Liz Dunning Design & Woodwork

Christmas!

2011-12-26T20:30:00.000-08:00

My boyfriend Paul and I teamed up to make Christmas presents!

Paul and I turned 40 pounds of cucumbers into Bread and Butter Pickles to give out for Christmas. (I cried for these pickles, I cut up 24 onions!)

Many thanks to Paul's former boss at Hudson Restaurant, executive chef Doug Borkowski for letting us use the kitchen.

Also to Matt Parrillo of Monolith Press for printing the labels for the jars!
Monolith Press is the newest addition to the Navigator Systems building where I work. They screen print amazing art posters for bands.

We wanted to make wood labels, and burning wood turned out to be a major failure so we asked Matt if he could screen print on wood and he made us a deal.

He printed our labels and some for himself and we cut them out.

Below is the action shot that Angel sent me!

I can't wait to do another canning project!

Furniture For Anne

2011-12-22T21:00:00.000-08:00

When Anne called to discuss building her some furniture she said she just bought a new home, it was small and she had a million books and no where to unpack them. Admist other projects I had going on at the time I found some time to design, have parts fabricated and then with the help of friends and colleagues, build 5 pieces of furniture for her. As quick as possible.

Many thanks to Leon Kyriakopoulos, Gary Dunning, Mei Yen, Mike Bryant, Paul Bondick, and Derek McCall it never would have happened without your help.

Leon fabricated all the metal parts I needed, the right angle brackets below are the shelf supports. He also made bookends for the panel shelves.

Anne has a beautiful collection of antique furniture and ceramics, I wanted the pieces I designed to neither deter or compete with them. She suggested using pine which I was hesitant to at first but soon fell for. I like the humble, country fresh feel that it has.

The pieces below were designed to have book storage and showcase specific favorites of her collection of antique furniture.

The miniature cabinet below was one of many in a collection of "miniatures" that belonged to Anne's grandfather. The craftsmanship and detailing were on point all the way down to tiny set of china dishes. It's so neat to design and build furniture for a museum quality piece like that.

Thanks to my dad for all his tireless help and letting me trade trucks with him so I could use his full sized truck!

Friends and Family of 1800 Ferry Point...

2011-12-06T13:20:00.000-08:00

Holiday Gift Ideas...staplers!

2011-12-04T21:08:00.000-08:00

The Ace Pilot for $32

The Zenith plier-style stapler.

Thank You!

2011-11-20T21:55:00.000-08:00

Fiona Douglass of Bluebellgray.

Photos from Design*Sponge.

Jane and Becky

2011-11-04T20:30:00.000-07:00

Jane and Becky contacted me to build them a built in bench seat for their bay window in their kitchen nook. We made the fronts match the existing cabinetry. The seats flip up and provide lots of storage.

The cushions were fabricated by Worley's Home and Design Center, the fabric was selected there as well.

The paint was a custom color to match the existing white cabinetry by Shermin Williams.
This service has come in very handy to get an exact color replicated.

I wanted these pullouts to have a fruit-crate look so I designed big finger joints and a big oval handle to open them with. Western Dovetail did the fabrication.

Sammie's Vanity...

2011-10-28T21:00:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while Matt Bear of Union Studio asks me to help him with an install or delivery. I love it, we get to hang out, I get to see the new work and in this case meet Sammie, his client.
(a yoga instructor.)

This vanity went into a house in Montclair Oakland. Where the neighborhood is spread out amongst hills and trees, it is the closest you can be to living in the country but you are in Oakland. We parked the truck above the house and carried everything down a long path and stairway to the house. Then it had to go up a steep curved staircase to the second story, Sammie and Matt made me feel like super woman! Such a compliment from someone like Sammie!

The drawers are U shaped to accept sink plumbing.

Tables for Union Studio and March Pantry...

2011-10-13T12:07:00.000-07:00

I was eager to help when Matt Bear of Union Studio asked if I'd assist fabricate a collection of kitchen tables he had designed for the relaunch of March.

The owner of March, Sam Hamilton, collaborated with many designers and artists to create new work for March. So the store is full of irresistible handmade limited production goods. And the tables I helped Matt with are some of the neatest tables I have ever seen.

The table in the picture above is an end grain butcher block made out of solid white oak. Every seam has a floating tenon. The glue up was pretty fun and went incredibly well. There were three of us, spreading glue, placing tenons and stacking. After we stacking up 60 gluey blocks and clamped them all together the squeeze out was like a glue Niagara Falls!

The bottom of each leg has been dipped in Farrow & Ball paint.

The Table top below is a 3" slab of Carrara marble.

Below is another table topped in Carrara, The base is also white oak painted with a thin coat of Farrow & Ball paint, the wood grain is visible through the paint. There are white oak inserts that fit into the table so storage under the table can be utilized.

The table below has steel legs that assemble around a bottom rack that provides many storage options; aged steel boxes, wood boxes, woven baskets. I also love the steel bar at either end for towels or knives. A saddle maker has made leather pockets that loop onto these bars for knife storage.

It was a honor to be a part of this project.
Thank you!

*The first picture is from Remodelista, visit the post to see the whole write up on March.

But nothing compares to actually visiting the store. The displays change with the seasons, (fall was butter beans by the bushel and sage green pumpkins) They play a mood enhancing mix of rock and country music and often offer you little treats to snack on!

Here are a couple process photos of the butcher block:

Florence Hill Credenza

2011-09-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

My client Belinda and I designed a Florence Knoll inspired credenza out of eastern figured walnut with a dark steel base. She sourced granite for the top through Olympus Marble and Granite in Houston Texas for a very reasonable price. They were great to work with, she put me in touch with Patrick who was incredibly attentive and I have heard that it turned out great. I haven't yet seen it complete. The granite she chose is a natural wonder! I can't wait to see how it compliments the wood.

I designed the handles which were fabricated by Leon.

I blacked and refashioned self tapping sheet metal bolts into wood screws to attach the handles with.
I like the petite industrial look.

Plycon movers picked it up, blanket wrapped it and it was delivered without a scratch.

Refinishing

2011-09-08T21:00:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year my friend Lizzie Wallack of Envelope A + D referred me to a little repair job for Delfina Pizzeria on California St. During the fix I met Craig Stoll, who created Delfina, the Delfina Pizzerias and Laconda.

Soon after he had me refinish the bar and tables for the California St. location while they closed for two and a half days.

Finding a finish that fit our requirements was the biggest challenge of this job. Craig wanted a low sheen finish. It needed to dry and cure by the time the restaurant reopened. The finish needed to be durable enough to hold up to the everyday use of a busy restaurant.

Craigs first choice was Polane by Shermin Williams . They used it on the bar at Locanda. It's not glossy, it brings out the beauty of wood and it's bomb proof. Unfortunately it's very temperamental, it's a two part chemical finish that cures best when used in an professional finishing facility. It is also not legal to use in public spaces in California unless the location is closed to the public until the finish is fully cured.

We ended up using Rubio Monocoat's Decking Oil plus 2C. It was the only option that met all our requirements.

The finish looks and feels very natural. Every 6 months it is necessary to apply a very easy maintenance coat of Rubio Monocoat's, Refresh product.

photos are from Remodelista.

The largest bulletin board in the world...

2011-08-22T21:00:00.000-07:00

Dreams came true for the teachers and staff of Waldorf High.

Working at Waldorf was a unique experience. The building was adapted into the school from what had been a 1970s concrete call center. 450 Architects retrofitted the existing building with classrooms, science labs, art studios, a library, and administrative and support spaces.

In conjunction with Evans and Wallace, we made and installed a Forbo cork wall paneling that could be used for art critique pin-ups, presentations and lectures.

