tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67196249143865695612024-02-19T15:54:53.854-08:00Musings of a Furniture MakerJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022004633068603441noreply@blogger.comBlogger216125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719624914386569561.post-41515128723330296572012-03-03T08:24:00.002-08:002012-03-03T08:27:19.346-08:00Strong Evidence That Trees Do Have a Higher Intelligence<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATJwAJ3BMPv16unuJ8HtkEyMC2Y8LWELrpXxX6wVA5-V8_brOh8ThyphenhyphenDzJqvzwMv5Jaz8bfInX1qOTJ4tD1E1xTJYN4EORPORaSW8YIQSmLAscDzIn-WnSlfMWHSocKBKh1WLMEOe1nQhw/s1600/chiro-tree.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATJwAJ3BMPv16unuJ8HtkEyMC2Y8LWELrpXxX6wVA5-V8_brOh8ThyphenhyphenDzJqvzwMv5Jaz8bfInX1qOTJ4tD1E1xTJYN4EORPORaSW8YIQSmLAscDzIn-WnSlfMWHSocKBKh1WLMEOe1nQhw/s320/chiro-tree.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515081855338999970" /></a><br /><br />The <a href="http://www.fsc.org/">Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)</a> is an international not-for-profit organization that was founded in 1993 by environmental groups such as <a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/international/">Greenpeace</a>, <a href="http://www.sierraclub.org/">The Sierra Club</a> and <a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/">World Wildlife Fund</a>. Its mandate is to protect the world's forests through globally recognized principles of responsible forest stewardship.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XN3HxoqQdzjuwdGiHJdbZ1T1QFp-pjfEY5z3nHCQOtPl_f7KVTNASq18xiEbHSuxC56oZu0DvbMyGECqrAT3ZuHsnURNz5MCK-wZVH5h54ANkImCG3iHNTLzxI_E7iOBWRqtNBsQ-4zq/s1600/FSClogo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 219px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XN3HxoqQdzjuwdGiHJdbZ1T1QFp-pjfEY5z3nHCQOtPl_f7KVTNASq18xiEbHSuxC56oZu0DvbMyGECqrAT3ZuHsnURNz5MCK-wZVH5h54ANkImCG3iHNTLzxI_E7iOBWRqtNBsQ-4zq/s320/FSClogo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515675396539270130" /></a><br /><br />Between 2000 and 2004 I served on the board of <a href="http://www.fsccanada.org/">FSC Canada</a> in a variety of roles, including Treasurer and Chair. In that time I was privileged to meet people with a divergent range of perspectives that were all connected, in one form or another, to trees and forests. <br /><br />The people I met ranged from industry executives to environmentalists; government bureaucrats to members of NGOs (non-governmental organizations); social activists, trade unionists, hunters, trappers, biologists, loggers, scientists, and a variety of indigenous peoples who all relied on the forest to some degree for their culture, livelihood and spirituality.<br /><br />Because <a href="http://www.fsc.org/">FSC</a> is regarded globally as the most comprehensive forum where all of these diverse voices can be heard, it makes sense that a tremendous amount of unique information relating to trees and forests can be found there.<br /><br />During my tenure on this board I learned many fascinating things about the forest and the broader natural world, none the least of which was the fact that there seems to exist a form of higher intelligence within the natural world that defies any kind of scientific explanation.<br /><br />Most of us already know that in the frigid coastal waters of the Pacific Northwest there is an annual event taking place that is known as the salmon run. Every year many hundreds of thousands of salt water salmon - having grown to maturity in the far reaches of the Pacific Ocean - instinctively take it upon themselves to migrate hundreds of miles to the very rivers from which they themselves originally came.<br /><br />Having found the mouths of the rivers of their birth, these fish then begin a long battle upstream against raging currents of water that cascade down from the snowmelt of the surrounding mountains. While fighting this current these salmon must simultaneously dodge gauntlets of hungry bears who have come to depend on this annual protein-rich feast of fish in order to fatten up for the long winter hibernation that lies ahead.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXdAMG26UIG7_J-yxW7vX6S5hw_tdRqeBV6VmMSPoFX1PBswPrDanZRsyaQjtHOkpmtL9LvFMj6d0ESf-mLd080c_IKXXEE1ZfunBn5ygz2dIxwGkH4fYbH90m15P_RoPjDJLlk-w9XAkM/s1600/bearsalmon.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXdAMG26UIG7_J-yxW7vX6S5hw_tdRqeBV6VmMSPoFX1PBswPrDanZRsyaQjtHOkpmtL9LvFMj6d0ESf-mLd080c_IKXXEE1ZfunBn5ygz2dIxwGkH4fYbH90m15P_RoPjDJLlk-w9XAkM/s320/bearsalmon.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515083719922572562" /></a><br /><br />Those salmon that succeed in overcoming the river and the bears earn themselves the right to lay and fertilise eggs on the pebble bottoms of the upstream riverbeds. Having completed their task these salmon then die and complete their cycle of life at almost the precise spot where they themselves we born several years earlier.<br /><br />For many years foresters and biologists have studied this dynamic and developed theories on the possible connections between the salmon and the surrounding forest. Why, for example, were the trees closest to the river bigger and stronger than similar trees of similar age growing a mere hundred yards away?<br /><br />What scientists discovered was that when a bear caught a salmon in the river, it would typically haul that salmon into the nearby line of trees. This would allow them to feast in a place that was concealed from their hungry competitors. In their haste to fatten up for the winter these bears would focus on eating the protein-rich eggs and brain matter of the fish - leaving the rest of the carcass to rot in the forest.<br /><br />The simple theory that resulted was that these decaying fish became fertilizer for the nearby trees and plants. To scientifically prove and measure this theory, the scientists isolated a protein that was unique to the salmon species. This protein became identified as the N-15 protein marker.<br /><br />The theory went on to speculate that by measuring the vegetation alongside salmon streams for the N-15 protein marker, it would be possible to verify not only that fish protein was feeding the trees, but also how much of that protein was making its way into the trees. And by taking core samples and measuring the amount of N-15 protein in each layer of tree rings, it would also be possible to compile a historical record of the size of salmon runs in previous years.<br /><br />This type of study held considerable fascination for many people connected to the forest industry because of the unique and close interconnected relationship that exists between bears, rivers, trees and salmon in this rather complex dynamic.<br /><br />The bears, for example, depend on the salmon directly as a source of food, and on the river indirectly to deliver the salmon, and the trees to provide cover. The salmon, in turn, rely on the river as a means of transport and as a place to spawn their young. The salmon also depend on large and healthy shoreline trees to provide the necessary shade to keep the river water cool, because warm water kills eggs. In addition bears help the salmon by culling weaker fish from the spawning run, thereby ensuring healthier and stronger future offspring.<br /><br />The river relies on healthy trees and other ground vegetation to prevent silt from clogging its beds. The trees, in turn, were found to have a more complex and dynamic role within this larger equation.<br /><br />It is obvious, for example, that the trees rely directly on the bears to deliver the fish from the river to the surrounding forests. Trees, however, are not carnivores and cannot digest meat. Therefore, scientists began to study the process that converts fish protein into tree fibre.<br /><br />What they discovered was that there are tiny microbes living in the soil near the root base of trees, and these microbes break down the decaying fish carcasses into a manner that is digestible by trees. This reconstituted form of fish protein is then delivered by the microbes to nearby tree rootlets and these rootlets, it turn, make a barter transaction with the microbe of a droplet of tree sugar in exchange for the delivery of partially digested fish protein. <br /><br />In this manner the tree receives the food it needs in order to thrive along the river's edge. By using the barter transaction the tree rewards the microbe with the sugar droplet the microbe needs for its own survival. The microbes, after all, can only live on tree sugars and not fish protein.<br /><br />While this dynamic is fascinating in its own right, there is one key aspect of it that utterly boggles the mind. In studying the relationship between trees and microbes, the scientists decided to monitor the flow levels of sugars within tree root systems. This idea developed from the theory that the levels of tree sugar production within the tree would probably ebb and flow in direct proportion to the amount of partially digested salmon protein the tree would be bartering for with the soil microbes.<br /><br />What scientists discovered was astounding. While the levels of tree sugars did, in fact, ebb and flow in direct proportion to the amount of salmon protein that was being transacted, the stunning discovery was that the levels of tree sugars started to rise while the salmon were still hundreds of miles out to sea. And the level of tree sugar production would also fluctuate in direct proportion to the size of the run.<br /><br />What this means is that on some mysterious and completely unexplained level the trees seem to know in advance - almost telepathically - not only when the salmon are starting their spawning run, but also how many salmon are due to arrive. Clearly there is some form of higher communication, or consciousness, at work that enables a tree to intuitively sense the instinctive behaviours of another life form hundreds of miles away.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.recreatingeden.com/index.php?pid=8&season=05&episode=60">Diana Beresford-Kroeger</a> alludes to this as well in her latest book "<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Global-Forest-Diana-Beresford-kroeger/dp/0670021741">The Global Forest</a>" when she points out the interconnection between the great forests of the global garden and the invisible forests of the oceans. In a separate chapter Diana also talks about silent sound, and how trees communicate by infrasound.<br /><br />What all this makes clear is that we, as human beings, have generally very little understanding of the true interrelationships that exist between and within all forms of life on this planet.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-U8GIKDC5R31TTDCQFqMnkOHJ8VRG9TY70vWOkCG5Qaz6WvMfo1YpUUEPBAz0SAKltwqhmQ-LqGxEmAXZdU5OA0oe_Nzwn7iXD1wtsIrhUi9Yw9GS2jhkg_65Rv62R5S7dhiSHk4efQr/s1600/blackelk.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-U8GIKDC5R31TTDCQFqMnkOHJ8VRG9TY70vWOkCG5Qaz6WvMfo1YpUUEPBAz0SAKltwqhmQ-LqGxEmAXZdU5OA0oe_Nzwn7iXD1wtsIrhUi9Yw9GS2jhkg_65Rv62R5S7dhiSHk4efQr/s320/blackelk.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515085467506230066" /></a><br /><br />To paraphrase the words of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Elk">Black Elk</a>: "What we do not understand, we fear. And what we fear, we destroy." Given the collapse that is currently taking place amongst stocks of wild Pacific salmon, and the rampant deforestation that is obliterating many Northwest forests and salmon streams, it is clear that we humans are consistent on this latter point. We end up destroying what we fail to understand.Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022004633068603441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719624914386569561.post-69970891133594834902012-02-10T05:26:00.000-08:002012-02-10T05:39:22.401-08:00A Visit With the HopiOne night in the late 1990s I had an incredibly vivid and powerful dream. It happened with such profound clarity that I could have sworn it was real.<br /><br />In the dream I was standing on an open plain that was completely barren for as far as the eye could see. Far off in the distance was a range of mountains with low, flat peaks. I had the sense that I was standing somewhere in the desert of the American Southwest.<br /><br />The ground beneath my feet was absolutely arid and dry, and I could see deep cracks and fissures running in all directions. The earth was brittle and hard, and it crumbled audibly into tiny fragments with every step I took. I could smell the dryness of the dust as it wafted lazily in the stillness of the desert air.<br /><br />Standing to my right was an old Native American who seemed to be an elder of some kind. His face was weathered and deeply wrinkled, and his eyes had an expression of incredible sadness. There was a sense that he was tired and about to depart on a long journey. I had the impression that he had recently passed away.<br /><br />Before leaving there was something important he had to tell me. He spoke softly and slowly in a low, deep voice with words I could not understand. The language was not English. Nor did it resemble any European language I am familiar with.<br /><br />Raising his arm he gestured for me to look to the horizon. I could see silhouettes of animals in the distance, walking slowly in single file from left to right. There was a panther and a buffalo and many other species I cannot remember now. In some cases a predator walked behind prey, but all were walking calmly and deliberately in an orderly procession. There was a sense of balance to what I was being shown.<br /><br />The silhouettes were all solid black, and within the heart area of each was a small ball of light. It seemed that this light within each represented their energy, or life force.<br /><br />It was at this point I became aware that the animals were walking up to a great, old tree that stood alone on a very slight rise of land. Within this tree was a similar ball of light to that which was held in the animals, only this ball was much larger and much brighter. It was as if the Sun was positioned behind or inside this tree, and in some way maybe it was. <br /><br />Looking back to the old man I could see he was now smiling. He seemed pleased to have been able to share something before going on his way. Before I could say a word, he turned and departed.<br /><br />At this point the dream ended and I woke up.<br /><br />Although it was the middle of the night the intensity of this experience jolted me fully awake. I immediately ran downstairs to turn on my computer. Surfing the Internet I looked up familiar names such as Black Elk, Geronimo and Sitting Bull. I was convinced that if I could find a photo I would recognise the man from my dream. But the effort was to no avail, because I never did find an image of anyone who resembled the one who spoke to me.<br /><br />Nevertheless the experience stuck with me, so much so that several years later I commissioned wildlife artist Donna Bisschop to capture my memory of it to canvas.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipe7aAfixB8yPRkbU1u37vVOKGWqzJQpqomNPyjKk_5goqCMUvLDm8go-cN-zQ35uP6u9VwdxzUAXmICUSkkF9HwQ7Z2j_cwkM4agju8vfHQ_84DWh2qt_upspctRHuiOflH08SHcgERYF/s1600/TREELIFE%255B1sm%255D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 241px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571898271422925730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipe7aAfixB8yPRkbU1u37vVOKGWqzJQpqomNPyjKk_5goqCMUvLDm8go-cN-zQ35uP6u9VwdxzUAXmICUSkkF9HwQ7Z2j_cwkM4agju8vfHQ_84DWh2qt_upspctRHuiOflH08SHcgERYF/s320/TREELIFE%255B1sm%255D.jpg" /></a><br /><br />What does the dream and this painting have to do with furniture making? <br /><br />Absolutely nothing, but here's where the story gets interesting.<br /><br />While channel surfing one night in December 2006 I came across the popular television program <a href="http://www.colbertnation.com/home">'The Colbert Report'</a> . I tuned in near the end of Stephen Colbert's interview with author Daniel Pinchbeck; with the two of them discussing Daniel's then-latest book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/2012-Return-Quetzalcoatl-Daniel-Pinchbeck/dp/1585424838">"2012 - The Return of Quetzalcoatl".</a><br /><br />Several weeks later I was discussing the book with friend, and we ended up talking a great deal about a Native American tribe called the Hopi. The Hopi live in the remote mesas of northern Arizona, and Pinchbeck mentioned them in some detail near the end of his book. Out of this discussion came the suggestion that since I was so interested in the Hopi maybe I should travel to Arizona to go see them. <br /><br />I laughed and said that this was not going to happen, because I could not foresee any reason for ever having to travel to Arizona.<br /><br />Then something strange happened. On the very next day my phone rings and it's <a href="http://www.leeweitzmanfurniture.com/">Lee Weitzman</a> calling from Chicago. <a href="http://www.leeweitzmanfurniture.com/">Lee</a> had a client in Tucson with a problem they needed help with on a custom dining table we had made a few years earlier. <em>(Apparently a housekeeper had tried to clean the table with abrasive cleanser, and now someone was needed to explain to a local cabinet shop the process of repairing the finish).</em><br /><br />As much as I tried to explain the repair process over the phone the client was adamant that I travel to Arizona to deal with the matter personally. They had no qualms about paying for my time and travel expenses. As it turned out, for as much as I tried to talk my way out of making the trip, it soon became clear that I would have little choice but to go.<br /><br />It was also now apparent that since I was travelling to Arizona anyway (thanks to a client willing to pay for the bulk of my travel expenses), there would be little in the way of added cost to extend my trip a few days for a personal side trip. That said, I decided to follow an intuitive hunch down the proverbial rabbit hole by planning a visit to the Hopi reservation as part of this journey.<br /><br />I flew to Arizona and managed to resolve business matters by the morning of February 9th. I then made my way to Winslow, Arizona where I then took a 4-wheel-drive north into the desert. After first travelling through the Navajo reservation I ended up on the Hopi reservation by late afternoon.