09/23/2026
With my post, and theirs, of the finished Locker project I know I’ve gained a few new followers on this little woodworking page of mine. To all you new folks, welcome! And thanks for the support! Now, I’d like to share the finished pictures of a piece I showed a little on a couple weeks ago. And with it, a return to form, this one gets a little back story 😁.
This piece has been over a year in the making. Not the physical part, but the planning and genesis. Sometime last spring/summer a young lady oil painter contacted me inquiring if I’d be interested in a good ol’ fashion barter arrangement. Tit for tat. Console for canvas as it were. A very brief look at some of her work made the decision quite easy. Being a humble woodworker, making our own less than typical path in the world, the likelihood of a custom commissioned piece of artwork was otherwise out of mind and out of reach. I’ve no skill in evaluating fine paintings. But I can tell when someone is a kindred creator, with the passion and skill to back it up. She is clearly talented with a brush, and in her words, “enjoys a little whimsy in her work”. As another point of similarity, she and her family are in process of furnishing a new home also. I can’t wait to share what she’s created for us. Though I’ve only seen digital photos this far, it turned out fantastic.
From my shop, via her vision, to her home; this console is in essence what she asked be brought to life. Dimensions were dictated by the position it will eventually hold, 58”x18”x34”. MCM inspired style. Character requested. We back-and-forthed a couple ai made sketches for the initial design ideas, and settled on the picture below as a basis. Contrasting color, with space to store some taller kitchen appliances on half. Beyond that, she allowed me creative license. When a fellow creator shows that kind of trust it resonates. What I came up with is shown in the pictures. Back to my enjoyment of primarily wood construction with minimal hardware. Drawers and captive sliding half door run on waxed rails. Custom round drawer pulls with recessed finger grips on the bottom side and matching door handles. She appreciated the Hickory/Walnut combo. So, waste not want not, we found good use for some of the many cut off pieces from the Locker project. And to satisfy said whimsy, I was able to find several pieces representing the wide range of hues from the hickory. For the finishing, boiled linseed oil seemed an unmissable opportunity for a piece destined to inhabit the house of an oil painter. One coat of that as a base, and added warm tone. Topped with Odie's Oil Dark for the increased protection, and aging properties it will give.
As always, I feel blessed beyond any just deserts this journey has afforded me. God is good. Stay tuned for the painting reveal once we make the swap!
Cheers!
