How to Make Furniture that Sells

When I had the chance to make a living as a furniture maker, it was a dream come true. However, I soon realized that my chosen path was a very difficult one and found that I needed to adapt my designs to appeal to consumers. In this video, I share some of my best tips for making … Continue reading How to Make Furniture that Sells

Shiny Handles Suck

Many wooden-handled tools that you can buy come covered in a tough, shiny finish.  These tools look so perfect and pretty and would look right at home in a glass display case under a spotlight in the Museum of Modern Art.  While the shiny handles are pretty and easy to wipe clean, they are slippery … Continue reading Shiny Handles Suck

Happy Mother’s Day!

I think I may have outdone myself this year. But as my coworkers pointed out, even though I spent a few days creating this cabinet, my mother spent many months creating me. So I digress.To antique the polished brass hardware, I applied the same dyed shellac and allowed it to partially dry before rubbing most … Continue reading Happy Mother’s Day!

Durability Shmurability

It would be great if it were possible to build a piece of furniture that would last for generations without any need for repair. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Fortunately, there are glues and finishes which are easy to repair. Available are animal based glues such as hide or fish glues. They create a strong, … Continue reading Durability Shmurability

Bubinga Dining Room Table, Part II

Currently, I'm down in Phoenix, Arizona, working for Morgan Holt of EarthArt Landscape & Designs, Inc. on a massive dining table being made from one large slab of bubinga. Yesterday was an edgy day, so to speak.  The previous day, I had carved the edges with the angle grinder equipped with an Arbortech wood-carving wheel.  … Continue reading Bubinga Dining Room Table, Part II