Expert to Beginner: March 2014

Thursday, March 6, 2014

George Washington Jack

Sideboard
George Jack (1855-1932)
60 1/2 inches (153.7 cm); Length: 84 1/4 inches (214.7 cm.); Width: 29 1/2 inches (75.0 cm)Mahogany, ornamented with marquetry.

George Washington Jack is Scottish-American born in New York and grew up in Glasgow. Later, Jack moved to London and in 1880, Jack was hired by the Morris & Co. a furniture company that was established by Philip Webb a furniture maker and William Morris an artist and textile designer. His central role in designing for Morris & Co. started in 1890 when Phillip Webb retired.
The distinguishing characteristics of his works are that they are very slender, delicate, and graceful.
Most of his influence comes from Phillip Webb, but his designs were also influenced by the Queen Anne era, which was different from Webb’s designs.
Jack worked in wood but designed for a lot of different materials like stain-glass, mosaics, and cast-ons. He was very talented in wood carving and later became a professor at the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London. He is also the author of The Fine Art Society Story.
What I like about his occasional table is that it’s really cute, and slender. It looks delicate and beautiful, but it’s strong. I want to make my table top something like that, but it’s my first semester here and I don’t know if I’m capable of it.

References:

Rodel, Kevin P., Binzen, Jonathan. Arts & Crafts Furniture: From Classic To Contemporary. Newtown, CT: The Taunton Press, Inc., 2003. 24. eBook.

"Occasional Table." The Victorian Web. Web. 30 Sept 2010. .

Occasional Table
Designer: George Washington Jack (1855-1932)
Manufacturer and retailer: Morris & Co.c. 1885
31 inches (78.5 cm) diameter; 27 inches (68.5 cm) high
Mahogany with central sunflower carved boss and pie-crust top and six carved legs
Exhibited: London, The Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society, 1889

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Make a candy dispenser

If you are looking for a quick Halloween project to build this weekend, heres one you can make in an afternoon. Don Steffens posted his candy dispenser on my Facebook page last week and it became a hit with everyone.

Using the same simple dispenser mechanism, you can easily modify this into any character you want. Since the front it clear, I thought it would be fun to make a zombie head and fill it with red candy to represent brains!

If you would like to try this out, heres a template to print out.

Happy Halloween!

*****

Woodworking Projects For Kids

This category contains some great woodworking projects for kids. Some of the projects are excellent for kids themselves to build. Others are more complex and youll just want to build them for the kids in your life. Or build them for the kid in you!

Kids love to be in the shop around tools and woodworking. Helping to build their own toys, or gifts for others, can bring them unmatched pride and satisfaction.

I encourage you to include them in your woodworking projects whenever you can. But please keep safety as THE most important factor whenever using tools around children, especially with power tools.

Here is an easy plan for a set of wooden toy blocks, inspired by a set my grandfather built. Simply follow the link or click on the picture. Youll find more details and drawing files in PDF format that you can view or download.

Fun little set of workbench plans that my daughters friend dreamed up. The bench is sized for a child, but with a little modification would work great for an adult as well. Take a look, especially if youre looking for a project that you can build with your kids.

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Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Nine Man Morris

I remember playing this game as a kid, but I dont remember what we called it. Well, its Nine Man Morris.

Walter sent me this:

I found this game in a book I was reading and introduced it to my students. We began by drawing the board on paper and using checkers. I had some time this weekend so I made a board out of wood using my drill press with a round rasp bit, my wood burning kit and bench top sander. It only took about 30 minutes to make and turned out pretty cool.

Nine Man Morris is an ancient game over 3,000 years old. It was played by American Indians from the Inuit to the Pre-Columbians, by the Vikings, the Ancient Egyptians, and early Europeans.

To start the game, the players place their pieces (marbles) in any of the available circles on the board. When all pieces are placed, the game enters the second part. Players now move their pieces. A piece can be moved from one circle to another along the lines. Pieces can never be placed or moved to a slot that is already occupied. Whenever a player forms a mill (three pieces in a row), they can take one of their opponents pieces. The game ends when a player cannot make a move or they only have two pieces remaining.

