Here's a little oak coffee table in the Arts and Crafts style that I've been working on for a client. They wanted a crossword puzzle inlaid into the top in pewter (it is a gift for someone who loves crosswords!) together with some classic Arts and Crafts motifs.
I've just finished making a large screw veneer press that has been under construction for the last few months. It will allow me to undertake traditional hide glue veneering, marquetry and inlay on a much larger scale than previously. This opens up new possibilities both in making and restoration; I'm quite excited by the potential!
Here's a fun thing I've been working on for a client over the last few weeks — a crossword puzzle made of pewter inlaid into oak. The piece it belongs to isn't quite finished yet, but should be done soon.
One of the advantages of living with a bookbinder, I've discovered, is that you can nick her stuff. Marysa's cast iron book press is excellent for small bits of veneering and marquetry. Today I was using it to make components for a box, using hot hide glue with heated aluminium plates to keep the glue from gelling prematurely. In the old days they used zinc plates, but aluminum is cheap and easy to get hold of, and seems to work well enough.
Other things that seem to make the trip between workshops on a regular basis are leather-paring knives, newsprint, and scissors. I had a habit of losing my scissors but now there are always some to hand. Not sure what the bookbinder thinks about all this though...
Here's a whimsical sort of thing I have been making in between some bigger jobs. It's a simple chest in a contemporary Arts and Crafts style, with some inlaid pewter foliage as a finishing touch. It is designed to provide a seat as well as storage. I made two of these chests; one is already spoken for, but the other is for sale. If you are interested, please contact me for a price and more pictures etc.
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