Storybook Collection

Moon Tables

by Prairie Bench0

24-BL-10-11 & 25-BL-10-11

Can’t just make one. These little Moon side tables constantly get the comment, “Aah, cute”. People want to adopt them. They are made from reclaimed spruce and fir, so the tone and grain of the legs and tops vary with each table, giving them individual personality. Each table creates it’s own little world with two levels for display or serving. They are very sturdy with a unique support through a low center of gravity. Around 16″ tall, they can double as extra seats.

Many of our fun ideas start with lumber ends that want to be useful.

They are called Moon Tables because they are ideal for watching the full moon in the garden. These two had a little moonlight bath before oiling. Each were made under the good ol’ willow tree that has a propensity for wishes.

Saying good-bye at the store. Take care of them.

Revisiting the Garden Gnome House

by Prairie Bench0

The garden gnome house was carved out of a solid poplar log that fell during a windstorm. Poplar is not the best wood for carving — it splits and rots easy — but it was big, free, and delivered from the sky in our backyard.

The garden gnomes have their house in a raspberry patch with a waterfall flowing just below the winding staircase.

A Stihl MS261c with the factory bar was used. That’s a mid-sized saw that idles well so the chain can chew slowly without too much gas. This allows for more detail work without revving the saw to high speed. The smaller bar on a MS170 was used to notch out the stairs. See more here…

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So how did it do after a year in the sun, wind, rain, and snow? Not too bad considering it had two litres of linseed oil dumped on it. There was some cracking and a polyurethane glue was injected into the deepest splits. The wood was also stained anywhere water collected. Time for another coat of clear sealer or linseed oil as winter approaches.

Chainsaw Carving – Garden Gnome House

by Prairie Bench1

The Garden Gnome House was carved and finished over two days from a dry poplar log we had sitting out back. A Stihl MS170 and an MS261C were used. Poplar is a “soft” hardwood and not the best for intricate work, but the log was there and its time had come.

The house was fun to make. Wearing ear protection with the saw revving, little imaginary stories start to form, and playful ideas become inspirations. Several plunge cuts were made for the doorways first, then the roof line and chimney were cut. The staircase resembles rock slabs and winds around the log, passes behind a waterfall, and goes over a bridge. A poplar tree is fashioned on one side, and a vignette of a mountain scene is under the bridge.  Three brass drawer pulls are used as footings to raise the standing log. LED lighting is threaded into the log interior to cast a warm glow…like someone is home.

It is finished with a torch and several quarts of polyurethane/thinner/boiled linseed oil mix. Poplar has a grey, mouse color when dry and the poly/linseed mix adds some rich yellow tones. The torch treatment is done before finishing and gives brown tones to the shadows and highlights.

The finished piece stands 6′ (2 m) tall, 15″ (40 cm) diameter, and weighs approx 120lbs.

Royal Wedding Thrones

by Prairie Bench0

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When realms combine… We’ve recently completed a set of thrones for both king and queen. Designed in reclaimed spruce and finished in extra layers of Prairiebench Storybook, these are regal accents for a newly weds in their new castle.

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Hers: a double-headed eagle crest and Rococo styled crown with seven Cabernet coloured jewels;
His: a double lion crest with crown of seven silver jewels.

These were built on sunny days, outdoors, beneath birds and willow boughs on our farm. To add precision to the design, we asked our friends at Sawitall.net to plot the design onto each backboard.

Royal Couple Wedding Thrones
Size: 5’6″x22″x24″
Finished in Prairiebench Storybook and polyurethane
#04-12-16 AK 1 & 2(2/2)

Bear Shield

by Prairie Bench0

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Prairiebench.com teams with Sawitall.net to create a blend of old and new world decor. We’ve combined a medieval shield with a computer carving; the Bear Shield.

After a few tests we were surprised at the outcome. We’ve done three using old planks for defensive equipment then adding some plotted whittling. After, we glue the slats together and finish with PrairieBench Storybook finish. We’re going to add one more special feature with some glow-in-the-dark paint. Check back for more photos… once the dust settles.

32″ x 22″ glued spruce
Finished in Prairiebench Storybook and polyurethane
Iron handle with sisal wrap
#02-28-16-Bear2
(2/3)

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