<br /><br />After driving around and orienting myself with the area I eventually found myself in one of the most traditional of Hopi villages. In so doing I also ended up having a chance meeting with the eldest elder of the Hopi - a revered individual by the name of Grandfather Martin Gashweseoma.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-wq1VRxf_UoiBdHA6afCaT6Doqz23_mUu_toZ_huZ_IbFFvK0UfoPdX5SsBPE1lHKl52cRTw3PCjnq0JQ5gB0YWa96A9vVkMXfW7Ql6_j5-AsL-MZXgTtpjI12-Qw1-4msyhk7f6UKV-/s1600/grandfathermartin.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 198px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 254px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571871756521710754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-wq1VRxf_UoiBdHA6afCaT6Doqz23_mUu_toZ_huZ_IbFFvK0UfoPdX5SsBPE1lHKl52cRTw3PCjnq0JQ5gB0YWa96A9vVkMXfW7Ql6_j5-AsL-MZXgTtpjI12-Qw1-4msyhk7f6UKV-/s320/grandfathermartin.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Out of respect for Grandfather Martin and the Hopi I will not give much detail on what happened during my visit. I was asked not to take any photographs or make any sketches in and around the village, and I respected those requests. The only photographs I took were outside the village, and even those were taken with permission.<br /><br />It is my understanding that many Hopi feel that their way of life has been exploited and misrepresented by non-Hopi such as myself - and not without reason. Therefore, I prefer to err on the side of caution and will share my story based on my own personal experience with what unfolded.<br /><br />It was late in the afternoon of February 9th when I first met Grandfather Martin. He was busy gathering coal, and after a brief discussion he offered to let me stay the night in his home. I thanked him for the offer, but not wanting to impose on his generosity I said I'd find a place off reservation and return the next day.<br /><br />"Be back before sunrise" he said.<br /><br />That night I could barely sleep. I had just met a man considered by many to be the Native American equivalent to the Dalai Lama, and he had just welcomed me into his village. Not wanting to be late, or delayed for any reason, I checked out of my room by 3:00 a.m. and drove back to the reservation, where I parked on the side of the road outside the village to wait for the dawn.<br /><br />Because this area is so remote, and there is absolutely no electricity or street lights (or streets for that matter) within the village itself, the darkness at night is more than palpable. It was literally and figuratively pitch black.<br /><br />At some point a very faint glow of light began to appear on the distant horizon, and I knew that dawn was approaching. Not knowing the exact time of sunrise, and not wanting to be late, I set out on foot to make my way into the village. I used my memory of curves and laneways from the previous day to guide me to the main plaza - alongside of which Grandfather Martin's home was located.<br /><br />It felt strange to be a white man walking gingerly through the darkness of a Hopi village. On some level I felt like an intruder. As I got within yards of Grandfather Martin's door I heard growls and something suddenly rushing at me out of the darkness. I didn't know what it was or where it was coming from until it was right upon me.<br /><br />Rez dogs - two of them. At first I thought they were attacking me, but thankfully they didn't. I was then concerned that they'd start barking and waking the whole village, so to keep them quiet I started rubbing and petting the sides of their necks. Thankfully that worked because they loved the attention - so much so that they ended up coiling themselves so tightly around my legs that now I couldn't walk anywhere.<br /><br />So there I stood in the pre-dawn darkness - about 10 feet from Grandfather Martin's door - hunched over and scratching the necks of 2 feral dogs who were determined to keep me standing exactly where I was. I didn't dare stop rubbing their necks either, because at least what I was doing was keeping them quiet.<br /><br />There was no light or noise coming from inside the home, so I also had no idea how much longer I'd have to wait.<br /><br />After a long while the door opened, and Grandfather Martin peered outside. Seeing me there he beckoned for me to come inside. The dogs, it turned out, were his and he seemed pleased that they liked me.<br /><br />What I soon discovered was that I had unexpectedly shown up on one of the most sacred days on the Hopi calendar. Known as Powamuya, this is a time of purification that culminates with a ceremony known as the bean dance. To describe it in simple terms: this celebration marks the return of the katsinam, who are the benevolent spirit beings who live among the Hopi for about a six month period each year.<br /><br />In broader terms, and to use a sports analogy, it was as if I had shown up at a football stadium and discovered, quite by chance, that the Super Bowl was being played there that day. The fact that I was welcomed and invited into this elder's home was the equivalent of receiving sideline passes to the 50 yard line.<br /><br />The experience was magical beyond comprehension. Grandfather Martin's home faces a main plaza, and as the day unfolded the bulk of the activity going on in the village was happening right out front. Inside the home was like a veritable Grand Central Station, with an ongoing feast and an endless stream of family, friends and other villagers constantly coming and going.<br /><br />By far the most pleasantly haunting and treasured memories of that experience were the sights and sounds of the costumed Kachina dancers as they emerged from the underground kivas to slowly dance and weave their way down the dirt lane ways and into the central plaza. It gave me chills of awe to bear witness to ceremony that was probably the same as it has been for thousands of years.<br /><br />I still get goose bumps every time I recall the memory.<br /><br />But what impressed me and influenced me the most were the Hopi people themselves. As a stranger and a white man I had shown up unannounced in their village on one of their most sacred of days. Instead of being turned away I was treated as a welcomed guest. Although the material means of the Hopi were few, what little was there was shared generously.<br /><br />The laughter and sense of humour amongst the Hopi was also a joy to behold, even though some of the loudest of laughs came at my own expense over what a Kachina dancer had done to my leg earlier in the day.<br /><br />Given how busy things were with ceremonies etc. I had few opportunities to talk one on one with Grandfather Martin, although he did ask me to sit with him on a few occasions while dances were taking place. <br /><br />Although this is impossible to prove and difficult to articulate I believe that people such as Grandfather Martin and other indigenous peoples such as the traditional Hopi are some of the last remaining people on this planet who retain a true sense of spiritual connectedness to the planet and the natural world.<br /><br />Perhaps the best way to explain the magic surrounding my experience there is to show you the following photo. It was taken (with permission) near the village of Kykotsmovi. When you compare it to the painting of the dream (shown earlier in this post) you'll likely notice some rather remarkable similarities.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusBpqk2GvItq1oeyhu0TesGmr2bFQKDtc42WdNDpksf7pPviJRVkmmq6X4WSz-DYS-G-OcJhfdTD03chX1jsBC5D43ND9F0W3eu0BjFLxRljl-OEAe22V572Ekn-qwB76RIksLVDebzjX/s1600/hopilandsmall.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571898556323398978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusBpqk2GvItq1oeyhu0TesGmr2bFQKDtc42WdNDpksf7pPviJRVkmmq6X4WSz-DYS-G-OcJhfdTD03chX1jsBC5D43ND9F0W3eu0BjFLxRljl-OEAe22V572Ekn-qwB76RIksLVDebzjX/s320/hopilandsmall.jpg" /></a><br /><br />What does it mean? An interpretation is anybody's guess, but it's quite possible that some would call this little more than a coincidence. However, as coincidences go I'd say this is a pretty good one. <br /><br />In the grand scheme of things I believe that at some point in each of our respective lives we all get confronted with an unusual circumstances, or "coincidences", to remind us that the world is not always as it seems.<br /><br />On these occasions it is often prudent to trust our intuition rather than blindly heeding what commonly accepted "conventional wisdom" tells us to do.Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022004633068603441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719624914386569561.post-55649173137646922382012-01-28T17:46:00.000-08:002012-01-28T18:52:23.465-08:00Delta Rose ConsoleJ. Wade Beam is one of America's most iconic furniture designers.<br /><br />After several years working at the legendary Dunbar Furniture Company of Berne, Indiana Wade became Design Director and VP of Sales and Marketing at <a href="http://www.brueton.com/">Brueton Industries Inc.</a> of New York.<br /><br />It was during this time we worked with Wade to develop many new products for the <a href="http://www.brueton.com/">Brueton</a> collection, including the <a href="http://www.brueton.com/productdetail.aspx?ProductID=207">Virginian Credenza</a> show here.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCLmGf4nDZY-y6ZzucilnBl0tc39fO8EIdkSq5FBAZHrklHarHQUGB8C0Ba3RVHRzZRU8FleTE5xlcLefSOTXGV_TPCrJzq7TtBfGt3mZtp6GhqQdiFSVvCCJnXgqT6N8tA8WXsXAOzu3/s1600/virginian.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 211px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702877508369638674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCLmGf4nDZY-y6ZzucilnBl0tc39fO8EIdkSq5FBAZHrklHarHQUGB8C0Ba3RVHRzZRU8FleTE5xlcLefSOTXGV_TPCrJzq7TtBfGt3mZtp6GhqQdiFSVvCCJnXgqT6N8tA8WXsXAOzu3/s400/virginian.jpg" /></a><br />The elliptical shape of the plywood bend on the <a href="http://www.brueton.com/productdetail.aspx?ProductID=207">Virginian</a> was extremely difficult to achieve, but our success with the final result made this credenza a favorite of all the custom furniture pieces we have ever made.<br /><br />Following completion of his tenure at <a href="http://www.brueton.com/">Brueton</a> in the mid 1990s, Wade began to dabble with other experimental designs. One of them was a wall hung console he called the Delta Rose.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxIa8XUSp31hzvYrGXO1km3by1g_r9xoC20pomaoENYmn7gqw6A_SoJOMJfEgPjHgYqpv6A1HGR7iGiG8YAEMYKnJrVH130mEt8ociepKiaLCWse8ivcuLC8Em7OWHPZMqOZnn_jwGD9P/s1600/Delta+Rose+Console.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702877764148916370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxIa8XUSp31hzvYrGXO1km3by1g_r9xoC20pomaoENYmn7gqw6A_SoJOMJfEgPjHgYqpv6A1HGR7iGiG8YAEMYKnJrVH130mEt8ociepKiaLCWse8ivcuLC8Em7OWHPZMqOZnn_jwGD9P/s400/Delta+Rose+Console.jpg" /></a><br />Measuring 84" long x 18" deep x 36" high this console was extremely angular in form, with high polished Ribbon Sapele ends flanking a triangular gold leaf center wedge.<br /><br />Although called the Delta Rose, this console became unofficially known as the "Klingon Warship" in our shop. (Star Trek fans might see the humour here).Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022004633068603441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719624914386569561.post-17243660163377412722012-01-13T04:39:00.000-08:002012-01-13T04:56:14.455-08:00Happy Birthday, Wiggers Custom Furniture Ltd.<a href="http://www.wiggersfurniture.com/">Wiggers Custom Furniture Ltd.</a> turns 45-years-old today.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsIBCj8N32Bw0mOlcA7tvOA7oz1Sdk8LZRcAEd0oD9wr-xADIM7rUI52thLLOJxyTYVlsOB6VgqwoXnFv5EOOboq0B6wBTwSfxpJEWXZvBw9dMWA2y4YHLIQlOPP-D0QpC7irOhB-3K-Q/s1600/happybirthday.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 187px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560270112371099970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsIBCj8N32Bw0mOlcA7tvOA7oz1Sdk8LZRcAEd0oD9wr-xADIM7rUI52thLLOJxyTYVlsOB6VgqwoXnFv5EOOboq0B6wBTwSfxpJEWXZvBw9dMWA2y4YHLIQlOPP-D0QpC7irOhB-3K-Q/s320/happybirthday.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The company was founded on January 13, 1967 by my parents Ann and Johan Wiggers. Just like today that day also happened to be a Friday the 13th.<br /><br />Although some consider Friday the 13th to be unlucky, I guess it doesn't work that way for everyone.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiLJ9P0PppJkQgcq3ZIACC2Wnxnv5PqZ4VwWaugJvwn1TaBJ_tiHHVMPUedSiOgrykghYjdVWE09_P0la_VIIvKyeFWAWxhDuzNnJyubCt2dkq0v4kj-h3La_fNP10AZwY8N56oQhDIi5/s1600/jonsmall2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 234px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560738576821974530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiLJ9P0PppJkQgcq3ZIACC2Wnxnv5PqZ4VwWaugJvwn1TaBJ_tiHHVMPUedSiOgrykghYjdVWE09_P0la_VIIvKyeFWAWxhDuzNnJyubCt2dkq0v4kj-h3La_fNP10AZwY8N56oQhDIi5/s320/jonsmall2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaRkWFj_xpq8AXpfDiNIGouDCWCaJw1vRxSq2fyuquZVJfZ0n3BtoHqlgRnHiArQpqfPAj7aerThT-NOkxzPl_5Eb6g0JlK67T0q6EnZ3MkBwEsPVr4IV2PwSfda9GlNqu7nEE6vjjiAc/s1600/johnshop2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 224px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560738024366181010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaRkWFj_xpq8AXpfDiNIGouDCWCaJw1vRxSq2fyuquZVJfZ0n3BtoHqlgRnHiArQpqfPAj7aerThT-NOkxzPl_5Eb6g0JlK67T0q6EnZ3MkBwEsPVr4IV2PwSfda9GlNqu7nEE6vjjiAc/s320/johnshop2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />When I was very small I spent a great deal of time playing on my father's workbench, while he was still working out of the basement of his home.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JfdlBdTVIi-rXhD_uQ3Crhkcda6oF370bV_dk_3scKkUBvN6ikC1p5GxjSA4QAUNTFSydgfkQ-6NLgehko4xHeDh4QJL_liouP7a0miThK-eicwKkj3HWIxOPY9K_3DRNVXokTklLu99/s1600/001-01e.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 146px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 145px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560738786394759922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JfdlBdTVIi-rXhD_uQ3Crhkcda6oF370bV_dk_3scKkUBvN6ikC1p5GxjSA4QAUNTFSydgfkQ-6NLgehko4xHeDh4QJL_liouP7a0miThK-eicwKkj3HWIxOPY9K_3DRNVXokTklLu99/s320/001-01e.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The first actual workshop wasn't built until 1968. <em>(Notice the Ford Econoline van parked on the side. Years later that was the first vehicle I learned to drive, complete with standard transmission and three-on-the-tree.)</em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAozosGksTkI8rt5sPwWrqmHjhr-9QAs8aYBMb2zYYr8uH-KwSfspRtaAdAme9QL677H4xzBLnQbWcUiLPd7CDie3ISUXsrnZhqd0QUpVS0A8G1q12QY69tuR0Vcv9ZdneD2iCglWt9Qy/s1600/wiggerslogo2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 100px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561652566232981234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAozosGksTkI8rt5sPwWrqmHjhr-9QAs8aYBMb2zYYr8uH-KwSfspRtaAdAme9QL677H4xzBLnQbWcUiLPd7CDie3ISUXsrnZhqd0QUpVS0A8G1q12QY69tuR0Vcv9ZdneD2iCglWt9Qy/s320/wiggerslogo2.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbkHDK_JpODQfQplczxeiz2jW26vwGzxxs_aFC9stmbMQubx13PFtnscu_LzTB8A8zxq-tkIUp9QA-Mx5JbpWIjpXFCJEcfj7iH2rSIo8EbjQa10_KgPqRnq-5YFQEwXles3HXXjV1NQb/s1600/low+res+CPP_4654.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 206px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560254091962441650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbkHDK_JpODQfQplczxeiz2jW26vwGzxxs_aFC9stmbMQubx13PFtnscu_LzTB8A8zxq-tkIUp9QA-Mx5JbpWIjpXFCJEcfj7iH2rSIo8EbjQa10_KgPqRnq-5YFQEwXles3HXXjV1NQb/s320/low+res+CPP_4654.JPG" /></a><br /><br />This is the shop today. It is now approx. 12,000 sq. ft. in size, but still has a number of original tools and machines still being used each day.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTkUqlncI9Dtcksogsr4Uto98A0v2sN3NMRDScsAOTpUt-6fRRaFfQkhOjHfsNObHfEwDp5V2YN40JZ4dWthpSe1TICw2LsFImL8TZyLXBQX4Qm5Vw4rrzCINfOgtSdPiy7uvhIfC4bWj/s1600/Johan.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 246px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560249354271662578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTkUqlncI9Dtcksogsr4Uto98A0v2sN3NMRDScsAOTpUt-6fRRaFfQkhOjHfsNObHfEwDp5V2YN40JZ4dWthpSe1TICw2LsFImL8TZyLXBQX4Qm5Vw4rrzCINfOgtSdPiy7uvhIfC4bWj/s320/Johan.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Although he's now retired my father keeps himself active which, in turn, keeps him young.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NAzQBo6ydfwn7wLyxz75PcqEMD3jyb-9WVyCo0euOgNVJNet48jxlkdQiNPn8eUlew5xGgi2wVGKeARbI3hL-rJqy0mGXwPNPjhWQgl12q_nWEOG8irskYAnnAPBAhhrVNaYA5Wdi67h/s1600/john.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 246px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560254281510036850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NAzQBo6ydfwn7wLyxz75PcqEMD3jyb-9WVyCo0euOgNVJNet48jxlkdQiNPn8eUlew5xGgi2wVGKeARbI3hL-rJqy0mGXwPNPjhWQgl12q_nWEOG8irskYAnnAPBAhhrVNaYA5Wdi67h/s320/john.jpg" /></a><br /><br />This coming year will also mark my 31st year as a full time furniture maker, and I am amazed how quickly the time has flown. (Such a cliche to say too, I know).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEzZ2xg6AWEnrk6871zYHc-4NMXIo_cPIDnm6uYFe1UGlntPkpIYHKEOumrRc4b1UgU6XPSd2UR5o51o_cj5WzOMuSv2yPbg0v70AZp_Vkbn9RQ8JmrjUycNkN_YfYjuNEgwbxXaaR-mR/s1600/kevincameo.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 210px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 210px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696818970800094354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEzZ2xg6AWEnrk6871zYHc-4NMXIo_cPIDnm6uYFe1UGlntPkpIYHKEOumrRc4b1UgU6XPSd2UR5o51o_cj5WzOMuSv2yPbg0v70AZp_Vkbn9RQ8JmrjUycNkN_YfYjuNEgwbxXaaR-mR/s400/kevincameo.jpg" /></a><br /><br />My son Kevin is now working with me as well.<br /><br />Although he's only 21-years-old he's already far more skilled and experienced than I was at the same age. What parent wouldn't be happy to admit that?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkdQ7V8dfxhzv0ZWLV6Vtq9cPkmEirk-DSiez9-0RYG_97qgUbhdiqzwlEBC9M7AuvK7pBbHlj_r6biIBalr0n28gNIt9hBbv2aWdq-THqMXVWAzuFnmvOa3L21nHYKdJNWI0o7pYkKvl/s1600/low+res+CPP_4581C.