| Project by MsDebbieP | posted 477 days ago | 1323 views | 0 times favorited | 66 comments | ![]() |
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)
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66 comments so far
Diane
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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/
schroeder
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453 posts in 531 days
posted 477 days ago
I love it Debbie! GREAT Job!
-- The Gnarly Wood Shoppe
shack
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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
Karson
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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
WayneC
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5690 posts in 503 days
posted 477 days ago
Wonderful Debbie!
-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov
MsDebbieP
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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)
scottb
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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
Outnmbrd
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4 posts in 482 days
posted 477 days ago
Great Job! Creative redesign
-- Ohio???
JonH
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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.
Roger Strautman
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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"
roundabout22
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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
Chip
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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.
Sawdust2
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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.
Cathy Krumrei
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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
Dick Cain
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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
Chip
home | projects | blog
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.
Obi
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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/
Andy Rockhill
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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...
MsDebbieP
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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)
Martin Sojka
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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
frank
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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/
MsDebbieP
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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)
CharlieM1958
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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"
MsDebbieP
home | projects | blog
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)
barbs
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88 posts in 491 days
posted 476 days ago
That is a Wonderful table, Debbie. Good work!
-- BarbS, Wenatchee WA
MsDebbieP
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11043 posts in 567 days
posted 476 days ago
thank you, Barb.
-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
jockmike2
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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
MsDebbieP
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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)
oscorner
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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!
MsDebbieP
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11043 posts in 567 days
posted 476 days ago
thanks Os :)
-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Dick Cain
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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
MsDebbieP
home | projects | blog
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)
Shawn
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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
MsDebbieP
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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)
jpw1995
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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
MsDebbieP
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11043 posts in 567 days
posted 475 days ago
cool.
Great minds think alike!
-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Karson
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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
MsDebbieP
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11043 posts in 567 days
posted 475 days ago
doubly safe! ;)
-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Bob Babcock
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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
MsDebbieP
home | projects | blog
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)
MsDebbieP
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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)
Greg3G
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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
Drew1House
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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
MsDebbieP
home | projects | blog
11043 posts in 567 days
posted 473 days ago
thanks guys :D
-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Corey
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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
MsDebbieP
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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)
MsDebbieP
home | projects | blog
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)
WayneC
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5690 posts in 503 days
posted 472 days ago
Happy Easter Deb.
-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov
MsDebbieP
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11043 posts in 567 days
posted 472 days ago
same to you Wayne :)
-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
PanamaJack
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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,
MsDebbieP
home | projects | blog
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)
Obi
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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/
MsDebbieP
home | projects | blog
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)
Mark DeCou
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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
MsDebbieP
home | projects | blog
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)
silentwalnut
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15 posts in 349 days
posted 345 days ago
beautiful work !
-- .: silent walnut :.
MsDebbieP
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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)
Dick Cain
home | projects | blog
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
MsDebbieP
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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)
Dick Cain
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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
Charles Maxwell
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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
MsDebbieP
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11043 posts in 567 days
posted 202 days ago
thanks Max :)
-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
chaim
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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
MsDebbieP
home | projects | blog
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)
Bob #2
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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
MsDebbieP
home | projects | blog
11043 posts in 567 days
posted 131 days ago
aw shucks.
Thanks Bob!
:)
-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)