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Challenge Table by MsDebbieP

Project by MsDebbieP posted 477 days ago 1323 views 0 times favorited 66 comments Add to Favorites
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MsDebbieP

11043 posts in 567 days


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challenge01 table willow plantstand rustic

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Challenge Table by MsDebbieP Challenge Table by MsDebbieP Challenge Table by MsDebbieP Click the pictures to enlarge them

I am officially submitting my Plant Stand to the LumberJocks Thorsen Side Table Challenge.

Inspired by the beautiful table featured in the Popular Woodworking Magazine I decided to take my skills to a whole new level and attempt to build a table.

I joined the Lumberjocks group just three months ago and prior to that the only thing I had done in the area of woodworking was use a drill and a hammer, although the hammering left something to be desired.

Since I first joined this group I have been inspired, challenged, and supported by the members here to try new things, to practice, and to keep moving forward! Just two weeks ago I made my first official “box” and here I am today with a table!!!

The Wood
I didn’t grow the willow tree – I have to thank Mother Nature for that.
I didn’t cut the old tree down – I have to thank a family member for that.
And I didn’t saw the wood into boards – I have to thank Rick for that.
But everything else, is of my own doing.

The Design Adaptations
Working with the small pieces of wood that I had (the 20 year old logs from our firewood pile were only a foot in length) and using my limited skills at power tools – using the mitre saw and drum sander – as well as having a limited knowledge base of “how to’s” ... I was restricted as to what my table would look like.

I chose to make the bottom shelf a tray instead of just a shelf, giving it more functionality. I also chose to hinge the table top, providing a storage space underneath to hold plant fertilizer and planting tools, again making the table multi-functional.

Under-the-lid storage: the bottom of this “box” area is a piece of leather.

The Learning Curve
I won’t repeat myself here, as I have shared my progress in my Blog.

The Success
I have made a table! I have made a table that is stable!! I have made a table that looks beautiful in my living room. And I am very pleased.

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


66 comments so far

View Diane's profile

Diane

432 posts in 529 days


posted 477 days ago

I sure wish I could do this. I like the style and touches you added.

Diane

-- http://s205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/DMarcella/

View schroeder's profile

schroeder

453 posts in 531 days


posted 477 days ago

I love it Debbie! GREAT Job!

-- The Gnarly Wood Shoppe

View shack's profile

shack

70 posts in 481 days


posted 477 days ago

Debbie thats GREAT . You added some wonderful touches to this. I am very impressed with this.

-- JohnShackleford,North Carolina

View Karson's profile

Karson

12002 posts in 806 days


posted 477 days ago

Debbie:

I believe the first completed entry in the challenge.

My how you have grown.

Good luck, and be proud of your accomplishments.

-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com

View WayneC's profile

WayneC

5690 posts in 503 days


posted 477 days ago

Wonderful Debbie!

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

11043 posts in 567 days


posted 477 days ago

thank you everyone.
I did have fun.. I am proud of this.. and I’m glad it’s over! hahaha the pressure, the pressure. :)
Now I can try again – with something else! look out world ;)

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

View scottb's profile

scottb

2782 posts in 733 days


posted 477 days ago

ooh, and it has a secret compartment too!

Nice, congrats on the early finish… You are WAY ahead of me!

-- The opposite of war isn't peace. It's creation. -- Wood T's: http://www.printfection.com/snbcreative

View Outnmbrd's profile

Outnmbrd

4 posts in 482 days


posted 477 days ago

Great Job! Creative redesign

-- Ohio???

View JonH's profile

JonH

34 posts in 492 days


posted 477 days ago

Nice job Ms. Debbie! I like the tenon’s sticking out. Are those tenons functional? Any advice for the first timer? I’m going to try to use mortise and tenons on mine as well.

View Roger Strautman's profile

Roger Strautman

483 posts in 540 days


posted 477 days ago

Way to go Deb! It looks as if you have been doing woodworking for years. Don’t stop now. Keep reaching for the unkown.

-- " All Things At First Appear Difficult"

View roundabout22's profile

roundabout22

61 posts in 492 days


posted 477 days ago

Looks great Debbie, and the first one done. Way to go. About all I’ve got done is to start thinking about how I want my table to look.

