Works in Progress

Here’s the daybed I’ve been talking about – while the pics aren’t exactly ‘perfect’ yet – it gives you an idea of the piece. I was thinking it would be interesting to shoot in the environment from which it came – I’ve learned a lot in the process and will shoot again for the website, but for now, this works – plus it shows the incredible environment from which I am inspired.

Daybed on point

It was an amazing afternoon, the light was incredible, storm clouds threatened and the hike down was thrilling – particularly carrying all the gear – in the wind!

Close-up of daybed - custom mattress - ticking slipcover

Here is an overview of the point we chose to shoot on – the bed gets ‘lost’ from this angle, but it gives you a fabulous look into where we went to shoot – what a day! There are no roads down – had hike down the cliff to get there, with all the gear…just a little peak into the ‘behind the scenes’ look into what I do for a piece.  I look forward to adding pics of me collecting and the areas I go …

Below I am working on a soon to be large low bench. I plan to keep the sides as found – the beautiful silver color of beach worn wood. The top side I will finish with a natural oil to capture the original grain of the wood. I like the contrast of the two.  I’m carving out the underside of the bench – creating a flat surface from which I will attach legs. I’ve utilized  the ease of power tools to do some of the work, but the removal of wood is done by hand and mortise and tenon joinery will be used to attach the legs.

I’ve also included a few pics (below the bench carving) showing the work involved building with mortise and tenon joinery. I am working on a nearly completed pair of club chairs.

working on bench base

chiseling leg for club chair

fine tuning

Here are a few of the steps involved when building with mortise and tenon joinery. Pieces are not nailed together, each piece is carved to fit another – not a simple task with driftwood’s natural form. I decided to utilize a more traditional wood for the bask rest. This allowed for a more refined look as well comfort. I steamed the back slats to shape. See pic below.

steaming wood to shape

Yes, this project has been underway for quite some time. Commissions have been taking my time, though the pair is nearly ready for the custom cushions complete with linen slipcovers.

Check back for the finished product!