When Mary and I saw the plans for this project I think we both got a little whirly-eyed.
The scale was a little overwhelming and the design was near impossible. Luckily the architect did one iteration of design revisions, scaling back and omitting the impossible, leaving us with a challenging but attainable design to execute.

Each of the middle panels are wider then a sheet of plywood so we edge glued two 3' sheets together to get 6' widths. Once we glued the cork on, the weight doubled and lifting these things up and down scaffolding was a whole other test of strength and endurance!

The doors below are 6' wide by 7' tall, with cork on both sides, hung on 5 Soss hinges each and supported with a central caster.

The whole wall is 12' tall by 28' long. Covered in Forbo cork board. The two center panels open up to a 12' long chalkboard with a cork board below.

Many thanks to Mary Wallace, Louis and Augustine of Evans and Wallace. Anderson Carpet of Oakland who helped me with the roll of Forbo cork. Paul, my assistant and Jessica and Charlene of Waldorf High. Also thanks to my Festool Skill Saw!

Superheros by Glimpt

2011-07-29T19:47:00.000-07:00

After observing a vietnamese craft method to create small bowls by fixing paper thread around rolls of seagrass, Glimpt, the Swedish design duo Mattias Rask and Tor Palm, decided to translate and scale-up the dimensions of this craft technique into furniture pieces.

With help from the Swedish graphic designer Malin Koort, they developed a pattern that uses the colorful threads that usually decorate vietnamese hammocks, merging vietnamese crafts with scandinavian design.

Add a little wind to your sail with...

2011-07-21T19:56:00.000-07:00

Adam and Yvonne of Fat Alley and New Factory are an inspiring couple/team when it comes to design and gardening...

Above is a picture of their Bucket and Doublewide stools and Coffee Tops from New Factory.

Below are pictures of their kitchen from their Fat Alley blog.

Everyone loves Ikea's Grundtal System!

Bay Area NOW 6 at the Yerba Bueana Center for the Arts...

2011-07-14T20:19:00.000-07:00

A friend and colleague Trevor Sherard is one of the artists in the Rio Babe International Worlds Faire 2011 installation at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. He made a gigantic column that you can stare at for hours and still not understand the intricacy of the wood joinery. The Rio Babe installation as a whole deserves a gold metal.

Below is Mr. Ben Venom's Heavy Metal Quilt. Made with over 125 t shirts, measuring 13' x 15'.

Showing until October 22, 2011

The End of an Era...

2011-07-13T20:15:00.000-07:00

In June I visited Baker Hardwoods in Gilroy an amazing resource for claro walnut. The inventory is thoroughly photographed and detailed on the website like in the picture below. Jim and Ami also know their inventory like the back of their hand and are experts when it comes to selecting boards to fit specific project requirements.

While there Jim and his son asked if I knew any one who could give their old machines a tune up, then they asked if I knew anyone with a planer for sale... A month later my favorite machine in our shop was sold!

This Orton D-1 planer was built in the 1956, it's classified as a 8x36 because you can feed a piece of material 8" thick by 36" wide through it. It's a beastly machine that can take over 1/8" off in one pass, it's super loud and has an automated conveyor in-feed.
It's original home was Disneyland. In the process of getting the planer ready to build Disney World, it was sent back to Orton to get rebuilt. Before the rebuild was complete Disney requested a planer that could take material up to 19"thick so Orton built Disney a whole new planer and Leon bought this one.
It was always my favorite stop on the tour of the shop so I'm pretty sad to see it go. Though I know it will be used and appreciated to it's full potential at Baker Hardwoods where they make big slab tables like the one below...

Pacific Crest Coffee Table

2011-06-17T20:14:00.000-07:00

I was hired by Belinda to design and build a coffee table as a commemorative piece honoring her husband's completion of the Pacific Crest Trail. The 2,650 mile long trail starts at the border of Mexico and California and goes all the way to Canada. The trail traverses the greatest elevation changes of any trail in America and crosses through 6 out of the 7 ecozones that North America has to offer!

Truly a feat that deserves recognition!

Belinda wanted the table to be made of a wood native to California as well as have a natural, live-edge character in the spirit of George Nakashima. We started with finding the piece of Claro and from here I designed multiple bases. It took us about 3 or 4 iterations before we agreed on this design.

This was my first experience shipping a piece of furniture so I was relieved when I learned that it arrived safely and free of damage!

Small Fabrication Job...

2011-06-14T20:28:00.000-07:00

I recently fabricated the wood components for a mobile rolling island/cart for an office's kitchen for Envelope Architecture + Design. It was a tiny project but it enabled me to work with two firms that I have always admired. Envelope a+d is responsible for some really great interiors local to the bay area. Chris French Metal, Inc. is an exceptional team of metal workers and designers. CFM fabricated the metal cart and the wheels, the execution was perfect.

Below are some snap shots of the mobile cart completed and in it's new home:

Berkeley Cottage Mantle

2011-06-14T20:03:00.000-07:00

We upgraded Steve and Deb's mantle by covering the existing tile with steel...

Arthur's Table

2011-06-12T20:26:00.000-07:00

From the first time I saw the Big Daddy's Antiques booth at the Alameda Antique Faire I was a fan. Last September was exciting because they opened a store in San Francisco. What really topped it off was getting a call from Arthur, a soon to be client who had bought a table base from BDA and was looking to have a nice solid wood top made for it.
The base is thought to be a former lathe base. The legs are cast iron and supported with large tie rods that run the length.

Arthur knew he wanted a dark wood for the top and after looking at walnut and other woods chose Wenge, a beautiful, exotic wood from Africa.

The tonality of the wood ranges from rich chocolate browns to black. It's extremely dense and very heavy.

The base alone was not high enough for a dining table so I was also asked to design a riser to sit between the top of the legs and the table top.

During a meeting I had with Michelle and Michael, (the fun, friendly store managers of Big Daddy Antiques) Michael, brought over pastries from Tell Tale Preserve Company. There is a cafe within the Antique store! Tell Tale's pastries will intrigue and enamour.

I love when my job leads me to discover little surprises like this! This project had a lot of these, getting to work with Michelle and Michael of Big Daddy Antiques was a real treat.

After getting the table into the house and assembled, which was not an easy task, Arthur, served lunch and champagne. We even toasted to the new table for many good conversations and meals to come!

Berkeley Cottage Vanity

2011-05-16T19:29:00.000-07:00

More on Tree Benches for the San Francisco Fine Art Faire...

2011-05-15T19:24:00.000-07:00

I have always wanted to make Tree Benches out of Coast Live Oak trees that have fallen on my parents property. The wood is very hard and heavy, it cracks as it dries, the grain grows in a crazy tangle but I have always liked it for these reasons. Typically it is only used for firewood. This year with a lot of help I was able to take my first stab at making some benches with it.

This past winter one of the more prominent trees fell.

Below: Gary from U-Save Power Equipment, where they repair chainsaws, lawn mowers and weed whackers. He's my go-to for chainsaw trouble shooting, supplies and blade sharpening.

Paul helped me tirelessly with these two latest benches.

Some day I would like to make Tree Benches that are the length of a whole tree.

San Francisco Fine Art Fair May 20-22

2011-05-15T18:30:00.000-07:00

I am so pleased to be one of the furniture designers represented by Seb Hamamjian of Hamamjian Modern exhibiting in the Collectors Lounge of this years San Francisco Fine Art Fair.
I will have four Tree Benches (2 are fresh cut!) and a new faceted side table on display.

The 2 new benches and side table are made from a Coast Live Oak tree that fell in a storm late last year on my parents land in Cayucos, Ca. This type of wood has a lot of character. The grain grows in an intricate web and a log of it won't split straight, it also checks as it dries and twists making it near impossible to use for furniture*. That is why I have been wanting to make Tree Benches with this wood. As the pieces dry and age they will change and check and continue to become more unique.

