me of your videos from 10 years ago. This one just hit different. Great to see the piece and coziness of your cabin.

[@debinthewheelchair7781]

Thanks for the opportunity to see all the skills involved in a cabin build...nothing I'd ever be able to experience otherwise. This gives me some understanding about relatives of my mother's mother who built their "new house" the year before I was born, on the side of a mountain in NH. I was able to visit in my 20's (in the 1970's) and saw the central fireplace which opened onto the kitchen on one side and the living room on the other...and heated the entire house. I had some of the sweetest water I've ever tasted from their hand-pump spilling into the kitchen sink. He died (of old age) a few years later, and she moved down the mountain. We wrote back and forth for the few years left to her. Thank you for giving me understanding of what they had to do to build that home.

[@madamecampsalot6384]

Wonderful shop. Love the moose!

[@jerryfischer3988]

Love all the snow! Thanks for all your effort to bring us these great videos ❤

[@Skywatcher361]

Once again let me wish you a very Merry Christmas "Shawn. I hope we are all still here next year to wish you a Merry Christmas again. ❤👍

[@armidaperez5360]

That's a modern day cabin with ALL the luxury of Home. ❤ How it's turning out.

[@Godismylove-g3k]

Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family, with love.

[@sitioeb]

I have watched your struggles building both cabins. But this one is wonderful and beautiful! I was amazed with your basement!! What a wonderful place to put your vegetables. I can't remember if you ever gave a full tour of the whole cabin. I don't remember ever seeing the upstairs. If you did shoot a video of the upstairs could you tell me which video it was? I also want to wish you and your family a wonderful and happy Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year. Looking forward to more videos in the coming new year! Stay safe and be blessed!

[@mary333j]

I don't believe he has ever done a full tour of the cabin?! I don't think is finished yet; The bathtub, shower, bedroom, the stone foundation around the cabin etc. 😊

[@joanntucker2742]

Oh my goodness that's a lot of beautiful snow love seeing Callie playing in the snow 🌨️❄️🤗👍

[@barbaraslayden2277]

Beautiful mirror and the moose.

[@davidlaue8225]

Great to see Cali getting the steak. Years ago I started watching your channel, and I noticed my dog enjoyed it also. Whenever you and Cali came on he was right there by my side watching every minute. This October I helped him transition into his afterlife, and although watching your videos brings me great joy, it also brings sorrow. Perhaps this will pass with time, but I can't help but believe my friend is right there with you and Cali, joining in every adventure you two go on. Relish every second you have with Cali, it's never enough time......

[@wedemgoyz7678]

the weather is finally putting cabin to a test

[@WP_3rd]

Speechless. You & Cali are a blessing to humanity Sean.

[@edithuszka3324]

YOU HAVE A FANTASTUC GRATE LOOKING LOG CABIN ! IT IS SOOOO COSI ! !

[@stephenayer8255]

Wrong! It’s Shawn that’s the lucky one to have found a wife so supportive of his chosen lifestyle! It’s the least he can do is provide some creature comforts!

[@TheCosmicRealm3]

Eeer, wrong. She's the lucky one for finding a man with such great skills to be able to build and provide for her.

[@VelvetRed-rz8ur]

How about.. they are BOTH lucky 🍀 🤷‍♀️

[@Vanessacsaint]

Your wife is so lucky.

[@jimschriber2289]

I never see his wife, where does she hang out? Not at this cabin....she probably lives in huge house where there's power....

[@timepasses3380]

@@jimschriber2289 They both live at the homestead property, where the chicken coop and workshop are. He has said in previous videos/podcasts that the homestead property is partially on grid. The cabin property is their bug-out property. And yes, Vanessa, his wife is fortunate and so is he. They have accomplished a lot on and off camera.

[@elizabethjohnson475]

Blessed beyond measure!

[@elizabethjohnson475]

​@@timepasses3380I believe you're talking about Shawn's sister's cabin.

[@timepasses3380]

@@elizabethjohnson475 No, his sister's property is separate from the cabin and homestead properties. He has talked about his properties quite a few times. The easiest incidence to find is the Happy New Year video on his Shawn James channel posted a year ago entitled Why I Have Two Homesteads. The podcasts [his and others he has been on] also have lots of info, I believe his 8th or 9th one in particular, can't remember exactly as it's been a while ... :)

[@teresasachs3979]

Beautiful rustic look!!! Nice that you have your work shop with all the tools and a comfortable setting.

[@betty27246]

Great video...I always wait patiently for the next video..thks for your hard work..

