Simple Box Complex lid

Continuing my experimentation with paper as a structural element, I made this simple walnut box with a fairly complex paper lid. Using snap fasteners in place of screws or glue, it took several tries - and lots of swear words - to get the cuts, folds and fasteners lined up correctly. It was worth it for such a perfect fit. It nestles in perfectly to create a contrast of color and composition.

Up next... a big announcement, and several new projects. First, apparently I'm getting hitched this weekend. Wish us luck!

Fake IKEA, Round 2

My original homage to IKEA, made for Niz a few months back, has gravitated to my side of the bed. Apparently, it was too short. So, I took another go of it - same basic design of exposed edge plywood, but this time veneered in maple. The pictures look pretty good, but I messed up the top of the veneer, so I'll have to redo that (bubble). This one is about 18" tall and 14" in diameter. I wouldn't mind going back to IKEA sometime - for the Swedish meatballs and lingonberries.

Oh, btw, if you're in the market for a solid walnut table that's, oh, I don't know, something like 4' wide x 14' long, I may be able to help you...

Clean Plate aftermath

 A lot of the time when people see the things I make they're very hesitant to touch or use them, treating the pieces more like they're in a museum than a functional space. So it was rewarding to be at Clean Plate a few times and see people gathered around the table, sharing great food and conversation. The 1-month Clean Plate residency, all the patrons, visitors and the food and drink, left their mark on the space and the table - literally and figuratively. I guess that's what it's all about with the Empty Room. Congratulations to Elle on such a successful and hopefully fulfilling (emphasis on filling) month!

Complete or Repeat? You (help) decide!

Recently I tried my hand at making Niz a cherry and walnut veneer table that I said was my attempt at something like Ikea. It turned out alright, but now we need another one that matches the style, but that's a little taller and a little larger in diameter. I also wanted to do a design on the top that challenged my parquetry skills (actually, lackthereof). I came up with the below design, to a "meh" reaction. I think it's pretty cool, particularly because the yellow veneer is called "myrtle burl", which just sounds funny. The darker wood is walnut burl. I can also imagine what it will look like finished, and think it will be cool. If I move forward on this one, I'll add the same style of half-tapered, cherry or walnut veneer legs as the first, and finish it with a semi-gloss polyurethane. What do you think? Should I move ahead and complete, or does it demand a repeat? Oh, and feel free to re-Tweet (this post).