Very cool. I love the idea of burning the lines. I can imagine endless ways you could make this game. To be correct, Walter tells me his board is actually a Six Man Morris game. I see there are also three and twelve man versions.

Great project to crank out on a lazy afternoon.

What inspires Todd Clippinger

Todd A. Clippinger started doing home remodels in 1997 and developed a penchant for working on period homes: repairing and duplicating period trim, doors and built-ins. He discovered that not very many people could do this type of work but Todd enjoyed the challenge and was good at it.

Todd became a juried artist in the 2007 Western Design Conference based on his craftsmanship and design. His projects include fitted and freestanding furniture and furnishings.

He maintains his workshop in Montana where he builds beautiful custom furnishings for high-end clientele. Please visit his web site: American Craftsman Workshop. Todd is quite active in the online woodworking community and shares his knowledge on his YouTube channel.

For the Inspiration Project, Todd made this video which has great advice for woodworkers of any skill level.

*****

Gallery

Banq in Boston

I found a post about this restaurant on Notcot.org. It is called Banq and the interior was designed by the architectural firm Office Da in Boston. The ceiling of the restaurant is covered by sheets of plywood that form a topographical, 3-D map. The overall effect is off a vibrant, living environment.

Monday, March 3, 2014

Japanese Woodwork

Japanese woodwork is well known for its strive for perfection, advanced joinery, and its planed wood surfaces. Japanese woodworkers generally work with soft wood instead of the commonly used hardwood. Japanese woodwork has 4 distinct categories that each have their own unique specialty. Miyadaiku is a type of Japanese woodwork that focuses on the construction of shrines and temples. These temples and shrine are built using advanced joinery like the butterfly joints, and the temples and shrines built seem to be the longest surviving wood structures in the world. Sukiya daiku focuses on teahouses and residential buildings like houses. These type of woodworkers are well known for aesthetic reasons as well as the use of rustic materials. Sashimonoshi is the term used for woodwork that focuses on furniture. An example of this type of woodwork would be pieces done by George Nakashima. Tateguya is Japanese woodwork that is used for interior finishing. These 4 main types of woodwork in Japan all require tools that are specifically used for Japanese woodwork.

4 main Japanese woodwork tools that differ from the standard Western tools are the Japanese saw, plane, and gimlet. The Japanese saw is differs in that instead of using a push stroke to cut, it uses a pull stroke and the saw blades are considered much thinner compared to the Western blades. There are two main types of cutting teeth on Japanese saws which is the yoko-noko-giri (rip) and the tate-noko-giri (cross cut). Combing these two teeth make the ryoba, which is the dual edge blade. Dozuki is a blade used by Japanese woodworkers to cut fine joinery like butterfly joints, and the Azebiki is used to saw in confined areas or start cuts in the middle of wood pieces.

The Japanese plane is another tool that differs from the Western tools. The Japanese plane commonly consists of a wooden block containing a laminated blade, sub blade, and securing pin. The support bed for the blade is convex instead of being flat like the western blades. Again this tool differs from the Western version because to operate it you pull instead of pushing. The yarigawa is the old fashioned Japanese plane that resembles a spear. This plane is used for large circular columns or where an unsophisticated look is desired.

The Japanese have a wider variety of chisels than Western woodwork. Some chisels are the bench, paring, striking, heavy timber, and slicks. Each chisel has their own unique function and are used for different type of wood pieces. Some chisels are used for removing large while others are used to make sharper angles in the timber. The Japanese gimlet is a tool used to make a mortise by drilling circular holes in the wood. This tool is one of the most difficult to master in Japanese woodwork. Japanese also have a wide variety of hammers that are used in woodwork. There are 18 different types of hammers used, each with their own unique specialty. The Japanese tend to have a wide variety of tools each with a specific design, for example the chisel and the hammer.

