Monthly Archives: April 2010

Inspiring design read

Posted on April 28, 2010 by walkerg

  Our design history has evolved over time and is a product of the culture and traditions that brought it to life. For the most part, anything that has stood the test of time does possess that connection. I’ve been … Continue reading →

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Exploring wood color

Posted on April 26, 2010 by walkerg

  I’ve been thinking a lot lately about mixing different colors and hues of wood in a furniture design. A couple of things are rolling around in my head. There’s a great book  The Furniture Masterworks of John and Thomas … Continue reading →

Posted in Design Basics | 7 Comments

Clarity

Posted on April 21, 2010 by walkerg

 I read an article recently about an interior designer in New York touting clarity as a key element in a design. Strip away the clutter, simplify, and create a sanctuary. This quest for clarity strikes a chord with many and … Continue reading →

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Recharge

Posted on April 19, 2010 by walkerg

Last Thursday we had an unseasonably warm and sunny day, so I hopped in the truck for a road trip. I made my way down to Charm Ohio, the headquarters of Keim Lumber. Nestled in rolling foothills in the heart … Continue reading →

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Schooled

Posted on April 16, 2010 by walkerg

I had the rare privilege of serving in a traditional apprenticeship to become a journeyman machinist over thirty years ago. The apprenticeship lasted four years with another two tacked on before you attained class A status. In reality we learned … Continue reading →

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Design Critique 04/14/2010

Posted on April 14, 2010 by walkerg

A furniture design may begin with just a spark; a page torn from a magazine, a stack of flame birch lumber, or some fiddlehead ferns pushing through the pine duff. All it takes is the seed of an idea to … Continue reading →

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Use proportions to punctuate

Posted on April 12, 2010 by walkerg

Which of the three scenarios should make your heart skip a beat while canoeing?  A. The river takes a sharp bend up ahead and you cannot see beyond the where the water turns a corner.  B. You spot rapids ahead … Continue reading →

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Designer craftsman profile

Posted on April 9, 2010 by walkerg

I’m really excited about the opportunity with my “Design Matters” column in  Popular Woodworking Magazine to take you on some workshop tours of some outstanding designer craftsman. A couple of weeks ago I spent an afternoon in the Columbus Ohio … Continue reading →

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Design Critique 04/07/2010

Posted on April 7, 2010 by walkerg

  I have to say I’m delighted at the response to our little experiment with a design critique last week. You exceeded my expectations with lively and interesting comment and helpful criticism. You encouraged me and sparked my imagination. Currently … Continue reading →

Posted in design critique | 16 Comments

The pitfall of ISH

Posted on April 5, 2010 by walkerg

I was out walking Saturday when I came across a mighty oak tree that reminded me of a horse. Not because it looked like a horse but because it’s knarled and deformed trunk had a presence that made the earth holy … Continue reading →

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