MOVING FORWARD.....

Progress on the Wooton desk.  The design features are renaissance revival and Eastlake elements since the customer wanted a piece not as ornate as the earlier Neo Gothic designs. The desk will certainly be Victorian, but more refined.

We are using a variety of woods and veneers on this piece, as well as black accent quarter round molding around each burl panel. Cherry solids are used, with Maple Burl panels on all side and door panels. All burl panels are matched in a set, from top to bottom and from the left side cabinet to the right, giving this piece a very uniformed look.

As you can see in the photo, the back cabinet is almost complete. The cabinet is shown without the writing surface, the gallery on the top, the drawers for the lower portion of the cabinet, and of course the front two cabinets.  The open top section will store the computer.
Bob Berghorst is the remarkable craftsman veneering, machining and building this piece, and now
 working on the front two cabinets. The curved panels have been veneered and more information will follow soon.

A WOOTEN DESK FOR 2014

Building custom pieces can be interesting and rewarding.Every now and then we get to design and build some very special pieces.

One such project is this reproduction Wooten styled desk.  If you are not familiar with Wooten, his patented desks were made in Indiana between 1870 and 1890's, and were rather unique in their day.
The original desks are now collectable and sell for $25,000. to $250,000.

I love the complexity of this piece, and admire the craftsmen that made these beautiful pieces more than a hundred years ago.

My design is a combination of various elements found in several different models. The exterior will appear Victorian while the interior will be designed to hold a computer.  The desk will also include authentic Wooten Cabinet Hardware, which is very ingenious in it self. A special lock and cam system securely lock all three sections of the cabinet together with just one key.
I will post more later as this piece takes shape.

AUCTION

Our annual museum fundraiser was held this past Saturday, May 3rd.
I had donated this one of a kind Art Deco Table for the auction.

The top is a three piece slip matched Maple panel, with the joints lining up with each leg to create a slight contrast in color. The top is banded with inlaided Maple and Ebony, and the base is made of  Walnut.
Each leg ends in a simple scroll shape.  The table sold for $350. and the new owner was a very happy lady.

Measurements: 18" dia. x 23" H.

QUALITY

I just read this quote that someone randomly posted on facebook, and thought it was pretty good.
I don't know who first said/wrote this, but I think it is so true for today.  I am sure there are many companies and products that would like to use this as their slogan.

"The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten."

Wish I had come up with that one.
So true.

ART DECO TABLE......

My most recent project has been this small Art Deco table, of original design.

It's a small piece that could fit in many locations. It measures 18" diameter, by 23" tall.
It is made with a solid Walnut base, and a three piece Maple veneered top. The edge band
is made of Maple and Ebony. It is a simple design, with the legs terminating in scrolled feet.
The table is now donated to our local Museum, and will be auctioned off as part of a fund raising project.
I'll try to post the results once the auction is completed.

FLOWERS AND SONG BIRDS.....

One of my more recent projects was building table bases for my friend Roberto Calla.  He makes beautiful marquetry pictures, and made a series of small table tops featuring flowers and birds. All of the top panels are cut and inlaid by hand, using a variety of veneers he has collected over a period of years.

Marquetry has been around for a long time.  It was first developed in the 17th century in the lowland countries of Europe, when trader ships began bringing in exotic woods from foreign lands.Only the very wealthiest patrons  could afford to commission this new art form.Through the years it spread to other countries and became popular.

 Today, furniture is still decorated with this work, and I am fortunate to be able to work with Roberto and offer this type of work for people looking for furniture that is different, unique, and made of the finest material.  All of our work is custom, and can be made to your requested size and specification. The table shown is 14" x 14" x 25 1/2 H".

DESIGN COMPETITION

Design Quest 2012 Furniture Design Competition.
I recently entered this design competition, and had this piece accepted. I've been interested in mid century furniture design for a long time and have made a few pieces but wanted something with a fresh spin on this period. The lamp table is made of Walnut and Maple veneers and solids, and a brushed aluminum frame. Simple, and functional.
I was happy with the way this piece turned out, so I  continued to develop a collection of furniture including coffee tables, benches, side tables, and storage pieces all using the wood and aluminum combinations. I plan to expand this  group to include metal and paint finishes as well as  exotic woods and custom sizes to offer a variety of possibilities for those interested in contemporary interiors. This new collection is called Madison Square, furniture inspired by Mad Men.

Design Quest, the sponsor of this contest is a fine company specializing in Modern and Contemporary furniture. They are celebrating 40 years in business here in Grand Rapids Michigan. Congratulations !