-- remember always measure once and cut twice

View Chip's profile

Chip

1058 posts in 498 days


posted 477 days ago

Hey Deb, that is just a great job. Terrific!. Always thinking up creative, new ways to do things. Never afraid. Always willing to dive right in, take the bull by the horns. And now this wonderful table. You should be very proud! Thanks so much for entering it and sharing it with all of us.

Ok, I just have to ask… whatcha gonna make next? ;-)

-- Better to say nothing and be thought the fool... then to speak and erase all doubt.

View Sawdust2's profile

Sawdust2

803 posts in 494 days


posted 477 days ago

If this is your first project, what did you do in your prior life?

Did you intentionally leave the rough edges or have you not yet learned how to plane wood?

Foregoing further sarcasm you have made an artful table of which you shall be proud.
Congratulations.

-- No piece is cut too short. It was meant for a smaller project.

View Cathy Krumrei's profile

Cathy Krumrei

238 posts in 592 days


posted 477 days ago

Hey Debbie that is fantastic! What a neat idea and love the design of the lid. TOO COOL!
See? You don’t know till you try. Congratulations on your first table! OK what’s next? LOL

-- Cathy Krumrei (Krum) http://www.TheCarversCorner.com

View Dick Cain's profile

Dick Cain

4417 posts in 705 days


posted 477 days ago

Debbie,
Your perseverance has paid off. You turned out a beautiful creation.
Now you have time to make another one maybe.

-- Dick Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

View Chip's profile

Chip

1058 posts in 498 days


posted 477 days ago

Deb, I was just reading over the last few comments, including my own, asking what will you make next and it made me think “Ecstasy sure is fleeting isn’t it?” LOL. No rest for the weary.

-- Better to say nothing and be thought the fool... then to speak and erase all doubt.

View Obi's profile

Obi

2141 posts in 643 days


posted 477 days ago

I am very impressed. It turned out better than I expected.

-- http://ye-olde-cabinet-shoppe.com/

View Andy Rockhill's profile

Andy Rockhill

13 posts in 505 days


posted 477 days ago

Debbie, I love the natural legs! This is very impressive, especially if it is your first box. Your design skills are definitely first rate. I am inspired by your creativity!

-- Andy from Madison,WI -- A student for life...

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

11043 posts in 567 days


posted 477 days ago

it’s pretty exciting isn’t it?
I thank everyone for their participation in my journey—supporting me all the way, right from the start actually—the start of my woodworking journey!!

I couldn’t have done it without you.

Mortise and tenons: ah… what are those?? They would be way beyond my capabilities at this point!! The square “pegs” are superficial.

Rough Edges: definitely kept on purpose. I fell in love with the rough edge when I first started using the willow (all of two weeks ago) and my guess is, at this time, that most of my work will revolve around this feature. As for using a planer: we didn’‘t have a planer or jointer.

Second Table: if Rick finds some time I hope we can make one out of the barn boards from my great-grandfather’s barn. It would look really nice next to our potato bin we made.

Next Project: yes, it is interesting that the glory of “the first” is already old news and it is time to move on to the next. What will it be? I have no idea.

The Legs: My first plan was to have the rough edge facing out but it didn’t look right and I (fortunately) was able to turn it to the inside, making it easier to attach the aprons. And I so much like this better – it is like a surpise hidden in the middle of the table.

Better than expected: definitely better than I expected as well !! It actually looks like a table – and it doesn’t rock (although it “rocks” if you know what i mean) hehehe.

Thanks again everyone.

NOW – the pressure is off of me. What is everyone else making?? !!!

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

View Martin Sojka's profile

Martin Sojka

1042 posts in 878 days


posted 477 days ago

Congrats to the first challenge entry, Debbie! Great job ;)

-- Martin, http://lumberjocks.com | My Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Martin_Sojka/1357216976

View frank's profile

frank

1292 posts in 612 days


posted 477 days ago

Hi Debbie;
—-WoW is an un-completed word until coupled with Awesome for this great piece of ‘wood art’!!!

At your present rate of growth, I can only sit and watch….smiling at the accomplished worker of wood that you have become. And then I read what you have so declared here; “yes, it is interesting that the glory of “the first” is already old news and it is time to move on….” Keep moving Debbie, and just as that ‘table top’ is hinged, so also keep your-self all-ways open to the imagination that flows freely as you continue thinking outside the box….