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560263200032749522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkdQ7V8dfxhzv0ZWLV6Vtq9cPkmEirk-DSiez9-0RYG_97qgUbhdiqzwlEBC9M7AuvK7pBbHlj_r6biIBalr0n28gNIt9hBbv2aWdq-THqMXVWAzuFnmvOa3L21nHYKdJNWI0o7pYkKvl/s320/low+res+CPP_4581C.jpg" /></a><br /><br />It's great having my father around to teach Kevin things like wood turning and marquetry. Kevin is patient and shows great respect listening to his grandfather.<br /><br />As an interesting historical footnote it was also 45 years ago today that <a href="http://www.time.com/time/">Time Magazine</a> published the following cover:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBahlGi5jwww3AmpmJ786f1FnCkqiTRgybmtvocnpMnstT6GOmH4gVWgF3bGE-nuiXZ6PfAMNPByM87wc0ipahhLzU_d7ee16TTx_o1xAdnuawf-MEcdKqCMF7tJcjTlm8h6jkJpwS0G8B/s1600/timecover.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 243px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561483720482311154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBahlGi5jwww3AmpmJ786f1FnCkqiTRgybmtvocnpMnstT6GOmH4gVWgF3bGE-nuiXZ6PfAMNPByM87wc0ipahhLzU_d7ee16TTx_o1xAdnuawf-MEcdKqCMF7tJcjTlm8h6jkJpwS0G8B/s320/timecover.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Times have certainly changed, because in recent years China has transitioned away from being an agrarian Communist society to become what is now a manufacturing juggernaut - becoming so wealthy in the process that it is now the holder of millions of jobs and trillions of dollars formerly held in the West.<br /><br />This certainly wasn't the playing field that confronted my father and grandfather during their respective eras. Then again, they had Great Depressions and World Wars to deal with. Regardless, I remain hopeful that we as a small business can continue to find ways to navigate forward during these uncertain times.<br /><br />In the meantime Happy Birthday, Wiggers Custom Furniture Ltd. !Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022004633068603441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719624914386569561.post-46587342406634411542012-01-10T10:48:00.000-08:002012-01-10T11:25:49.437-08:00Custom Furniture Sample Sale - Dallas, TexasCurrently we have 2 floor samples on display at the <a href="http://www.allan-knight.com/">Allan Knight</a> showroom in Dallas, Texas.<br /><br />We are interested in finding good homes for both of them.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRNIfExcEz86dJeEPJ106PMwhglGRBugNepEDyNu8kOn_q_EuV5MhXP7Z1a8KYm6o2NNtQCRwTp9pdo02AN6VADAE6Mrc81LoSO6Ul4N3tf6rgpvmLXX99BiElKfLBxqFblNF8pXR7b9k/s1600/Florence+Buffet.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696081802725983618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRNIfExcEz86dJeEPJ106PMwhglGRBugNepEDyNu8kOn_q_EuV5MhXP7Z1a8KYm6o2NNtQCRwTp9pdo02AN6VADAE6Mrc81LoSO6Ul4N3tf6rgpvmLXX99BiElKfLBxqFblNF8pXR7b9k/s400/Florence+Buffet.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The first piece is a Florence Buffet which measures 86-3/8" long x 19" deep x 35-3/4" high. The cabinet exterior is finished in a combination of Tobacco Mahogany and Cerused Natural Walnut satin finish. <br /><br />There are 3 touch latch doors crafted of Tobacco Mahogany with recessed insets of Cerused Natural Walnut. Three natural maple compartments are located behind each door, with 1 adjustable shelf set into each compartment. There is also 1 lined and 1 lined/divided drawer located inside.<br /><br />The List price of the Florence Buffet as shown is $12,165.00<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgYGqR6LdijeiWf6hciBKZPbEhQSnkfRakhJ46U4SDAE08OL44p_ghmSgZgpgpwEq1C5XDfVY72kCCEEx1R1wd8Jn6WEKrQAd0_QLofasQzQD2TBZZvbgldqkAKtSPkD2HDKwVzhSEwoT/s1600/Alina+Table.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696081349801663282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgYGqR6LdijeiWf6hciBKZPbEhQSnkfRakhJ46U4SDAE08OL44p_ghmSgZgpgpwEq1C5XDfVY72kCCEEx1R1wd8Jn6WEKrQAd0_QLofasQzQD2TBZZvbgldqkAKtSPkD2HDKwVzhSEwoT/s400/Alina+Table.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The Alina Table measures 30" dia. x 30" high and has a Dark Adobe Oak Top with beavertooth textured finish, set on 3 Cerused Limed Oak legs. The lower level is a non-textured Dark Adobe Oak fixes shelf.<br /><br />The List price of the Alina Table as shown is $4965.00<br /><br />Both pieces were designed by Mitchell Pickard of Dallas, Texas and are currently on display at:<br /><br /><strong><a href="http://www.allan-knight.com/">Allan Knight and Associates</a><br />150 Turtle Creek Boulevard<br />Suite 101<br />Dallas, Texas 75207<br /><br />214-741-2227<br />214-741-2238 (f)<br /><br />Contact: David Peterman</strong><br />dpeterman@allan-knight.com<br /><br />Please contact David for more information as well as available discounts.Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022004633068603441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719624914386569561.post-50241131292647681052012-01-09T19:34:00.000-08:002012-01-09T20:06:54.756-08:00Custom Chess TableA few months ago we received a request to make a Bow Tie Pedestal Table in a custom size of 19-5/8" long x 19-5/8" deep x 20" high.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjbu5RZwZZobGRs_LH95jcoGmfSI2t879-b9FVRYtktIZufpq09idxAqCUcc2uVmUiXqN3ZxgPa0usmhn95B3G-3XxjseIgDVAkFMWYGpKy9KQsurH2tF_4QH8R8EI6ZG4wudZ4bB92TR/s1600/4122a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695848513409136610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjbu5RZwZZobGRs_LH95jcoGmfSI2t879-b9FVRYtktIZufpq09idxAqCUcc2uVmUiXqN3ZxgPa0usmhn95B3G-3XxjseIgDVAkFMWYGpKy9KQsurH2tF_4QH8R8EI6ZG4wudZ4bB92TR/s400/4122a.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The purpose of this table was to provide an elevated playing surface for a stone chess board the client already had.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpY5YwGiJ91v5WnpqVy4rbE0tmHxAH8BzsE7dPrsNUL2W-z3oNPc6AfdAD_kyjhZ18_IMtVlEOyAysfJ_nicoOGAwxQ5ykQgP6qkpUcYwX0uGEs4CURk7JP6Jy_uKCppNxiS0ZbEQvlKPl/s1600/4122c.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695848751829960178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpY5YwGiJ91v5WnpqVy4rbE0tmHxAH8BzsE7dPrsNUL2W-z3oNPc6AfdAD_kyjhZ18_IMtVlEOyAysfJ_nicoOGAwxQ5ykQgP6qkpUcYwX0uGEs4CURk7JP6Jy_uKCppNxiS0ZbEQvlKPl/s400/4122c.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The resulting table was crafted from a bundle of quarter cut figured Walnut veneer.Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022004633068603441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719624914386569561.post-31870593467688004622012-01-08T08:49:00.000-08:002012-01-08T09:45:25.607-08:00Custom End Table for a Ski LodgeA few months ago an interior designer from Utah called expressing interest in Kevin's Portage Cocktail Table design.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhL5bSqjjZsEj1aYMloZ1L61jUWStIXAlCmkSKMiP4T9gTweR72oDcUfCZLTf_3zGG_ci1tj9VZ1sm_bC2VVIE4gfrEhijDlRcUxVs0-K2qaEkOu3fmsLGV1SamwuVfcxkT9OAtgjszO1T/s1600/portage1compress.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 206px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695306474086813074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhL5bSqjjZsEj1aYMloZ1L61jUWStIXAlCmkSKMiP4T9gTweR72oDcUfCZLTf_3zGG_ci1tj9VZ1sm_bC2VVIE4gfrEhijDlRcUxVs0-K2qaEkOu3fmsLGV1SamwuVfcxkT9OAtgjszO1T/s400/portage1compress.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The designer wanted to know if the table could be resized as an End Table measuring 24" x 24" x 24" high. In addition, she said that the satin black plinth and stainless steel offsets would need to be changed to an antique bronze finish, in order to meld with other pieces in the existing decor of a mountain ski lodge.<br /><br />After finalizing the details with drawings for approval we began work on the table. The timeline was short, since the table had to be delivered in time for a large party taking place just before Christmas.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxVPoji5jkYQAmiqkyxNslhx22HN-1hItygbdBpBQQdTu4g4YBquhtvxeJhxMqk7cjgYUgI89ldxB8hkQLuC26k7RWguYmgUwxj6OY5_8gQC6iQr2egWWZMuVCVvr2LyiAmhHJ3sA9JHC/s1600/4126h.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695309328177873330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxVPoji5jkYQAmiqkyxNslhx22HN-1hItygbdBpBQQdTu4g4YBquhtvxeJhxMqk7cjgYUgI89ldxB8hkQLuC26k7RWguYmgUwxj6OY5_8gQC6iQr2egWWZMuVCVvr2LyiAmhHJ3sA9JHC/s400/4126h.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The antique bronze offsets and plinth were fabricated from a heavy gauge of cold rolled steel, and sent to a nearly plating shop for finishing.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JNSDjihMqzflBL3raHlRuG3bHx8Zb4K765LBvvpjGdoS3tPLXbGfTE_1tTlPfh1xqTruyR7JQKBSPMScjxx1YwOm_nLlqcDfZd0qp3vs8f312dd3klRMeWPsynTCkea1n5hfkLIbIOOD/s1600/4126j.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695310341869279234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JNSDjihMqzflBL3raHlRuG3bHx8Zb4K765LBvvpjGdoS3tPLXbGfTE_1tTlPfh1xqTruyR7JQKBSPMScjxx1YwOm_nLlqcDfZd0qp3vs8f312dd3klRMeWPsynTCkea1n5hfkLIbIOOD/s400/4126j.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The main body of the table was crafted from a spectacular bundle of reclaimed quartered Walnut veneer, that had a slight fiddleback pattern to the grain.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICxmA7w7KHf8YsGx2nw0anD9P0BwTkB5DNfuo_hm2_WtXPOJZU4BRdO_60z-zVG0jh85gFoppSOK7eRKclmUALIhKb4uWNNDSfMr-cy74GtlJTeUZb5VhhNXcdkkRqqlIZC19-AFLbzYK/s1600/4126f.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695310892343456338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICxmA7w7KHf8YsGx2nw0anD9P0BwTkB5DNfuo_hm2_WtXPOJZU4BRdO_60z-zVG0jh85gFoppSOK7eRKclmUALIhKb4uWNNDSfMr-cy74GtlJTeUZb5VhhNXcdkkRqqlIZC19-AFLbzYK/s400/4126f.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho9elleNBNFZy9eb5Y8pitG1DDlkKBFxsJlDy-aaM4SirCTJUlwI-FXMeVprilAvhhc8BbB9sl2nClf5HrLO48HhTGyZlOWqk_0q_84piXe1_crMqNTUPtI_fNJf5LMpGPiaD63zWTNBAA/s1600/4126g.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695310738280966962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho9elleNBNFZy9eb5Y8pitG1DDlkKBFxsJlDy-aaM4SirCTJUlwI-FXMeVprilAvhhc8BbB9sl2nClf5HrLO48HhTGyZlOWqk_0q_84piXe1_crMqNTUPtI_fNJf5LMpGPiaD63zWTNBAA/s400/4126g.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Drilling the holes for the offsets had to wait until the metal components arrived, in order to ensure a tight custom fit.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJYT8LDqrxGGbYZ0rHbvwrhin3LisP2qdL9er26AwD4X0zGnQkZaY9q9ywi-NLtm7_09RY91HhSKPrBfKRHDtqmGdj1Mh_hLe_DyV1bj19EhbIflxKlrOVu8XAN-fjHRWdrD7ARpHpNav/s1600/4126c.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695312056009165714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJYT8LDqrxGGbYZ0rHbvwrhin3LisP2qdL9er26AwD4X0zGnQkZaY9q9ywi-NLtm7_09RY91HhSKPrBfKRHDtqmGdj1Mh_hLe_DyV1bj19EhbIflxKlrOVu8XAN-fjHRWdrD7ARpHpNav/s400/4126c.jpg" /></a><br /><br />This image shows a detail of the top corner of the table, highlighting one of the antique bronze insets as well as the beaded corner inlay.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6MOFFm7M7donxmShs9zNs6rIZN83XwLan3WXnyYE7kd1WFranm4hwHY4vS-n3TqMfQfjFT0cJ5kG-Gq8zQZD9l04Zo9e7AWwBU218uEGaQ_9lP2WXPKyRTWarO9N3UuZWWtw_dKVTS4d/s1600/4126b-lores.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 353px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 335px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695316248464315874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6MOFFm7M7donxmShs9zNs6rIZN83XwLan3WXnyYE7kd1WFranm4hwHY4vS-n3TqMfQfjFT0cJ5kG-Gq8zQZD9l04Zo9e7AWwBU218uEGaQ_9lP2WXPKyRTWarO9N3UuZWWtw_dKVTS4d/s400/4126b-lores.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The above image shows the completed table. A last minute revision was made to use extra heavy 5/8" (16 mm) glass for the top, to complement the masculine proportions of the design.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtE03UKVa8zFTZ7bwNhj6nNIAXJ0JkxLosYzL2Vv3-Qufi-6y0uOMch_LsIBCSF1o4dG7H2ZE_f0stE5W6_Iib4yNFjbPKpT5vAE2LrMsIo7o8yqW8TM8HFwyDoEoYJHSQM7oAQLB2PVMp/s1600/4126e.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695312670522437938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtE03UKVa8zFTZ7bwNhj6nNIAXJ0JkxLosYzL2Vv3-Qufi-6y0uOMch_LsIBCSF1o4dG7H2ZE_f0stE5W6_Iib4yNFjbPKpT5vAE2LrMsIo7o8yqW8TM8HFwyDoEoYJHSQM7oAQLB2PVMp/s400/4126e.jpg" /></a><br /><br />After final inspection the table was wrapped and crated for shipping. Because of its relatively small size it was possible to ship the package in an economical manner via ground courier to the final destination.<br /><br />The table arrived just in time for the party, and by all accounts it was well received.Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022004633068603441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719624914386569561.post-29977728448199014042012-01-05T19:07:00.000-08:002012-01-05T19:10:10.489-08:00Television Interview with Howard Green of BNNA few weeks ago a producer from <a href="http://www.bnn.ca/">Business News Network (BNN</a>) called asking me to participate in an interview entitled "The Business of Craftmanship". <br /><br />The focus of the segment was to discover how people can turn the craft of making things into an actual business, and in addition to me discussing the craft of fine furniture making there were also interviews with custom guitar maker <a href="http://www.williamlaskin.com/">William "Grit" Laskin</a>, and shoemaker-to-the-stars <a href="http://www.fluevog.com/">John Fluevog</a>.<br /><br />The interview took place last Tuesday at a gallery in Toronto called <a href="http://industrialstorm.com/">Industrial Storm</a>, and it would be an understatement to say that I was incredibly nervous going in.<br /><br /><a href="http://wiggersfurniture.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/howardgreen2.jpg"><img src="http://wiggersfurniture.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/howardgreen2.jpg" alt="" title="howardgreen2" width="183" height="275" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-824" /></a><br /><br />Thankfully the show's host <a href="http://howardgreen.com/">Howard Green</a> was incredibly professional and easy going, and his friendly, relaxed demeanor worked wonders setting me at ease before the interview began.<br /><br /><a href="http://howardgreen.com/">Howard's </a>interview with me can be seen at the following link: <br /><br /><a href="http://watch.bnn.ca/headline/#clip590938">http://watch.bnn.ca/headline/#clip590938</a><br /><br />Meanwhile Howard's interview with <a href="http://www.williamlaskin.com/">William "Grit" Laskin</a> is <a href="http://watch.bnn.ca/#clip590935">here</a>, and the interview with <a href="http://www.fluevog.com/">John Fluevog</a> is <a href="http://watch.bnn.ca/#clip590936">here</a>.Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022004633068603441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719624914386569561.post-15594046120751979192011-08-26T18:59:00.000-07:002011-08-26T20:10:16.245-07:00The Dog Days of SummerIt's hard to believe it's been over a month since my last blog post. I ended up slipping into vacation mode, and haven't found reason to return until now.
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<br />At the end of July we went on vacation to a lake near Haliburton. As much as I had grand ambitions to use the downtime to either design new furniture pieces or sort through my images folders, deep down I knew I'd be using my time off to do little more than absolutely nothing. Basically I just shut down mentally, to the extent that I could barely find the motivation to even check email (which, incidentally, would have meant driving into town to find some place with Wifi). Aside from a bit of swimming and a few long walks about the only thing I accomplished was putting a daily dent into my stash of Diamond Crowns, Macanudos and Arturo Fuente Hemingways.
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<br />In my mind there is nothing that caps off a lazy day on vacation quite like an excellent cigar under a star filled sky.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VKNS1BM26c3zLl9ueu1WLCL49ToOXzC0fUqyJspw0Are46HjtTiT3Sg29iYtYZQZ1sDx04loUKSjtXVIuUgwWD61T23NCSMR5eLp2a2GFWbSFeTybmaaVbetQvy8uvLh-LszMOliS5B_/s1600/life.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VKNS1BM26c3zLl9ueu1WLCL49ToOXzC0fUqyJspw0Are46HjtTiT3Sg29iYtYZQZ1sDx04loUKSjtXVIuUgwWD61T23NCSMR5eLp2a2GFWbSFeTybmaaVbetQvy8uvLh-LszMOliS5B_/s400/life.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645364966050926946" /></a>
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<br />About the only real accomplishment I made all week was reading a book, which happened to be "Life" by Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones. One thing I found fascinating was the way in which Richards describes the creative process of song writing. In his mind he doesn't really write songs, so much as act as a conduit for pulling songs out from the proverbial aether. In many ways his description parallels experiences I have had creating some of my more unusual furniture pieces and details.
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<br />Speaking of furniture I had to laugh about the near fatal experience Richards had with some built-in bookcases in his home. Apparently he was reaching for a book on an upper shelf one time, and the shelf pins fell out causing him to fall under an avalanche of tomes. The incident resulted in serious injury including broken ribs and a punctured lung. Apparently Mr. Richards has need for a good cabinet-maker, and if he's looking I know of a good one I could recommend.
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<br />Perhaps the best part of the book was Richards' explanation of how the bluesy guitar riff came together on my all time favorite Stones song: "Can't You Hear Me Knocking?"
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<br />Even after all these years, this tune still rocks.
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<br /><iframe width="420" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CJ8MvnEVCqM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<br />Hat tips to the late Andy Warhol for the iconic album cover.