* It's primarily used as firewood, it adds great flavor

If you make it out to the Fine Art Fair I highly recommend stopping into Greens Restuarant. Which is also in Fort Mason. Look, even the The New York Times loves it!
Three reasons why I love Greens are:
1. The front doors are made of exquisite slabs of book-matched, figured Claro Walnut
2. There is a huge redwood banquet seating area made by craftsman/sculptor J.B. Blunk
3. Whether it comes from the restaurant or the take out counter the food is delicious

Charotte Perriand at the Petit Palais, Paris

2011-05-15T17:49:00.000-07:00

This is the 'Grand Confort' armchair 1928, maybe you remember it from the old Maxell tape commercials but do you know the woman behind it?

Charlotte Perriand worked with Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret. She designed many furniture pieces.

The exhibit features her photographs and furniture, up until September 18th.

Charlotte Perriand en savoie 1930

Bamboo Lounge 1940

Chaise Lounge Basculante 1938

On To My 3rd Decade ...

2011-05-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for helping me celebrate my 30th!

Fruit Crate/Kids Storage...Ideas for Saddle Brook

2011-05-06T11:36:00.000-07:00

We are going to put two fruit crate inspired storage bins in this former wine cabinet.

We can either do a simplified version of a fruit crate inspired drawers like the image below or a more literal crate with a hand painted or screen printed graphic like in the second collection of images below.
Here is a picture I found on Remodelista 's posting "Steal This Look: Plain English...". I am considering proposing just that! The British kitchen design company, Plain English, use a similar aesthetic and color palette in their Osea Kitchen that we are working with. I like the simplified fruit crate inspired drawers with the routed oval handles.

Here's a collection of images of neat old crates:
Since these are going to be storage bins for twins named Emmy and Finn I thought it would be neat to design and hand paint a graphic incorporating the kids names in the style of an old crate. Here are some old dairy and fruit crates that caught my attention.

I was telling a graphic designer friend of mine about my idea he put in touch with Ben and Ken over at New Bohemia Signs. Looking through their website made me realize they are responsible for hand painting so many of the best signs that are in our daily lives! For example:

They will work with you to create an original design and paint it. Or they will paint a design that you bring to them...

A Small Collection of Dining Chairs I like...

2011-05-02T15:12:00.000-07:00

Gio Ponti's Superleggera chair. UK Elle Decor did a spread on Lotta Jansdotter's house and she had similar chairs around a table that had a black steel base with a light plywood top. The black and cane combination would also look nice with a solid ash or white oak table.

The Nara chair by Shin Azumi for Fredericia. This chair seems very versatile, I could see it paired with a wide range of table styles, antique or all natural wood or sleek modern...

Star of the show: Chair One by Konstatin Grcic, with the base pictured below, also the leather cushion is essential. The table would have to be pretty minimal.
Sorry about the photos I was having an impossible time finding a photo with this base so I took them from Elle Decor with my camera phone

I like the way these chairs won't distract from a table that has an interesting base. I'd be inclined to go with a darker brown leather or even buy white chairs and dye them. I think these chairs will look great after they've been used and broken in.
Below is the white leather Taydo chair from Habitat.

Mirta leather Chair

Vintage:
1920's Umpire armchair designed by Charlotte Perriard.
I love the odd shape and colors. Perhaps they'd work best outdoors...

This is another chair from Elle decor, unfortunately I don't know anything about it.

BDDW and Tyler Hays

2011-03-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

BDDW has added sofas to their collection!
Check out this interview with Tyler Hays.

Three beds that caught my eye...

2011-03-23T20:15:00.000-07:00

Vessel by Todd Bracher

George's Bed by Knife and Saw

PCH Canopy bed by Mash Studios:

Bonveiw ...

2011-02-25T19:30:00.000-08:00

We made white oak, backer board doors for this 10 foot run of pantry cabinets.

It was so nice to see the effect that an 8 foot tall, 10 foot long run of horizontal, grain matched boards has on a space. It really changed the feel, added warmth to the material palette.

To compliment the pantry we also capped the pony wall with white oak which carried the look all the way across the room.

I really like this method as a way to clamp. It simply works off of the strength and springiness of strips of wood that are thin enough to flex under tension.

♡ Bonus ➷➷➷

I was installing on Feb. 14th and my client's son Kevin, gave me a Valentine! Not just any Valentine, this was a ziploc bag, covered in car stickers (from the movie Cars) and had 2 of these amazing brownies in it. Kevin's dad had made these from the recipe in February's Bon Appetite! (they were also on the cover) Not only did he make my day they were delicious!

Rutherfurd...

2011-02-18T19:30:00.000-08:00

I was immediately drawn to this project when I was briefed on the scope of work. When I arrived at the Rutherfurd's for our initial meeting I was floored by the view and location of this incredible 1902 Victorian home. Then upon meeting the clients and their dog I was sold, this was a project I really wanted.

This project included two built-in pieces, both of which were to look as though they belonged to the original house. This is a bench seat in a bay window with drawers below. I built and installed the bench (primed) and the client had it painted on site. She also had the cushions made.

Below is a photo shot during install, prior to the final paint.

The second piece is a display cabinet with integrated lighting. We chose to use remodel cans, wired to a dimmer. Since this is a multifunction piece, it is nice that the amount of light can be adjusted to be dramatic and moody to show off the art on display or more task oriented when a meal is served from the buffet. The bulbs can also be pivoted so the light can be directed.
The electrical was done by Electro Integrity .

Below is a process shot of the cabinet ...

The alcove that this cabinet went into was formerly a closet. The trim around the cabinet matched what preexisted in the house. The trim was installed by Evans & Wallace. Who I also would like to thank for referring me to this client in the first place!

This house was built in 1902 and it survived the 1906 earthquake! You can see (in the kick) that the foundation has sagged! When I was digging around in the wall prior to installing the bench I found a penny from 1891!

My client chose this knob from Restoration Hardware.

This house hold was so fun to work in.
The clients, their kids and the dog were the best company while I worked!

When I was leaving for the last time Molly gave me the look that melts my heart...

Ceramics Jars with Lids

2011-02-12T19:45:00.000-08:00

I found Len Carella through a Remodelista post on the new Erica Tanov store in Marin.
The photo below is from Remodelista taken in Erica Tanov.

There is something so nice about a hand made container with a lid.

I also love that he uses a variety of materials to knot different handles.
This leather knot on the dome lid is my favorite.

Hearts and Crafts, This Sunday!

2011-02-09T03:02:00.000-08:00

Taking place at Local 123, the Hearts and Crafts gift sale will be featuring all sorts of one of a kind, handmade valentine gifts! I have made mugs there will also be comics, screen printed tea towels, illustrations and more, More, MORE!!
Hope you see you there!!

A New Addition...

2011-01-25T19:35:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago a semi pulled up with Allan's new Panel saw!

It's awesome!!!!

Inspiration For Belinda And Jory...

2011-01-25T19:30:00.000-08:00

I am very excited, there are two exciting furniture pieces on my horizon...
One of which is inspired by the Florence Knoll Credenza .

The second of which is inspired by George Nakashima.

Hey Nice Car!

2011-01-25T19:25:00.000-08:00

I have a huge soft spot in my heart for Volvos. (and adirondack furniture)
Seeing this made my day!

Klaus Haapaniemi...Feel The Magic!

2011-01-25T19:20:00.001-08:00

I love these two collections, Taika and Satumetsä by Klaus Haapaniemi for ittala.

Quilt with a Black Background

2011-01-25T19:20:00.000-08:00

Via Reference Library.

