I love Shaker inspired things….I started making Shaker pieces as projects when I was at woodworking school, starting with a wonderful bench……I have made sets of these tables almost every year since I opened my studio….. Made from measured drawings from the original makers, they are also made with the same wood species…..I have a set in my own house, love them more each day…….And they have been part of my decor for 10 years.
I get to take out my chisels and my Japanese saw, sit at my workbench and cut the dovetails by hand…….the legs are also dovetailed into the turned pedestal…they will never become loose……the only hardware that isn’t wood and made by me are a few small wood screws that hold the cleats for the drawers to the table top.
This is a one drawer sewing stand, solid cherry with pine drawer sides and bottom, a rubbed oil finish…it was originally designed for two shaker sisters to sit on either side, they just used their ‘end’ of the drawer….it is exactly the same on the back as the front…the drawer slides each way…….very cool.
There are the dovetails, they are made for strength, half blind ones on the drawer front, through on the base..you can tell the hand cut from the many that are made by jigs, routers and machines…they are narrow, spaced at different intervals and different widths, you can see the line made by the marking gauge….I find doing these one of woodworking’s greatest pleasures……..
The little wood pegs near the top are holding a tenon that is mortised into the cleat……I know this will still be around in 100 years…and still look good.
Now the two drawer with the great spider legs……pretty well the same construction except the tenon on the turned pedestal is glued with a wooden wedge into the drawer cleat.
I cannot decide which I prefer…the two or the one drawer so I have both…and in my studio the buyers have a hard time to decide…..Which is your pick ???
Though these were designed in the 18th century they remain a beautiful choice … so simple and clean lined, the wood so rich…..
In a contemporary home they would look fantastic….Mixed with antiques they would hold a special spot.
My house has a very eclectic mix of woods and styles..these remain stunning examples from a group of people who believed honest work, good craftsmanship, to do only what is needed……beauty in simple everyday things.
Lessons could be learned from them, I think of that every winter when I make Shaker pieces, somehow you feel closer to your tools and your work.
I am curious to know where these two will find a home..maybe they will remain as a pair!
Next week I am going to do some lidded Shaker boxes..the wood is milled and ready to be bent and shaped.
Hope you are all enjoying summer..it is fabulous on PEI today !!
Linking to Furniture Wednesday at Primitive & Proper
At The Picket Fence
Common ground
Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage
Perfectly Imperfect
Furniture Friday at Miss Mustard Seed
Common ground
Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage
Perfectly Imperfect
Furniture Friday at Miss Mustard Seed
Your work is incredibly beautiful, as usual. I still want to come up for an apprenticeship!I think I like the one-drawer stand better because to me…the two drawer version looks a little like Wall-E! (Hope you've seen that movie!)
Fabulous craftsmanship!
Thank you Julie and Korrie, you are both so sweet and encouraging. LOL on the WALL-E..I watched that movie with my little grandson [OVER & OVER]..Loved it, that is just too funny.
that is so beautiful and well done! i love the base of it- sooo pretty!
Thank you for commenting Cassie…they are wonderful tables….
I have always loved Shaker furniture and crafts- I used to live in KY near Shakertown and it is an incredible historic landmark if you every get a chance to go. Your work is beautiful!
Oh, I would love to visit there…Their work has stood the test of time. So many current pieces are based on Shaker designs..Thank you for the comment, Megan.))
I love the two drawer table…you do beautiful work, I'm sure that table will become a prized antique some day
This piece is fabulous! I wish I could come and have you show me how to make something like this!
What a great piece. Beautifully done!I am a new follower.
This is just an amazing piece; really a work of art. I admire your ability and craftmanship. your work is just beautiful! thanks so much for sharing with VIF, xo Debra
Hi, Brenda! You've got so much creativity here and I'm admiring them all. Can you please share your creative posts at the Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop? Hope to see you there