Author Archives: woodworksbyjohn

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.

Frame #205: Guilloche

Posted on November 28, 2020 by woodworksbyjohn

I don’t recall the first time I ever saw the carved design known as a Guilloche but it sparked an interest in me; just another challenge to attempt to conquer! A recent painting that Diane has been working on had … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Carved Frame and Paring Chisel!

Posted on November 17, 2020 by woodworksbyjohn

I have been working on this frame that I will use for the upcoming class from Charles Douglas. This class is about creating the Dutch Black finish and is the first Zoom meeting will be the first week in January.  

Posted in Carving, Design Process, Picture Frames, Tool Sharpening, YouTubeVideo | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Unique and Interesting Commission

Posted on November 7, 2020 by woodworksbyjohn

I was recently contacted about making a set of blocks that would be used for something called letter press. The client is an artist who I’ve sat for in his portrait workshops and his request intrigued me to say the … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Utilitarian Project — Kitchen Improvement

Posted on August 13, 2020 by woodworksbyjohn

One of the many benefits of being able to do woodwork is that there is virtually no limit as to what you can do.  From rough concrete forms, to house framing, cabinetry, carving, fine furniture, etc. there’s an unlimited spectrum … Continue reading →

Posted in custom furniture, Design Process, Finger Joint, Home Remodel, SawStop Sliding Table | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Frame Talk #4: Traditional Water Gilding 23k Gold Leaf

Posted on August 6, 2020 by woodworksbyjohn

In this edition of Frame Talk I’d like to give a short explanation of the traditional water gilding process vs. oil gilding.  There is absolutely no comparison to the final results of these two processes.  Very difficult to photograph but … Continue reading →

Posted in Diane Eugster art, Floater Frame, Frame Talk, Gilding, Picture Frames | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Traditional Dovetailed Drawer: Hand Tool Tutorial

Posted on July 16, 2020 by woodworksbyjohn

It’s not too uncommon for someone to ask me about dovetails and the process it takes to cut them.  I thought this would be a good time to document the steps I use, these are the same whether they’re for … Continue reading →

Posted in Hand Cut Dovetails, Hand Tool Woodworking, Tutorial | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Count Your Blessings!

Posted on July 12, 2020 by woodworksbyjohn

Not sure how things are where you live but here in Phoenix we’ve become a hotbed for the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s times like these when it’s sometimes a struggle to find the positives and not get discouraged.  If you’re an … Continue reading →

Posted in Artist, custom profile, custom profile, Design Process, Diane Eugster art, Gilding, Hand Cut Dovetails, Hand Planes, Hand Tool Woodworking, Mesa Arts Center Store, Picture Frames, Types of Boxes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Walnut Picture Frame #201

Posted on June 27, 2020 by woodworksbyjohn

As a furniture maker for me it’s all about the wood so when I get an artist client that needs a frame and wants it made of wood in all its natural beauty I get excited!  I just completed this … Continue reading →

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

Tablesaw Push Stick — Here’s Mine!

Posted on June 16, 2020 by woodworksbyjohn

Old push stick ready for replacement In Junior High School woodshop, back in 1963 a push stick was a simple piece of plywood with a classic shape — no frills or fancy gadgets!  It had a hole and hung on … Continue reading →

Posted in Hand Tool Woodworking Class, Hybrid Woodworking, Mortise and Tenon Joint, Tutorial | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Mitered Birch Mantle — aka Packing Tape Assembly!

Posted on June 5, 2020 by woodworksbyjohn

As any home owner knows, there’s always an improvement or remodel that can be done to enhance your home and customize it to your sense of style.  That was the case with our home here in Phoenix.  Diane has such … Continue reading →

Posted in custom furniture, Design Process, Home Remodel, Tutorial | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment