Cafe Tableau

This was another of those moments that the vulnerability can take you by surprise.  I had this little table envisioned for a bit and found the perfect person to build it for.  I drove out to a town east of Denver out in the rolling hill country where the bus stops every few blocks to drop off a kid near their little ranch property.  I had no idea the country was a stones throw from the city. My friend had driven in truck loads of old barn wood from his parent's Nebraska farm. I picked out a few to fit my liking, and knew I had a big long board for the sides at home I had picked up at a home demo site.  Also, picked up an old dolly and screwed her wheels off to be used for a better day.
I am often surprised that I'm still surprised my projects can be so frustrating with the varying sizes, depths, and bends of an old piece of wood.  They are not perfect, which is precisely why I end up preferring them.
Anyhow, I worked on a time crunch for a birthday and popped this sleek baby out. Will continue to be in awe that the Creator would allow us to participate in co-creation. To envision and carry out.  To labor over and delight in another's enjoyment of it. What a gift.

Bonjour Buffet

What a prize to find! You'd have thought I had won a contest when I snatched this little treasure up! I kept grinning all day, dreaming up the possibilities of her outcome. The detail and shape to her are simply exquisite and dear. I originally planned to just shoot for the two toned white shabby finished product, but after applying this coat of paint, I realized she needed just a hint of color.  I love the muted grey with green undertones.  I kept most of the original hardware and cleaned her off with a good coat of poly.

Stately Vintage Desk

Before:

 

After:

 

This was an old lawyers desk that someone had tried to spruce up with a little can of spray paint.  I was happy to envision a new face that begs for a philosopher to pull up a chair, breathe in the scent of an old library book, and muse upon explorations yet to be discovered. 

One of the many perks of this piece is the spacious drawer storage.  On the left is a hidden double drawer that can function as a file cabinet.  The back is finished as well so as to offer the option of pulling that desk out from against a wall.  The three paneled leather top is still in tact, with a little of the silver paint residue, which I quite like to give it a well loved look.  All wood, the trim on the top gives it a little extra pizazz.  I painted it a two toned grey and washed it with a dark walnut stain wax.  Completed with original brass pulls this is a unique timeless desk.

Butcher Logged Sofa/Entry Table

On a run a few months ago, I stumbled upon some thick logs in the street and envisioned them as a statement top to a table.  I ran home, hopped in my car and went to go load em up.  They were in pretty bad shape to be honest, but true to my nature, I found a means to make use of them.  It has become somewhat comical and customary that in using scraps and old/discarded wood, there will assuredly be a few difficulties.  Not to mention, I like to (typically) find my tools at garage sales, which means they are not as reliable and shiny as could be found new at the store; thereby things may just take a bit more time for my projects.
Nonetheless, I put a few logs together, used up some unique boards, and you find an eclectic little new creation. I originally envisioned it to be a kitchen island butcher block, but as the measurements came in and the pieces were put together, she looked a bit too long and narrow for an island to me.
I stained her a good ol' vinegar and black tea and she found her way inside.
She's a bit bulkier and rough, and could stand to lose a few lbs, but she's all wood and no curves and I quite like her as she is.

Steamboat Art Walk

White Pepper kindly agreed to have my artwork up in their store for the month of February.  I drove up there at the end of January to set up and be around for the First Friday Art Walk.  It was all sorts of new for me.  A whole new level of exposure, both to have my work out 'professionally' and to have my work out period.  Paintings seem surprisingly so very different than just refinishing a piece of furniture or even designing from scratch.  Both art, indeed, but a whole different vulnerability.  Nonetheless, it was good for me and a grand ol time. Steamboat, especially in February is a magical time.

If you're in Steamboat during February, go stop in to White Pepper on Main Street.
http://www.whitepeppershop.com/

Fruit Duo

Mister Moose