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.

Carving and Gilding of Picture Frames

Posted on May 3, 2015 by woodworksbyjohn

After the frames were carved and sanded the next step is to apply a coat or two of burnisher sealer.  This is the product you use in oil gilding that takes the place of multiple coats of gesso and then … Continue reading →

Posted in Gilding, Picture Frames, Tutorial, YouTubeVideo | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Frame Carving and Gilding

Posted on May 1, 2015 by woodworksbyjohn

I’m often kidded by my neighbor who tells me that if retirement means being as busy as he sees me all of the time he’s not so sure he wants to retire!!  Well, first of all; Diane and I don’t like … Continue reading →

Posted in Carving, Hand Tool Woodworking, Picture Frames | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Off the Fence — Details, Details, Details !!

Posted on April 29, 2015 by woodworksbyjohn

At the risk of sounding like a whiner I’d like to get this on the page.  It seems to be a natural instinct for people to think that a small size project is much easier and quicker to make than … Continue reading →

Posted in Etsy Store, Finger Joint, Off the Fence Box, Recycled Wood Furniture | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Off the Fence — A New Box Series

Posted on April 23, 2015 by woodworksbyjohn

Some of you may recall my post dealing with the Cigar Presentation tray that was recently completed and delivered.  The construction of that featured finger joints cut on the tablesaw.  One thing I’ve learned while making boxes for the Etsy store is that … Continue reading →

Posted in Craft Fair, Off the Fence Box, Recycled Wood Furniture | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Cigar Tray Complete; Ready for Delivery

Posted on April 15, 2015 by woodworksbyjohn

Finished tray of Walnut:   I doubt that I’m any different from other custom woodworkers in this, as the project reaches its final stages you often wonder if it will meet your clients expectations.  That’s especially true with these two … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Commission, Finger Joint | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Can Traditional Artists Skills Transfer to High Tech?

Posted on April 12, 2015 by woodworksbyjohn

That was the question my wife and I asked each other recently and I’d like to share our experience with you.  Have to give you a spoiler alert though, there won’t be any woodworking or painting techniques anywhere in this blog!  If … Continue reading →

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Cigar Presentation Tray — with a Cuban Influence!

Posted on April 11, 2015 by woodworksbyjohn

I’ve finally made progress on this project, a cigar presentation tray commissioned to me by the same client I completed the Mechanical Cellarette for.  During that building process I had two other commissions that I had put on hold so … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Commission, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

How to Add Keys or Splines to a Mitered Box — Cat Box Completed

Posted on April 10, 2015 by woodworksbyjohn

A box constructed with miter joints, like everything else; has its plusses and minuses.  On the plus side it allows you to use a single piece of wood so that the grain pattern of it can flow around the corners. … Continue reading →

Posted in Etsy custom order, Jess'sCatBox, Mitered Box, Tutorial | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

How I Made a Stone Carvers Bench

Posted on April 8, 2015 by woodworksbyjohn

This is a modification of the plans created by Don Dougan.  He is a noted stone carver and also an instructor from the Atlanta, Georgia area.  A former client contacted me about this project.   A number of years ago I re-caned … Continue reading →

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Carving and Gilding a Cat for a Lid or Plaque

Posted on April 4, 2015 by woodworksbyjohn

In my last blog about this Etsy custom order I shared my method of making a miter cornered box.  The client requested a copper gilded lid with an image of a cat.  We choose this one from free internet images available from … Continue reading →

Posted in Carving, Etsy custom order, Gilding, Jess'sCatBox, Mitered Box, Tutorial | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment