The purpose of this table was to provide an elevated playing surface for a stone chess board the client already had.
The resulting table was crafted from a bundle of quarter cut figured Walnut veneer.
Showing posts with label Black Walnut. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Black Walnut. Show all posts
Monday, January 9, 2012
Custom Chess Table
A 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.
The purpose of this table was to provide an elevated playing surface for a stone chess board the client already had.
The resulting table was crafted from a bundle of quarter cut figured Walnut veneer.
The purpose of this table was to provide an elevated playing surface for a stone chess board the client already had.
The resulting table was crafted from a bundle of quarter cut figured Walnut veneer.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Custom End Table for a Ski Lodge
A few months ago an interior designer from Utah called expressing interest in Kevin's Portage Cocktail Table design.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Drilling the holes for the offsets had to wait until the metal components arrived, in order to ensure a tight custom fit.
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.
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.
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.
The table arrived just in time for the party, and by all accounts it was well received.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Drilling the holes for the offsets had to wait until the metal components arrived, in order to ensure a tight custom fit.
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.
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.
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.
The table arrived just in time for the party, and by all accounts it was well received.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Small Oval Keepsake Boxes
Every 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.
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.
The turtle image inlaid into the top of this box was inspired by an aboriginal glyph of a turtle.
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.
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.
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.
The turtle image inlaid into the top of this box was inspired by an aboriginal glyph of a turtle.
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.
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.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Custom Commission - Kidney Shaped Desk
What follows is a series of photos of a recently completed custom commission for a Kidney Shaped Desk. These images will form the basis for a series of blog posts that will explain this desk in great detail, explaining not only the various holistic woods used but also the process for making the gold, copper and silver inlays that have been fitted into the pencil drawer.
This is the initial walnut blank with recesses cut to receive the gold, copper and silver inlays. After the inlay work is complete this piece will become the lid of the box located inside the pencil drawer.
The gold and silver inlays were cast using a lost wax process. This image shows the mold and wax casting for the silver Turtle inlay.
The mold and wax casting for the Eagle inlay, which ended up being made of gold.
Benchwork on the Turtle inlay.
Benchwork on Eagle inlay.
Cleaning the casting of the Eagle inlay.
Polishing the Eagle inlay.
Handscraping the copper Tree inlay. Since it is not practical to cast copper, this inlay was made of bar stock that was seamlessly soldered together.
Preparing to fit the inlay into the wood.
After much polishing and finessing by hand, the final fit is achieved.
The wood lid can now be sanded in preparation for gluing the inlay into place.
A protective Lanolin finish is carefully applied by hand to the Black Walnut lid and sculpted inlay pieces that will function as finger pulls under the drawers. It is highly relevant that these pieces are all located in areas that will be frequently touched, since this will allow the active holistic molecules of the Black Walnut wood to come into direct contact with the skin of the person using the desk.
The finished lid and finger pulls, ready to be fitted into desk.
Front view of the completed desk.
A closer view of the end detail of the desk.
Detail view of top, showing Macassar Ebony top apron and inset of black Tuscany leather.
Detail view of side drawer.
Pencil drawer - closed.
Pencil drawer - open.
Interior of pencil drawer, showing inlaid lid of Black Walnut. The trays on either side are made of Sassafras, which is a holistic wood known for its aromatherapeutic properties. The box portion below the inlaid lid has been crafted from a wood called Hawthorn, which is also known for its aromatherapeutic and Ayurvedic properties.
Detail view of inlaid finger pull below one of the side drawers. The finger pulls are made of a special cutting of Black Walnut wood, which has traditionally been used by Native American medicine women for its holistic properties.
The properties of all of the holistic woods, and the story behind the gold, copper and silver inlays in the lid, will be explained in greater detail in a subsequent post.
This is the initial walnut blank with recesses cut to receive the gold, copper and silver inlays. After the inlay work is complete this piece will become the lid of the box located inside the pencil drawer.
The gold and silver inlays were cast using a lost wax process. This image shows the mold and wax casting for the silver Turtle inlay.
The mold and wax casting for the Eagle inlay, which ended up being made of gold.
Benchwork on the Turtle inlay.
Benchwork on Eagle inlay.
Cleaning the casting of the Eagle inlay.
Polishing the Eagle inlay.
Handscraping the copper Tree inlay. Since it is not practical to cast copper, this inlay was made of bar stock that was seamlessly soldered together.
Preparing to fit the inlay into the wood.
After much polishing and finessing by hand, the final fit is achieved.
The wood lid can now be sanded in preparation for gluing the inlay into place.