Pulls

2011-01-25T19:15:00.000-08:00

On a recent quest for cabinet door knobs I came across Carl Martinez Hardware
(via Remodelista)

Animal Furniture

2011-01-25T19:00:00.000-08:00

Maximo Reiro has created a collection that marries animals with furniture. Out of the the six pieces this Octopus is the only one available for public viewing. I am eager to see the rest of this dramatic collection.

Things to do this weekend...

2010-12-03T10:30:00.000-08:00

Sylvie Rosenthal will be lecturing TONIGHT Dec. 3 at CCA in San Francisco.

Then tomorrow Dec 4, CCA's oakland campus will hold the annual Holiday Fair!!

Kris's Colors Stripes ☞ Kristina Klarin

2010-12-03T10:25:00.000-08:00

I have been mad about Kris's Color Stripes, a blog where selected photos are dissected into colors and then shown side by side. Unfortunately this blog has retired but Kristina has started a new blog, Kristina Klarin. Check in on Mondays for her latest updates.

Handy Helper...

2010-11-13T19:54:00.000-08:00

I am so grateful that my shop mate Allan Rasmussen of AR Cabinet and Refinishing, let me borrow his Starrett Prosite Combination Protractor. I usually avoid building with angles, but this tool has made it a breeze!

Thanks Allan!

I am looking forward to ...

2010-11-13T10:30:00.000-08:00

...browsing through this book:

Also Leslie Williamson's blog is amazing!

Quilts and Colors...

2010-11-13T10:00:00.000-08:00

I have been keeping an eye out for color combinations and quilt ideas.
Here's what I have so far...

Through Hoping For Happy Accidents I found this pillow by Wary Meyers.

Unfortunately I can not remember where I found this poster.

A poster by Kraud.

Kaftan rug by Top Floor Rugs.

Just For Fun, A Collection of Random photos...

2010-11-13T00:40:00.000-08:00

The other day I came across this robot man on our free table at the shop.

A couple of months ago on my way to the chop saw I crossed paths with this trail duck made out of white oak off-cuts.

Later on I noticed that it had been awarded a Thumbs-Up Certificate!

One day as I drove to work I had to back my car up after realizing that Yes, that indeed IS a little chair that someone made out of a stump!

I also couldn't help noticing something strange going on in the West Oakland Bart Station.
There was a tedious amount of planning for something by way of layers upon layers of lines, dots and numbers drawn with black and orange sharpie, multiple colors of tape and spray paint. These two pictures were taken weeks maybe months apart.

Holiday Presents 101...

2010-11-11T22:15:00.000-08:00

Here's a little package of ideas I have been brainstorming as the holidays approach...

Nothing in the world beats a hand made gift. If you can find the time I highly encourage making something! Drawn, painted, sewn, knit, cooked, there is nothing more special.

My Friend Hannah Lee made this in her high school wood shop class!

Second to handmade gifts are clever gifts. Things with meaning, or symbolism, especially things that trigger cheerful thoughts or memories. For example last year I was given a Snuggy, up until then I never thought of myself as a Snuggy person and I never intended on becoming one but with the right giver and the right print on the fleece it suddenly means SO much!

A classier example of this goes back to the the first year I worked with Matt and Union Studio. We built and installed this big beautiful end grain butcher block as part of the whole kitchen we had made. It was about 2'x3'x6" thick. When the clients saw it they kept saying how it was too beautiful to ever use! So for Christmas Matt gave them the biggest knife I've ever seen.

Or there's the hybrid of the above : a DIY designer! Come up with an idea then outsource it, have it made for you! There are lots of local small scale print shops ready to letter press or screen print custom stationary, posters or t-shirts. There are places that can make you a custom one of a kind rubber stamp! There are wood workers who will make you a piece of furniture!! All you need to do is provide the idea or image of what you want. It's kind of insider shopping, or behind the scenes shopping!

Of course there are also numerous talented designers and makers who have it all under control if you prefer off the shelf presents...

➸Here are some local bay area holiday gift fairs:
This pop up shop is one place I am excited to visit in hopes of finding some neat gifts. Opening November 20th, on the fifth floor of the SFMOMA, lots of artist and designers will have handmade limited edition wares for sale.

Saturday Dec. 4 CCA's Oakland Campus is hosting their annual Holiday Fair, where students and alumni sell all sorts of neat handmade items

Another fun store to visit if you are in Berkeley is the Nordic House . (Located on San Pablo Ave) This is a fun place to browse through exotic, more-authentic-then-Ikea, Scandinavian foods and gifts like wooden clogs!!

Gifts:
➸For the little ones:
Kids look really good in Jimmy Hendrix T-shirts from Young Punks.

B is also for Book, available here.

➸For Friends and family:
I love this shirt by Buddy Carr Skateboards for $22

For 14.50 these Socks by Madewell also come in Black and white.

Designer Ineke Hans designed this in response to her dishwasher being full of pieces of garlic every time she washed her garlic crusher. Whether or not you use a dish washer this looks like the best garlic crusher to use and clean that I have ever seen! $25 .

Also DWR's Tools For Living section always has cool things.

The Eye clock by Suck UK for $44.

Splurge:
with the iPal $219

I have a Tivoli Model One radio ($149), I have to say I love this company. They are great to deal with. These radios are compact but sound great. The other bonus with the iPal is that it has an internal battery that charges when it is plugged in so it is ready to go when you want it to keep you company where there isn't power! I love this simple design, just knobs and a little LED to let you know when your tuned in! Of course it has an aux mode for plugging in an ipod. It's perfect!

Donna Wilson's Nos Da wool Throw for $295.

Blurring the Line Between Furniture and Sculpture...

2010-11-11T10:01:00.000-08:00

Kraud is a brand comprised of Yvonne Fehling and Jennie Peiz located in Germany.
I like their free speech, conceptually driven approach and their clean execution.

The impressive craftsmanship of these frighteningly realistic tufted pigs (titled Still lives) made my jaw drop...

I love the massive scale of this piece titled Stuhlhockerbank.

For These Colder Nights...

2010-10-29T21:58:00.000-07:00

I'm ready to throw down for one of these blankets by Missoni Home!

Modern 50

2010-10-15T22:00:00.000-07:00

I found these photos when Jcrew's Links We Love lead me to Modern 50.

There are hours worth of amazing old furniture pieces to browse through.

Moments of Glamour in a Typically Grubby Industry...

2010-09-16T20:00:00.000-07:00

Furniture making may not be a glamorous process but at the end of a project I often find myself standing back from a newly completed, installed piece experiencing a surge of awe. That was the case when we completed this entertainment unit for Jennifer Chaiken. As is the case with all pieces that I am fortunate to help Matt with.

Emmy Award winner Jennifer Chaiken, of Chaiken Films commissioned Matt Bear of Union Studio to design and build this cabinet for her office. Inside the steel doors is a flat screen TV mounted to an articulating arm and the cabinet provides ample space for files, storage and display.

This is the nicest couch I have ever laid eyes on. I can't get over how well the two pieces compliment each other.

Above is a detail of the handle. Matt designed these handles to be able to swivel in your hand as the bi-fold doors open and close. The way the round bar turns in your hand feels so natural you barely notice how keenly appropriate the design is to the action of the doors.

Weathered Wood & an Eye for Color..

2010-09-16T19:45:00.000-07:00

Kris's Color Stripes is one of my favorite blogs to frequent. It seems to me that when she isn't blogging she is traveling and taking photos to eventually dissect into their basic colors.

I love to use her site as a tool to find pleasing color combinations.

Berkeley Cottage Kitchen Remodel

2010-09-10T19:30:00.000-07:00

My recent project came to me through Matt Bear of Union Studio. He asked if I would be interested in managing a kitchen remodel for his friends Steve and Deb. At our first meeting there was an Ikea catalogue, a book of Bulthaup's projects and a bunch of ideas inspired by Union Studio. (All of which are great signs of a good project to come.)

