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 !

WHAT'S IN YOUR FUTURE ?

Where will your new projector and screen, or LED, Plasma screen TV be in 2030? There's a good chance it won't be around anymore, or at least not in a prominent spot in your home, and I'm sure your children won't want it passed down to them. On the other hand, if you carefully consider a custom built piece of furniture for your home, it will last you a life time, and beyond. Your children would love to own it, and cherish the memories that it may bring. There aren't many things that carry as much sentimental value, so think about your future. What would a special custom built table or desk mean to you and to your family? What stories would they tell? The pieces  that were passed down through my family hold a priceless sentimental value that I appreciate everyday. What could we build for you? We are glad to listen, and help build something to be cherished
 beyond 2030.

A Dragon Table.....

Well this isn't the type of thing you are going to find in most furniture stores. As an independent furniture designer and builder I get involved with a number of interesting projects.
Roberto Calla is a good friend, and fellow craftsman that I work with. One of his talents is creating marquetry, creating beautiful pictures from hundreds of pieces of exotic woods. Someone asked if he could make a dining table inlayed with dragons. Working together with Bob Berghorst, our master woodworker supreme, we are now working to make this dream come true.

Many people are passionate about dragons. If you look around, they are found everywhere. Tattoos, jewelry, books, posters, artwork, pottery, x box games, and furniture list only a few sources. A dragon table may not be right for you, but building custom furniture the way you dream it is what we do. Building custom is about listening, and connecting with someone's desires, and transforming it into a finished product.
What have you been dreaming about lately? Drop us a line, and we will listen.

JUST SCRAP......

I just read a great blog by A J Hamler who writes Over the workbench.  It was called, "Don't call it scrap" and I made an immediate connection. If you are a furniture maker, or wood worker, I'm sure you would agree.
We all set aside special pieces of wood. Cut offs from larger boards or pieces of plywood.  These cast offs often become more special than the piece they came from.  I too have my piles of specials. They aren't sorted by species, but mostly by size. Larger boards are there in a bin under the boxes of the smallest pieces of wood trim and hardware  I've accumulated.  The wall  behind the scroll saw is for reclaimed wood, and the wooden box for mitre saw cut offs is over flowing. I also have a shelf for the most special pieces I needed to save, some walnut  pieces saved for years. I justify all of this because I do make some small projects, and this material is great for that, but I must admit that A J Hamler summed it up best with this quote: "I'm saving it faster than I'm using it".
So true.