The Japanese differ from the western woodwork through their various tools and techniques. Joints also tend to differ because the Japanese use an advanced type of joinery when it comes to building buildings and furniture. The Japanese display patience and strive for perfection when it comes to woodwork. They also are well known for their unique designs and creativity. The wood pieces are not only creative but also well made and built wood structures that are known to be the worlds longest surviving structures.

Gilles Marie Oppenordt

Gilles-Marie Oppenordt was a French designer (decorator) and architect for the king. He had a very distinct Rococo style. He is a Dutch born in Paris in 1639 from a line of ébéniste, commonly known as cabinetmakers. His influences included his father who worked for the Louvre Palace in Paris for King Henry IV. He also studied Baroque sculptural ornaments in Rome and idealized Bernini, an Italian artist and Italian architects, Borromini and Pirro Ligorio.
His furniture designs are very elaborate and he studied artists, he was an admirable draftsman. His designs are of the Rococo period, and there are a lot of leaves and curves in his designs. His designs are also asymmetrical.
Oppenordt was a designer and architect, and most likely did not build his designs. However Gabriel Huquier, and engraver and portrait artist engraved some of Oppenordt’s designs.
Oppenordt was a very important figure in the development of the Rococo style. The Rococo style was basically the Baroque style but styled more towards nature, with an emphasis on asymmetry and foliage, and a light hearted feel. He was a very well known designer and published two of his design books; the Grand Oppenord and the Petit Oppenord. He also wrote another book called the LArt décoratif du 18 siècle (Paris, 1888).
He was very big on the Rococo style, so his interior designs of buildings were just the same; it was all very elaborate and crowed with flowers, leaves and curves.
Oppenordt was a great designer and I love his work. I love the Rococo style; I think it is the most elegant and feminine of all the styles. It is just so pretty. And I adore the cabriole legs on the furniture. I want to put cabriole legs on my projects, because I think they’re really cute.

Works Cited:

Hercules Clock by A.C. Boulle and Gilles-Marie Oppenord, c. 1712, loaned by Paris Musée des Arts et Metiers. Cheremetiev Cabinet, Hermitage Museum (Photo: Paul Paradis)

Paradis, Paul. "Paris Art Market Buzz: A Boullienne Fantasy." Beth Arnold: Letter from Paris. Beth Arnold , 25 Jan 2010. Web. 01 Sept 2010. .

Image Credits:
Ornamental Motifs - LineEdward Pearce Casey Fund from http://www.metmuseum.org
Rococo Chairs - from http://www.hedleyshumpers.com/furniture.html

World Cup Fever and Twitter

Every web site on the internet seems to have something to say about the World Cup, so I thought I had better do my part and catch the fever! Have you caught it yet?

Dont worry, I think many of us are immune. Now dont get me wrong, I can understand excitement in sports of all kinds. I totally get caught up in football (not futbol) every Autumn. I watch the Niners when they suck. (Since 1992, I think) Thats devotion.

Its funny how soccer is the worlds most popular sport, but seems to be primarily a sport for children in America. I rarely meet anyone who played the game beyond middle-school. Aside from aficionados, we really only hear about soccer every four years, when the World Cup occurs. Thats when Americans become all abuzz about it. Suddenly everyone is a fan! When its all over we forget about it for another four years.

I do the same thing with curling. (Its the worlds most popular broom-related sport, yaknow) I get fascinated by it during the winter Olympics and vow to give it a shot myself. It looks like bowling: the kind of game anyone can play and drink beer at the same time. Unfortunately, there are about 2 curling rinks in California. So after two weeks of Olympics, I forget about curling for another four years.

So while soccer is not to my taste, I applaud all of you who are into it! I fully understand sports "fevers". Thankfully, most fevers go away shortly with a little bed rest and plenty of liquids.

Now lets see. Oh yeah, Twitter. Well it seems I am late to that party too. I tried a while back but didnt really get it, so I am now jumping into the fray again. I think I may actually be able to get more than a few followers now...enough to make it interesting! So if you are on Twitter, dial up my handle: MereMortalsWW. Totally lame username, but someone already has MereMortals. I like the spontaneity of Twitter and the fleeting nature of posts. Should be fun!