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<br />(Yes, kids, there once was a thing called albums, and the album covers were a form of art).Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022004633068603441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719624914386569561.post-9010859015878342682011-07-20T17:31:00.000-07:002011-07-20T19:01:37.767-07:00Spalting Maple - The Horse Poo ExperimentIn recent months Kevin has made considerable effort to purchase some figured wood that is commonly known as Spalted Maple. <br /><br />Given the difficulty he has had finding quality examples of this wood, he has started to explore ways of spalting his own Maple.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3H7t7tp4Xp1nE5DY4iuuqslVgvGa_lRzv4Uat75_hMzl-6nabUM41GDgqXnBBYxs5DPjg_pJ4U2lIcDVsoEKucBflRRuEzlcQPeKxMIL3D1X0k016kcudSRt9Lam3szzdMchAX_UtU6pp/s1600/spalt.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 254px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 157px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631599167799255058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3H7t7tp4Xp1nE5DY4iuuqslVgvGa_lRzv4Uat75_hMzl-6nabUM41GDgqXnBBYxs5DPjg_pJ4U2lIcDVsoEKucBflRRuEzlcQPeKxMIL3D1X0k016kcudSRt9Lam3szzdMchAX_UtU6pp/s400/spalt.jpg" /></a> <br /><br />What is Spalting?<br /><br />When most woodworkers refer to spalting, they are usually describing the introduction of dramatic color or black into specific grain lines of wood. This is sometimes produced by mold growth in live or cut wood, or various types of wood disease or rot. Spalting can include myriad forms and colors, depending on the wood, the cause, the chemical elements introduced, etc.<br /><br />When different types of mold of fungi are present in a piece of wood, black lines are often formed as an interaction zone where different fungi have erected barriers to protect their resources.<br /><br />Somewhere along the way Kevin found a do-it-yourself recipe that claims that Maple can be spalted by smearing yogurt over chunks of the wood. The wood is then wrapped in plastic and buryed it in the ground for 2 months. Kevin gathered up a variety of 6/4 Maple scraps from around the shop and used them to conduct his experiment.<br /><br />While it makes sense that the bacteria naturally found in yogurt should have the ability to spalt Maple, I question whether kiln dried solids are wet enough for the spalting process to work. Given that he buried the wood in early June, we'll find out in a couple of weeks time how well the experiment worked.<br /><br />In the meantime some relatives ended up cutting down a small Maple tree at their cottage recently, and they asked whether I'd be interested in the logs. I saw this as a perfect opportunity to explore a different theory of spalting.<br /><br />For this experiment I used a recipe found online at a site called <a href="http://www.woodcentral.com/russ/russ4.shtml">WoodCentral</a>. It calls for a mixture of 3 parts dried leaves, 1 part water, 2 scoops Miracle-Gro, 1 part fresh horse manure, and 1 bottle of beer (in this case an Upper Canada Dark Ale).<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Wgzig1sjz5k7pdDko_U3Vxi30rT7m6MZPCRbVVfkr1kPr7A30TXG_sCnGSIv3QrP2lXDTw7hn6t62Oh1PCQaoV3XQvqOKicwUdg8WS4cd7m7RcbZYCJIxkk-4tqIwECDYT_NnwLZRRu_/s1600/spalt1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631597941667957458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Wgzig1sjz5k7pdDko_U3Vxi30rT7m6MZPCRbVVfkr1kPr7A30TXG_sCnGSIv3QrP2lXDTw7hn6t62Oh1PCQaoV3XQvqOKicwUdg8WS4cd7m7RcbZYCJIxkk-4tqIwECDYT_NnwLZRRu_/s400/spalt1.jpg" /></a> <br /><br />The photo above shows the ingredients ready for mixing. The dried leaves are already in the pail with the water.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVN-zlheEx4oDZmfTkTykBzzexdp9NOHctYhjpGgMTSVqt0tc795bQv0E7KlyF-JrkvZThMhMP8eR197jlytD9pzsSrNKcWpTWiygtMnLv2vchNO1_np4uVfYBu2aahvdrs0RU0EQqCdb/s1600/spalt2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631597811598142194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVN-zlheEx4oDZmfTkTykBzzexdp9NOHctYhjpGgMTSVqt0tc795bQv0E7KlyF-JrkvZThMhMP8eR197jlytD9pzsSrNKcWpTWiygtMnLv2vchNO1_np4uVfYBu2aahvdrs0RU0EQqCdb/s400/spalt2.jpg" /></a> <br /><br />The brew is stirred and ready.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5AMejeJ5UKirc6Icu2JiWVS0b1a6qBjC33hJeG9mAglJzNI7X_dcYtYiKd60Gt73lY85sDXyRU_POfMWVABnF92ys_wlIMHs7zxw3eBy6FM0GmjEp04dcQcICx0QDfSPIUan5coLRKvN/s1600/spalt3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631597672266281138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5AMejeJ5UKirc6Icu2JiWVS0b1a6qBjC33hJeG9mAglJzNI7X_dcYtYiKd60Gt73lY85sDXyRU_POfMWVABnF92ys_wlIMHs7zxw3eBy6FM0GmjEp04dcQcICx0QDfSPIUan5coLRKvN/s400/spalt3.jpg" /></a> <br /><br />To better expose the wet ends of the logs it was necessary to cut 3" off each end. My father came by with his chainsaw to do the deed. For a 79-year-old he continues to be quite limber and adept with handling tools.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tpT8-MhAfdwRGNhtQzrOI-4r8diVXTweOPHEN8Lr1b-wiwlkqNBM9QApcXgDLF6H12hyBo4q_jn50q1PVNRcFSEqwLqHKSt-7UmcC7MV6tsgmITgd-CxxSQCCMKQpU2l-c5vbquskpJR/s1600/spalt4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631597542127718562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tpT8-MhAfdwRGNhtQzrOI-4r8diVXTweOPHEN8Lr1b-wiwlkqNBM9QApcXgDLF6H12hyBo4q_jn50q1PVNRcFSEqwLqHKSt-7UmcC7MV6tsgmITgd-CxxSQCCMKQpU2l-c5vbquskpJR/s400/spalt4.jpg" /></a> <br /><br />Applying the "poo brew" to the ends of the logs.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fLmmXxj7KtlFfY83D63TKVNeHGoNsMfz3xBWaeY90JtU5dHsDeGVBqs_x-cTX528USOLte3W8vJL-3_iEkh998XGG3POQazG19u-fUg_EMqhn_wCghJ1yNkPqhDus0LbVtajFJDFtlhX/s1600/spalt5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631597411548827954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fLmmXxj7KtlFfY83D63TKVNeHGoNsMfz3xBWaeY90JtU5dHsDeGVBqs_x-cTX528USOLte3W8vJL-3_iEkh998XGG3POQazG19u-fUg_EMqhn_wCghJ1yNkPqhDus0LbVtajFJDFtlhX/s400/spalt5.jpg" /></a> <br /><br />The remaining mixture of manure and leaves was placed on top of the bark.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2H8kslazsN4-ljuDSfk8rJuzRQ6mqf2Ld85Y0T4vawSXcYtnGSqitQhujoGFKtuQ6Em_FAkkvwBsNixWTUFJrYfjEcFODGOF4cl2n_Xt2h8aXQ0y7_RHmIVwVWY757-KkvH8e573oXkw/s1600/spalt6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631597285590290466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2H8kslazsN4-ljuDSfk8rJuzRQ6mqf2Ld85Y0T4vawSXcYtnGSqitQhujoGFKtuQ6Em_FAkkvwBsNixWTUFJrYfjEcFODGOF4cl2n_Xt2h8aXQ0y7_RHmIVwVWY757-KkvH8e573oXkw/s400/spalt6.jpg" /></a> <br /><br />The logs were then wrapped and sealed in plastic, where they'll remain in the Sun for about 2 months. The skid below keeps them elevated, so ground rot doesn't set in.<br /><br />Check back in 2 months time to see what happened.Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022004633068603441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719624914386569561.post-87681303057779340312011-07-12T18:18:00.001-07:002011-07-13T04:39:37.704-07:00The "Big Ass" DeskAbout a year ago we received a request for quotation for a number of furniture pieces going into a large custom project. One of the pieces quoted was for a custom desk.<br /><br />At the time I remembered feeling just a little bit nervous about the prospect of making a massive one piece curved top that would measure almost 14' corner to corner. Not knowing whether the quote would actually materialize as an order, I didn't end up spending too much time figuring out how, exactly, we'd do it.<br /><br />Well, the order did materialize, and we did figure out how to make the top.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURAnY88nkLCB8u4bbv2k7DOPY-UrdzLZIRnkphmmorRdJG_QHkcbxl6DCdxkIbeD_nl0O93dZKJQz6DPNbgkeHYSs29d7JpkTAWwkrHhcG20GUgdlRRyClKREZ3XQLYSpu8LK5jX-6djU/s1600/4097a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628641443800815602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURAnY88nkLCB8u4bbv2k7DOPY-UrdzLZIRnkphmmorRdJG_QHkcbxl6DCdxkIbeD_nl0O93dZKJQz6DPNbgkeHYSs29d7JpkTAWwkrHhcG20GUgdlRRyClKREZ3XQLYSpu8LK5jX-6djU/s400/4097a.jpg" /></a> <br /><br />This is the credenza that will be located on the left side of the desk. There are a total of 6 box drawers over 3 files drawers. The drawer boxes will all be dovetailed solid maple running on Blumotion self closing linear ball bearing slides.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYM0pScpJu6fp1OLEC7nqKdhbbpubk4ppkfjZFXWtfDym0zxqlP2iMc23c36P1W-gFQNdYTK0yxDqHib-9IaiyUN5b3anosI_9e2NLfmae_MDzyW1BItnun_gAINQEmiAzbz6pM3q6Z_iP/s1600/4097b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628641288340383026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYM0pScpJu6fp1OLEC7nqKdhbbpubk4ppkfjZFXWtfDym0zxqlP2iMc23c36P1W-gFQNdYTK0yxDqHib-9IaiyUN5b3anosI_9e2NLfmae_MDzyW1BItnun_gAINQEmiAzbz6pM3q6Z_iP/s400/4097b.jpg" /></a><br /><br />This image shows the addition of the side cabinet for CPU storage. There will be a removeable angled back added to this cabinet to allow for wiring access.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeO-xMkFtNKstCd4LgGz1r2-ZnxUIlz5Bqq2NSd7Zve5SdCdzo2pUOUU6VHKdjfqV1wf2R_XMbiieIGnhj62dSgc956Ret-lEwro5EGLERKR4DdInPElmvsGP9c8cyEHK4AxAwlXKgYXVD/s1600/4097c.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628641146231592930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeO-xMkFtNKstCd4LgGz1r2-ZnxUIlz5Bqq2NSd7Zve5SdCdzo2pUOUU6VHKdjfqV1wf2R_XMbiieIGnhj62dSgc956Ret-lEwro5EGLERKR4DdInPElmvsGP9c8cyEHK4AxAwlXKgYXVD/s400/4097c.jpg" /></a> <br /><br />The curved modesty panel is bolted to the CPU cabinet.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhS3hPj9AsaIOzKi2soW-P8A3nTWzRUyUfolQM8X9M-Rwn-oL30mnXigeghwJIpH4sMbZ61cnBiLgBPn3oPgJnqUI93Dc2dNq932MqnXwoMpxOB1uALQLG-WD7_QSjvslFG77RLnxIf_RX/s1600/4097d.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628641022639328370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhS3hPj9AsaIOzKi2soW-P8A3nTWzRUyUfolQM8X9M-Rwn-oL30mnXigeghwJIpH4sMbZ61cnBiLgBPn3oPgJnqUI93Dc2dNq932MqnXwoMpxOB1uALQLG-WD7_QSjvslFG77RLnxIf_RX/s400/4097d.jpg" /></a> <br /><br />The end gable is added to the far side of the modesty panel. The removable panel for the CPU cabinet can be seen on the right.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHFaRmvJo0IeZS9SjENZ21VGKGB9e5Z5eH3g3lk0w5NbMiz0WAPRDhnDSQAz_SDunEiEbTihuh4Q2PZcAizz4cFJKrkou0psIgj3SS0IUQItl3PKFmfs1Ptp6ScoNn2H4oAt1jZ5Madmd/s1600/4097e.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628640816063133746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHFaRmvJo0IeZS9SjENZ21VGKGB9e5Z5eH3g3lk0w5NbMiz0WAPRDhnDSQAz_SDunEiEbTihuh4Q2PZcAizz4cFJKrkou0psIgj3SS0IUQItl3PKFmfs1Ptp6ScoNn2H4oAt1jZ5Madmd/s400/4097e.jpg" /></a> <br /><br />The "big ass" top is added to the "big ass" desk. It goes without saying that putting an undercut bevel edge around all 3 sides was more than a little challenging.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0v2UAEplkP0MD-AkjdDuKBSFHaXydYN_o1VEDbFLbRrTBgShvwZbX2OPbZnE4p6bcdGidyDFnF4FC-zFO-ZcwDFh0IpsXItkmo-BRrtsiCBO5UnGHNS4AGExmd3U-m2zJL7TcvDqecsqN/s1600/4097f.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628640698336975266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0v2UAEplkP0MD-AkjdDuKBSFHaXydYN_o1VEDbFLbRrTBgShvwZbX2OPbZnE4p6bcdGidyDFnF4FC-zFO-ZcwDFh0IpsXItkmo-BRrtsiCBO5UnGHNS4AGExmd3U-m2zJL7TcvDqecsqN/s400/4097f.jpg" /></a> <br /><br />This view shows the inside of the desk, including the knee space.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7HtSLJCr-89IWUEOMN7fyhS7Nskr2TptSta-ZBqU14bOAleXK7myCDJsCYt8mFJy07qS1bK_WmV-hnfnsnB8dPAXTL3cxb9dQxEj1l9dfNoJEcNJsUs2BoKOpcWotDfAbVoTOeNX20iv/s1600/4097g.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 183px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628640586713190642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7HtSLJCr-89IWUEOMN7fyhS7Nskr2TptSta-ZBqU14bOAleXK7myCDJsCYt8mFJy07qS1bK_WmV-hnfnsnB8dPAXTL3cxb9dQxEj1l9dfNoJEcNJsUs2BoKOpcWotDfAbVoTOeNX20iv/s400/4097g.jpg" /></a> <br /><br />I'm not certain whether this is the biggest desk we've ever made, but this is definitely the biggest desk we've ever made for a home office. <br /><br />This piece has now been disassembled for sanding and finishing.Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022004633068603441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719624914386569561.post-15582068410996652232011-07-11T19:31:00.000-07:002011-07-11T20:15:06.676-07:00Tekendoos Keepsake BoxesThe inspiration for these keepsake boxes comes from a “Tekendoos” (a Dutch word for “drawing box”) that was given to me by my Grandfather when I was a small boy.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisie9nJtN0EKa8URrYpmFD3Cj_sAoR-E8ywovhErXzktF092oqctMu4Q1gTxTg6qS1L7SrsluMvU1QG0BzjGahrSv4WbVKYHisi_ZSp2KzMeK39tHFRpq5aOpeaA6ofd1yyurJ7_xrucJL/s1600/Tekendos.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628291587373369570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisie9nJtN0EKa8URrYpmFD3Cj_sAoR-E8ywovhErXzktF092oqctMu4Q1gTxTg6qS1L7SrsluMvU1QG0BzjGahrSv4WbVKYHisi_ZSp2KzMeK39tHFRpq5aOpeaA6ofd1yyurJ7_xrucJL/s400/Tekendos.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I have cherished this gift for almost 50 years, and it still sits on my desk to this day.<br /><br />The boxes shown here have been constructed from mitre folded Baltic Birch ply, with exteriors clad in various species of exotic wood that have been inlaid with purfling banding. The hinges are solid brass, and the interiors are felt lined.<br /><br />The overall dimensions of each box is 10” by 5” by 2-5/8” high<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLoJmUdaGKHamOyqYDX91plj8FdCDycbrwIHNib9Oe7SIaPlQAyw2DpYuDHYLpSfINfhyphenhyphen0rosORyVAZIvEWGqcBaZ1Jxp3Q-oZ8VbT_3zv7yFzJ1-jlUoeDRQtu-S8owmiQGhBKbs2yVW/s1600/jewellery1.1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628291168437106482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLoJmUdaGKHamOyqYDX91plj8FdCDycbrwIHNib9Oe7SIaPlQAyw2DpYuDHYLpSfINfhyphenhyphen0rosORyVAZIvEWGqcBaZ1Jxp3Q-oZ8VbT_3zv7yFzJ1-jlUoeDRQtu-S8owmiQGhBKbs2yVW/s400/jewellery1.1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NxUObwuiOifohYFLTDbZP5gjEr_Aj1-QkkO7IZGJyb9jxst8idBwTXb038FvepqdcV0Gp5D2TsJOmusPdPbS1epiFungmZx1AcDfTkrUNnRKgE8sMii1dMuT1aEyOMVPwpWws-Kduzen/s1600/jewellery1.2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628291020235886786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NxUObwuiOifohYFLTDbZP5gjEr_Aj1-QkkO7IZGJyb9jxst8idBwTXb038FvepqdcV0Gp5D2TsJOmusPdPbS1epiFungmZx1AcDfTkrUNnRKgE8sMii1dMuT1aEyOMVPwpWws-Kduzen/s400/jewellery1.2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nfKTHVj1PLlVRNPfwZ6JLiUhI4hJvlbanxXOEybXmTDvQMnskkIzMwpLNb3N0jDo_Bpn1coyJn1JwqDx1oyYS1LA8uDy2c074mqNU61IpPciOtHXyBw2AjB0YOZf3lZiCVZ3Hcvj_uGw/s1600/jewellery1.3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628290897800376994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nfKTHVj1PLlVRNPfwZ6JLiUhI4hJvlbanxXOEybXmTDvQMnskkIzMwpLNb3N0jDo_Bpn1coyJn1JwqDx1oyYS1LA8uDy2c074mqNU61IpPciOtHXyBw2AjB0YOZf3lZiCVZ3Hcvj_uGw/s400/jewellery1.3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9mSwLVGEWAFUU5NdmIqUO-zrlk9CWV_SoO5Vdagx7mix5qwS4jNvu3B5oCu1-VE5mAZCBZXLcdugxJGpVJIq8U6ZbmCR7fLhR3JA2xYWXoVpfwH4VgS5tYBGIOAgM2yfJ46zGWp8HyRS3/s1600/jewellery1.4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628290783465189730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9mSwLVGEWAFUU5NdmIqUO-zrlk9CWV_SoO5Vdagx7mix5qwS4jNvu3B5oCu1-VE5mAZCBZXLcdugxJGpVJIq8U6ZbmCR7fLhR3JA2xYWXoVpfwH4VgS5tYBGIOAgM2yfJ46zGWp8HyRS3/s400/jewellery1.4.jpg" /></a> <br /><br />The box shown above has been crafted from Karellian Birch Burl and inlaid with Mahogany, Maple and Indian Ebony.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGniWF2lES35EPrMV21AAC0mBqEktZ6_FDgVU1PE5_o1GQ5lvAICT3f1043xvkxgZIg6WkqWni3Ikk9kVMkoZFPIlA0A8vzsG3nQG0BoHc_eOCUSDaQXBXJcB6bq8JLtsmnRk81rSb3N1v/s1600/jewellery2.1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628290598531745010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGniWF2lES35EPrMV21AAC0mBqEktZ6_FDgVU1PE5_o1GQ5lvAICT3f1043xvkxgZIg6WkqWni3Ikk9kVMkoZFPIlA0A8vzsG3nQG0BoHc_eOCUSDaQXBXJcB6bq8JLtsmnRk81rSb3N1v/s400/jewellery2.1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CmF81znQ8qYYpM9t83U2mfcL9l2Yi12B-4r4CqBnzz9Th9NOloYbpiGmzMUXWojnAJd6X1h_i3jdjLXtMMJxWIbAkmwCm8hS3YjVZGUwySpuhKjV5hC080uC9yp-E7OswRZnoT0V9siW/s1600/jewellery2.2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628290432120928994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CmF81znQ8qYYpM9t83U2mfcL9l2Yi12B-4r4CqBnzz9Th9NOloYbpiGmzMUXWojnAJd6X1h_i3jdjLXtMMJxWIbAkmwCm8hS3YjVZGUwySpuhKjV5hC080uC9yp-E7OswRZnoT0V9siW/s400/jewellery2.2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0xdUU110Rsz_OxQYoBgvWGwxhOvoCp57BX6oMqtmCo2snNS3wijQx-g8RvXNNogou93r2F4IU79b08JQbOPZJLO5INhD9qaW6bBR-gOzaJNY2WacHDUMLNyWh7OGYZa_ztbLvVoFSDTK/s1600/jewellery2.3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628290319934923394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0xdUU110Rsz_OxQYoBgvWGwxhOvoCp57BX6oMqtmCo2snNS3wijQx-g8RvXNNogou93r2F4IU79b08JQbOPZJLO5INhD9qaW6bBR-gOzaJNY2WacHDUMLNyWh7OGYZa_ztbLvVoFSDTK/s400/jewellery2.3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtewrdNo9l_hzoc3HVtxJCx4VirTHjQ04kOfOJkQQH4jsQwwP2QuGtxkX3eDnGQd2XPL9a2Q-njJGeMV2q24ghUiFfvNGY_rFMoMtSS18izt1Xx-Wwo3CSGASV40DWnXrWNhga5sNGi7Dz/s1600/jewellery2.4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628290208969585842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtewrdNo9l_hzoc3HVtxJCx4VirTHjQ04kOfOJkQQH4jsQwwP2QuGtxkX3eDnGQd2XPL9a2Q-njJGeMV2q24ghUiFfvNGY_rFMoMtSS18izt1Xx-Wwo3CSGASV40DWnXrWNhga5sNGi7Dz/s400/jewellery2.4.jpg" /></a> <br /><br />The above box is made from Zebrawood inlaid with Mahogany, Maple and Indian Ebony.