Handcrafted furniture by Anderson woodworks for home decor

This is where I talk about my commission pieces or the pieces I have designed. Most of the videos will be for paid subscribers only

Throw the screws away and use joinery

Mar 24, 2023

Joinery is a time-tested technique used in woodworking to create strong and durable joints without the use of screws or nails. The craft of joinery requires a great deal of skill and precision, but when done correctly, it results in a piece of furniture that is stronger and more aesthetically pleasing than something held together by screws alone.

One of the primary benefits of joinery over screws is the strength of the joint that it creates. Unlike screws, which hold pieces of wood together through friction, joinery relies on the physical interlocking of the pieces of wood to create a cohesive and stable connection. This makes joinery ideal for furniture pieces that will be subjected to constant use or movement, such as chairs or tables.

Another advantage of joinery is that it provides a seamless finish to the final product. Because the pieces of wood are cut to fit together perfectly, there are no visible screw heads or other hardware that can detract from the beauty of the finished piece. This makes joinery an ideal choice for furniture makers who are interested in producing high-quality pieces that are as visually appealing as they are functional.

Joinery can also be more versatile than screws in terms of the types of joints that can be created. While screws primarily rely on pressure to hold two pieces of wood together, joinery can create a wide variety of connections between different types and shapes of wood.

In conclusion, joinery is a superior technique for woodworking due to its strength, durability, and versatility. By using joinery, furniture makers can create pieces that are not only functional, but also beautiful and long-lasting. Whether building a chair, table, or other piece of furniture, joinery is an excellent choice for those who value craftsmanship and quality.

Art is not just a hobby, it is a way of life for many people.

Mar 5, 2023

Art is not just a hobby, it is a way of life for many people. It is an expression of individuality, creativity, and passion. However, living off your artwork is a difficult task, and many artists struggle to make ends meet.

One of the primary hardships of living off your artwork is the lack of a steady income. Unlike traditional jobs where you receive steady paychecks, artists’ income is unpredictable. They may go through periods of financial abundance, followed by months of financial drought. This inconsistency can cause anxiety and stress, as artists may struggle to pay their bills, rent, or put food on the table.

Furthermore, most artists are self-employed, which means they have to take care of everything from producing their art, marketing it, and selling it. This can be a daunting task for some artists who lack business skills. They may spend more time running their business than creating their art, which can lead to burnout and frustration.

Another hardship of living off your artwork is the lack of recognition. Most artists have to work hard to establish their brand and create a name for themselves. It can take years of networking, marketing, and promoting to get noticed. During this period, artists may feel inadequate or overlooked, which can negatively impact their mental health.

Additionally, the art industry is highly competitive, and there’s a limited number of buyers who are willing to pay top dollar for original artwork. Consequently, artists may have to sell their work at lower prices or accept commissions for less than they’re worth. This can leave them feeling undervalued and unappreciated, which can lead to feelings of resentment and disillusionment.

Finally, living off your artwork can be isolating. Many artists work from home, which means they don’t have colleagues or coworkers to interact with. This isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Moreover, artists may lack access to health benefits or retirement plans that traditional employees enjoy. This lack of social and financial support can further exacerbate their sense of isolation.

In conclusion, living off your artwork has its share of challenges. The lack of steady income, self-employment responsibilities, lack of recognition, competitive market, and isolation are just a few of the many hardships artists face. Despite these obstacles, many artists choose to pursue their passion and create art that inspires and enriches our lives. So next time you see an artist or Artisan please remember they are doing what they love and support them in that endeavor.

Handcrafted built to order furniture is sustainable for our planet

Feb 28, 2023

Yes, handcrafted built to order furnishings are generally more sustainable and environmentally friendly than mass production furnishings. These custom-built pieces are usually made from locally-sourced materials, use fewer resources during production, and require less packaging material for shipping. Furthermore, since they are made to last, these pieces do not need to be replaced as often as mass production furniture. The local craftspeople who make these pieces also tend to use traditional techniques that result in fewer greenhouse gas emissions than the often energy-intensive production processes used by manufacturers of mass production furniture.