[@MichelleTech]

My orange kitty passed away this last week, she loved watching Callie. Seeing her made me smile for my old girl Punkin in kitty heaven. ❤

[@tardismole]

From one bereft owner to another ❤

[@MichelleTech]

@tardismole thank you

[@jacksg1809]

Awe so sorry 😿

[@MichelleTech]

@jacksg1809 thank you ❤️

[@jussiheimovaara661]

It looks beautiful with all the snow ❄️ ❄️❄️

[@20x20Ghost]

You have the most awesome home Ive ever seen anyone build, thank you and all the lessons and skills you have shared with me and everyone else in the world you truly live in a paradise I will be emailing my shelves that I created from being inspired by yours probably next week . have a good day Shawn thanks

[@selimdede6554]

Herşey güzeldi.eski ev de güzeldi.yeni ev de.doğa harika.Türkiyeden selamlar.

[@William-ui5dj]

"I've always enjoyed your wonderful winter videos, especially during the holidays."

[@twanagreen4642]

Beautifully done! Thank you! for sharing with us!! I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas! GOD’S Blessings!!😊

[@frankricci88]

Love the trail camera footage!

[@lorrainehernandez4002]

Love seeing the cabin again especially in the snow

[@juliekeys1880]

Lovely mirror. God Bless and have a peaceful Christmas and New year.👍😘🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@EugeniaSoares]

wow. I'm in Quebec City and we dind't get snow yet at all. But you, good Lord. I also have a Golden, Oliver, he loves watching with me your channel. I think my words are not enough to express how amazing is your craftsman work. Real Divine gift. Have a great winter.

[@echopiece79]

Don’t slow down Shawn!! We need more content! 😊

[@rodneywroten2994]

Now that was great entertainment to watch close up MOOSE show

[@santiagobenites]

You've got a very nice sense of style and some great design skills, Shawn. Everything that you make is so unique, and has a lot of character. I liked the English Beat reference as well. Nicely done!

[@_.OX._]

To us in the UK they were just known as "The Beat".

[@santiagobenites]

@@_.OX._ I am aware. I used the name English Beat as that's how we knew them here in Canada.

[@_.OX._]

@@santiagobenites Yeah, I wasn't aware they were known as anything other than "The Beat" back in the day.

[@santiagobenites]

@@_.OX._ They had to modify the name in N America because a New York band was already using it. One of my favourite bands ever! 👍😁

[@carolynknight1520]

Incredible trail cam moose footage !

[@ecttreker9816]

Mirror turned out very nice. That moose footage is absolutely awesome, wow! 👍👍

[@lakesidepaul3950]

Great seeing the cabin again. I have to say, I think that is the first time I've heard moose on video!

[@lindapetersen1800]

SHAWN & OUR CALI !!! That is 1 Sweet Mirror there !!! Remember making the Oak ones in the bathroom with towel holders also !!! It was a Labor of Love that I thought to myself !!! Used the router also on them LOOKED Great I thought !!! You Sure Make a Person PROUD in what You hath done there !!!

[@timklassen421]

Thanks again Shawn another fantastic video .

[@OtiliaJalul]

Amo seus vídeos e a Cali, és um homem maravilhoso com grande talento, parabéns ❤ desejo pra você e família um Natal abençoado e um Ano Novo próspero e feliz ❤

[@Whulphie1]

I enjoyed watching the moose, the girls were so.funny

[@jonduthiel7399]

Great video . Lovely to see the inside of your beautiful home again . Hugs for Cali .❤

[@katdvjackson]

Your pup sure has a pretty winter coat!

[@Maggie-eo3rd]

The mirror is beautiful. Great job! God‘s blessings 🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏 stay safe and warm. You’ve got a decent amount of snow already. It looks gorgeous.

[@patriciaquintanasalazar3204]

Hola Shawn, que agradable ver nuevamente tus videos, desde mi país Chile. Hermosa Cabaña...❤

[@LiveAlohaOhana]

Hi Shawn and Calli 🐕 ❄️ I really like that ole miter box and hand tools as those are what I grew up with making stuff that were my dads tools in our shop! He would tell me our tools are only as good as well as we take care of them and they will last forever! ❤

[@randybryant9936]

Can't believe how much snow you have. Stay warm brother

[@justinvanka4490]

cali est heureuse de revoir la neige 🏔 🏔 un très beau travail ce miroir fabriqué avec goût bon week-end à vous

[@angleaschroeder6531]

What an incredible home and life. Thank you for sharing it with us!

[@larryoczkowski3493]

I remember when you first started this entire project, and now it all looks so comfortable. Nice job!

