Local metal band Altered Throne sought a stage prop for their act and brought the request to Prairie Bench.
The entire frame buckles together and can be wheeled, or broken down into four components: two sides, the back board and the seat. Hardwood plugs guide the pieces together and steel clasps lock everything in position. The seat also locks the sides together. The throne can be assembled in under a minute and is designed for strength.
Made entirely of spruce and finished in Prairie Bench’s Storybook theme. The backboard is engraved with the band’s logo.
A local tug operator claimed an ancient cedar burl from the Fraser River. He passed it on to Prairie Bench with the wish that we “do something creative.” That’s a fun request.
The cedar burl was marred with saw cuts and completely waterlogged. Immediately we sanded the cut edge smooth and soaked it in poly, leaving the bark and outside exposed. Then it sat under cover in a big plant stand for a year. This week was the time when the stars aligned to create a scrying bowl. Nostradamus is purported to have used one making predictions.
The goal for us was to create a large, shallow basin supported by a cauldron style tripod. An ash tree dropped us a ‘rowan’ branch and we dried this as well. The legs were a complex puzzle. Three legs, interwoven that would support the weight of the large burl. We added a cedar leg which conformed to the bends of the two rowan legs.
The base was cinched in an arrangement which locked together naturally, then we drilled holes and tacked the legs together with hazelnut dowel.
Rowan limbs interwoven with a cedar limb create a tripodWe’re after that goblet shape that has the natural look of a bird’s nest or antlers. With three legs it should look like a cauldron.
Meanwhile, the dry cedar burl was resanded (during this sanding, the bowl was ground out to its final shape and depth), any slivers whittled off, and the entire burl was soaked in poly. This wrapped and preserved the wood in an airtight shell for future generations. If someone doesn’t like polyurethane, it can easily be sanded off and natural oils can be applied. For now, the wood is saved.
We were able to unlock some of the beautiful quilting effect within the burl.
The burl was suspended by a crane on the back of our trusty bush truck and the limbs were ground down to receive the large basin. After the scrying bowl was leveled by our Royal Leveler, we made final adjustments to the position and any rough edges were whittled down.
The large burl is lowered by crane and eased into its cradleReady to receiveRoyal leveler approvesThe scrying bowl has landedThe dogwood tree in the background demonstrates balance in design. Hopefully our cedar scrying bowl comes close.
The result is a 200 year old cedar burl that floated down river suspended by rowan branches that dropped from a tree. No nails or screws were used, just glue, dowels and pressure. This was a complex project but the finished piece is beautiful and unique. It has a home, but will make the rounds for show and tell.
How does a scrying bowl work? Pour spring water into the basin outdoors at night and behold the reflection of the stars as you gaze into the bowl. Some say you can see the future. Check back we’ll post some pics of the bowl in use and provide the final measurements.
This was designed specifically for a band’s stage prop. We enjoyed the challenge of building the six foot chair, cutting it in half and then buckling it back together. There’s four components: left and right side, the hand-carved back of a band member’s tattoo, and the seat. The construction is durable includes wheels to move the chair into position.
Spruce finished in dark walnut stain and polyurethane. Includes four steel hasps, four buckles and the seat is positioned on dowels to lock the frame as well.
#J95-BL-07-12
Approximate dimensions: 6’x27″x27″. Seat height is at 18″.
Click on the thumbnails to see assembly. It’s actually quicker for one person to assemble the chair in an upright position, lock, and go—takes thirty seconds.
This solid spruce throne with Prairie Bench Storybook finish was designed for stage shows. It is very stable and heavy, built so the performers could sit and climb all over it.
It is termed ‘a replica’ because we used metal screws for added strength. In our traditional medieval thrones we use no metal in the frame construction and they are authentic thrones. The back and seat are ground with disk sander and gouged to look battle worn. Dragon bites are also visible.
93-BL-06-12 Solid reclaimed spruce and finished in dark walnut stain and polyurethane finish.
6′ 5″ tall. Seat height 18″, and approximately 29″ square. Click images to enlarge.
In our ongoing fascination with ancient furniture, we wanted to design a unique bench that used a curved surface. The trick is in the joinery. We created barrel staves out of reclaimed spruce with vertical grain lath for stability. The X frame legs were another carry over from old world designs. Though, we’ll try this again in a box frame.
The Repose, as we call it, invites the sitter to lounge appropriately. Designed for the boudoir, or a photography studio, combine a few throw pillows and it forces the seated to assume a most flattering, nonchalant and radiant pose. It’s the Prairie Bench spin on early Grecian and Roman stools, where the partaking of peeled fruit and philosophy was the order.
Check earlier post for the accompanying, smaller, Attendant Stool. The same design, but in a traditional half moon shape specifically for the grape peeler.
Both are intended to alternate as a bedroom clothes heap holder.
Repose: 90-BL-06-12, reclaimed spruce, finished in dark walnut stain and counter oil.