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2wOiUrXIQNU0Yi5xGymyqD6uWctBqlWRTeG0SoEzIUHJ9kffAd-gW1YVO4WSKf-U8SGzYHOtLjOXYh4g6rf8fvOwWrKAensw8AMuaB3rse8MV2tYJZEQaB7x-YucoCAWv6z4Hn1Y7z5a/s1600/jewellery3.1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628290085459119794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2wOiUrXIQNU0Yi5xGymyqD6uWctBqlWRTeG0SoEzIUHJ9kffAd-gW1YVO4WSKf-U8SGzYHOtLjOXYh4g6rf8fvOwWrKAensw8AMuaB3rse8MV2tYJZEQaB7x-YucoCAWv6z4Hn1Y7z5a/s400/jewellery3.1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVmwvWAJ-ZbqlP9gXkWf0hWwmEtJ5O6wn9vKCOL18fDx15taq6bZSuUgA-Knq3hgzLTAfHyK6bZlCrdqgbDW9NJgg3N_a_qK9hSdhEbx8MS0P6Lin-p2wEyldvcvi3ppjx3-eMZv5dznA/s1600/jewellery3.2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628289966054676162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVmwvWAJ-ZbqlP9gXkWf0hWwmEtJ5O6wn9vKCOL18fDx15taq6bZSuUgA-Knq3hgzLTAfHyK6bZlCrdqgbDW9NJgg3N_a_qK9hSdhEbx8MS0P6Lin-p2wEyldvcvi3ppjx3-eMZv5dznA/s400/jewellery3.2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4atYpmIhxg65Ankmm2gVouraPYr-f98QktkSBJd0H1mXpPD_Xxhyphenhyphenmo_c5GzHH9zxvFQ7j0ejh8gttsNz3510CSM8wzCVKphAU1bPNTMbCNsA-VxvmcWsuBnbqF-tUdRtJ6TWkAxkPMKxz/s1600/jewellery3.3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628289852885537570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4atYpmIhxg65Ankmm2gVouraPYr-f98QktkSBJd0H1mXpPD_Xxhyphenhyphenmo_c5GzHH9zxvFQ7j0ejh8gttsNz3510CSM8wzCVKphAU1bPNTMbCNsA-VxvmcWsuBnbqF-tUdRtJ6TWkAxkPMKxz/s400/jewellery3.3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXz7gq81PgFFXb55AH7hWX1kpZDEV5ibxYLJX5WHSQL5GAtkQXdg1VNliR8w_LbTBjN9cPawzHOEZ0E9gvtmGOKJORlM-B-MpWmt_PABcQG_dU0hUauejX5j7rR5fj1NrEGK_YXqNbnKn/s1600/jewellery3.4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXz7gq81PgFFXb55AH7hWX1kpZDEV5ibxYLJX5WHSQL5GAtkQXdg1VNliR8w_LbTBjN9cPawzHOEZ0E9gvtmGOKJORlM-B-MpWmt_PABcQG_dU0hUauejX5j7rR5fj1NrEGK_YXqNbnKn/s400/jewellery3.4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628298994726731122" /></a><br /><br />This box is made of Kevazingo inlaid with Tulipwood, Maple and Indian Ebony.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZvT_cPAfUq6r_LKiPY7lXb6pN-jFYTUlEeB0VEiFgPi2cnNmtIEFgCUx8XFu2gTqENoyF9qXFPRganGJphAy4KMrrWl6QTFCQ1SZmd3Ur97MobR16fNokX4y0tvFdlovsGI3WGBns9s5/s1600/jewellery4.1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628289570736673282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZvT_cPAfUq6r_LKiPY7lXb6pN-jFYTUlEeB0VEiFgPi2cnNmtIEFgCUx8XFu2gTqENoyF9qXFPRganGJphAy4KMrrWl6QTFCQ1SZmd3Ur97MobR16fNokX4y0tvFdlovsGI3WGBns9s5/s400/jewellery4.1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvrATjpcSqOEzTO-9BKR2ZQOW_OtgeZ9YfzoZ1q3TFS5CVgm1B_VsbtYYW_MA3IW-PZIDljey1kFNT6gC6yvlbFM1AIkYNwpVmTvf308zqoGQiD1SxzyuTVrDSUSikVpCN3Mwj9Sjeg0E/s1600/jewellery4.2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628289449034047250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvrATjpcSqOEzTO-9BKR2ZQOW_OtgeZ9YfzoZ1q3TFS5CVgm1B_VsbtYYW_MA3IW-PZIDljey1kFNT6gC6yvlbFM1AIkYNwpVmTvf308zqoGQiD1SxzyuTVrDSUSikVpCN3Mwj9Sjeg0E/s400/jewellery4.2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiSB_KlHt32oB5PxdryhMNaRqXgWBVHjU4bjwbjuYXsy1vdekaFVltR77UbCC0KO3_hzSgMLSgvU2gfqZl6HoyweY1tml8RwzwJfrbTCZf5n-W43sERtZgma9o64JWN7p1p9AeFIxkz8j/s1600/jewellery4.3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628289309496118546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiSB_KlHt32oB5PxdryhMNaRqXgWBVHjU4bjwbjuYXsy1vdekaFVltR77UbCC0KO3_hzSgMLSgvU2gfqZl6HoyweY1tml8RwzwJfrbTCZf5n-W43sERtZgma9o64JWN7p1p9AeFIxkz8j/s400/jewellery4.3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKe3vdHDkRye6NT0PhlxavZXrnBBvV9mR2A9Eob5hlqUEq-bxYX7cTbFcuvb1XR_pQlBskYxuTOWuFJs4y_3oQHesGhAfiylZFcEfgyxNveW7Mf32JZB9zatQkwVaPy5XjGcW5qXCqBhA/s1600/jewellery4.4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 260px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKe3vdHDkRye6NT0PhlxavZXrnBBvV9mR2A9Eob5hlqUEq-bxYX7cTbFcuvb1XR_pQlBskYxuTOWuFJs4y_3oQHesGhAfiylZFcEfgyxNveW7Mf32JZB9zatQkwVaPy5XjGcW5qXCqBhA/s400/jewellery4.4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628298639867066946" /></a><br /><br />The above box is made of Pommelle Sapele inlaid with Mahogany, Maple and Indian Ebony.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioRs3-GncaJPlVTh9I3DGbCXSQnswIz4OQfaHo5A3qpmiBKGQbLIwgoqS6lcQ2jXdXBIux_b5y_bLfmiu4sxDHnyvotX6NIAgYjUgo_tNbDJ9_jGiitz3s3LHvIHpVn4or-oaQa36mEmk/s1600/jewellery5.1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628288897911434226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioRs3-GncaJPlVTh9I3DGbCXSQnswIz4OQfaHo5A3qpmiBKGQbLIwgoqS6lcQ2jXdXBIux_b5y_bLfmiu4sxDHnyvotX6NIAgYjUgo_tNbDJ9_jGiitz3s3LHvIHpVn4or-oaQa36mEmk/s400/jewellery5.1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_f3zh-ugpvorW-OsMgbJDwbTkcYfaojyxPSfzJOKDF9t09nWhxf1DM_2VXKxDsgPAfzn7ZosXzRrQVCP9ZbumCwMZH5VGDT5TFrebtGvVHLn9R5Th8NuVUPTTByFxV5T3kbizW4a9r4m_/s1600/jewellery5.2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628288781509129522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_f3zh-ugpvorW-OsMgbJDwbTkcYfaojyxPSfzJOKDF9t09nWhxf1DM_2VXKxDsgPAfzn7ZosXzRrQVCP9ZbumCwMZH5VGDT5TFrebtGvVHLn9R5Th8NuVUPTTByFxV5T3kbizW4a9r4m_/s400/jewellery5.2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiXmMik7qzujj5n_i0O5dHl72XFKe2MUnHeSX9Y1uLBKeeYbl1-8hLU8MTFmWwXgXZm63yIIqzcjj380UCtCxweLFa31VDTpvFocFoRhG-CLgHX1MlqRxaK4EKj9H2cjMqFbxsZRQmKPo/s1600/jewellery5.3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628288555221704290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMiXmMik7qzujj5n_i0O5dHl72XFKe2MUnHeSX9Y1uLBKeeYbl1-8hLU8MTFmWwXgXZm63yIIqzcjj380UCtCxweLFa31VDTpvFocFoRhG-CLgHX1MlqRxaK4EKj9H2cjMqFbxsZRQmKPo/s400/jewellery5.3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthJtobpRSzOA_Nj_ncTdD12lbLqLipHYkBR28xfHdMl9DAeTriBbe-Nasu9BOoAM873tl1dBwhHrd5iJ2Yv76HNuZI5hPhQbUVYI6WLUPZKdKYQHRLyaaCuapFWgLP3p24faZba31PZkq/s1600/jewellery5.4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthJtobpRSzOA_Nj_ncTdD12lbLqLipHYkBR28xfHdMl9DAeTriBbe-Nasu9BOoAM873tl1dBwhHrd5iJ2Yv76HNuZI5hPhQbUVYI6WLUPZKdKYQHRLyaaCuapFWgLP3p24faZba31PZkq/s400/jewellery5.4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628298315065506066" /></a><br /><br />The keepsake box shown above is made of Bubinga inlaid with Tulipwood, Maple and Indian Ebony.<br /><br />Several of these Tekendoos Keepsake Boxes will be on display at <a href="http://www.theguildshop.ca/">The Guild Shop</a> in Toronto, as part of the "<a href="http://artlistpro.posterous.com/my-grain-exhibition-at-the-guild-shop">My Grain</a>" exhibition which opens on July 16th.Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022004633068603441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719624914386569561.post-28291351987430868772011-07-11T18:13:00.000-07:002011-07-11T19:28:20.702-07:00Aquaria ConsoleThe Aquaria Console measures 42-1/2" long by 10-1/2" deep by 29-1/2" high. The high gloss figured wood top appears to float over the base since it rests on concealed cross ribs that are set between the long curving aprons.<br /><br />The aprons are attached to the curved solid legs by means of mortise and tenon construction. An optional drawer extends from one end by means of Blumotion linear ball bearing slides. The drawer box itself is made of dovetailed solid maple.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3TjaKYYuVgt4z44onoUPKcLNM9tYB4K2LK0iNorQvCb8LvCwYVxUWJJKpyPvAqaqIdrwBfelS9wa_o7al8VIAkOka14er7qGzLLdO6clog2OJifwFcluWxvj65_3zlysMF9ky81BFLJQ/s1600/CMAquaria1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628278409433476258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3TjaKYYuVgt4z44onoUPKcLNM9tYB4K2LK0iNorQvCb8LvCwYVxUWJJKpyPvAqaqIdrwBfelS9wa_o7al8VIAkOka14er7qGzLLdO6clog2OJifwFcluWxvj65_3zlysMF9ky81BFLJQ/s400/CMAquaria1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdFRSZeQtjJGgTGpgCjWdE7KWwKOz_8lbYq93xuATct2pmYsKdLF7DGytW5NSb35wdDgUdcb7w0KEqG5UxS7JWRxQ0sAa7nvpKFGdyGPsEOhchoHZJ2i2QWfNz2yziDbiIKLKFzVrfUeq/s1600/CMAquaria1w.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 379px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628278264660095906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdFRSZeQtjJGgTGpgCjWdE7KWwKOz_8lbYq93xuATct2pmYsKdLF7DGytW5NSb35wdDgUdcb7w0KEqG5UxS7JWRxQ0sAa7nvpKFGdyGPsEOhchoHZJ2i2QWfNz2yziDbiIKLKFzVrfUeq/s400/CMAquaria1w.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The console above is shown with a solid Walnut base that has been stained Dark Chocolate. The top is figured Crotch Walnut which has been center butt matched, and stained to complement the base - albeit with a high gloss finish.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG71hI64BMI0mPLBvVAUNjKvQvjP_Rl0W6PIR8dm_hO0X45hhIf0yELKvwEctjwwF8LjXE16BrBKevDJMsUwegv9O2pD5mgdeGuUCePrh_RYnsgI7ccjVXoYQtyJRQn2QVDbBvzwYA9zaN/s1600/CMAquaria2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 274px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628278154785850338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG71hI64BMI0mPLBvVAUNjKvQvjP_Rl0W6PIR8dm_hO0X45hhIf0yELKvwEctjwwF8LjXE16BrBKevDJMsUwegv9O2pD5mgdeGuUCePrh_RYnsgI7ccjVXoYQtyJRQn2QVDbBvzwYA9zaN/s400/CMAquaria2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The legs and aprons on the console above are made out of solid natural Bubinga. The figured wood top is rotary cut Bubinga, which is sometimes called Kevazingo.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3J2RdEkSPzp6pzgVctI8spG6MdVxJNx3wG8HB6qwbcnhy6ULopkeRiRwlUeHMC8OL2QSvl13w3mckh2M1kXZOtwXLa2VCXEFv10aQD5e2j578JaqwmsMMSkXsZjW8kW_DYpTc2DzXsmOt/s1600/CMAquaria3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 278px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628277753979525010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3J2RdEkSPzp6pzgVctI8spG6MdVxJNx3wG8HB6qwbcnhy6ULopkeRiRwlUeHMC8OL2QSvl13w3mckh2M1kXZOtwXLa2VCXEFv10aQD5e2j578JaqwmsMMSkXsZjW8kW_DYpTc2DzXsmOt/s400/CMAquaria3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43NsQQKEo4-dPkdys2rff3CpjMBEwDAx7ULoJels-NqLv4ltSBmqbh42-kRddAkyNAXC225qMYPkAA6LsaAe00XnNKxKQI3sNAVwj2V4-XiQoPnEOo6I6upa_yQcn40zB-WV0egJEc_OW/s1600/CMAquaria3w.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 245px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628277562062134322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43NsQQKEo4-dPkdys2rff3CpjMBEwDAx7ULoJels-NqLv4ltSBmqbh42-kRddAkyNAXC225qMYPkAA6LsaAe00XnNKxKQI3sNAVwj2V4-XiQoPnEOo6I6upa_yQcn40zB-WV0egJEc_OW/s400/CMAquaria3w.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The apron and legs on the console above have been made out of Curly Maple that has been stained a medium Chestnut colour. The figured wood top comes from a rare sampling of Curly Birds Eye Maple that has been stained Chestnut to match.<br /><br />The console below has legs and apron made out of natural solid walnut, with a natural Crotch Walnut top.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOTFUuppez59SdzWkeTslq6yTm6sD1WUrwqzLd0lw3pp4Kqcoc0hdAyfMoDnUZM7cVJCogYV7F91wWzU_4-aZQ2YOhaY-GdKjjep3LRarqYNsU6-12mH-kKPWRqlSWIeTBBnXT5mk1Dr3/s1600/CMAquaria4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 262px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628277450751459346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOTFUuppez59SdzWkeTslq6yTm6sD1WUrwqzLd0lw3pp4Kqcoc0hdAyfMoDnUZM7cVJCogYV7F91wWzU_4-aZQ2YOhaY-GdKjjep3LRarqYNsU6-12mH-kKPWRqlSWIeTBBnXT5mk1Dr3/s400/CMAquaria4.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3LGl98dz3R9LmGSnMgYsT9z3XT2sCb1D24ccBQftjgaoiaB2bwsZ_PN_BESgGIvyfDo0Gd-kidSwb7Z0_wQKBB720JT464tD8ZqDGtFbZZpWJvTz18kMd6CH8fd0VpQTgwj7_IluX1AuD/s1600/CMAquaria4w.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628277317509950386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3LGl98dz3R9LmGSnMgYsT9z3XT2sCb1D24ccBQftjgaoiaB2bwsZ_PN_BESgGIvyfDo0Gd-kidSwb7Z0_wQKBB720JT464tD8ZqDGtFbZZpWJvTz18kMd6CH8fd0VpQTgwj7_IluX1AuD/s400/CMAquaria4w.jpg" /></a> </p><br /><br />The latter two consoles are currently on display at <a href="http://www.theguildshop.ca/">The Guild Shop</a> in Toronto - ready for the "<a href="http://artlistpro.posterous.com/my-grain-exhibition-at-the-guild-shop">My Grain</a>" exhibition which opens on July 16th.Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022004633068603441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719624914386569561.post-35075987000723699522011-07-11T15:28:00.000-07:002011-07-11T15:59:08.258-07:00Channel Cocktail Table at the "My Grain" ExhibitionThe Channel Cocktail Table is one of the first custom furniture pieces that Kevin designed and made, while he was still in school.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QGFQdyevX0ktUNfbd92iiy-ztMo6gj18BqsY2ZPeEa2Pd4wmFFJ3xaEtbvctqo_ueO6qPVPsFaVqPanuq3_2XMOsuHY3UhMqb5hUt_0AnvqME4aQ69It96NTwelj5txzAe9lVSDBona7/s1600/Kevin+Wiggers+-+Channel+Cocktail+Tablecompress.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570396597435984914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QGFQdyevX0ktUNfbd92iiy-ztMo6gj18BqsY2ZPeEa2Pd4wmFFJ3xaEtbvctqo_ueO6qPVPsFaVqPanuq3_2XMOsuHY3UhMqb5hUt_0AnvqME4aQ69It96NTwelj5txzAe9lVSDBona7/s320/Kevin+Wiggers+-+Channel+Cocktail+Tablecompress.jpg" /></a><br />Measuring 54" long x 21" wide x 16" overall height the main body of this table is crafted from a rare sampling of quartered English Oak veneer, which was sourced from my <a href="http://wiggersfurniture.blogspot.com/2010/08/core-stash.html">core stash</a> of vintage woods.<br /><br />The tempered glass top was set on offsets of satin stainless steel which were meticulously inlaid into the concave curve of the pedestal top.<br /><br />This table was first displayed in juried "Studio North" exhibition at the 2010 Interior Design Show (IDS10). It was here that the table caught the eye of Gord Peteran, who teaches Furniture Design at the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD).<br /><br />Peteran said he "was struck by the simple understated grace of the table. While the table was basically composed of three simple forms made out of three different materials, there was a sophisticated relationship between them that is not common in contemporary design nor is it usually present in young makers work. Upon closer examination the quality of execution was beautiful."<br /><br />The Channel Cocktail Table will be on display at the upcoming "My Grain" exhibition at The Guild Shop in Toronto, which opens July 16th.Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022004633068603441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719624914386569561.post-10277662547072294682011-07-11T12:49:00.000-07:002011-07-11T13:21:30.371-07:00Chevron Console at the "My Grain" ExhibitionMany apartments and condominiums are notorious for having narrow entry areas at the front door. To address the design challenges of these spaces Kevin has created a narrow wall hung console called the Chevron Console that is only 6" deep.<br /><br />Earlier this year Kevin had the privilege of displaying an example of this design at the <a href="http://www.archdigesthomeshow.com/">Architectural Digest Home Design Show</a> in New York.<br /><br />This piece ended up being part of a group exhibit at <a href="http://www.furnituresociety.org/furn/">The Furniture Society's </a>display, where it was featured alongside the works of distinguished furniture makers such as <a href="http://www.gkb-furniture.com/about-garry.php">Garry Knox Bennett</a>, <a href="http://www.wendellcastle.com/">Wendell Castle</a> , <a href="http://www.michaelfortune.com/BIO.html">Michael Fortune</a> , <a href="http://www.vladimirkagan.com/">Vladimir Kagan</a> , <a href="http://www.silaskopf.com/">Silas Kopf</a>, <a href="http://www.johnmakepeacefurniture.com/">John Makepeace</a>, <a href="http://www.gallerynaga.com/artists/kensleymckie/kensleymckie.html">Judy McKie</a>, <a href="http://www.poshunleong.com/">Po Shun Leong</a> and <a href="http://www.furnituresociety.org/furn/index.php?page=auction2011_adhd">others</a>.<br /><br />Kevin's Chevron Console was subsequently sold to a private collector.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUf2t4N8jqd_22iCm1kqtjIfwVJFOVXSS9Ec9zQeXvainYc8k9rfgs37GF8MmV1OR0pm4nhq6_3h0TnlE-XAWF9QYzuWQm4tGHYhZhyHegQ_KGoxGNO7xcAIIV4QYAeoI67W_ezUj2zC9/s1600/Chevron2compress.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 184px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569151899490315586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUf2t4N8jqd_22iCm1kqtjIfwVJFOVXSS9Ec9zQeXvainYc8k9rfgs37GF8MmV1OR0pm4nhq6_3h0TnlE-XAWF9QYzuWQm4tGHYhZhyHegQ_KGoxGNO7xcAIIV4QYAeoI67W_ezUj2zC9/s320/Chevron2compress.jpg" /></a><br /><br />For the upcoming "<a href="http://artlistpro.posterous.com/my-grain-exhibition-at-the-guild-shop">My Grain</a>" exhibition at The Guild Shop in Toronto Kevin will be displaying another version of the <a href="http://wiggersfurniture.blogspot.com/2011/02/chevron-console.html">Chevron Console</a> . This piece measures 30" long by 6" deep by 6" high. It has been crafted from quarter cut Wenge panels that have been compound mitred to create a seamless monolithic structure. It is wall hung by means of a French cleat that is recessed into the back face. It is also signed and numbered on the back face: 2010-#022.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAieLFtJvB3qiDNlPIjtifE9TWhdZ-7bVKqOGLDjDivDDlyojQw5JzC_hrQzUfQOqNQ58qaH4yqrAAWV84t7jrdSQmUKIpo-4C9d7oNTM74WZj3uzmQbVsgKARIxzwHW_2QDbGzIRqKYa/s1600/DSC04541.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627190255377419746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAieLFtJvB3qiDNlPIjtifE9TWhdZ-7bVKqOGLDjDivDDlyojQw5JzC_hrQzUfQOqNQ58qaH4yqrAAWV84t7jrdSQmUKIpo-4C9d7oNTM74WZj3uzmQbVsgKARIxzwHW_2QDbGzIRqKYa/s400/DSC04541.JPG" /></a><br /><br />The "<a href="http://artlistpro.posterous.com/my-grain-exhibition-at-the-guild-shop">My Grain</a>" exhibition opens at <a href="http://www.theguildshop.ca/">The Guild Shop</a> in Toronto on Saturday July 16th.Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022004633068603441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719624914386569561.post-28773432333653368652011-07-10T18:04:00.000-07:002011-07-10T19:13:27.939-07:00Small Oval Keepsake BoxesEvery so often I'll end up with some lovely pieces of Black Walnut that are too small to make into furniture. More often than not I'll use this material to make into small Keepsake Boxes.