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A Big … Long Overdue Hello to all my Lumberjock buddies!! I know it's been ages since posting a finished project but unfortunately I had temporarily lost pertinent photos and just recently 'found' them again. Remember … I'm not too savvy about cyberspace technology, and thanks to my 92 year old Dad!!! he found them for me.

This commissioned Intarsia "Cabin Retreat" was completed last summer, and was quite a challenge. At times I felt I could have actually built the cabin more quickly than it was taking me to render it artistically!

Everybody has their own unique style when it comes to artwork in general. Woodworking is no different. When I create Intarsia pieces, I prefer to use only cedar for the entire design. This soft wood makes it easy to shape the individual pieces, or carve if necessary. But most importantly, my style is to apply paint, so it would be a waste to use multiple types of exotic solid stock wood. When I work in Marquetry, I have a wide variety of plain to exotic veneers for use as my pallet. However, I enjoy painting as well … and with Intarsia, this is the only 'artistic painting' (to date) that I do … my canvass being wood!

A few other commissioned Intasia pieces completed over these past years have been included in this 'Add New Project' segment. I'm a lover of Loons, and we happen to have a few of these beautiful creatures showing off their magnificence on Okanagan Lake, where we holiday during the summer months. Some day I hope to work upon my own Intarsia Loon wall hanging … but clients do come first!

Lumberjock buddy and friend, Paul Miller, just posted the most beautifully finished ash urn for his mother. My own Mom passed away 2 1/2 years ago, but long before then a request had been placed for two Marquetry ash urns. I was flattered that my parents would want these, but of course kept putting off what I thought wouldn't be needed for many … many years down the road. It's cathartic in a way that I hope Paul also has found … creating by hand through the act of love, that very last gift. These urns for my parents are extremely plain in comparison!, but no less the love poured into their making. Since Mom's departure, her ash urn sits upon the highest shelf of Dad's computer desk where he constantly fills his days! The other urn waits patiently, tucked away until a time when they both will be buried. Together again … forever.

In case you're interested in my latest Intarsia project … an Intarsia Wedding Mirror Frame ... I've started a blog. Blogging is entirely new to me! But it's definitely an interesting and informative way to keep track of the many stages involved throughout the creation of design to its completion. The work is slow … painfully slow!! … to the point of having to wait weeks before I'm able to blog again with an update. But there's one thing for sure … we Lumberjocks are a patient lot, eh?!!

Gallery

Comments

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Wow a very impressive bunch of projects, excellent work.
 

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Beautiful pieces Elaine. The urns are obviously the result of much loving planning and execution. They are the perfect balance of love, respect and elegance.
 

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This is very impressive,Elaine!!!
 

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I am by no stretch an expert in the intarsia field. That being said I am one of "those" that use the exotic woods with no stains or paints to create my pieces. HOWEVER, what you are able to do with the paint is beautiful. The shadows, and where the light hits the trees, and the shadows on the water. What an eye you have, talented hands and a keen mind.
 

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Pure Art all of them!
 

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Impressive work - WOW
 

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They all look great. I especially like the loons (picture 4). The way that the water spills over on to the matting is such a nice detail that brings real depth and life to the work. It draws the eye right into the picture.
 

· In Loving Memory
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One of my real intentions when I got into this hobby ,was to make intarsia projects .And so far I have been to busy with doing other things for other people.I need to realise that I need time for myself in this hobby.I love this piece of intarsia and will if anything I have learned from it is to get back on line with my own dreams.Love your work have fun kindest regards Alistair
 

· In Loving Memory
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Ps your other work is equally fabulous what ajoy to be so inspired by your work God Bless. Alistair
 

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This is beautiful work Elaine. No doubt, you do have your own technique and absolutely no doubt, you have it very well! The cabin is beautiful and may well be enjoyed more than a real life-sized one….no maintenance, no taxes, no insurance, no housecleaning-just enjoy the beauty and the places it takes you each time you see it. I hope to do some more intarsia, but have no illusions of being near the sorta work you are doing here. As for the ash urns-I'm sure there is a great deal of healing and grace that comes from the creation of each. Thanks for sharing.
 

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Elaine, thank you so much for tracking down your pictures and sharing with us. I feel like I could step right into that picture of the cabin, pull up a chair on the porch and listen to the loons calling to each other on the lake. Absolutely stunning work. I am so looking forward to reading your blogs and following your progress.

If you get a chance, please post some other pictures of your marquetry work too!
 

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Impressive, those are pretty cool. I like photo #5 the most.
 

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Elaine,

What a pleasure to view your work! You truly are an artist in wood. Thanks for sharing.

L/W
 

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What talent … just wonderful
 

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Thank you One and All for posting such wonderful comments … they are truly appreciated! I'm glad you are interested in what I'm up to, and keeping tabs on me … just as I'll be keeping tabs on you all as you continue to make Merry Sawdust! I've had a good time within the workshop since my last blog about the piece I'm working on right now, so it won't be long before I can blog again with another instalment of the Intarsia Wedding Gift. Be good to yourselves, and keep all your fingers!
 

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Elaine I missed these first time around

Your work is incredible

So neat and precise

Jamie
 

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Holy Cow Elaine,

That one with the house it incredible!!! You are seriously gifted!!!!

Very Respectfully and Gratefully,

Nate
 
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