The life of a furniture maker is one that combines creativity and craftsmanship.

Feb 19, 2023

The life of a furniture maker is one that combines creativity and craftsmanship. The job of creating furniture from scratch is an art, blending design and construction to make beautiful, sturdy pieces of functional artwork. Furniture makers take pride in their work, and the process of producing a piece of furniture is one that requires dedication and a deep understanding of the art form.

At its core, the furniture maker’s job is to transform raw materials into a finished product. This requires a deep understanding of the materials being used, as well as techniques for cutting, shaping, and joining them. In most cases, the furniture maker begins by sketching out a design on paper or in CAD software. From there, the furniture maker starts constructing the piece of furniture from the ground up, using tools such as saws, chisels, clamps, and sanders to bring their ideas to life.

Furniture makers must also be highly creative with their design choices, making sure that the piece meets the clients’ expectations and is visually appealing. This includes choosing complementary colors, textures, and finishes and incorporating interesting design elements into a piece.

Beyond being creative, furniture makers must also understand how different materials react to each other and how they can best be put together to create strong, durable pieces. They must understand wood types, joinery techniques, and other aspects of construction that go into creating a successful piece.

Furniture makers often work with other craftsmen and are part of a larger team that creates a complete project. This can keep their work varied and give them the chance to see many pieces come to life.

Overall, furniture makers have the unique task of creating functional works of art that will stand the test of time. Their job requires technical skill and creativity, and when done well, the results can be truly impressive.

What is a French polish you ask? it makes you want to Dance .

Feb 10, 2023

French polish is a type of wood finish that is made by applying many thin layers of shellac, a type of resin made from the secretions of the lac bug. The layers are applied using a rubbing pad, which is made of absorbent cotton or wool, and is first soaked in a solution of alcohol and shellac. The pad is then used to rub the shellac onto the wood in a circular motion, with each successive layer of shellac being rubbed in the same direction. The finish is highly glossy and has a unique depth of color that is not achievable with other finishes. French polish is often used on antique furniture and musical instruments, as it is a very hard wearing finish and can last for many years.

https://youtu.be/9qO4L1V-Jyc

How owning art effects you.

Feb 6, 2023

Ownership of art can have a profound impact on a person’s life. It can be a source of pride, joy, and inspiration. It can also be a source of comfort and connection to a person’s history and culture. Art can be a reminder of the beauty and complexity of life, and it can be a source of healing and solace. Owning art can also be an expression of one’s identity, as it can be a reflection of their values, beliefs, and interests. Additionally, owning art can also be a form of investment, as it can increase in value over time.

Fine furniture and the craftsman that create these beautiful pieces of functional art.

Feb 3, 2023

Fine furniture is an art form that has been around for centuries. It is a form of craftsmanship that is admired for its beauty, quality, and attention to detail. Craftsmen who build fine furniture take pride in their work and strive to create pieces that will stand the test of time.

The process of creating fine furniture begins with the selection of materials. Wood is the primary material used in the construction of fine furniture, and the type of wood used will greatly influence the final product. Woods such as walnut, cherry, and mahogany are popular choices for fine furniture, as they have a unique grain and color that can bring a room to life. The craftsman then carefully cuts, shapes, and joins the pieces of wood to construct the furniture. The details of the furniture, such as the legs, arms, and curves, must be precise and exact. The craftsman must also be mindful of the joints and how they will be secured to ensure the furniture is structurally sound.

The finishing touches are the most important part of the process. The craftsman must sand, stain, and finish the wood to bring out its natural beauty. The furniture must also be polished to a high sheen to protect the wood and to make it look its best.

Fine furniture is a true art form, and the craftsman who build it take great pride in their work. They strive to create pieces that will last for generations and become heirlooms that are passed down from one generation to the next. Fine furniture is an investment that will increase in value over time, and it is a testament to the skills and dedication of the craftsman who build it.