We set out to make the teeny tiny kitchen into something with more storage and usable counter space so to get a better functioning kitchen.

Deb and I worked with Elias, the contractor keeping things in check as the demo, carpentry, electrical and plumbing were in effect. I learned a ton and Elias and his crew were great to work with and fast.

In keeping the cost down we used Ikea cabinets, windows from Urban Ore and a few craigslist appliances. This way we could go all out with a great fridge and range and do custom details and neat finishes. To name a few: the function rails and brackets, floating shelves, Heath Ceramic Tiles: white subways from the seconds room and the last of the Ovals in the (discontinued) Volcano glaze! (we are so lucky, living so close to Sausalito!), Richlite counters, steel and white oak backer board fronts, steel snack boxes and Marmoleum flooring. The Attest handles and Domsjö sink are from Ikea.

Steve and Deb wanted a lot of hanging storage so we designed a bracket/rail system that could accommodate Ikea's Grundtal system on the back rail and Taylor and Ng swivel hooks for pots and pans in the front. The Grundtal system has everything from spice racks and dish drainers to simple S hooks.

Taylor and Ng is a 37 year old San Francisco-based business which manufactures, wholesales and retails. The design of these hooks are just so sensible and basic.

Design credit to Matt Bear of Union Studio for the steel doors and drawers.

I have heard some say pretty mean things about Ikea but I think they're doing a great job and you can not beat the price. I now have experience installing two different brands of pre-fab kitchens, I feel confidant in saying Ikea takes the cake. The directions for assemble are easy to follow and the final product once installed (particle board and all) has integrity. You really can't beat the hardware they use for the drawers and doors, it is Blum. Which (in my opinion) is the superior brand for custom cabinet hardware. Ikea is Blum's largest account so they have simplified the hardware to make it more affordable, but the only difference that I can notice is that there wasn't quite as much adjustment to get doors and drawers to align. The action and performance seems equal in comparison to their regular product line. The perfect example of this is where we laminated steel to the fronts for the pantry, the weight of the doors increased by a lot but the need for more hinges did not!

With all of that said I have two suggestions to make to any folks who may choose to go down this route. I recommend against using their legs. I'm a big fan of platform kicks that you can level and secure to the floor and then secure the cabinets down to. I gained a lot of support to the cases by doing this. The cabinets are made out of particle board so the more support they have the better. My friend Byron told me a story about how he broke one of his Ikea shelves when he put a big bag of dog food on it. Another thing I think about (which is totally absurd) is when I was a kid and we'd play hide and go seek in the house and I would hide in the cabinet, can you imagine if I would have fell through the bottom?! Anyway, another advantage to making your own kicks was that we were able to increase the overall height of the counter top from the standard 36" (which for tall people tends to be uncomfortably low) to 38".

Also in certain situations like where you may want to secure a finished end to the back of a run of cabinets or if you want to secure two cabinets back to back (I am thinking for islands or peninsulas) I would opt for making my own sturdier backs, the backs they provide are 1/8" masonite which would definitely not provide enough support. Other than that I think Ikea is awesome!

All in all using Ikea made the most grueling aspects of cabinetry work super quick and efficient allowing me to move on to designing and building the custom elements. Also getting to be the one in charge of the project cut out any third party confusion which was another thing that made this project come together so nicely. I feel pretty lucky to have gotten such a great project package, Steve and Deb are great, their aesthetic was nice and the overall experience is one that will be in my tool box from now on. Thanks So Much!

Here's a link to more pictures of Steve and Deb's kitchen.

I'd also like to extend a huge Thank You to Willie and Michael for helping me with all the heavy lifting and making the work even more fun!

Fall/winter CCA Lectures!

2010-08-30T19:01:00.000-07:00

If your starting to feel the end of summer blues creeping in, here are somethings to look forward to in fall ...
September 29: Furniture designer Tanya Aguiñiga
Tanya is a Los Angeles based furniture designer/maker.

November 29: Architects Luke Ogrydziak and Zoë Prillinger
Ogrydziak/Prillinger Architects is a San Francisco-based design studio.

Both Lectures will be held at CCA's Timken Lecture Hall at 7PM

More Visaul References...Solid wood Cabinetry

2010-08-26T13:34:00.000-07:00

All pieces were designed and fabricated by Union Studio, for the Manhattan beach house.

Kitchen hanging Cabinet: Walnut with Kirei board doors.

Guest Vanity: White oak

Powder room Vanity: Walnut with Zebra wood doors.

Back in the day, when I was fresh out of art school, I was fortunate, (Much thanks to Portia Wells for the referral) to land this super great internship with Union Studio. These three pieces were just a few of the many that were built for a home in Manhattan Beach. Which also was the very first project I helped Union with.

The Selby is All The Rage...

2010-08-18T21:15:00.000-07:00

Todd Selby ofwrites, documents and interviews people about their interests, lifestyle and homes. The spaces he profiles are very unique to their owners since most are of the art and / or design nature. His style of documenting sweeps nothing under the carpet. (Unhappy hipsters is probably speechless in a good way!) Then he makes a hand drawn questionnaires that are unique to each subject which often require a little bit of picture drawing of objects of affection. His book has a watercolor painting or two that go along with each write up ...

The book:

Locally I picked up a copy at Lola in Berkeley or there's always the book store monster.

Now he is busy helping brands like Louis Vuitton and Nike keep their cool!

Lastly I want to mention the contest he is conducting through CB2!
All of you folks probably live in a cool place or at least know somebody that does and not that you need $10,000 worth of CB2 furniture it is the part about hanging out with THE SELBY which would be fun! Submissions are due by Sept 15th and then you have to tell everyone you know to vote for you!
GOOD LUCK!!!♡♡♡

1 chandelier, 1 pendant and 1 sconce...

2010-08-18T20:15:00.000-07:00

Roll & Hill is a manufacturing company that was started by Jason Miller who took the contemporary furniture world by storm with his Superordinate Antler lighting. In January of 2010 he launched this lighting manufacturing company.

He has some pretty up and coming (actually they already did that) heavy hitters that he is manufacturing for like Paul Loebach, who designed these Himmeli chandeliers and pendants.

Also the design collective out of New York: Rich, Brilliant, Willing who designed this sconce. Which, as they like to describe their work, has a "magically effortless" feel.

Also available in Red and Blue.

Launch Pad for Bonveiw...

2010-08-18T20:00:00.000-07:00

I am currently working on a project that is in early phases. Taking into account all of the parameters in terms of function, aesthetics as well as budget and filtering them into a visually cohesive design language is a really fun yet challenging process.

As a tool to help visualize the color palette that we are considering for the Bonveiw home, I have put together this packet. Which consists of reference photos from some of my favorite blogs and websites, as well as work by some of my favorite designers. Featuring materials, finishes and furniture that the client and I discussed during our first meeting and then the first wave of ideas that followed.

Parameters:
• Yellow walls
• Stainless steel appliances
• White Counters
• Frosted/white glass
• Potential re-use of the Douglas Fir, tongue and groove paneling
• Eero Saarenin's Oval dinning table

• Natural light, clean and fresh
• Storage

The vastly informative blog Remodelista featured this doorway under Steal This Look. (click here to see the full entry.) Materials profiled include this cheery Van Gogh yellow.
They found the lovely doorway on another great blog design*sponge.

Eero Saarenin oval dining room table:

Just a thought! Marias A Chair in Lemon?

Counter options:
Pure White Caesar stone:

Quartzite:

Statuary marble:

Salvaging the Tongue and Groove Paneling:
I would like to consider using the former tongue and groove paneling, painting it white and making cabinet fronts for some if not all the cabinetry.

