I’ll make it as ugly as they want!

I think it looks great! Don’t know what is so ugly about it. Just looks medieval. That’s why I like it.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

Money can’t buy taste.

I must have no taste because I like it lol :D

Well, the workmanship certainly looks very good.

-- Maplewood, MN

I think Gary’s right; medieval. Well, done

-- Thos. Angle, Owyhee Design, Oregon

it goes beautifully with the rest of the space. I like it, too.

-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

Holy cow.

-- -John "Do I have to keep typing a smiley? Just assume it's a joke." www.flickr.com/photos/gizmodyne

I know, it’s probably not that ugly to some. I think it’s the plaster moldings that add a little too much for me. I tried to talk him into going with our custom wood moldings we make, but he wouldn’t here of it. Maybe I’ll like it a little better when it’s finished

-- Illegitimis nil carborundum - Don't let the bastards grind you down http://woodworkingtipsfrompop.com

I like it as well.
Looks modern gothic to me.
Would love to live in that castle!

-- Still learning everything

Pop,

Your finished project is superb! I can’t blame you for being a bit concerned about the owner’s choice to place plaster carving insets into the panels above the mantel. And, to make the matter a little less digestible, he wants to stain them! Personal foul, late hit – 15 yards! Maybe you could convince the owner to consider replacing the plaster carvings with commissioned wood carvings at some later date. Funds don’t appear to be an issue for this owner.

In any case, the design and craftsmanship are simply outstanding. About what I would expect coming from your shop. Well done. Max

-- Max the janitor at www.hardwoodskeletonclocks.com

I too can understand your reservations about building something so “grand” but I think it’s pretty dang impressive. As they say, “Ugly is in the eye of the beholder.”

-- Steve, Manhattan KS

Excellent work. Too bad you have to waste your talent on the Beverly Hill billies.

Bob

-- A mind, like a home, is furnished by its owner

Wow, the three eyed monster!! Money can’t buy taste, indded, but I hope it bought your time on that and then some.

I agree it goes with the rest of the house pretty well. Is it my taste, definitely NOT. As my father always says,

“Beauty is skin deep, but ugly goes plum to the bone.”

Great work on your part. That looks like something that would have gone through several painful revisions before the final product came out. I hope the homeowner was easy to work with.

Great job, keep up the good work.

-- -- Rob Hix, King George, VA

I dunno bro, but this house is sooo busy with details I really don’t think anyone will notice there are mouldings on the mantel, let alone they’re made of plaster!

-- Bob Vila would be so proud of you!

I like the medieval look too. Looks like something from an English castle in the days when Robin Hood roamed the forest. I sure hope that they customer (or one of his friends) doesn’t visit LumberJocks and read your comments, talk about embarrassing :-))

Good craftsmanship on the project. As long as the customer likes it and pays for it – you have a winner.

-- Bill - "Suit yourself and let the rest be pleased." http://www.cajunpen.com/

I’m in the “like it” camp, but I think I’d like it better with wood carvings rather than plaster.

-- "Give me your poor tools, your tired steel, your huddled masses of rust." Yep, I ripped off the Statue of Liberty. That's how I roll!

I could live with this but there are a few things I would have did differently, one being the corbels at the ceiling look upside down to me and that I would have changed. I think of a corbel as a strong supporting piece which would have been reversed.

I also would not have used the same crown molding that is under the mantel on top also, it looks like a mistake and is too busy for me.

Oh well, as long as the owner likes it that is what counts. :)

-- " All Things At First Appear Difficult"

What should I say here? I don’t want to offend you… so here goes… “Yea, boy, thats ugly! You did a beautiful job ruining that house!” ;)

But we still love your craftsmanship.

-- Check out my new website! http://www.theeasellife.com

Thanks for all the nice complements
I wouldn’t bother me one bit if this customer viewed this post. Sometimes people can bring this attitude out in us and unfortunately this is one of those people. So I hope he’s happy with his big ugly mantel.

-- Illegitimis nil carborundum - Don't let the bastards grind you down http://woodworkingtipsfrompop.com