Work of the Hand, 20th year

Welcome to the Center for Maine Contemporary Art in Rockport, Maine. In early October, I'll be exhibiting in their 20th annual Work of the Hand, craft show. Please click here for more about the show. I'll be there Friday evening for the opening as well as volunteering Saturday morning. Approximately 50 fine crafts artists will be showing.

Furniture Masters' Auction

This Sunday, September 20th, is the annual Furniture Masters auction. This year it's in Manchester, NH, at The Currier Museum of Art. Our silent auction and reception go from 6 - 7:15 pm. The live auction starts at 7:30. This ash, hickory and Danish cord bench is my offering for this year's auction. To see all of this year's pieces, please click here.

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday the 20th, the Currier will be offering programs related to the Furniture Masters and the auction pieces. For more information on the tours, slide shows and demonstrations, please click here. This is an opportunity to see some wonderful furniture and the auction is great fun.

Ryan's Blanket Chest

I recently discovered that Bessey makes these angled clamping pads to fit their K-Body REVO clamps. They offer plenty of clamping power without a hint of slipping. They tilt from 0 to 15 degrees and saved me from having to make a set of angled cauls.

I had to make 2 small cauls to focus pressure at the ends of the lid divider.

With everything glued and cleaned-up, I can rout for the hinges and attach the lid. This shot shows the wedged through tenon for one foot. The frame and panel bottom goes in later.

I did a little splicing, attached the eye straps and now it's off to my friend Carl for stain and a lacquer finish.

The finish is 2 coats of stain and crystal lacquer. This color corresponds to the color of 2 lamps in the room that this chest will call home.