[@ericrichard6406]

Merry Christmas...when you building the bedroom? Just a question...love your channel over the last 6 years 😊

[@PatriciaBeyer-p7h]

I like the mirror 😍 Cali is looking good 👍 Your wife must love her woodsy home. You have done a great job.❤

[@marieina9787]

Magnifique le miroir vous avez de l'or dans les mains c'est whaou la cabine , j'adore vos vidéos je vous souhaite de bonnes fêtes de fins d'années avec vos êtres chers que dieu vous protège. Vous avez beaucoup de neige et calie toujours aussi adorable un amour de toutoune qui aime jouer de gros câlins je t'envoie. Amitiés ❤❤❤

[@RiceaRoni354]

The bathroom turned out so nice!

[@danieloliver20]

I love seeing that cabin in the snow! 🫎🪵

[@ingridhohmann3523]

Such a pretty bathroom sink and mirror 🪞 😍 👍 🎄

[@CantankerousOB]

Best one yet! that ending was perfect

[@lisastreet8920]

How beautiful.

[@remystraub6990]

merci JAMES

[@marianfrances4959]

Thanks, Shawn! 👍🇨🇦😎🌲🔥🐾🫎🦌

[@gussiegus4943]

Wow! That moose section was awesome!

[@loricortes6797]

Cali is getting older. I remember her as a pup. She definitely loves the winter time and dad time. Time flys for sure. I envy your lifestyle.

[@angejdwoods2]

Great footage of the moose on the trail cam!! Wow!

[@judy8117]

Shawn, how did know know,so far you are doing agreat job on my dream house !I know cali keeps you on track! 🏡❄️🐾❄️❄️🐕☘️💚

[@esvedium]

Poor Cali @ 5:20 - She's in snow up over her head almost and still determined to bring you back her orange trophy! Great video as always, Shawn. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[@ElmiraH980]

You are Awesome ❤️ and your family is Blessed.

[@taniadolphy5122]

What a lovely home you have. So comfortable and warm

[@kingrafa3938]

Happy weekend everyone!

[@GreatRegression]

Hello Shawn, you've built some amazing things! And even when you got knocked down, you got right back up and started over. Great resilience! Have you ever thought about coming over to X? I bet you'd find some like-minded people there. Thank you, my friend. ❤

[@vlcourneyea]

It warmed up 6 degrees while watching the moose to a balmy 2*. Lovely! From Waterloo ON 🇨🇦

[@armandzottola1626]

Sitting in my unseated sunroom watching this. Bundled up…seems like you meant this …sharing the chill of Winter with Shawn.

[@joanntucker2742]

Hello Sean the mirror looks beautiful! From Alabama 🇺🇲

[@DorisGronewold]

Just can't beat a fresh deer steak. Well, maybe some lovely oven venison stew. Lovely touch to the bathroom. Cozy and comfortable laid back living. Worth the extra work with the outdoors to boot, to enjoy.

[@ryanjames480]

Ontario ❤️❤️ my Dream. By Italy 🤚🏾👍🏾

[@evalinawarne1337]

Thank you for sharing with us the moose. You have a home I've desired for many years. BLESSED CHRISTMAS GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. SE MICHIGAN 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🇨🇦🇺🇸🇮🇱🀄❤️🙏🏡🐶❤️🙏🙏

[@robertdonaldson6584]

Nice Fixture. Looks like something Richard Proenneke would make in his 30 years at Twin Lakes, Alaska.

[@leandroreis5341]

Boa tarde.já sou fã desse canal já faz um tempo.parabéns.

[@HotrodRon74]

cant get any better then this can it..keep your toes warm Shawn

[@aizhongwen]

Callie is well behaved and cute. The mirror is very beautiful in the log bathroom . Wishing you and family a blessed peaceful Christmas and prosperous healthy New Year 2025. God bless you all. 😃🐩😊

[@nooneyouknowhere6148]

Respectable amount of snow. Reminds me of living up on the St Lawrence River in my youth. (South side) we had snow like that all winter.

[@AZHITW]

Nice that the moose decided to debark only one sapling. 🌲🦌🦌 Your home is beautiful, Merry Christmas! 🎄🎁

[@elizabethjohnson475]

Amazing! Well done! Regards from conservative far north California.

[@Анархия16-т4ы]

Хороших охот процветания каналу 🤝🤝🤝

[@THERONINCHEF]

Beautiful landscape. Beautiful work.

[@Smalfry47]

That’s one popular tree! Lol

[@straubdavid9]

The maple that you used for the mirror looks very rustic .... it is very nice indeed. It reminds me of American Chestnut that they used to build barns in the distant past.! You captured some very interesting moose behavior that I've never seen before👍🏻 Cali has her work cut out for her in plowing through the deep snow 🦮❄☃ I used to take my dogs out while cross-country skiing and snowshoeing .... it was lots of fun. Take care Shawn & Family😊✌🏻🌲🍁