Ha!—-and then I also had to laugh with what you said here; “NOW – the pressure is off of me.”....the pressure is really never off….
Thank you Debbie, for sharing this fine piece of ‘wood art”.
GODSPEED,
Frank

-- --frank, NH, http://frank.wordpress.com/

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

11043 posts in 567 days


posted 477 days ago

:D

(that’s a smile from ear-to-ear)

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

View CharlieM1958's profile

CharlieM1958

3705 posts in 624 days


posted 477 days ago

You are obviously a natural at this, Debbie. It’s a beatuiful table by any standards, but for a new woodworker with limited tools and materials to turn out something like that is amazing! You are making us the rest of us look bad. :-)

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

11043 posts in 567 days


posted 477 days ago

ha now I wouldn’t go THAT far :)
thanks for the kind words :)

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

View barbs's profile

barbs

88 posts in 491 days


posted 476 days ago

That is a Wonderful table, Debbie. Good work!

-- BarbS, Wenatchee WA

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

11043 posts in 567 days


posted 476 days ago

thank you, Barb.

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

View jockmike2's profile

jockmike2

3890 posts in 652 days


posted 476 days ago

Maybe I got the last word, but you impressed the heck out of me. I told you you could do anything you wanted to do. Keep up the great work Deb. Jockmike

-- Mike. Profisher50@yahoo.com

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

11043 posts in 567 days


posted 476 days ago

:D

Thanks Mike. I was holding my breath, waiting for your critique!

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

View oscorner's profile

oscorner

4576 posts in 717 days


posted 476 days ago

Debbie, it turned out fantastic! Boy is the pressure on the rest of us. Congradulations!

-- Jesus is Lord!

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

11043 posts in 567 days


posted 476 days ago

thanks Os :)

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

View Dick Cain's profile

Dick Cain

4417 posts in 705 days


posted 475 days ago

I like the concept of the hinged top, it makes use of that wasted space, & much easier than a drawer.
Barb loves your table. She’s a great fan of Lumberjocks.

-- Dick Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

11043 posts in 567 days


posted 475 days ago

aaaaaah I’m honoured.

That’s high praise.

thank you so much Barb

And thanks re: hinge.

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

View Shawn's profile

Shawn

226 posts in 559 days


posted 475 days ago

great work Debbie, rustic, functional, artistic, I’d say it is an excellent representation of it’s creator…if I built along those lines I’d be building out of purple heart and paduk, bold, bright, sometimes obnoxious ;)

-- Cheers

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

11043 posts in 567 days


posted 475 days ago

I am looking forward to the obnoxiously bright artistic creation!!

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

View jpw1995's profile

jpw1995

347 posts in 704 days


posted 475 days ago

Looks like you and I think alike, MsDebbie. I was planning on hinging the top on mine as well. Great job!

-- JP, Shelbyville, KY

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

11043 posts in 567 days


posted 475 days ago

cool.
Great minds think alike!

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

View Karson's profile

Karson

12002 posts in 806 days


posted 475 days ago

I can’t afford hinges. Besides that, it’d fillup and then no one would be able to find what was placed there because it’s the same as hidden.

-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

11043 posts in 567 days


posted 475 days ago

doubly safe! ;)

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

View Bob Babcock's profile

Bob Babcock

1809 posts in 492 days


posted 474 days ago

Beautiful Debbie, very, very, nice. A unique piece that you and yours can cherish for a long time. I love the plant stand idea. As I assume you can tell from my name I love to grow things.

-- Bob, Carver Massachusetts, Sawdust Maker http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

11043 posts in 567 days


posted 474 days ago

Thanks Bob.
I’m loving it more every day. I’ve moved it, putting it near my back door (and it looks nice there) but now I miss it here where I could look at it all of the time.
I’ll just have to make another one! :D

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

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

11043 posts in 567 days


posted 473 days ago

I forgot to say that the “hidden storage area” has a leather bottom. The leather is attached with decorative upholstery tacks.

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

View Greg3G's profile

Greg3G

616 posts in 491 days


posted 473 days ago

I am glad it was you that was first to post their entry….you have been so supportive of all the rest of us, especially the new LJs. Thanks and congrats!

As for your next project, just go with the wood. It will tell you what it is suppose to be and you are learning how to listen to it.

It is a beautiful table, and shows a lot of ingenuity. (Pardon my typing; meds are messing with me today.)