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Children S Furniture Plans Wooden Ideas

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Pvc Pipe Furniture Plans Wooden Ideas

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15 Things

Hello! Not too long ago, I was asked to share 15 random things about myself. To be honest, I wasnt convinced anyone would be interested in knowing 15 random things about me. But I do really enjoy reading little personal tidbits about other bloggers so I thought, why not! Here goes......

1. I love dessert. As in cupcakes. As in frosting. I will buy a half dozen cupcakes and have them gone by the next day. I often consider giving up sugar, but who am I kidding.

2. One of my most embarrassing married moments was my husband finding a 9 months pregnant me sitting in front of an open freezer at midnight using a giant serving spoon to shovel ice cream into my mouth. In my defense, it was June and the weather was hot. :)

3. My husband delivered two of our children. The experience is something I will cherish forever.

4. Another one of my most embarrassing moments (I have lots of them) was in college. While marching in the University band at a televised college football game, my uniform pants got caught on the sideline fence while taking the field for the pre-game show, completely ripping from the waist down. Having a drill sergeant type scary band director, I opted to just keep going instead of run off the field breaking formation and facing his wrath, and do my best to ignore the fact that my behind was exposed to a million people while my pant leg flapped in the breeze. If that wasnt exciting enough, my replacement pants they gave me afterward were 6 sizes too big and dropped to my ankles during the half time show while I tried to balance holding them up with one hand and a piccolo with the other. Did I mention it was televised? In front of a million people?

5. I am loving this stuff right now. It smells like chocolate cupcakes and possibly explains number 1 above.

6. I have been blessed with very compassionate boys. I am so proud of their hearts.

7. Starting a blog terrified me because I was afraid of putting myself out there and I wasnt sure I had anything to offer the blog world.

8. I love this girl. She has been such an inspiration to me!

9. Because we are such a busy family with crazy schedules and older children in sports, we hardly ever eat at the dinner table as a family. Something I would love to change. But carving out a time when we are all home together is difficult.

10. My most favorite thing to do in the world is spend time with my husband and kids. Even if its just watching TV.

11. I 100% believe that you should go for your dreams, whatever they may be.

12. I love watching cartoons with my youngest. Franklin anyone?

13. I love the people I have e-met since blogging and consider it one of the biggest blessings of being a blogger.

14. Another one of my favorite things to do, that I do without fail every night, is watch The Golden Girls after hubby falls asleep.

15. One of my favorite memories with my step daughter is watching Brian Regans comedy act about the styrofoam ball solar system science fair project and laughing forever. "The big yellow ones the sun!"

So, thats it. A little bit of me. Hope you enjoyed!

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Mini Makeovers at Country Living

A while back I was asked if I would contribute a photo and idea for a story on Country Livings website. It was all about quick mini-makeovers... I spent a few days thinking it over and kept coming back to the pantry post I had done a couple weeks before. As a busy mom myself, nothing makes me feel better than a makeover that is quick and easy and combines organizing and decor all in one.

Above is the photo I sent them... I had such a great time rearranging our pantry and took the opportunity to give our old cabinet a little makeover at the same time.

BEFORE:

As you know, I love the old cabinet we use as a pantry but the inside did look a little rough. Although the outside is painted white, I had never done anything inside other than give it a thorough cleaning. I actually like the all wood interior in its natural state, but I thought the door could use a little freshening. So I painted a coat of white on and then a light coat of ASCP in Paris Grey, followed with a little clear wax.

AFTER:

I love the way it turned out... it not only looks better, but feels better to the touch. In addition, I put a coat of ASCP Paris Grey on the lower shelf, which is the only part of the cabinet that is not original.

You can find the tips I shared here, along with several other great ideas shared by some fantastic bloggers (I love the sugared berries by Gourmandistan so much that I plan on making some to use for Jillians birthday cake coming up in a couple weeks). Im so honored that Country Living asked me to be a part of 7 Mini-Makeovers You Can Finish Fast... I hope youll head over and check out all the inspiration!