We are not fancy here. So when Megan threatened to wear a skirt, I knew this was a serious event. Rob Spiece, director of woodcraft at Berea Student Craft, had scored invitations for all of us to see the opening of a new exhibit at the Taft Museum in Cincinnati: The Crafted World of Wharton…
Read moreThe Catalan variation of the of the post-and-rung chair has been traced back to the late 19th century and is still made today. This native of Catalonia speaks to me; it whispers, “sit back and relax.” As with its straight-backed relatives, these chairs were made with local woods and reed-woven seats. The chair back is inclined…
Read moreIt’s a bit difficult to put a label on this book. It’s not really a catalog of the pieces produced by Nakashima Woodworkers, but it is filled with drawings and images of the pieces the company makes. It’s also a short history of the workshop, a close explanation of how they work and a sometimes-lighthearted…
Read moreWith the addition of Kale Vogt to our staff at Lost Art Press, I have been pondering the meaning and implications of the word “apprenticeship.” For me it is a real thing. Apprenticeship requires papers that lay out an agreement. Something like: I will do this. You will do that. And in the end, this is where…
Read moreGood tidings and joy! Today begins the Twelve Days of Tooltide and a new song for all woodworkers. This song will lift you from post-holiday doldrums and carry you, all bright and shining, into the first week of the new year. As with the making of dovetails, dowels for a stick chair or deciding which…
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