A protective Lanolin finish is carefully applied by hand to the Black Walnut lid and sculpted inlay pieces that will function as finger pulls under the drawers. It is highly relevant that these pieces are all located in areas that will be frequently touched, since this will allow the active holistic molecules of the Black Walnut wood to come into direct contact with the skin of the person using the desk.
The finished lid and finger pulls, ready to be fitted into desk.
Front view of the completed desk.
A closer view of the end detail of the desk.
Detail view of top, showing Macassar Ebony top apron and inset of black Tuscany leather.
Detail view of side drawer.
Pencil drawer - closed.
Pencil drawer - open.
Interior of pencil drawer, showing inlaid lid of Black Walnut. The trays on either side are made of Sassafras, which is a holistic wood known for its aromatherapeutic properties. The box portion below the inlaid lid has been crafted from a wood called Hawthorn, which is also known for its aromatherapeutic and Ayurvedic properties.
Detail view of inlaid finger pull below one of the side drawers. The finger pulls are made of a special cutting of Black Walnut wood, which has traditionally been used by Native American medicine women for its holistic properties.
The properties of all of the holistic woods, and the story behind the gold, copper and silver inlays in the lid, will be explained in greater detail in a subsequent post.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Spring has Sprung - Finally !
Today we enjoyed some warm and sunny weather. Finally !
Probably the best indicator that Spring has sprung is seeing the trees starting to bud.
When I relocated my shop to its current location in 2001 one of the first things I did was to plant some trees on the surrounding property. I opted to plant several lesser known and indigenous species of trees, including a few that are considered to be species at risk in this area.
This Shagbark Hickory is clearly wasting little time getting its buds out into the light of the Sun. Other species including Butternut, Swamp Oak, Pin Oak, Black Walnut and PawPaw remain mostly dormant.
This PawPaw is one of my favorite trees. Although not considered to be a particular species at risk, this tree is extremely rare in these parts since we are located more to the north of its usual climate zone.
I felt inspired to plant some of these trees, largely because the PawPaw is the only tree able to host the Zebra Swallowtail butterfly.
On so many levels it is essential to do what is possible to help sustain biodiversity.
Probably the best indicator that Spring has sprung is seeing the trees starting to bud.
When I relocated my shop to its current location in 2001 one of the first things I did was to plant some trees on the surrounding property. I opted to plant several lesser known and indigenous species of trees, including a few that are considered to be species at risk in this area.
This Shagbark Hickory is clearly wasting little time getting its buds out into the light of the Sun. Other species including Butternut, Swamp Oak, Pin Oak, Black Walnut and PawPaw remain mostly dormant.
This PawPaw is one of my favorite trees. Although not considered to be a particular species at risk, this tree is extremely rare in these parts since we are located more to the north of its usual climate zone.
I felt inspired to plant some of these trees, largely because the PawPaw is the only tree able to host the Zebra Swallowtail butterfly.
On so many levels it is essential to do what is possible to help sustain biodiversity.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Women's Health Research Awards - Goddess Keepsake Boxes
Several years ago the Ontario Women's Health Council approached The Guild Shop in Toronto to design special gifts that could be presented to recipients of the Women's Health Research Award.
For this occasion I was commissioned to make special keepsake boxes with bottoms and lids crafted from a single block of solid wood.
The wood used to make these boxes came from a special sampling of Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) that was specifically chosen for its traditional use in holistic healing. Native American medicine women discovered through many generations of trial, error and observation that this wood has medicinal properties that are believed to be conducive to the prevention and treatment of disease.
In recent years a scientific basis for this traditional wisdom has been discovered, and these active molecules (known scientifically as ellagitannins) are now at the leading edge of research into finding a cure for cancer.
Inlaid into the lid of each box was a specially design avatar, symbolizing woman as Goddess. The interior bottoms were lined in leather.
Friday, February 11, 2011
"Da Hah' da nyah" Keepsake Box
The design of this "Da Hah' da nyah" keepsake box is actually a variation of the original Tekendoos design I first created in the mid-1990s.
Measuring 10" long x 5" deep x 2-3/4" high this box has been crafted from FSC certified wood, with the exterior being clad in a wood called Narra. This Narra carries a special provenance in the world of sustainable forest management in that it comes from the last remaining board known to exist of the very first wood to be sustainably harvested on the Solomon Islands in the early to mid 1990s. The interior is felt lined.
The inlay on the top of the box was inspired by an aboriginal glyph of a turtle. This image is symbolic for many reasons, since turtles are one of the oldest forms of life and the shell is symbolic of protection. Because of its great age and slow metabolism the turtle is also associated with longevity.
The wood that was used to make the inlay comes from a tree that is a member of the Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) family of trees. Native American medicine women discovered through many generations of trial, error and observation that this wood has holistic medicinal properties that are conducive to healing. In recent years a scientific basis to support this ancient wisdom has been discovered and these molecules (known scientifically as ellagitannins) are now at the leading edge of research into finding a cure for cancer.