This photo was taken in the carriage house at March a store in San Francisco. I helped Matt Bear of Union Studio with the fabrication and installation of this project.
I was pleased with how the texture and grain configuration of the wood was subtle but visible through the paint. This is a good way to breathe new life into reclaimed wood, it freshens and brightens the space, pays homage while elevating rough hewn wood to a more refined interior finish.

An idea for the bar top:
I like the the idea of a thick slab of wood atop the white counters and cabinets. These next two photos are from the "Monumental Kitchen Near Bordeaux" in Bulthaup's living spaces section.

Solution to the east window/cabinetry situation:
To avoid problem of cabinetry overlapping the east window, I thought we could use this space east of the hood to design a neat pot and pan rack with hanging storage.
I know I just used this picture in a very recent post but nothing says it better.

Photo via Bulthaup.

Here is a very cool function wall once again by Bulthaup

Retro Kitsche ..

2010-08-18T19:10:00.000-07:00

By Eric Therner
If you have a bare bulb this is a pretty good way to go.
They will ship any where in the world, click here to buy.
While your there you should take a look at Pilen Concept bike too.

Tord Broontje

2010-08-17T20:30:00.000-07:00

I am thinking about covering the bare bulb in my bedroom with one of these in white!

On my mind...

2010-07-13T21:05:00.000-07:00

Daniel Hale (via Remodelista)
I'm intrigued by the cupboard's hinge at the top there and the box car door track over the window!

Also
Henry Built

I love the white laminate drawer front on nice plywood
and the knob on the right

And Bulthaup
I like the shelves in nook in the back right.

The Best Tile...

2010-07-13T21:00:00.000-07:00

Is in Berkley's Guerilla Cafe.

Wrapped, Stacked and Ready to Go...

2010-06-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

These cabinets and parts are about a third of a kitchen for a home in Orinda. My colleague Andrew Ilsley, brought me into this project to build just the paint grade cabinetry.

Andrew was instrumental with helping the client choose finishes and detailing, both of which made me interested in this project to begin with.

I built the paint grade cabinets and Andrew built the rest of the kitchen cabinets. A giant island and two large, tall cabinets out of reclaimed douglas fir. I'm looking forward to seeing this kitchen in it's completed state because I find the material combination very interesting. Reclaimed wood, rich with information and character paired with white!

One thing I love about Andrew's work is his use of bold materials.
For example he is using white oak backing boards for the backs of these upper display cabinets. Backing boards are a byproduct of making plywood, it is what is left of a board after veneers have been shaved from it. They are only about 1/2" thick and range in widths from 7" to Wide. They're often cupped, twisted or bowed but they are rich with information and character. Andrew had me select boards that exhibited rough sawn patches with visible saw kerf from the mill as well as interesting grain, checks and knots.

This picture hardly does justice to another nice detail that Andrew designed. All the finished end panels are frame and panel construction but where traditionally the panel is set back from the frame Andrew has these panels raised so they are co-planer with the frame. The seam where the frame and panel meet is detailed with a small reveal. It's minimally decorative.
I really like tis detail because I am not able to pin point whether it's modern or traditional so it has a timeless feel. It doesn't feel trendy, it just looks good, what more could you want?

Danny's Saw Mill...

2010-05-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

I recently went back to Pennsylvania to visit my Uncle and Grandma.
It's pretty neat because my dad's side of the family is full of machinists. My grandparents met while working in the Philadelphia Naval Yard on the battle ship the USS Wisconsin. My Grandma's name is even Rose! Then along came my Uncle Jeff who is also a super skilled mechanic he can fix anything cars, tractors, chainsaws literally anything!

So of course we made a point of visiting his "shop", which he shares with a couple others folks who share similar interests. (Danny being one) There are all sorts of neat old cars among other old things in need of repairs scattered around but what I was really intrigued by is this old saw mill built in the 20's by Danny's Grandfather!

It's powered by an old Federal truck. I wasn't able to see it turned on but I was assured it still runs.

I took this to show the scale of the blade, YIKES!!

Springing into Summer...

2010-05-17T21:46:00.001-07:00

Aw beautiful Oakland !

Handful of Salt...

2010-05-17T11:42:00.000-07:00

I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed by Regina Connell, half of the duo that write the blog Handful of Salt! Regina and her partner Emily have been and are currently dedicated to profiling Bay Area designers and makers, through studio visits and interviews.
I had a really great time with Regina when she visited me. Initially I was quite nervous, I have never been interviewed, but it felt like we were hanging out as friends (except for the fact that I did most of the talking, therefore drank all the Pellegrino!)
Comparing notes with a knowledgeable design fan is one of my favorite things to do!

I LOVE My Mason Jar Cozy!!

2010-05-16T11:14:00.000-07:00

My friend Kevin, who is half of the design and fabrication duo by the name of Just Fine Design gave me this mason jar with a handmade custom embroidered cozy! I love it SO much! I have a little affinity toward cozies! This is the best one I've seen yet!

Just Fine does everything from restoring Hobie Cats to building chicken coops. Somewhere in that spectrum is furniture as well! They have become my go-to guys for welding aluminum, second opinions and metal advice! Make sure you say hello to them if you go to the Maker Faire this weekend, look for chicken coops!

Inspired by Mood Boards...

2010-05-16T10:13:00.000-07:00

I was so inspired by this blog that I had to try my hand at a mood board, in hopes it could serve as a motivational tool! My goal was to get my busy friends to set aside their busy lives and accompany me in welcoming my last year of being in my 20's!!!

For the most part it worked! We had an amazing dinner, complete with a custom dessert made special for our party by Adam Weiss, our friend and talented pastry chef. It all took place at Gather a new restaurant in Berkeley.
Things to notice when you go are the reclaimed leather belts that are sewn together to make the upholstered bench seat, the wonderful Heath dishes and tiles, very friendly service, and of course the food! I recommend their charcuterie plate and be sure to get the explanation of the in house cured meats! (The vegan charcuterie was a hit as well)

We also took a one day vacation to Angel Island. I highly recommend doing this too, it is the closest I have ever been to feeling like I was in Monaco and you get to take a cruise to get there!

Thank you friends for joining me in all my festivities!

White On White with Steel

2010-05-04T01:53:00.000-07:00

I recently helped Matt install these two pieces of furniture he built for a beautiful house in Mill Valley.

I really like the materials white oak, white lacquer and dark steel.

The picture hardly does justice to how humongous this thing is. It's bigger than a large refrigerator! Matt always plans things to a T so of course it fit. Although there were times when weight and scale became a source for anxiety!

I am excited to check out these three things this week:

2010-05-04T01:31:00.000-07:00

The CCA MFA show is always fun. Sensory overload--lots of people, lots of art and wine! I have gone every year since I have been a CCA-er and it makes me feel like summer has arrived!
It's this Thursday May 6th 6-9.

The opening was Friday, I have been hearing excellent reviews -- It's up until May 9th!

I'm on a quest for floral prints!

I Leica these...

2010-05-03T21:10:00.000-07:00

Both pictures are from the blog Turned Out, it's all fashion-y but I love it.
She takes great portraits.

Jason Munn

2010-04-26T07:43:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to find out that Jason Munn was working on a book. I've never been able to decide which poster to buy because I love them all so much but now I have them ALL!

J.B. Blunk...

2010-04-25T22:39:00.000-07:00

At Blum & Poe Gallery in LA till May 15th.

For a Rainy Day...

2010-04-25T22:32:00.000-07:00

Cozy up with Donna Wilson.

The April 2009 Edition of...

2010-04-25T22:06:00.000-07:00

C. Magazine had an amazing article on the J.B. Blunk residency.

This little chair ...

2010-04-16T21:31:00.000-07:00

... is in the April edition of UK Elle Decor. It's the Casalino Jr. for Casala.

I want to make a version carved out of a big piece of solid wood.

My 2 favorites from Maruni...

2010-04-15T20:36:00.000-07:00

Hiroshima Chair by Naoto Fukasawa for Maruni 2010.

Lounge Chair by Albert Meda for Maruni in 2007.

Sonny Smith - 100 Records

2010-04-10T08:14:00.000-07:00

Alika Cooper, Teppei Ando and 98 other artists are in this show at Gallery 16.
The show runs until May 28th, there 's a lot of art to browse and the gallery is very nice.

Stair/Gaurd Rail...

2010-03-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

This project came to me via my friend/musician and handy man John Lawton. I have been very fortunate in that he refers me to his customers who are looking to have custom/finish work done. Which was the case with Maura and her hand rail project.

There was something so bitter sweet about this project. Maura was a great client, fun to work with and pleased with her new hand and gaurd rail, the only catch was that she was fixing up her home to put on the market! It made me a little sad that she had to leave since she was so appreciative of the new rail!

Aside from a bit of anxiety over getting an accurate reading of the slope of the stairs, this project was so fun. I felt like I was making a little kit. There were all these different little parts that had to be machined just right so the whole thing could come together. We chose to use aluminum and douglas fir to be consistent with the rest of the house.

In the end the railing went in like a charm! I am grateful for the assistance of my friend Trevor Hadden ~ Thanks!

This newel post was my first experience with welding aluminum, which I learned is completely different then steel! It welds at a much higher temperature so it requires a whole different welder then steel. I definitely owe thanks to my friend Kevin who introduced me to Rusty, (a skilled aluminum welder) both of whom also work through the weekends!

That was a fun Saturday, while I waited for Rusty to weld the post to the base plate I was given a DELUXE tour (complete with a slice of pizza!) of The Crucible by Kevin!

Recently on a visit to Barney's in San Francisco I noticed that their hand rail brackets are almost identical to these, they dive right into the wall without visible fasteners! Coming up with ways to avoid seeing any fasteners was a really fun aspect of this project.

For more pictures click

Wood Spoons:

2010-03-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

by Michael Cullen.

by Trevor Hadden.

The hands holding these spoons belong to a major fan of studio furniture makers. He organized a project in which furniture makers crafted a special spoon to then become part of a collection that will be shown in various galleries nation wide. I'm looking forward to seeing the whole collection. I was fortunate to ease drop during Trevor's hand off!

Darkroom

2010-03-20T19:45:00.000-07:00

This "Papier" bag by Saskia and Stephan Diez caught my attention in the Feburary UK edition of Elle Decoration. It is made with synthetic tear and water proof paper. I am thinking along the lines of the Postal Service's envelopes, that material fascinates me. It's neat to see a regular use bag made out of it, I can just imagine how nice it will get after a few uses. Although knowing me I would need a black one!

I wish I were in London so I could stop into Darkroom!

Brian and Nancy's Shelves...

2010-03-20T09:25:00.000-07:00

Prior to my finishing and delivering the Console Brian Graham approached me with a this wall unit project...

I was in full swing with the console job but one thing that project taught me was to use my resources. So I pulled the pertinent subs and once again completed another project with team effort!

Exotic Hardwoods and Veneers glued up the 1 1/2" rift sawn white oak plywood.

I then delivered the sheets with a cut list and diagram to Mueller Nicholls, where I worked with Eric and Chris to have the parts cut and edge-banded.

By that time I had cleared my schedule of other jobs and was able to step in and complete the project. Building the AV shelf, sanding and detailing and finishing, which in this case is clear lacquer. Then of course the delivery and install.

The other neat aspect of this project was using the Rakks® PC-2 pole system. Brian's flat is in an apartment complex that was built in the 50's with reinforced concrete. So instead of relying on the walls for support he opted on using the Rakks pole system in which the standards are compressed tightly between the floor and ceiling. It negates the necessity of a supporting wall. (Which provides the option to use this system as a room divider!)

Rakks has a knowledgeable, friendly staff. This put my mind at ease during the install. However their directions are straight forward which made install a breeze. Except for traumatizing the upstairs neighbors with the obnoxious sound of drilling into the concrete ceiling ~ Sorry!

Brian, being an experienced designer (I recommend browsing his website!) added his personal aesthetic to the Rakks look by having shelves out of rift sawn white oak.

By the way I'm looking forward to seeing that Julius Shulman book (among others) on those shelves!

*Special thanks to the assistance of Trevor with delivery and securing all the shelves!

Inspiration to Fabrication

2010-03-03T23:20:00.001-08:00

This picture introduced me to the project. The clients and Gregory (the designer) liked the way the grain is arranged to make concentric squares. I soon learned this is called box configuration. Gregory set out to design a console with similar elements but the result in my opinion is that he achieved a whole lot more.
Susan, Gregory and I took a field trip to Exotic Hardwoods and Veneers to shop for wood. Out of over 100 species Susan chose two in a matter of minutes. I was impressed.

She was drawn to the fiddle-back eucalyptus because it reminded her of Steve (her husband's) Stradivarius Viola!

From here Gregory spruced up the overall look and handed off a beautifully detailed set of plans for me to build from.

I hired the critically acclaimed woodworker and most skilled person I could, Seth Janofsky, to make all the panels and doors for the console. He did a great job!

I took over from there and did the rest of the machining and assembly.
It was a two part glue up. This is the first part. I have the sides and bottom glued into a big "U"

The second part was for the partitions, the backs and the top. I had spent all morning getting ready for this glue up. I made clamping culls specifically for it and carefully wrapped them in cardboard so they wouldn't damage the top. I must have done about three dry runs to get a feel for how it would go. All my clamps, culls and pads were placed strategically so I could work quickly. So I attached the partitions, applied the glue, put in the backs, placed the biscuits and was ready to wrestle with the top, which is tricky to do alone, when out of nowhere my buddy Kenny Brown showed up and offered to help! It was impeccable timing! The glue up could not have gone any better.

This is Max from Western Dovetail. I went to pick up my drawers because I love Mare Island in Vallejo, the architecture is so neat. I also wanted to bring these guys some cookies for being so great and quick!
When I showed up Max was having a photo shoot with our drawers. He told me he wanted to document them because they exemplify a lot of W.D.'s custom options. Tapered sides and scooped fronts, customer supplied eucalyptus. We used eucalyptus for the fronts and maple for the rest of the drawer, the contrast turned out really nice. Max also worked with me to design a pullout tray for audio and visual equipment. He said he may use the pictures for the next reference book or the website. I can't help but feel like our drawers are famous! It is so fun to work with people who are excited about what they do. ~Thanks Max, Dana and Matt

I really like the way Gregory detailed both bases for each of the pieces in this project.
As with the last I had no clue how I was going to make it. So I bought some poplar and made a practice base. My friend Betz talked me through most of it, then at the last minute Byron came along and taught me how to plane a taper into a piece of wood. It's one of his old tricks he learned at Berkeley Mills. It was so easy!!

I assembled the base using the Festool Domino, it is a woodworkers best friend!

My last step before the delivery was a photo shoot!
This was the first time I used a professional photographer. Kim Harrington was great, a real trooper. I scheduled the session with only a days notice, then I was running super late and he let me push back the time slot. He even helped me unload and reload the piece and was very careful!

This is what Steve and Susan's living room looked like when I left!
Wayne and his assistant were out fitting the console with all sorts of audio and visual equipment and fans to keep it all cool... I have never seen so many different color wires!

It is nice to see the work on its own with just a plain white background.