<br /><br />Each of these boxes gets crafted from a single block of wood. Elliptical oval in shape, they measure 4" long by 2-1/2" wide x 1-1/2" high. The wood surfaces are hand rubbed in a natural oil finish, and the inside bottoms are lined in Caiman leather.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgQZGqGAOpuh3i4IvYI7Cxgij0wcaip_tj-mX91W4JYcsH4RhaoG7bkT3qMQ7yVxaTIEXt-8xqbNFlvJGJ80f3B4m82kBKhXFwWF4s6hOmc6iuOs_LskpgcBY7zt2UqhRwZXCKeFEDwcI/s1600/CMturtleclosed.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgQZGqGAOpuh3i4IvYI7Cxgij0wcaip_tj-mX91W4JYcsH4RhaoG7bkT3qMQ7yVxaTIEXt-8xqbNFlvJGJ80f3B4m82kBKhXFwWF4s6hOmc6iuOs_LskpgcBY7zt2UqhRwZXCKeFEDwcI/s400/CMturtleclosed.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627911644745524050" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijpcacNjuc5RI137DawP7f4YKNiYh60YzbBikwFLD7ozigF4V1NpYlPYhnA54mJNbnX68Vvo0X8RoObct9tvHKJ7PQtWZUZBP8m6Oft8p3eJ1NBqSWvsLu51-H6YU8NKgFyo9CxOmtOc-/s1600/CMturtleopen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijpcacNjuc5RI137DawP7f4YKNiYh60YzbBikwFLD7ozigF4V1NpYlPYhnA54mJNbnX68Vvo0X8RoObct9tvHKJ7PQtWZUZBP8m6Oft8p3eJ1NBqSWvsLu51-H6YU8NKgFyo9CxOmtOc-/s400/CMturtleopen.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627911316225909666" /></a><br /><br /><br />The turtle image inlaid into the top of this box was inspired by an aboriginal glyph of a turtle. <br /><br />Turtles are deeply revered in many ancient cultures and civilizations, in part because they are one of the oldest forms of life and their shells are symbolic of protection. Because of their great age and slow metabolism, turtles are also associated with longevity. A turtle also does not move very fast, which is indicative of the need for patience. This message is especially important for relationships such as marriage, because all marriages require patience.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOiZdj3esEvDdiQ-4jVYUt7xPI7SCwtBs16YDCoBO-C4jnEwEwqMaBwcM04JepIJC4c26Eg4XAPwvS359RoEP0wakKVHZYJzvk8mULjFEn6NAK2-tI_BW-eIgmOogwUjncHWkuaze0Tgu/s1600/CMgoddessclosed.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOiZdj3esEvDdiQ-4jVYUt7xPI7SCwtBs16YDCoBO-C4jnEwEwqMaBwcM04JepIJC4c26Eg4XAPwvS359RoEP0wakKVHZYJzvk8mULjFEn6NAK2-tI_BW-eIgmOogwUjncHWkuaze0Tgu/s400/CMgoddessclosed.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627912019767888418" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iYtx7xtGCKoXEgTAAIIPyRdlMDJFTs_VbP25ncVn5c1Am-sL6MoPnP3ozLlxrQaNND1hPCjHjOXf0QMo9buy-_jQKoIQvJMhLfR0qbR8NtBbpizZOFKk37AB7SDynKHxw77XROEW0qmS/s1600/CMgoddessopen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iYtx7xtGCKoXEgTAAIIPyRdlMDJFTs_VbP25ncVn5c1Am-sL6MoPnP3ozLlxrQaNND1hPCjHjOXf0QMo9buy-_jQKoIQvJMhLfR0qbR8NtBbpizZOFKk37AB7SDynKHxw77XROEW0qmS/s400/CMgoddessopen.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627911877041076722" /></a><br /><br /><br />The Goddess image shown here was originally designed for the Women's Health Research Awards in 2004. It symbolizes the image of the feminine divine, with the Woman represented as Goddess.Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022004633068603441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719624914386569561.post-73844806568465636952011-07-10T14:06:00.000-07:002011-07-10T17:33:21.645-07:00A Trip to the CottageYesterday Teresa and I went on a small road trip to visit a relative's cottage. <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MUk5jeGOw0YUMDWNvfgDgUqOGdXIodFS1g4-9dVnvyoLHknb5urtgbPw6hEdlbkeYAzy1wtYcJk00-lbCzEeDbwiJ9LbkJ_JENkpph6gnqayjhvB2enZ_kULwocJPRUBLXj84IcsUNX5/s1600/johnTP.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MUk5jeGOw0YUMDWNvfgDgUqOGdXIodFS1g4-9dVnvyoLHknb5urtgbPw6hEdlbkeYAzy1wtYcJk00-lbCzEeDbwiJ9LbkJ_JENkpph6gnqayjhvB2enZ_kULwocJPRUBLXj84IcsUNX5/s400/johnTP.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627852502030100130" /></a><br /><br /><br />It never ceases to amaze me how much stuff needs to get packed to go on one of these simple visits. <br /><br />The weather was gorgeous, and we quite enjoyed the scenic drive (with our Tim Horton's) over roads that wound through lush forest and dramatic rock cuts of Canadian Shield.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB33PliDkb1sURsSkDtmAvZYmBUcvqlenElPRv_dx3wKR0W4EYhyphenhyphenIZDVfnvWtEWQaBTgVVD3rfNoIwf8XjrPV83HbVDJSb_p3xaeeKoWPZG2HwC0grxF9pzOVZCikqT0MkC3tNabciR9al/s1600/timhortons.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 192px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB33PliDkb1sURsSkDtmAvZYmBUcvqlenElPRv_dx3wKR0W4EYhyphenhyphenIZDVfnvWtEWQaBTgVVD3rfNoIwf8XjrPV83HbVDJSb_p3xaeeKoWPZG2HwC0grxF9pzOVZCikqT0MkC3tNabciR9al/s400/timhortons.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627885913586360610" /></a><br /><br /><br />Along the way we made a pit stop in the tiny village of Norwood to visit a place called <a href="http://ralphsbutcher.foodpages.ca/#ratings">Ralph's Butcher Shop</a>. Ralph's is a small business that is known for their high quality meats, and one of their specialties is hand made sausages in a variety of flavours that include Honey Garlic, Maple, Zesty Italian and Wild Leek.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3SsSE0ds5GaSU2T4WvgZGiPL3NDoF3ZSyCZG9_C00Jbjiis8QVFffIK9_SjUIcwVVzCKzK-XJzWLorI0dXMkUxp-Qk5tXbtul7gkpaYWoPN8BtCrDUCNXVqv98S5UL7M83qZqxmwG1OH/s1600/ralphs+butcher.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3SsSE0ds5GaSU2T4WvgZGiPL3NDoF3ZSyCZG9_C00Jbjiis8QVFffIK9_SjUIcwVVzCKzK-XJzWLorI0dXMkUxp-Qk5tXbtul7gkpaYWoPN8BtCrDUCNXVqv98S5UL7M83qZqxmwG1OH/s400/ralphs+butcher.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627865942668428290" /></a><br /><br /><br />We ended up purchasing far more sausage than we originally planned, and the folks at Ralph's were generous enough to provide us with enough ice to last until we got our purchases home to the freezer.<br /><br />Although it goes without saying that Teresa and I are not aficionados of mosquitos, horse flies and insect repellant we did end up having a most enjoyable visit with family and friends at the cottage. We also quite enjoyed the luxury of sleeping in and waking up in our own bed this morning.Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022004633068603441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719624914386569561.post-24420535932972794632011-07-08T20:25:00.000-07:002011-07-10T11:58:03.821-07:00"My Grain" Exhibition at The Guild ShopNext week the "<a href="http://artlistpro.posterous.com/my-grain-exhibition-at-the-guild-shop">My Grain</a>" exhibition opens at <a href="http://www.theguildshop.ca/">The Guild Shop</a> in Toronto.<br /><br />Today Kevin and I delivered some pieces that will be displayed at this show.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAieLFtJvB3qiDNlPIjtifE9TWhdZ-7bVKqOGLDjDivDDlyojQw5JzC_hrQzUfQOqNQ58qaH4yqrAAWV84t7jrdSQmUKIpo-4C9d7oNTM74WZj3uzmQbVsgKARIxzwHW_2QDbGzIRqKYa/s1600/DSC04541.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAieLFtJvB3qiDNlPIjtifE9TWhdZ-7bVKqOGLDjDivDDlyojQw5JzC_hrQzUfQOqNQ58qaH4yqrAAWV84t7jrdSQmUKIpo-4C9d7oNTM74WZj3uzmQbVsgKARIxzwHW_2QDbGzIRqKYa/s400/DSC04541.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627190255377419746" /></a><br /><br />In the above photo Kevin is standing beside on his wall mounted Chevron Console, while leaning on his Aquaria Console. He'll also have his Channel Table on display.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHVZMiZXImriGlAlBkb_zcK3ouPJiT0URj_WA_45vb9VHruOaW1seyKpB_QQ11k8vp2V9CXAglm_kgpTOOFKCYrgam1JO7OuaTG_1mmAIOV9w3a-D9cdH-GKX-_cI2MsAIg_ZGhHg0JIW/s1600/kidneydeskguildshop.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 332px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHVZMiZXImriGlAlBkb_zcK3ouPJiT0URj_WA_45vb9VHruOaW1seyKpB_QQ11k8vp2V9CXAglm_kgpTOOFKCYrgam1JO7OuaTG_1mmAIOV9w3a-D9cdH-GKX-_cI2MsAIg_ZGhHg0JIW/s400/kidneydeskguildshop.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627799015340529682" /></a><br /><br />The main piece that I'll be showing is a <a href="http://www.custommade.com/kidney-shaped-desk/by/John">Kidney Shaped Desk</a> crafted out of FSC certified ebony. <br /><br />Some upcoming blog posts will detail each of these pieces in greater detail.Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022004633068603441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719624914386569561.post-7769970797033125292011-07-07T19:49:00.000-07:002011-07-07T20:08:00.392-07:00Custom Furniture for a Ritz Carlton HotelThe following images are of some custom furniture pieces we made for the public areas of a Ritz Carlton hotel.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicYv5U5sitrye4aoAlaZi1NDS2MXBUyZtRREkVeqAEzKxBzkMIwCIfoH6ShwI6pgV_TurVQln9rQ0wxlRDjbsnorFSgJgj6LgukDoZ5WJj7HYSrM7tGdu95bR1A54iRun5YFRrckERy2a/s1600/Ara-38-41-copy.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 327px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626809477923930210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicYv5U5sitrye4aoAlaZi1NDS2MXBUyZtRREkVeqAEzKxBzkMIwCIfoH6ShwI6pgV_TurVQln9rQ0wxlRDjbsnorFSgJgj6LgukDoZ5WJj7HYSrM7tGdu95bR1A54iRun5YFRrckERy2a/s400/Ara-38-41-copy.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />This console measures 72" long x 24" deep x 33" high. Crafted from Chestnut Pommelle Sapele the top has a reverse diamond match pattern. The sides are inlaid with natural maple. The finish is semi gloss low-VOC polyurethane.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeeRpy7P4MgqReTNOQ21930yyyAiaoptbEiJCuC1Oemt-K70gDevl2I2b5AJSkJoLgs0DellKV5reDXYmO5Ht0jFpPBBjW6txUWedTgNX2L3NYyiyQ8qx1rCssinHL8djH-4iBqytMzaL/s1600/Ritz17-23.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 330px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626809895354125570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeeRpy7P4MgqReTNOQ21930yyyAiaoptbEiJCuC1Oemt-K70gDevl2I2b5AJSkJoLgs0DellKV5reDXYmO5Ht0jFpPBBjW6txUWedTgNX2L3NYyiyQ8qx1rCssinHL8djH-4iBqytMzaL/s400/Ritz17-23.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />This side table is made of Chestnut Ribbon Sapele with ebonized inlay details, and finished in semi gloss low-VOC polyurethane.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjeXNl3QRVomAHYfnOI2i0gO_B1rtUy8SDTc0sENnh7ArxxrgQUHWQvNqNeuVTy8BkkzPKzyJdMRLW72qKqzLK9CXiNKXiKtOcCBaDxmeV0pEk1pQIVFOC2w04EjoXmzymw_mTWhkPp9V/s1600/Ritz-Round.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 375px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626809738241272114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjeXNl3QRVomAHYfnOI2i0gO_B1rtUy8SDTc0sENnh7ArxxrgQUHWQvNqNeuVTy8BkkzPKzyJdMRLW72qKqzLK9CXiNKXiKtOcCBaDxmeV0pEk1pQIVFOC2w04EjoXmzymw_mTWhkPp9V/s400/Ritz-Round.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Several variations of these round tables were made for a cocktail lounge located in the lobby of the hotel. The plinth has a subtle tapering cone top surface which had a challenging sunburst grain pattern applied to the face. The hexagonal tapering cone pedestal conceals hidden metal rods which provide the necessary strength to support the 38" diameter top.Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022004633068603441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719624914386569561.post-76810429236361887602011-07-06T16:28:00.000-07:002011-09-08T09:43:49.738-07:00Remembering Todd MarckeseIn an <a href="http://wiggersfurniture.blogspot.com/2011/06/kidney-shaped-desk-story-behind-its.html">earlier post</a> I mentioned how a furniture designer by the name of Todd Marckese played a key role in finding a client for the initial prototype of the <a href="http://www.custommade.com/member/project/7128/edit/">Kidney Shaped Desk</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivejr03SnsBWaStsbE8NAfdRuw-er8BhqIqso5Uk17PD0o5eg2dokHztDDWl3fB6csCt8Qotu0f0CvGwxFoYuFBClh_WFP7uQbncTLlZJxp9wctSPnzKqvcxKMH4bUf6jBNIFl54ZZmtek/s1600/toddmarckese.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 164px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626423371545807298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivejr03SnsBWaStsbE8NAfdRuw-er8BhqIqso5Uk17PD0o5eg2dokHztDDWl3fB6csCt8Qotu0f0CvGwxFoYuFBClh_WFP7uQbncTLlZJxp9wctSPnzKqvcxKMH4bUf6jBNIFl54ZZmtek/s400/toddmarckese.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I first met Todd while exhibiting at the Chicago Design Show in 1998. At the time he was principal of Marckese Design Studio in Orlando, Florida. His client list was prestigious and his work was recognized in many design publications including Architectural Digest, Florida Design and Showboats International.<br /><br />Todd was exploring the idea of branding his own furniture collection, and he asked if I might be interested in doing product development and prototyping with him. We exchanged business cards, but it would be almost 5 years before we spoke again.<br /><br />When he called in the summer of 2003, Todd asked if I remembered our conversation in Chicago. I did, largely because of the unusual business card he left behind. Measuring just over 2 inches square this card stuck out both literally and figuratively. Todd laughed at my observation, pointing out that it was necessary to be different in order to be remembered.<br /><br />Todd went on to say that he was working on an upscale residence and the project required many unique pieces of custom furniture. One of the pieces he required was a desk, but it came with the proviso that his clients had strong holistic inclinations and, therefore, a conventional desk would not work. This, ultimately, laid the groundwork for the <a href="http://www.custommade.com/member/project/7128/edit/">Kidney Shaped Desk</a> making the transition from concept to reality.<br /><br />In the ensuing months Todd and I developed a symbiotic working relationship as we worked together on several custom furniture pieces for this particular project. In tandem with this we also began to discuss his dream of creating his own furniture collection. Through our discussions I got the distinct impression that Todd's greatest passion was designing furniture. He mentioned several times how much he disliked shopping for fabrics, flooring and wall treatments, but as an interior designer this was the proverbial necessary evil for him to have projects that also allowed him to design actual furniture.<br /><br />It was during one of our lengthy conversations about design and following one's bliss that I made reference to an inspirational book entitled "<a href="http://www.awakeningartistry.com/thistime.html">This Time I Dance</a>", by Tama J. Kieves. In the book there is a quote made by Tama that goes something like this:<br /><br />"If you're this successful doing something you don't love, just imagine how successful you could be doing something you do love."<br /><br />After a long pause Todd suddenly said, "That's it, man; I'm doing it."<br /><br />"Doing what?" I asked.<br /><br />"The furniture collection. I'm doing it. I'm not putting it off any more."<br /><br />What was so shocking about his announcement was not that he had decided to move forward with making his collection, but that he was going to devote his full time and energy to it. And when I say he was committing to it full time, that meant he had simultaneously decided to shut down his flourishing interior design business in the fearless pursuit of his dream.<br /><br />Up until this point the bulk of the correspondence between us had been via fax, email, or phone. In late December Todd flew up from Orlando to visit my shop for the first time. I was more than a little surprised to see him showing up in the middle of a Canadian winter wearing little more than open toe sandals.<br /><br />"I always wear sandals" proclaimed Todd "No matter what."<br /><br />One morning as we were driving up to my shop we came upon a car stuck in the deep snow of a ditch. I pulled over to give the guy a hand getting out, assuming that Todd (who was barefoot in his sandals) would simply wait in the truck. Todd was having none of that, and within seconds he too was knee deep in snow helping me push the guy out.<br /><br />When we arrived at the shop Todd was like a kid in a candy store. Wide eyed and excited there were several times when he simply wandered off to follow his curiousity, and I'd have no idea where he was until I heard his booming voice calling out "Oohhhh Mannnn, that is soooo Coool!!!" over something incredible he had come across. We had several productive days during that visit as we worked out the details of the prototypes for his furniture collection.<br /><br />In the evenings Teresa and I would have Todd over to the house for dinner, after which Todd and I would spend several more hours talking about furniture and design over beer. Invariably it would be Boddingtons or Guinness for me, while Todd's preference was for an English ale called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Speckled_Hen">Old Speckled Hen</a>.<br /><br />By February Todd's prototypes were well under way, and he had arranged to have the pieces photographed with an <a href="http://dictionary.reverso.net/english-definition/avant-garde">avant-garde</a> photographer by the name of <a href="http://www.waltersingh.com/#">Walter Singh</a>.<br /><br />In addition to finishing up his remaining commissions and winding down his interior design business at the same time, Todd ended up scheduling himself for a long awaited surgery.<br /><br />On Saturday February 28th Todd was at home recovering from the surgery, and we were having a lengthy phone discussion to review the status of his furniture pieces. At one point he unnerved me by saying "Aw Man, I'm dying."<br /><br />"Don't put that out there." I remember saying. "What are you talking about anyway?"<br /><br />"The pain" he lamented "It's killing me."