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.

Frame #249 Real Milk Paint and their Chippy Product

Posted on March 12, 2024 by woodworksbyjohn

This is the second time I’ve used milk paint from Real Milk Paint Company to finish a frame. I’ve added a link to my blog about that frame. The design and construction of both frames is similar, the only difference … Continue reading →

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Silver Leaf and Textured Cove

Posted on December 27, 2023 by woodworksbyjohn

The title of this 18″x24″ oil on stretched canvas is The Parisian, painted by Diane Eugster. Since posting this frame and painting I’ve received a number of comments about how the frame was made and how long it took. It’s interesting to … Continue reading →

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Real Milk Paint for Frame #245

Posted on December 9, 2023 by woodworksbyjohn

My wife and I were visiting an artist friend of hers and she showed us an antique picture frame she had. It had a lot of patina (another word for beat up) where gesso had broken off, paint was worn … Continue reading →

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Z-Chair Project Completed!

Posted on November 18, 2023 by woodworksbyjohn

I began working on this project in mid-September after doing research on the internet to find dimensions, other peoples projects, and images of the iconic Z-Chair. After creating patterns from MDF the first prototype was made from 6/4 Poplar. The … Continue reading →

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Part 3: Classic Z-Chair continues

Posted on November 8, 2023 by woodworksbyjohn

Now that all of the joinery has been cut and fitted it’s time to begin sculpting the pieces for this chair. Don’t want to use a router bit which would leave a uniform radius on every edge — boring!! I’ve … Continue reading →

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Part 2: My take on the Classic Z-Chair

Posted on October 26, 2023 by woodworksbyjohn

There are many seemingly minor details and decisions to be made on this project. I’ve discovered that to locate the seat, for example; the front and main leg need to be clamped together. Clamping was a problem I knew I’d … Continue reading →

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Beginnings: My take on the Classic Z-Chair

Posted on October 14, 2023 by woodworksbyjohn

Many of my projects have begun with a simple conversation; “I think we need to replace this chair, it’s looking worn and faded” — of course my response was “ok, I’ll make one” and so it began! My wife and … Continue reading →

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Sapele Display Unit

Posted on September 24, 2023 by woodworksbyjohn

Those of you who follow my blog know I like to start with a before and after picture to introduce the project. Usually I’ll show the full size drawings I do but this goes before that — where I get … Continue reading →

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Frame #243: Two piece frame for Greener Pastures

Posted on August 24, 2023 by woodworksbyjohn

The process of going from a raw piece of wood, in this case a 6/4 piece of Basswood; to create a picture frame is a challenge that always excites me. The picture on the left shows the beginnings, hand planing … Continue reading →

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Frame #240 Art Nouveau Carved Motif

Posted on April 22, 2023 by woodworksbyjohn

The title of this painting is Tapestry and it’s painted by Diane Eugster. This piece is oil on panel measuring 18″ x 24″. To compliment her work I wanted to carve a very low relief, Art Nouveau motif with the … Continue reading →

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