Fiddle-Back Eucalyptus and solid Eucalyptus
Walnut base and trim
Clear satin lacquer

I feel fortunate to have built another designer piece of furniture by Gregory Fagan.
There is nothing more rewarding than dropping off a finished piece of furniture to happy clients.
Thank you Gregory, Steve and Susan.

Alemany Flea Market

2010-03-01T12:56:00.001-08:00

Every Sunday from 8am-3pm is the Alemany Flea Market in San Francisco. It's a lot smaller than the Alameda Flea Market but it's free admission and most important it satisfied my addiction of sifting through old treasures.
These roller skates have wood wheels!!!

Wegner and Eames

2010-03-01T12:30:00.000-08:00

I came across this picture on Design Within Reach when I was looking up the dowel base, molded chairs. Lately I'm really liking Hans Wegner. This is his Tondern dining table. I like what they write in the description, • The exposed hardware is in keeping with Wegner’s belief that nothing should cover up or interfere with functionality.

The Mill Valley Library

2010-03-01T09:59:00.000-08:00

Since I was in the neighborhood I treated myself with a visit to the Mill Valley Library after my last install. All the furniture was built by Art Carpenter. Now that he has passed away his son Trip Carpenter has done some additional pieces and the up keep.
It's nice to see so many dovetails, there just aren't enough in furniture these days!
I love the Eames molded chairs with the dowel bases.
The library had such a great feel, it was the perfect place to visit on a rainy day.

BU

2010-02-17T09:56:00.000-08:00

I love these black wicker lamp shades.

1 Down, 2 To Go!

2010-02-17T09:43:00.000-08:00

Jean Prouvé

2010-02-03T20:49:00.000-08:00

Potence Lamp

Designed in collaboration with Charlotte Perriand for Prouvé's "Tropique" house (1950)

The first time this lamp caught my attention I was at Ici getting ice cream.
It looks great there. Now, if you live in the bay area, you have the perfect excuse to eat ice cream, the best ice cream.

Potence lamp with Antony chair

With Standard chair and Trapéze table.

Produced by Vitra in Germany. Sells for $1,560.00

PP Mobler,

2010-02-01T08:25:00.000-08:00

is a family owned Danish joinery workshop, established in 1953, with a strong tradition for crafting design furniture of high quality.

Peacock chair, 1947, Hans J. Wegner

Valet chair, 1953, Hans J. Wegner

Crosslegged table, 1955, Hans J. Wegner

When I stumbled upon this website I was expecting it to be a manufacturing plant of sorts and it turns out to be the shop where some really renown designers including Hans J. Wegner had designs prototyped! The pieces they produce show remarkable craftsmanship.

Blend bed...

2010-02-01T08:15:00.000-08:00

By the dutch designer Mieke Meijer.
She produces furniture on a small scale in her own shop!

This is her bed merged with chairs that act as the night stands. I think the design is clean and pretty. The frame around mattress has me a little worried about the ease of changing the sheets!

The award winning Bow Wow Stool...

2010-02-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Designed by Morten Emil Engel Studio, an architect from Copenhagen.
Manufactured in Denmark by PP Mobler.

This caught my attention, it is made of one solid chunk of oak and shaped with a CNC router. There is a pretty neat video on Morten's site of the process.

Only Getting Started

2010-01-20T22:00:00.000-08:00

While I was working on the benches I came up with a whole family of pieces that I want to make. Sometimes I wish I didn't need to sleep!

These are some photos that I have previously posted. My other ideas for pieces I'm hoping to make in the future are congruous with these pieces...

These chairs are in the courtyard of Live Edge. I'd love to make a version of the wood chair for interior use. Take the finish further and throw a nice sheep skin ren or pillow to soften it up...!

This is by Hugo Franca, I kept thinking about it while I was carving away at the benches. I would love to do a long couch out of one big tree.

I feel like these benches are just the beginning!

For the last couple days of this project my whole right arm was numb from using all the power tools. I kept waking up in the night to shake it until I could feel it again! In a way I think it was a blessing in disguise because I would have gone for more logs and got started on my next ideas. Which would have led me off schedule with my other work!

Plus I would have made a bigger nuisance of myself than I already did to all who helped me!
It took a village!
Thank You to all the friends and colleagues who helped me out...

The logs came from The Green Waste Recycling Yard in Richmond. If you go out there please say Hi to Greg for me!
The wood came from C & K Salvage and The Re-Store in San Leandro.

Hand Tools: Leon, Seth, Brian Hart, Dean, Bob

Power Tools: Leon, Brian Hart, Dean and Bruce.
Gary and Manuel at U-save Power Equipment ( (510) 568-0451 ) helped me out tremendously. They gave me a step by step lesson on how to start the chainsaws, waiting while I took notes and explained how the choke works!

Hardware: Bay Bolt

Forklifts Leon, Greg and Jazz.

Truck: Matt

I NEVER could have done it without you!

Tree Benches

2010-01-19T12:10:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of the Large Tree Bench at the Belly art show.

The Opening reception was smashing
THANK YOU to all who showed up to celebrate!
YOU made my night!
Click HERE for more pictures.

Kevin Clarke at Ampersand Tonight!

2010-01-15T12:44:00.000-08:00

Kevin is in a show featuring his paintings, drawing and sculptures!
The opening reception is tonight.

Pleeease come to Belly !

2010-01-14T19:20:00.000-08:00

Come see my new benches!

1960 Mandela Parkway
Oakland, Ca 94607
Opening reception Friday 8pm - Late!

I will be attending the gallery on Monday 2 - 6pm. If you can't come to the opening but you still want to check it out I would love to see you!

Teppei's Desk

2009-12-23T19:34:00.000-08:00

A good friend of mine, Teppei Ando, (he's an artist) needed a desk so I offered to make him something. It was a great excuse to execute a design idea that I have had in the back of my mind for a while. I also thought designing and building one more piece of furniture would be a great way to end the year.
The base is ash and steel and the top is gray laminate with an ash border.
This was a fun project that I am excited to expand on in the future.
If you care to see more pictures you can click here.

Two Ahh-mazing cars!

2009-12-07T17:46:00.000-08:00

The Garden Gallery...

2009-12-07T17:28:00.001-08:00

The Garden Gallery in Morro Bay, CA is the only store my Grandfather ever wants to shop in. So we always stop in when he is visiting. I like it because of it's Sea Ranch style.

Staircase...

2009-12-07T17:01:00.000-08:00

Master stair builder Lou and his helper Luis built this staircase in what is called the "Pro-shop" behind the main shop. (which is the shop I work out of.) Luis told me that the house this staircase is going into is too narrow to build inside of so they will reassemble it on site. It was amazing to watch them make it.

When Luis routed the stringers for the threads he used the cranes that the building is equipped with from the olden days of when it served the Navy!

Fagan/Machtinger Sideboard with bookshelves...

2009-12-07T13:54:00.000-08:00

I had the good fortune of being introduced to the designer Gregory Fagan via a recommendation from a former employer and friend, Betz Sweeny. He worked hours designing this piece (and one more which is soon to come) for the Machtinger's. When the drawings were perfectly detailed they were passed onto me to build.

Unfortunately I took these in the evening and I didn't use my flash so the picts have that strange orange-y glow. The blue tape will of course be swapped for drawer pulls when they are decided on.

I have to say this project was so fun to build. Gregory is so great to work with. Steve and Susan are such neat people. I also have a long list of friends and family to thank for the help and support!

Here are some process pictures from the shop...

Here is the original mock-up of the trim detail. I do not recommend making mock-ups with maple unless that is going to be the final wood your using.

This was the glue up. I had to make all these little angled clamping blocks so to get a good positive pull on the angled trim when I clamped it.

The feet:

If you want to see more process photos click here to be linked to my photo share site.