The name Da Hah' da nyah comes from the Seneca Iroquois, and means "he protects the forest". This is appropriate considering that the specific design of this particular box was originally commissioned as a gift for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) in 2004.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
500 Tables
In "500 Tables" by Lark Books esteemed juror Andrew Glasgow selected a wide array of table styles and forms, from pieces that showcase masterful artwork to ones that feature alternative materials and aesthetic sensibilities. Published in 2009 this book features more than 300 artists.
We had the good fortune of having three tables selected for this publication.
This Cuff Link Table measures 12" dia and 18-1/2" high and is made of a wood called Madero Acero. The wood on the top was cut into a sunburst pattern, with the grain allowed to cascade as a waterfall down the tapered cone sides. A polished stainless steel collar separates the split cone segments.
"Solomon's Desk" measures 50-7/8" long by 18-7/8" wide by 29" high. It was crafted from a rare sampling of Narra timber that came from of the very first batch of wood to be sustainably harvested on the Solomon Islands in the early to mid-1990s. This Narra made its way into North American by way of Eco-Timber in California.
A pencil drawer with bevelled edge was discretely inset into the edge of the top.
Inside the drawer is a lidded tray made of Hawthorn and Sassafras woods. Both of these woods were used in traditional medicine for their aromatherapeutic and Ayurvedic properties. These scents accumulate naturally inside the drawer while it is closed, before being released when it is opened.
The drawer box is literally a puzzle that is fitted together by means of sliding dovetail construction. The back mitres are joined by a solid walnut dovetailed key, while the Narra bottom is set into dadoes on all 4 sides.
The finger pull inlay on the underside of the top is crafted from a special sampling of Black Walnut (Juglans nigra). It is relevant that this is located in a place that is frequently touched because Native American medicine women discovered through many generations of trial, error and observation that this wood has medicinal properties said to be conducive to healing. It was believed that simply touching this wood would release the active molecules to the surface of one's skin, where they could be naturally absorbed into the pores.
Although such claims were initially dismissed as little more than old wives' tales, these active molecules (known scientifically as ellagitannins) are currently at the leading edge of research into finding a cure for cancer.
The Whale Tail Desk was crafted from a reclaimed flitch of Macassar Ebony veneer, with the high gloss finish helping create the illusion of a Right Whale breeching in preparation for a deep dive.
An anthracite grommet in the top allows wiring to access the floor by means of a vertebrae wire management system hidden inside the lower torso of the desk. Stability is achieved by securing the desk to the floor by means of hidden fasteners.
We had the good fortune of having three tables selected for this publication.
This Cuff Link Table measures 12" dia and 18-1/2" high and is made of a wood called Madero Acero. The wood on the top was cut into a sunburst pattern, with the grain allowed to cascade as a waterfall down the tapered cone sides. A polished stainless steel collar separates the split cone segments.
"Solomon's Desk" measures 50-7/8" long by 18-7/8" wide by 29" high. It was crafted from a rare sampling of Narra timber that came from of the very first batch of wood to be sustainably harvested on the Solomon Islands in the early to mid-1990s. This Narra made its way into North American by way of Eco-Timber in California.
A pencil drawer with bevelled edge was discretely inset into the edge of the top.
Inside the drawer is a lidded tray made of Hawthorn and Sassafras woods. Both of these woods were used in traditional medicine for their aromatherapeutic and Ayurvedic properties. These scents accumulate naturally inside the drawer while it is closed, before being released when it is opened.
The drawer box is literally a puzzle that is fitted together by means of sliding dovetail construction. The back mitres are joined by a solid walnut dovetailed key, while the Narra bottom is set into dadoes on all 4 sides.
The finger pull inlay on the underside of the top is crafted from a special sampling of Black Walnut (Juglans nigra). It is relevant that this is located in a place that is frequently touched because Native American medicine women discovered through many generations of trial, error and observation that this wood has medicinal properties said to be conducive to healing. It was believed that simply touching this wood would release the active molecules to the surface of one's skin, where they could be naturally absorbed into the pores.
Although such claims were initially dismissed as little more than old wives' tales, these active molecules (known scientifically as ellagitannins) are currently at the leading edge of research into finding a cure for cancer.
The Whale Tail Desk was crafted from a reclaimed flitch of Macassar Ebony veneer, with the high gloss finish helping create the illusion of a Right Whale breeching in preparation for a deep dive.
An anthracite grommet in the top allows wiring to access the floor by means of a vertebrae wire management system hidden inside the lower torso of the desk. Stability is achieved by securing the desk to the floor by means of hidden fasteners.
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