<br /><br />That ended up being the last time I ever spoke with Todd, because in the early hours of the following morning he passed away in his sleep. He died at the young age of 38, leaving behind his lovely wife Melissa, and two beautiful children: Landon and Ireland.<br /><br />Although I had only gotten to know Todd over the previous few months, his passing affected me deeply. Without question Todd was an extremely talented designer who was also a visionary in many ways. But more than that he was an original; one who was both fearless and big hearted as an individual, and who absolutely adored his wife and children.<br /><br />If there was any solace to come out of his passing it came from something Melissa said a few weeks after Todd died. She told me that in all the years she had known him she had never seen Todd as happy as he was in the last few months of his life as he was finally pursuing his dream. That made me all the more pleased with the decision I had already made to finish off his furniture pieces, so his dream could come to reality.<br /><br />The images that follow are the first pieces Todd designed for his furniture collection. Todd carefully selected all wood grains and tones to draw emotion and consistency throughout the collection, creating a unique line that not only captures the eye artistically, but in a manner that is environmentally conscious as well. Never forgetting his roots, each piece is the namesake of beloved people, locations and memorable events from his home state, Michigan.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aF6Yl9Kl9QVgf2EXX-yOUQksWbWov92c20NiDEsSxuBc_w6m6ozKARn7HNzKSHSvAVPg7ZwCjV1JoxWIaCCFHGJHHgOJrxnTsEZz-0DLArJ2z8uitFmWEuZJaO_EnNre5ZFYiON0t5Vw/s1600/CMBaroda+Cocktail+Table.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 290px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626430506004479074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aF6Yl9Kl9QVgf2EXX-yOUQksWbWov92c20NiDEsSxuBc_w6m6ozKARn7HNzKSHSvAVPg7ZwCjV1JoxWIaCCFHGJHHgOJrxnTsEZz-0DLArJ2z8uitFmWEuZJaO_EnNre5ZFYiON0t5Vw/s400/CMBaroda+Cocktail+Table.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Baroda Cocktail Table: 48" dia x 18" high, in Zebrawood.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3P7Tp-ESFLO38ODYcHh4kdB9Cy1OkLmP89dZEds2mn078Td_iNuLoHBiT5Tf6nxz43srH5K36u1xC4cZCIF9tsSDMwQU2NyFe_-6PwTGxXG14W_cbgibCsl8X4QgGSTtbh1JdlPUOOzc/s1600/CMHinchman+End+Table.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626430398713168658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3P7Tp-ESFLO38ODYcHh4kdB9Cy1OkLmP89dZEds2mn078Td_iNuLoHBiT5Tf6nxz43srH5K36u1xC4cZCIF9tsSDMwQU2NyFe_-6PwTGxXG14W_cbgibCsl8X4QgGSTtbh1JdlPUOOzc/s400/CMHinchman+End+Table.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Hinchman End Table: 24" x 24" x 26-1/4" high, finished in Jacobean Oak.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi556gzau6V_d32Ymya0-VvqnYK2KqqVYZzJWb3Img6SHZqY8CqJ7A_xrDIGyG_2zPLkMqw3K1D042SrgT3PwwHGg-PMPG-s2Tbtj73dxe1nNJAR17NbhKyeV60yUq2W0hRnoDXH_YCFVzt/s1600/CMHinchman+Throw+Table.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 276px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626430246390603298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi556gzau6V_d32Ymya0-VvqnYK2KqqVYZzJWb3Img6SHZqY8CqJ7A_xrDIGyG_2zPLkMqw3K1D042SrgT3PwwHGg-PMPG-s2Tbtj73dxe1nNJAR17NbhKyeV60yUq2W0hRnoDXH_YCFVzt/s400/CMHinchman+Throw+Table.jpg" /></a> <br /><br /><br />Hinchman Throw Table: 17-1/2" dia. x 20" high, finished in Jacobean Oak.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYJH0KBvsTtRwkJYRvvVDYj-Xnux-Wu8QYwcxRSj3tPd1DzVWBpmZeq4-7Dw6XxbPcuuR-63-Oo3zlJ7S5F7zPeO8GDaB1HKiTw7HlZr5C8tPhXIccqttzdvm_kUnOyTmwPSJSysXOgUJ/s1600/CMHinchman+Console.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 251px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626430120276366418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYJH0KBvsTtRwkJYRvvVDYj-Xnux-Wu8QYwcxRSj3tPd1DzVWBpmZeq4-7Dw6XxbPcuuR-63-Oo3zlJ7S5F7zPeO8GDaB1HKiTw7HlZr5C8tPhXIccqttzdvm_kUnOyTmwPSJSysXOgUJ/s400/CMHinchman+Console.jpg" /></a> <br /><br /><br />Hinchman Console: 54" x 15" x 32-1/2" high, finished in Jacobean Oak with natural Curly English Sycamore top.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKDFJnUhIoIr81zlK7jY2fZRX3BkLO8yPLmosuT8PNguBy74A_8qJJd4Uw0kZ7tsn-9njp7uR0RDxX5g-x4kBcPmuX9Zrbqo4M2h-S7-WeZKHY3MOUzEA7kDw5q4CrI2lZrGP2-ctPNkz/s1600/CMHinchman+Desk+-+Front+View.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626429245009098802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKDFJnUhIoIr81zlK7jY2fZRX3BkLO8yPLmosuT8PNguBy74A_8qJJd4Uw0kZ7tsn-9njp7uR0RDxX5g-x4kBcPmuX9Zrbqo4M2h-S7-WeZKHY3MOUzEA7kDw5q4CrI2lZrGP2-ctPNkz/s400/CMHinchman+Desk+-+Front+View.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Hinchman Desk: 60" x 30" x 30-3/8" high, finished in Jacobean Oak with black Tuscany leather inset top.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7t1y_uVV58errTACo6U6yh3VYDYU1dH97KI7jLjpUT5eNgizPw7f6dqiqCM8Sr-v8OiqScSVmWJdeixCnohh7DFDai1K1jAuvIibyImhFiT_KWNiyaAmL2UoZnaV-kmYpcf4mp1S_Pmlp/s1600/CMHinchman+Desk+-+Rear+View.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 375px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626429079586880450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7t1y_uVV58errTACo6U6yh3VYDYU1dH97KI7jLjpUT5eNgizPw7f6dqiqCM8Sr-v8OiqScSVmWJdeixCnohh7DFDai1K1jAuvIibyImhFiT_KWNiyaAmL2UoZnaV-kmYpcf4mp1S_Pmlp/s400/CMHinchman+Desk+-+Rear+View.jpg" /></a> <br /><br /><br />Hinchman Desk: Rear View<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKhx8SENYJuGQseddswCOhqfG0oWl3mGDxAUeexDVNCbh4q-olhqBB3IzFEb_zcW5gi-PXdFmu1tAfBjN71yzqmdG-6cBMowkFjwf_0rmV6HWSF2BV0Bh7V_Va4Q8E0Jg3GTeG9fS5_wX/s1600/CMLakeshore+Screen.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 258px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626428862812915906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKhx8SENYJuGQseddswCOhqfG0oWl3mGDxAUeexDVNCbh4q-olhqBB3IzFEb_zcW5gi-PXdFmu1tAfBjN71yzqmdG-6cBMowkFjwf_0rmV6HWSF2BV0Bh7V_Va4Q8E0Jg3GTeG9fS5_wX/s400/CMLakeshore+Screen.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Lakeshore Screen: 4 panels each measuring 95" high x 19-1/2" wide, finished in ebonized oak with Damask strapping.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd50YeN4dNFD_io2Jm0puXuhsyhQSZl8SdddubI6RjDwZZ62HTZyQQB1Qkm1SjS_hUSgVxmV98h9GoRawvFcMennf1LGVL5ubAp9u-Ez1HxW29QJ8gME3hQPW90iF3FslKU9tQq1zwBLNl/s1600/CMLakeshore+Mirror.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 86px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626428733363577570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd50YeN4dNFD_io2Jm0puXuhsyhQSZl8SdddubI6RjDwZZ62HTZyQQB1Qkm1SjS_hUSgVxmV98h9GoRawvFcMennf1LGVL5ubAp9u-Ez1HxW29QJ8gME3hQPW90iF3FslKU9tQq1zwBLNl/s400/CMLakeshore+Mirror.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Lakeshore Mirror: 95" high x 19-1/2" wide x 1-3/4" thick, finished in Ebonized Oak.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSEzyFpae8SCxll1aW6PAUAJ9NlstFmRUotVg9D76lJbjOQBoDrtj1pzDGXaGrmANxoCHxdf-rMDKYGgx-spflDmPTHrH95MC6hu529qsJsgM5n28qFYrlnsimHUISJkezvBOk1oYSycE/s1600/CMTiscornia+Cocktail+Table.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 215px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626428611659803154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSEzyFpae8SCxll1aW6PAUAJ9NlstFmRUotVg9D76lJbjOQBoDrtj1pzDGXaGrmANxoCHxdf-rMDKYGgx-spflDmPTHrH95MC6hu529qsJsgM5n28qFYrlnsimHUISJkezvBOk1oYSycE/s400/CMTiscornia+Cocktail+Table.jpg" /></a> <br /><br /><br />Tiscornia Coffee Table: 60" long x 16" wide x 17" high, finished in Jacobean Oak.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNICR1Oys2ohT7XtgQtwoJD2sX0dAMxCCeoUFHSdTduPzh1XURMM2IJPKVysKcOYAYHBlPRtQq6Wcs359JDDVvwUrI3p0yMIo_CQcYMtBH9CS4XXHaIrPmtEtGAM3BiF2gGTlAGggb43EE/s1600/CMLandon+Desk+-+Front+View.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 188px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626432379231654722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNICR1Oys2ohT7XtgQtwoJD2sX0dAMxCCeoUFHSdTduPzh1XURMM2IJPKVysKcOYAYHBlPRtQq6Wcs359JDDVvwUrI3p0yMIo_CQcYMtBH9CS4XXHaIrPmtEtGAM3BiF2gGTlAGggb43EE/s400/CMLandon+Desk+-+Front+View.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Landon Desk: 84" long x 26" wide x 30" high, finished in Mappa Burl with inset of black Tuscany leather.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAglZ6Ab_JICeTfikyTCu1dfFkyBkdC6oaWYMXZB1fDyCwKxFljsXzsF1tnI7WzJ2eS3jxTFReGIJMhQuumkJdUAWhxNCFw25KpA1JtJDfZuGSR_T2C3U6nXRzRFrzPD8NkNe75iJWwqF/s1600/CMLandon+Desk+-+Rear+View.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 385px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626428406794386674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAglZ6Ab_JICeTfikyTCu1dfFkyBkdC6oaWYMXZB1fDyCwKxFljsXzsF1tnI7WzJ2eS3jxTFReGIJMhQuumkJdUAWhxNCFw25KpA1JtJDfZuGSR_T2C3U6nXRzRFrzPD8NkNe75iJWwqF/s400/CMLandon+Desk+-+Rear+View.jpg" /></a> <br /><br /><br />Landon Desk: Rear ViewJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022004633068603441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719624914386569561.post-78071319336520903132011-07-05T15:49:00.000-07:002011-07-05T16:05:24.332-07:00A Built-In Audio/Video Wall UnitAlthough we usually specialize in making free standing pieces of custom furniture it is not uncommon for us to also do cabinetry such as built-ins.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3rlmIhg98KS3bPwjbrnKlG-RocIJVUN2FhyphenhyphendoF64L2Gu2cLfXvVTKcc29OL9EPjbMIa3Wrr1GeBLOYykZstMjwaG-hA-J9eXXtyERkFA4jwWe66adAoLgrHIuNb-tNuAeWCY2l0qx8dc/s1600/4073.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3rlmIhg98KS3bPwjbrnKlG-RocIJVUN2FhyphenhyphendoF64L2Gu2cLfXvVTKcc29OL9EPjbMIa3Wrr1GeBLOYykZstMjwaG-hA-J9eXXtyERkFA4jwWe66adAoLgrHIuNb-tNuAeWCY2l0qx8dc/s400/4073.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626007339040279106" /></a><br /><br />This audio/video wall unit is one example of something we've installed recently. Measuring 156" long x 96" high x 21" deep this unit has open shelving across the top, and door and drawer storage below. <br /><br />The drawer boxes are made out of dovetailed solid maple, running on concealed Blumotion linear ball bearing slides. The false door with the black speaker cloth is designed to conceal a subwoofer.<br /><br />The entire unit is finished in a satin opaque polyurethane that has been custom tinted to match the walls.Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022004633068603441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719624914386569561.post-58355313099884845982011-07-04T16:30:00.000-07:002011-07-04T16:34:52.932-07:00Honeycomb Cocktail TableThanks to a conversation I had in 2005 with a designer by the name of Jill Salisbury, I began looking deeper into ways of incorporating Biomimicry to some of my furniture designs.<br /><br />What is Biomimicry?<br /><br />Biomimicry is the examination of Nature, its models, systems, processes, and elements to emulate or take inspiration from in order to solve human problems. The term biomimicry and biomimetics come from the Greek words <em>bios</em>, meaning life, and <em>mimesis</em>, meaning to imitate.<br /><br />The idea of imitating Nature through design was something that holds great interest for me. Before long I was sketching rudimentary table shapes that were comprised of the 6-sided hexagonal walls of a common honeycomb. Several years later this exercise resulted in a working prototype that became known as the Honeycomb Cocktail Table. The example shown here was crafted out of Chestnut Ribbon Sapele.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1tzVqD8SNzxNwsCeKDT06lSI-7iLBbDb6TZyxT6P9sQzzFn_FC3nKF9ElGT-wBUJDGHPJbCqquQOMwUISv5v4xdCiKjEGKRnnS4zj9pM1nYuWBj7L4I197QO8rs5tAIxyDzTsYYAO7XI/s1600/2009-09-04-002.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625291969875342930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1tzVqD8SNzxNwsCeKDT06lSI-7iLBbDb6TZyxT6P9sQzzFn_FC3nKF9ElGT-wBUJDGHPJbCqquQOMwUISv5v4xdCiKjEGKRnnS4zj9pM1nYuWBj7L4I197QO8rs5tAIxyDzTsYYAO7XI/s400/2009-09-04-002.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Measuring 45" x 45" x 16" overall height this table is comprised of 7 individual hexagonal modules, with the center unit being solid and the 6 surrounding ones each having 4 closed sides and 2 open ones, with a single adjustable shelf suspended inside each.<br /><br />The theory behind this design was that each of the modules would function as individual storage pods, which could also be independently rotated towards the center in order to hide the clutter of whatever was stored inside. In this way the table would have the clean look as shown in the photo, yet conceal the fact that abundant storage capacity was available inside.<br /><br />While the idea was great in theory, the practical application did not work quite as planned. The biggest problem was that any unevenness in the floor was quickly telegraphed through the pods, creating a highly uneven top surface depending on how and where these pods were placed on the floor. When all was said and done it became quite clear that this design will function best only if the pods can somehow be fastened together as a single monolith. <br /><br />Another issue was price point. Given the time it took to build and finish this table it was simply not possible to make this design cost effective in a way that would justify a price point at a reasonable perceived value.<br /><br />Conclusion: Although the design is cool, it`s simply not practical to produce on an ongoing basis. That said, this Honeycomb Cocktail Table is probably destined to remain as a one-off prototype.Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022004633068603441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719624914386569561.post-73387147355231851042011-07-03T14:53:00.000-07:002011-07-04T04:49:21.409-07:00Clean Workshop = Oxymoron?Last week, just before the start of the long weekend, Kevin and I gave the workshop a thorough cleaning. <br /><br />What started as a simple sweeping of floors and emptying of garbage cans soon snowballed into using the ShopVac to vacuum dust out of all kinds of nooks and crannies.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZfjEO27wDeV9hMNXfLIKqHLSeaeAHjIBds2r86TEgknTsNkkJGXtnnhiMPgh8lXr99oxYzHlclL3S0ROPTY-B_n7_p77SA9cP55D25Hku2mtWsU_pPMboF_0Y-L1Z_ihdUgMleUaGMRg/s1600/low+res+CPP_4654.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 257px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625256427737208162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZfjEO27wDeV9hMNXfLIKqHLSeaeAHjIBds2r86TEgknTsNkkJGXtnnhiMPgh8lXr99oxYzHlclL3S0ROPTY-B_n7_p77SA9cP55D25Hku2mtWsU_pPMboF_0Y-L1Z_ihdUgMleUaGMRg/s400/low+res+CPP_4654.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />Three hours later the shop looked magnificent, although in all honesty I don't think we got it clean enough to ever grace the pages of <a href="http://www.finewoodworking.com/">Fine Woodworking</a> magazine.<br /><br />That got me to thinking that having a clean shop and having one that produces actual furniture might be two totally different things. After all, as any woodworker knows you often have to do little more than think about using a woodworking tool in order for it to start making a mess. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpURYle9bVXiVEltNKNWqDGQmexQu5kCELU3xwl1GlP27J5B51kTmcMWRBb1PwMxJMVQhjSIZuZ-UWBeBzBQlO8LFQI36Nlv0SKRxCWcZ5j25Ty03dVWOu0yLYNZtkqLrZN51bKfX-tYIH/s1600/finewoodworking220.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 193px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625256606155182226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpURYle9bVXiVEltNKNWqDGQmexQu5kCELU3xwl1GlP27J5B51kTmcMWRBb1PwMxJMVQhjSIZuZ-UWBeBzBQlO8LFQI36Nlv0SKRxCWcZ5j25Ty03dVWOu0yLYNZtkqLrZN51bKfX-tYIH/s400/finewoodworking220.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Every time the latest issue of <a href="http://www.finewoodworking.com/">Fine Woodworking</a> comes out I find myself feeling just a little inadequate at how the shops featured in the magazine look perfectly organized and pristine to the point of rivalling the surgical cleanliness of an operating room.<br /><br />I am well aware that these are photos are prepped and staged for marketing purposes but, still, I can't help but wonder why MY shop can't look like this all the time. In practical terms the only way to achieve this would be to never use the tools at all, which defeats the whole purpose of having a workshop in the first place. Hence, the oxymoron.<br /><br />For now I'll just look forward to walking into a clean shop in the morning, so we can start messing it up all over again.Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022004633068603441noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719624914386569561.post-68215356331998503852011-07-03T12:57:00.000-07:002011-07-04T14:07:21.416-07:00Testimonials and ReferralsCurrently we are in the process of updating the design of our website.<br /><br />One area I have been looking to expand is the Testimonials and Referrals page. On that note I have been pleasantly surprised at the positive and enthusiastic response we've received from many of our customers.<br /><br />Some examples are as follows:<br /><br />“John's work is truly extraordinary! Working through Vivavi we explained the concept of our home, the lighting we had chosen for our bedroom and how much we loved one of the beds that he had designed. He melded these ideas and created a highly contemporary art deco inspired bedroom suite with a very exotic veneer he selected for our project. We were blown away by his final design and the actual pieces were beyond measure in their perfection. There are no words to describe it's beauty or the positive change it brings to our daily life. It inspires us and helps us to come together as a couple. We are blessed by John's work.”<br /><br />Ara Lucia A. and Michael A.