The internet is a great resource, but trying to find inspiration for a design without spending hours can be difficult. I find the most efficient way is to scan through the results of an image search. But a search for “dining table” isn’t likely to be very fruitful. Think carefully and add some key words … Continue reading How I Find Inspiration Online
Roots of Flair
My style of woodwork has been influenced predominantly by the materials I had, things I saw, and ideas I explored. Naturally, my designs have evolved over the years. While reorganizing my workshop, I found a few unfamiliar cardboard boxes. They contained some of my work from around the start of Flair Woodworks. I will be sharing photographs … Continue reading Roots of Flair
A Topless Table
Last week's Picture Inspiration proved to be a real challenge. We, at #Woodchat, were looking at a picture of an SR71 stealth plane. Most of us started by looking at the actual shape of the plane and trying to relate what we saw to lines suitable for a furniture design. When I found that didn't … Continue reading A Topless Table
#Woodchat’s Picture Inspiration! Design Game
#Woodchat on Air is a weekly online woodworking program hosted by Matt Gradwohl of Uppercut Woodworks, Scott Meek of Scott Meek Woodworks, and me. Watch it Wednesday nights at 7pm Pacific/10pm Eastern (duration: approximately 1 hour). Last year, we at #Woodchat on Air ran the #Woodchat Telephone Game Design Experiment. We started with one design … Continue reading #Woodchat’s Picture Inspiration! Design Game
Design Blogs Provide Inspiration
Reminder: tomorrow is the last day to vote for your favourite shop stools! If you follow my Twitter or Pinterest account, you've seen some of the designs by other makers that intrigue or inspire me. Most of these come from the following design blogs. Among these sites, there is a considerable volume of pictures and … Continue reading Design Blogs Provide Inspiration
Need Some Ideas for Your Shop Stool?
Register today to participate in the Shop Stool Build-Off and a chance to win a prize! Saturday, January 25 is the date set for the Shop Stool Build-Off. Some woodworkers I have talked to are already working on designs and expect to do some material prep (including building bending forms) before the big day arrives. … Continue reading Need Some Ideas for Your Shop Stool?
Interior Design Show West 2013
On Saturday, I attended the Interior Design Show West, held at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Future Masters Although I enjoyed the whole show, Future Masters, which showcases the work of design students and recent graduates, was the highlight for me. Although this can be partially attributed to the fact that I was already familiar with the … Continue reading Interior Design Show West 2013
Possibilities Inspire Me
One of my greatest inspirations is the idea of improvement. I am not content simply reproducing existing designs - I always like to try new things and new ideas. Man seems to be a problem-seeking as well as a problem-solving animal. We are programmed to change, develop, and meet new challenges until we die. Anthony … Continue reading Possibilities Inspire Me
What Inspires?
Steve Ramsey of Woodworking for Mere Mortals started a new segment on his blog called Inspiration Project, asking creative people the simple question, "what inspires?". He asked me to kick off Inspiration Project, so I created a video (duration: 5:34) Read Steve's post and watch my video HERE.
Roll With It
Many woodworkers are technically skilled and able to create an item exactly as detailed in a plan. Some lack the willingness to take risks and push the boundaries. Technical skills are important, but they only get you so far. Creativity and problem solving are key skills for anyone making original work. For me, design is … Continue reading Roll With It
Sculptural Woodwork by Chris Wong 