| Project by cathyb | posted 08-17-2009 08:56 AM | 2595 views | 3 times favorited | 13 comments |  |
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My friend Susan, also one of my best clients, has a condo with not a lot of space. She asked me to make a coffee table that would make a statement. This is what I came up with.
Years ago as a carver, it became crystal clear to me that I could never trump what nature does everyday. These days, I try to go with the flow. If a piece of lumber has a knot- I don’t want to hide it -that’s my “feature”. I don’t really like adding butterflies, because it denigrates what nature has done. I always look for the wood that most people don’t want. In fact, I once bought three fabulous boards that were all “sisters” (cut one right after the other from the log). The retailer had written “NC” (no charge) for the area where there had been a branch, it had a hole surrounded by some loose bark. WOW! what a find. It cost me nothing for that beautiful wood. I bought it, cleaned some off the bark and then laminated it to another piece of koa that was more stable. I did the same technique for Susan’s table. If you look closely, you’ll see the holes on the top. Fun….....
-- cathyb, Hawaii
13 comments so far
cypresswoodworker
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89 posts in 4799 days
#1 posted 08-17-2009 11:32 AM
Another beauty..Simple yet complex
-- If at first you don't succeed...Buy another tool !!
ellen35
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#2 posted 08-17-2009 12:27 PM
Cathy,
That is lovely. It has such a nice simple style that the wood really stands out.
It is one of those timeless pieces that will last a lifetime and always garner comments!
Very fine work!
Ellen
-- "Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good." Voltaire
Innovator
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3589 posts in 4866 days
#3 posted 08-17-2009 12:42 PM
It came out beautiful. I agree with not trying to trump mother nature.
-- Whether You Think You Can or You Think You Can't, YOU ARE RIGHT!!!
grizzman
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7836 posts in 4756 days
#4 posted 08-17-2009 04:36 PM
i love piecies like this…its the wood all the way…..i love the wood..very beautiful…..i got some spalted oak once that way…just laying at the sawyers..he said you want this…...to him it was junk…..to me..it was gold….look forward to more of your work…..
-- GRIZZMAN ...[''''']
navyman
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#5 posted 08-17-2009 06:24 PM
the piece looks real nice. good job.
-- Michael . USN ( Ret ) Batesville,AR
huff
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2828 posts in 4737 days
#6 posted 08-17-2009 09:19 PM
Cathy, Your friend wanted a coffee table that made a statement and you sure delivered! Totally stunning! Your Koa bench was my favorite piece you’ve done until now. Your work is beautiful. Look forward to your next project and thanks for sharing.
-- John @ http://www.thehuffordfurnituregroup.com
Lloyd Davies
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116 posts in 4778 days
#7 posted 08-17-2009 10:31 PM
Very nice. How about editing the project to add 5 more photos? It’d be nice to see some close ups.
-- Northern California http://www.lloydus.com
Les Hastings
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1306 posts in 5225 days
#8 posted 08-17-2009 11:24 PM
Very nice Cathy, awesome table!
-- Les, Wichita, Ks. (I'd rather be covered in saw dust!)
Broda
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313 posts in 4971 days
#9 posted 08-18-2009 11:19 AM
Wow!
I agree with Lloyd, more photos!
-- BRODY. NSW AUSTRALIA -arguments with turnings are rarely productive-
mikeH
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98 posts in 5744 days
#10 posted 08-18-2009 03:41 PM
i can say that i have never posted so many comment in one sitting, but wow that is really nice
-- mjhaines
a1Jim
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118322 posts in 5029 days
#11 posted 08-22-2009 06:30 AM
rustic cool
-- https://www.artisticwoodstudio.com/videos
Threeseamonsters
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#12 posted 04-19-2010 02:26 AM
Very nice. Good collaboration with nature!
-- jn
Gregn
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#13 posted 04-19-2010 02:41 AM
Nice Piece! Gives inspiration for some Cedar I have.
-- I don't make mistakes, I have great learning lessons, Greg
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