<br />Greater Chicago area, Illinois<br /><br />***<br /><br />"There are maybe a handful of people in the world who can create at the level John does."<br /><br />J. Wade Beam<br />VP Sales and Marketing<br />Brueton Industries, Inc.<br />New York, New York<br /><br />***<br /><br />John:<br /><br />"Thank you so much for the wonderful desk you made for me. It surpassed my expectations in both beauty and quality. Your customization of the design fits my needs perfectly and it receives daily notice for its seamless lines and gentle but bold curves."<br /><br />Dr. Sean Boutros, MD, FACS<br />Houston, Texas<br /><br />***<br /><br />"Several years ago we were introduced to John Wiggers through a designer in Chicago and were very happy with several pieces he made to order for us. When we hired a design firm to do our home in Florida we insisted that the designer use Wiggers Custom Furniture Ltd. for as much of the woodwork as possible. My only mistake is that we did not insist that he do all the wood furniture in the home. The quality, craftsmanship, attention to detail was amazing. You can see and feel the difference between John’s work and the other pieces in our home. Everyone who comes to our home comments on how magnificent John's pieces are and are amazed at not only the appearance but the substance and quality of the woodwork. Our designer could not understand how we could use some one from Canada when he had local craftsman available to do the work. Now he knows better."<br /><br />Arleen and Ken G.<br />Chicago, Illinois<br /><br />***<br /><br />"I have worked with Wiggers Custom Furniture for over 20 years, and am continually impressed with John's design sensibility, customer service, and attention to detail. John is always sensitive to the goals of the project, and offers continual design improvements through his tremendous experience and creative eye. His pieces are much more than simply furniture - they communicate the joy and commitment to artistic creation that are the vanguard of his work. I am honored to work with Wiggers Custom Furniture on any project, anywhere in the world, as I know the standards will always of the highest caliber."<br /><br />Bob Halper, LC IESNA<br />Halper Lighting Solutions<br />Chagrin Falls, Ohio<br /><br />***<br /><br />"John is one of the finest furniture makers around."<br /><br />Vladimir Kagan<br />Vladimir Kagan Design Group, Inc.<br />New York, New York, USA<br /><br />***<br /><br />“Wiggers Custom is an excellent source for custom furniture product. They have the best mix of technology, craftsmanship, and finish quality. John takes a personal interest in his customers and stays involved throughout the process. He brings great experience and production knowledge to each project; you can always count on the integrity of whatever his company makes.”<br /><br />Mark Logan<br />Vice President<br />Dakota Jackson Inc.<br />New York, New York<br /><br />***<br /><br />"For over 10 years I had the pleasure of working with Wiggers Custom Furniture Ltd.<br />I found their work to be of exceptional quality and craftsmanship. They always provided expertise in the construction details and manufacturing, thus providing our clients with the most creative furniture available. In my 35 years of experience in the high end American furniture market I never found any manufacturer who produced a<br />more beautiful finished piece of contemporary furniture than Wiggers Custom Furniture Ltd."<br /><br />Dale Leland Mardiros<br />Pacific Showrooms West<br />San Francisco, California<br /><br />***<br /><br />"In my experience as a designer of high end residential, it is imperative to find great artisans to partner with.<br /><br />John Wiggers raises the bar in every aspect of the custom design process.<br /><br />It is a pleasure to work with his team and the level of client services his company delivers time after time is tops in the industry."<br /><br />Olga Markoff<br />Olga Markoff Design<br />Chicago, Illinois<br /><br />***<br /><br />"This is a short note to thank you for producing the beautiful, oval, black walnut boxes for presentation to the recipients of the Women's Health Research Awards, 2004 - and to thank you for making them under such a tight deadline!<br /><br />The boxes were presented at a reception to honour the women and men who are leading the way in women's health research in Ontario, and we were delighted to be able to give the beautiful work of an Ontario artist to each of them.<br /><br />Several recipients have contacted us since the reception to tell us how much they admired the box. It turned out to be the perfect way to acknowledge all of the work they are doing on behalf of Ontario women.<br /><br />Thank you again for your wonderful work."<br /><br />Marnie MacKinnon<br />Chief Operating Officer<br />Ontario Women's Health Council<br />Toronto, Ontario<br /><br />***<br /><br />Dear John,<br /><br />"It was a pleasure dealing with you for our order of 16 pieces from your beautiful selection. Whatever custom detail we could dream up, you found a way to put it in reality.<br /><br />When the U.S. government formally put formaldehyde on the list of known carcinogens on June 10, 2011 (finally!), you must have smiled - and so did we. You have been so much ahead of your time. Thanks to your foresight and care, we could enjoy your pieces from day one without headaches from outgassing and knowing that we purchased truly “healthy” furniture.<br /><br />Whether it is the wonderful sunburst design of our two Ellipse tables; the fact they are made from sustainable bamboo; the brilliantly manufactured Inamorata nightstands. dresser and boxer chest; the elegant Irenic beds including the clever height adjustment you came up with; the versatility of the Island Tables - it’s more than just excellent workmanship - these are pieces of art made for practical use.<br /><br />And, not to forget, this furniture comes with a “soul” created by all the spiritual details you put in your work: the Amboyna inlays from the Solomon Islands or the sacred stone in the beds’ headboards, just to name a few.<br /><br />Thanks again for all your assistance from the planning stages up to the day you personally delivered the beauties into our home."<br /><br />Kind regards,<br />H. Meissner<br />Florida<br /><br />***<br /><br />“I have had the privilege of working with John Wiggers, whose passion for high quality craftsmanship and sustainability are contagious. We have shared many inspirational conversations that have resulted in a trust that is unshakeable. John has beautifully crafted my challenging furniture designs with every infinite detail mastered and an environmental integrity that is unmatched by any other.”<br /><br />Jill Salisbury<br />el: Environmental Language<br />Chicago, Illinois<br /><br />***<br /><br />"We just finished building a custom home and had been searching for the "perfect" desk for our new home office. We wanted something that was original in style, made to last a lifetime and not too large. It was impossible to find something ready-made that fit all of our criteria. We contacted John and within a few days he had prepared detailed drawings for us to consider. After some fine tuning, we quickly settled on our perfect desk. The desk is flawless and looks exactly as drawn, down to the last detail."<br /><br />Barry S.<br />Toronto, Ontario<br /><br />***<br /><br />John:<br /><br />"We wanted you to know how appreciative we are of all the assistance you have provided for us in the manufacturing of our furniture line. Your expertise and knowledge of construction methods, the properties of various wood species, and the techniques available for intricate and complex finishes has been an invaluable asset to our (Shaver/Melahn) furniture division.<br /><br />Your work goes well beyond the often-difficult task of manufacturing. You have always been there to guide us through design alternatives, providing solutions to design problems and corrections to flaws in concept. As we were designing in the United States you were able to see flaws in prototype and send out red flags warning us of possible problems.<br /><br />You also kept our price points in mind always trying to deliver product at a level commensurate with the quality and high standards our furniture line demanded. Should you ever need a reference please know that we would be honored to pass on our recommendation of your excellent work."<br /><br />Rick Shaver and Lee Melahn<br />Pleasant Living<br />Madison, Wisconsin<br /><br />***<br /><br />"I recently had been retained by one of my Los Angeles clients to do the interior of their home in Toronto. I initially thought I would have to make all the furniture in Los Angeles by my cabinetmakers and finishers and have them shipped and installed in the Toronto location. Through a very good reference, I was given the name of John Wiggers of Wiggers Custom Furniture Ltd. I sent him our plans for many built-ins and furniture pieces, mainly done in exotic and rare woods, and requiring either a low-VOC high-polished or polyurethane finish, which is very difficult to find a manufacturer that is able to do it.<br /><br />I contracted with John to make and install all of the pieces that I required. During the process, I went to his shop and saw how beautiful he was set up and how clean and organized it was, and knew at that time I was going to receive, from John, quality of the highest level for all cabinetwork and finishing.<br /><br />When the furniture and cabinets were completed, his workmanship excelled my greatest expectations and my clients were extremely pleased. I wish John would open a shop in Los Angeles, because of the quality of his work, and how pleasant he is to deal with."<br /><br />Stephen Tomar, ASID, CCIDC<br />Tomar Lampert Associates<br />Los Angeles, California<br /><br />***<br /><br />"On a recent project I chose Wiggers Custom Furniture Ltd. because I knew their quality and expertise was to the high standard my client required. I have to say their ability went way beyond my expectation. I was able to customize each piece - choose from their extensive range of woods and veneers, stains/finishes and hardware.<br /><br />John's knowledge of his profession and his company's customer service is an asset to the clients who want the very best - his concern for a green approach and his thinking behind some of his designs - like the Solomon's Desk, is awesome.<br /><br />The finished pieces are exquisite and to top it off the packaging, which was for overseas, was of the same standard. Each piece will be enjoyed for many, many years.<br /><br />Thank you for making it such a pleasure to work with your company and know that we will always receive furniture that is perfect."<br /><br />Heather Tomei<br />Tomei & Tomei Creative Consultants Limited<br />Maui, Hawaii<br /><br />***<br /><br />"John Wiggers is one of the best furniture makers I have ever met. He is one of only a few that I truly trust with our designs. His dedication to quality construction, material selection, fine finishes, and his sensitivity to design and detail is unmatched in the high-end custom furniture industry. His finished pieces are of an heirloom quality, so rare with today's "throw-away" attitudes. Very, very impressive."<br /><br />Lee Weitzman<br />Lee Weitzman Furniture<br />Chicago, Illinois<br /><br />***<br /><br />"My husband and I decided to upgrade from a double to a queen sized bed, but were discouraged by the poor quality and questionable materials of today’s mass-produced furniture. Thus, we decided to have a new bed built that matched our current suite, with the additional criteria of sustainable and nontoxic practices. John Wiggers exceeded our expectations on all counts. John worked closely with us, providing detailed design drawings and photos by email. The Irenic Bed design was adjusted to our exact specifications, and was beautifully constructed such that the grain of the oak veneer radiates in an arc, providing a visually spectacular head and footboard. The materials used are FSC certified, the plywood core and glue are urea formaldehyde free, and the wood was darkened naturally with a vinegar/iron process. John and his son delivered our bed and assisted with its setup. We couldn’t be more pleased with the ease of the process and the final result. We highly recommend commissioning custom furniture from this talented, environmentally conscious, and service oriented craftsman!"<br /><br />Kimberly and Mark Z.<br />Peterborough, OntarioJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022004633068603441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719624914386569561.post-14242137022947849142011-07-02T07:43:00.000-07:002011-07-02T08:55:03.120-07:00My Brother Turns 50 Today !!!My brother Richard turns 50 years old today.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAR3Or_d-V5D_sbKXO6KKYAb9dRYLGl7s5d1DaCLe0Bmn1EGBwpOzPFF9kjRDd4Ruth0cjcq94qO2XY7qutAejs6OBqIhoS7pzNMiuNfRTY0iGNyAdBkiLPhOQCbzFjyPMp1WCi3EWl3S0/s1600/richard3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 281px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624766529729281506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAR3Or_d-V5D_sbKXO6KKYAb9dRYLGl7s5d1DaCLe0Bmn1EGBwpOzPFF9kjRDd4Ruth0cjcq94qO2XY7qutAejs6OBqIhoS7pzNMiuNfRTY0iGNyAdBkiLPhOQCbzFjyPMp1WCi3EWl3S0/s400/richard3.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The photo above was taken just before he was born. It shows me sitting on my father's workbench, with my very pregnant mother off to one side. (Richard is hiding in there somewhere). <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnDEYXRTjrxt-xEAKC2AZ8OyQNzmNxhIoESfkzAIF488EsytUss11S_p1rSkeSutemte61TDO6LQOLaCb6xMyo4jiC6J_fzKqdKpzkSgYFtvrasAGrxFpKvEm3aanvo1VUZpHQ1sdjHB4/s1600/richard2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 277px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624766387660374722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnDEYXRTjrxt-xEAKC2AZ8OyQNzmNxhIoESfkzAIF488EsytUss11S_p1rSkeSutemte61TDO6LQOLaCb6xMyo4jiC6J_fzKqdKpzkSgYFtvrasAGrxFpKvEm3aanvo1VUZpHQ1sdjHB4/s400/richard2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />When you're young an age difference of 2 years between siblings is tremendous. Although Richard and I would often hang out and do stuff together, the usual routine was for each of us to do things with neighbour kids closer to our respective ages.<br /><br />Of course, the one good thing about being Canadian and having a younger brother at that age was that you were always guaranteed to have a goalie for road hockey games. (Even if he didn't want to play, you knew that as his older brother you could always talk, threaten or bribe him into playing net anyway).<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gIwgsM5GUn10HwVO7Eq_p0gELtqvTFLrMY8Tx7ZoCf6I_Nxd0l8VP6qAuUKKruViZvNhkaeLFrVZFtd1sY-Ps-ypD4_oDRoW3oVJkrwAsRMRBRtVyNLbL_MyY9Ao9dP7FyRnd5VQDAfg/s1600/richard1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 292px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624766276123647906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gIwgsM5GUn10HwVO7Eq_p0gELtqvTFLrMY8Tx7ZoCf6I_Nxd0l8VP6qAuUKKruViZvNhkaeLFrVZFtd1sY-Ps-ypD4_oDRoW3oVJkrwAsRMRBRtVyNLbL_MyY9Ao9dP7FyRnd5VQDAfg/s400/richard1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />As kids our respective personalities could not have been more different. I was always seen as "the serious one", while Richard was adored for his laughter and light-heartedness. In the summertime I was often outside building things like forts out of scraps of wood. Richard, on the other hand, loved books and reading - especially about anything related to history and war. On that note it's little wonder that each of us has ended up on our respective career paths, with Richard going on to earn a Phd. in History at Georgetown.<br /><br />Along the way Richard adopted an almost nomadic approach to life. Since his late teens I don't think he's ever lived more than 3 consecutive years in any one place. As a result: over the past 30 years he has been a constant traveller - in many cases journeying around the world, often on a diplomatic passport. He has lived and worked in many interesting far flung places, many of which I'll probably never get to see.<br /><br />Yet, when we get together on holidays I sometimes wonder if he envies a bit of the life I have, with the routine and "stability" of being rooted in one place with my family and work. While that may be true in terms of what he feels, I have to admit there are also days when the grind and responsibility of running a small business has me wishing for a bit of Richard's <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/joie%20de%20vivre">joie de vivre</a> approach to life.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNSUe2P4R_GICPLtkUSYBGOVWYeUF2Jx1oxqVZNonZKREN86mlaOe1JoPVni-hC6By_As_fAlh3DDfoT_ksOvUXheDh1p6yt_oM7Jh1pnFs8bbwGaXL5mQf3czALJ9pjpDjUfBI4J3m0O/s1600/richard4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 283px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624766125786558130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNSUe2P4R_GICPLtkUSYBGOVWYeUF2Jx1oxqVZNonZKREN86mlaOe1JoPVni-hC6By_As_fAlh3DDfoT_ksOvUXheDh1p6yt_oM7Jh1pnFs8bbwGaXL5mQf3czALJ9pjpDjUfBI4J3m0O/s400/richard4.jpg" /></a><br /><br />And, so, to my brother Richard I wish you a Happy 50th Birthday !!!<br /><br />Although we have already been in touch with one another a couple times today, I can honestly say that at this moment I do not know where, exactly, you are on this planet right now. Yes, my nomadic brother is on the move once again.<br /><br />That said, it goes without saying that even on this day he is being true to the spirit of who he is, and that is exactly as it should be.<br /><br />Enjoy your day, Richard !<br /><br />Love, your brother John.<br /><br />(P.S. Did you want to play road hockey later? We need a goalie.)Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022004633068603441noreply@blogger.com0