Work in progress: Walnut end tables

Book-matching is a telltale sign of a handcrafted piece of furniture. It refers to matching two boards from the same tree in the same sequence of cut and joining them together to gain a balance within the piece. An example of book-matching can be observed in the above picture which uses curly black walnut. 

Little's Fine Furniture

If you're ever traveling through Frederick, Maryland be sure to stop by and check out some of my inventory at Little's Fine Furniture on East Patrick Street. They only carry furniture that is 100% hardwood (no plywood or veneer). All my inventory displayed at Little's comes with my lifetime guarantee. If at anytime there is ever a problem due to materials or workmanship, I will take the piece back and repair or replace it at no cost to the original owner. I feel very confident in my warranty because I use the best materials and finishes, and all the work is done by me- from my hands to your home!

Work in progress: Walnut end tables

I believe in building furniture that lasts for generations and to ensure that all of my work is heirloom-quality, I hand fit each joint. The joint I'm demonstrating in the photo above is called a mortise and tenon. The mortise and tenon joint is primarily used on tables to join the skirts to the legs. The mortise is a female joint cut in the leg and the tenon is the male joint cut on the skirt. When the two of these are constructed properly, it creates a indestructible joint that has been proven throughout time. I use this joint, along with several other types of joints, to build pieces that preserve the tradition of quality handmade furniture.

Art in the Park Myrtle Beach

During Art in the Park on June 20-21, artists and crafters endured 105 degree temperatures to display their amazing work. Lauriel Sawin displayed paintings that were very tranquil and calming; for more information you can visit www.loggerheadtrades.com . 

Lauriel Sawin

Ole Fish House Pottery by Bryon and Georgia Knight is another must see- their handmade pieces have some very unique shapes and designs that are still 100% functional. For more information and to see more of their work, visit www.bluemoon-gallery.com 

Ole Fish House Pottery

In my opinion, Steve Hazard Art & Design displayed the most unique, original and functional work at the festival; you can see his other work at www.stevehazardstudio.com

 

Steve Hazard Art & Design

These shows are a great way to discover new artists and craftsmen- I would highly recomend going to one whenever you get the chance because you never know what you may find.

Studio dogs!

Max and Zephyr are the best employees one can have, they pick up scrap wood, alert me when I have deliveries, and they accept food for payment! 

Work in progress: Tête-À-Tête Bench

Final sanding of curved crest

     Light reflecting off of a hand carved seat

In the first picture, I am perfoming the final sanding before applying the finish. In the final two pictures you can see the sheen of the first coat of hand rubbed oil finish.

Work in progress: Tête-À-Tête Bench

As you can see from the pictures, the spindles, seats, and crest of the bench have all been completed. The next step is to make the legs and sand everything smooth, then I will be ready for assembly. I hope to apply the first of four coats of the oil finish by Tuesday!

Work In Progress: Tête-À-Tête Bench

This is a new spin on an old design. Tête-À-Tête benches, also known as courting benches or kissing benches, emerged in France during the Victorian period. Traditionally made of wrought or cast iron, these benches were designed so two people could sit next to each other and have intimate conversations "head-to-head".

My version of the Tête-À-Tête was inspired by the natural lines of two book-matched maple slabs of wood jointed together. As you can see in the photo above, I am hand carving the two seats and I plan on leaving the natural edge on two sides of the bench (sanded smooth, of course). I plan on completing the bench with wild black cherry for the spindles, legs, and crest.

Olney Farmers and Artists Market

I will be showcasing my work at the Olney Farmers & Artists Market this weekend for anyone interested in stopping by. There will be tons of great locally grown food and artists present, as well as occasional visits from celebrity chefs, such as Spike from Bravo's Top Chef. For more information, you can check out the Farmers and Artists Market website at olneyfarmersmarket.org. 

Latest designs

This shelving and storage unit was custom designed for a client in Nashville TN. I always love when a client says," You know best, just go for it."

The upper shelves are natural edge black walnut. The lower cabinet is solid black walnut with dovetailed sides, two sliding book-matched doors, and the top is a natural edge black walnut piece with butterflies holding it together.

Thurmont Heritage Days Festival

Recently we were at the Thurmont Heritage Days Festival where there were a few crafters and artist. The weekend went pretty well for us; we made some great contacts and took more orders than anticipated. Look for us at "Art in the Park" Myrtle Beach June 20-21 or visit the website at cshandcrafted.com