Since moving into our new house last year, I have hung dozens of pictures and shelves. Okay, maybe not dozens, but very likely a dozen. Every time, the challenges are the same: what is the best location, where are the studs, and is it level? While not immediately obvious, we always do reach a consensus … Continue reading Mounting Shelves and Pictures on Walls
More Wall Shelf Sketches
I've continued to sketch, trying to figure out what design to use for the Wall Shelf Build-Off this weekend. I could well find myself in the shop Saturday without a design and just making it up on the fly - that idea is not foreign to me. Have a look at my sketches - perhaps … Continue reading More Wall Shelf Sketches
Sketching to Develop Wall Shelf Ideas
With two weeks before the Wall Shelf Build-Off, I spent some time this afternoon working on design ideas. I filled three pages of sketches with a variety of designs. When sketching, I like to use pen and don't spend more than half a minute on each. I use the sketches to help me figure out what I … Continue reading Sketching to Develop Wall Shelf Ideas
Designing a Wall Shelf – Mounting Options
For a wall shelf, the best place to start is at the beginning - the wall. How will the shelf be mounted to the wall? Perhaps the biggest challenge in designing a successful wall shelf is attaching it to the wall strongly enough to support it and whatever it supports. The method of attachment will … Continue reading Designing a Wall Shelf – Mounting Options
The Wall Shelf Build-Off: January 28-29
Everybody is Invited to Participate! The purpose of the Wall Shelf Build-Off (#WSBO) is to encourage woodworkers from around the world to simultaneously build a project in their own workshops and share the process online January 28 and 29, just like the Shop Stool Build-Off that I hosted four years ago. I expect to see many returning … Continue reading The Wall Shelf Build-Off: January 28-29
New Work: Reign
Prior to this one, I had created three shelves of this style: Black Locust Wall Table, Artifact of, and There is Not Always Light at the End of the Tunnel. They are characterized by tall vertical elements with long tusk tenons mounted to the wall. The shelf slipped over the tusk tenon and was locked in place … Continue reading New Work: Reign
Deconstructed – Finished Shots and Reflective Thoughts
Today, I completed Deconstructed, making it the first piece of 2013. Although there are a couple of things that didn't go the way I wanted, I am very happy with the result. I find myself loving it more the longer I am around it. (The same can be said with most of my woodwork.) The shelf … Continue reading Deconstructed – Finished Shots and Reflective Thoughts
Deconstructed, Session 5
In Session 1, Session 2, Session 3 and Session 4 I began working on an exploded shelf I'm calling Deconstructed. I finished the last session by filling in air bubbles with epoxy. Today, in the final session of this Tweet-Along, I completed the shelf, including applying the first coat of finish. As always, I documented my progress live on Twitter … Continue reading Deconstructed, Session 5
Deconstructed, Session 4
In Session 1, Session 2, and Session 3 I began working on an exploded shelf I'm calling Deconstructed. I finished the last session by pouring clear resin around the wood parts set in a mould made of waxed melamine. Tuesday, I unmoulded the casting. If everything had gone perfectly, all that would have been required would have … Continue reading Deconstructed, Session 4
Deconstructed, Session 3
Earlier this month in Session 1 and Session 2, I began working on a new project. I had cut parts for the mould and begun waxing them. Yesterday, I finished waxing the mould and poured the resin. As always, I documented my progress live on Twitter using hashtag #FlairWW (follow me @FlairWoodworks) which was useful because each update had … Continue reading Deconstructed, Session 3
Sculptural Woodwork by Chris Wong 