Woodwork Design

The feel of a piece of wood in your hands and the aroma of shaved pieces make woodworking more than a pastime. There is a visceral awakening when working with wood. Crafting a piece of wood into the desired shape brings out the energy.

For some, it is the carving of a figure or a functional piece that brings out the design. It matters little if it is a bowl or a wooden toy or a piece of sculpture. This may be attained through whittling, carving and sanding. These steps are also used in refining large items.

Some wood crafters prefer furniture and larger items like arbors for the garden or ornate trim around walls or columns. Architecture wood design may be the most demanding of wood craft, but often it is one of the most lasting. In this discipline, it is the attention to details that separates the mediocre from the artist. Today, the woodcraftsman has a choice. The architectural embellishments can be individually carved or created with a process called compo. The base of compo is ground up lime, animal glue and resin, with other elements added to individualize the mixture.

For many woodworkers, the creation of a drawer is a major challenge to surmount. Although the beginning concept is that of a box, a drawer requires the ability to fit perfectly in a larger piece while being able move or slide for access. The corners require special attention. A woodworker desiring to show skill opts for a half-blind dovetail to bring the corner together.