Authentic Nautical Accessories, and Custom Furnishings
Experimentation is part of the fun of woodworking—the all-important part that separates your experience's past from its future. The other day, I was messing about in the shop, and a new ( at least to me) method of smoothing spoon bowls came to mind. To back up a bit, I design my spoons with various …
what's the story behind the diorama? That's the thing about this type of presentation: there is a story.
Many years ago, I was busy trying to master the art of letter carving. Daily, I carved some lettering and experimented with various styles and variations. I did not want to do idle exercises. So I carved signs for kids' rooms, mottos, and sayings. I was interested in what I put the lettering on, not just the …
Figureheads get lots of attention in maritime museum exhibits. There are even museum collections of figureheads lost at sea. Often, the names of the ships they graced are unknown. If we knew, we could reconstruct a travelogue of all the ports they'd seen. But many ships lacked figureheads. The old figure went overboard in a …
I charge different rates for different types of carving. It depends on the complexity of the work. For example, Spoons and bowls are much less complex and require less technical skill than a ship's portrait or an eagle, and I charge accordingly.Part of it is that my hair has gone from dark brown to predominantly …
What makes craft work? Is it the materials, designs, manner of work, the intent of the crafts person, or the community that surrounds and supports the work? Over the years, I've had many discussions with other artists and craftspeople about this. The above reasons weave together for jewelers, potters, fabric workers, boatbuilders, and carvers. I …
Photographs help me remember steps and processes. Years ago, I used photography only to record the results. But pictures of the in-between stages were more than a bit helpful. One of the big reasons I say this is because there are some things that I only do rarely. Reminders are valuable.I need to be a …
No fancy tools, no drafting programs. Just brown paper and pencils. Amazing what technology can do these days.
Crafters and artists are constantly in motion learning new skills, altering perspectives, and looking for the next project that excites them.
We were at a tavern in the Seaport district in New York. I had just won a bet on recognizing a carver's work based on their tool cuts. It was an easy win; the carvings I had identified were by a carver whose work I was familiar with.
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