Stunning Material

While hunting for wood at a local supplier, I hit the jackpot. What you are looking at is a plank of quilted big leaf or western maple. This is an American hardwood that is native to the Pacific northwest. A very small percentage has this pattern of figuring, making it quite rare. I have never heard a convincing explanation of its cause, but who cares? This stuff is gorgeous! I was able to have a good look at its color and figure by wetting with a splash of alcohol (bottom). The wavy structure of this wood makes it tricky to work, but oh so rewarding. This piece should work out nicely for my "Ellipse" coffee table aprons and book-matched top. More as it develops. -Rich

Latest Offerings

work is progressing nicely on two new items. first, i am creating a WEDGE chair to match the popular WEDGE table - see attached photos. this project has kept me busy with its many unusual angles. -i should have paid better attention in geometry class! seriously, seeing a result is quite rewarding for me here. the first examples will be available in ebonized walnut, with other woods to follow.

also near completion is the ELIPSE coffee table - a mate to the existing ELIPSE side table. after making a 1/4 scale model (3 inches = 1 foot) that i'm satisfied with, i have built a full size mock up in spruce, with which i can make some final design tweaks before cutting into clear cherry.

look for both on my website this fall. - rich