-- Greg - Charles Town, WV

View Drew1House's profile

Drew1House

420 posts in 494 days


posted 473 days ago

The best part about being able to make something as nice as that Debbie… is if you want to see it every day…and need it where it is… Make another!

Drew

-- Drew, Pleasant Grove, Utah

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

11043 posts in 567 days


posted 473 days ago

thanks guys :D

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

View Corey's profile

Corey

68 posts in 487 days


posted 473 days ago

Excellent work Debbie. You pulled off a major faux with the square pegs. Won’t be long and you will be doing the real thing on the thru tenons!

Corey

-- http://woodshop51503.tripod.com/index.html

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

11043 posts in 567 days


posted 473 days ago

thanks for the vote of confidence Corey.
This willow that i have is pretty fragile. The “real thing” will have to wait until my “need for willow” is filled and I can move to other kinds of wood.

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

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

11043 posts in 567 days


posted 473 days ago

look at me—didn’t I sound like I knew what I was talking about?? !! hahah

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

View WayneC's profile

WayneC

5690 posts in 503 days


posted 472 days ago

Happy Easter Deb.

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

11043 posts in 567 days


posted 472 days ago

same to you Wayne :)

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

View PanamaJack's profile

PanamaJack

4453 posts in 483 days


posted 463 days ago

I think you’re coming into it now. This is a really nice piece. Love the Square Pegs you added for a personal touch.

-- Carpe Lignum - Seize The Wood,

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

11043 posts in 567 days


posted 463 days ago

thanks :)
I had to do something or the “metal dowels” would show .. I thought about covering them with a sawdust/glue paste but then the aprons would have just been miraculously hanging there. So my brilliant “backup plan” thinking came up with the little pegs. The table didn’t look the same without them. I’m glad I added them.

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

View Obi's profile

Obi

2141 posts in 643 days


posted 463 days ago

I’m sorry, Debbie, I’m going to have to Disqualify your entry because it has a lid.

-- http://ye-olde-cabinet-shoppe.com/

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

11043 posts in 567 days


posted 463 days ago

((runs and grabs a hammer and some nails))

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

View Mark DeCou's profile

Mark DeCou

1246 posts in 811 days


posted 429 days ago

I’v been so busy in my own “world” that I hadn’t seen this project. Great work Debbie!

-- Mark DeCou - Kansas Flinthill's Artisan

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

11043 posts in 567 days


posted 429 days ago

thank you Mark. I’m quite proud of it

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

View silentwalnut's profile

silentwalnut

15 posts in 349 days


posted 345 days ago

beautiful work !

-- .: silent walnut :.

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

11043 posts in 567 days


posted 345 days ago

Thank you
I’m quite proud of this table

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

View Dick Cain's profile

Dick Cain

4417 posts in 705 days


posted 345 days ago

It was nice, taking another look at it.

-- Dick Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

11043 posts in 567 days


posted 345 days ago

I look at every day :D

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

View Dick Cain's profile

Dick Cain

4417 posts in 705 days


posted 345 days ago

You made me look again, Pretty sneaky. ;)

-- Dick Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

View Charles Maxwell's profile

Charles Maxwell

41 posts in 213 days


posted 202 days ago

Keep chargin! Ms. Debbie! Don’t give up the ship. Max (the retired Naval Officer!)

-- Max the janitor at www.hardwoodskeletonclocks.com

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

11043 posts in 567 days


posted 202 days ago

thanks Max :)

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

View chaim's profile

chaim

14 posts in 135 days


posted 131 days ago

Now I can add my 2 cents worth in!
I realy like your use of natural edges. I think they compliment your style of wood working. besides wy cut off such beutifull wood just to burn it in the scrap pile if you can find a nice use for it!!!
keep up the good work!
Chaim

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

11043 posts in 567 days


posted 131 days ago

thanks :)
That’s a good point—why cut it off!!!! :)

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

View Bob #2's profile (online now)

Bob #2

1684 posts in 428 days


posted 131 days ago

Debbie , you have your own style and it is growing on
me . At first I couldn’t see what you were doing but having looked agian now
I have to admire your originality and vision.
Obviously your fab skills will improve but don’t change that style.

It’s very unique.

Cheers
Bob

Bob

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

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

11043 posts in 567 days


posted 131 days ago

aw shucks.
Thanks Bob!

:)

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

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