Author Archives: woodworksbyjohn

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About woodworksbyjohn

I'm a retired woodshop teacher. I build one of a kind furniture pieces and custom picture frames. You can see some of my currently available work, boxes, carvings through my Etsy store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/WoodworksbyJohn?ref=si_shop Contact me about your project -- always up for the challenge of unique work.

Kumiko or “down the rabbit hole!”

Posted on May 28, 2018 by woodworksbyjohn

The expression of “down the rabbit hole” came from Greg Merritt who writes a blog called HillBilly Daiku.  He’s been doing some Kumiko woodworking and got me intrigued, I laid some of the blame on him and his response was … Continue reading →

Posted in Kumiko, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

10 Board Feet + 5.5 Hours = ??

Posted on May 17, 2018 by woodworksbyjohn

How long did it take you to make that?  Many times that’s one of the first things people will ask when they see a custom crafted item.  There’s a somewhat flippant retort I’ve heard: “been working on this all of … Continue reading →

Posted in custom profile, Hand Planes, Hand Tool Woodworking, Picture Frames | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Hand-cut Finger Joints & Reclaimed Wood

Posted on April 29, 2018 by woodworksbyjohn

A recent remodeling job we did here left me with a few pieces of genuine, white-washed, Kentucky horse ranch fence boards!  There’s a lumber recycler here in Phoenix, Porter Barn Wood  that has an amazing collection of reclaimed wood that is … Continue reading →

Posted in Etsy Store, Finger Joint, Finger Joint Box, Sliding Lid Box, Tutorial | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Christine Profile Picture Frames Take Two!

Posted on April 19, 2018 by woodworksbyjohn

Those of you that follow me may recall that back in October I had an order for 15 frames from a local artist.  These were 4″ x 6″, finished with black and about 4″ wide.  She contacted me recently and … Continue reading →

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Artists’ Taboret Complete

Posted on April 8, 2018 by woodworksbyjohn

For those of us that have a passion for creating art, the work space is our happy place.  Rarely have I talked with someone who hasn’t lamented that they either need a larger space or a more efficient one.  This … Continue reading →

Posted in Artist, Artist Furniture, custom furniture | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Artist Taboret: Carcass and Drawers

Posted on April 2, 2018 by woodworksbyjohn

Many artists use some sort of taboret to organize their work area and equipment.  Having a taboret placed next to the easel gives them an area for their palette, brushes, and turpentine.  It seems that most of the fine artists I know … Continue reading →

Posted in Artist, Artist Furniture | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

Gilded Floater Frame in Progress

Posted on March 21, 2018 by woodworksbyjohn

I’m just getting started on a frame for a new client who was referred to me by a previous client of mine.  How’s that saying go: “referrals are your best form of advertising?”  That’s certainly true and I always appreciate … Continue reading →

Posted in Hybrid Woodworking, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Celtic Clover Study

Posted on March 19, 2018 by woodworksbyjohn

Celtic designs seem to hold a fascination for many of us, myself included!  There’s just something mesmerizing about how the lines go under, over, and around in an endless loop with no apparent starting or ending point.  Much like an … Continue reading →

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Mesa Art Center Co-Op

Posted on March 7, 2018 by woodworksbyjohn

I am really happy to say that I am now officially a member of the artists co-op of the Mesa Arts Center.  I’ve mentioned (lamented?) several times over the past few months that the jurying in process was underway but … Continue reading →

Posted in Mesa Arts Center Store | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

SawStops Sliding Table to the Rescue!

Posted on February 6, 2018 by woodworksbyjohn

About three years ago I replaced my Jet tablesaw with SawStops Professional cabinet saw and opted for the sliding table.  This meant changing some of the ways I approach using the tablesaw but for the most part I’ve really liked … Continue reading →

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