| Project by cathyb | posted 1376 days ago | 1681 views | 3 times favorited | 13 comments |  |
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My friend Susan, also one of my best clients, has a condo with not a lot of space. She asked me to make a coffee table that would make a statement. This is what I came up with.
Years ago as a carver, it became crystal clear to me that I could never trump what nature does everyday. These days, I try to go with the flow. If a piece of lumber has a knot- I don’t want to hide it -that’s my “feature”. I don’t really like adding butterflies, because it denigrates what nature has done. I always look for the wood that most people don’t want. In fact, I once bought three fabulous boards that were all “sisters” (cut one right after the other from the log). The retailer had written “NC” (no charge) for the area where there had been a branch, it had a hole surrounded by some loose bark. WOW! what a find. It cost me nothing for that beautiful wood. I bought it, cleaned some off the bark and then laminated it to another piece of koa that was more stable. I did the same technique for Susan’s table. If you look closely, you’ll see the holes on the top. Fun….....
-- cathyb, Hawaii, www.cathyswoodworking.com
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13 comments so far
cypresswoodworker
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89 posts in 1518 days
#1 posted 1376 days ago
Another beauty..Simple yet complex
-- If at first you don't succeed...Buy another tool !!
ellen35
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2442 posts in 1603 days
#2 posted 1376 days ago
Cathy,
That is lovely. It has such a nice simple style that the wood really stands out.
It is one of those timeless pieces that will last a lifetime and always garner comments!
Very fine work!
Ellen
-- Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
Innovator
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3584 posts in 1585 days
#3 posted 1376 days ago
It came out beautiful. I agree with not trying to trump mother nature.
-- Whether You Think You Can or You Think You Can't, YOU ARE RIGHT!!!
grizzman
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5396 posts in 1474 days
#4 posted 1376 days ago
i love piecies like this…its the wood all the way…..i love the wood..very beautiful…..i got some spalted oak once that way…just laying at the sawyers..he said you want this…...to him it was junk…..to me..it was gold….look forward to more of your work…..
-- GRIZZMAN ...[''''']
navyman
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146 posts in 1577 days
#5 posted 1375 days ago
the piece looks real nice. good job.
-- Michael . USN ( Ret ) Batesville,AR
huff
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2557 posts in 1456 days
#6 posted 1375 days ago
Cathy, Your friend wanted a coffee table that made a statement and you sure delivered! Totally stunning! Your Koa bench was my favorite piece you’ve done until now. Your work is beautiful. Look forward to your next project and thanks for sharing.
-- John @ http://www.thehuffordfurnituregroup.com
Lloyd Davies
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108 posts in 1497 days
#7 posted 1375 days ago
Very nice. How about editing the project to add 5 more photos? It’d be nice to see some close ups.
-- Northern California http://www.lloydus.com
Les Hastings
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1246 posts in 1944 days
#8 posted 1375 days ago
Very nice Cathy, awesome table!
-- Les, Wichita, Ks. (I'd rather be covered in saw dust!)
Broda
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313 posts in 1690 days
#9 posted 1375 days ago
Wow!
I agree with Lloyd, more photos!
-- BRODY. NSW AUSTRALIA -arguments with turnings are rarely productive-
mikeH
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98 posts in 2463 days
#10 posted 1375 days ago
i can say that i have never posted so many comment in one sitting, but wow that is really nice
-- mjhaines
a1Jim
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87305 posts in 1748 days
#11 posted 1371 days ago
rustic cool
-- W James Brokenbourgh Custom furniture maker http://artisticwoodstudio.com/
Threeseamonsters
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66 posts in 1928 days
#12 posted 1131 days ago
Very nice. Good collaboration with nature!
-- jn
Gregn
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1643 posts in 1155 days
#13 posted 1131 days ago
Nice Piece! Gives inspiration for some Cedar I have.
-- I don't make mistakes, I have great learning lessons, Greg
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