Always
on the lookout for rare and unusual woods, I have accumulated
thousands of board feed of lumber over the past couple
of decades. A keen eye can detect a small area
of intense grain pattern that often hides in an
otherwise calm and ordinary piece of lumber. Curl,
birdseye, quilting, or spalting can often occupy just
a small area on only one side of a board, and can therefore
go without notice unless you are “searching”. (Continued
below ...)
Often,
the best way to showcase such beautiful small boards
is to design collectable boxes and small cabinets
around the wood. Most often, a beautiful piece
of wood will ignite an idea for such an item that
becomes a cherished, one of a kind, personal heirloom. Many
of these items are made of the highest music and
instrument grade bookmatched woods normally used
for making violins and guitars. My favorites
are highly figured walnut, Hawaiian koa, curly and
burled maples, and rosewoods, accented with ebony
and other tropical woods.
Each
piece is methodically and carefully crafted personally
by hand. The quality is not only evident to the eye,
but can be felt in the hand applied finish and the feel
of the lids and drawers. Splined miters, dovetails,
traditional joinery, and only solid woods are used. I
use concealed brass rod hinges and only the finest hand-casted
brass leaf hinges available. Though functional, these
can be dramatic art pieces placed on a living room cabinet,
a hall table, a bedroom chest, or in the office.
|
|
|
