Prairie Birch and Maple Bench

by Prairie Bench0

This is a long hall bench (40″ by 15″ wide and 19″ tall) finished in contact safe oils. No stain, nails or screws were used. Every component is pressure fit and glued. The legs and frame support are constructed from a single, aged, maple branch grown onsite. The birch top is from a log salvaged in the Fraser River by a local tug operator.

The grain in this birch specimen is unique with chocolate and caramel colors swirling on a backdrop of creme and ash tones. The rough cut plank still has the sanded and preserved texture of the mill saw on the underside. One edge still has a unique burl notch making it one of a kind. The top and sides are glassy smooth and oiled to a natural polish with some good depth and quilting (the natural shimmer). The maple legs are lightly sanded and left with their natural twists and turns. Everyone who’s seen the bench immediately reaches out and touches the surfaces. It feels solid and comfortable with the unique blend of these two complementary hardwoods. This bench is definitely one of our faves.

81-BL-04-12 Birch and maple, finished in FDA approved cutting board oil. Click the thumb nails to see the unique characteristics of this wood.

 

 

Medieval Style Saddle Horse

by Prairie Bench0

A friend asked us for a version of our clothes horse for use to hold saddles. The construction is almost identical with a slightly different finish, using more wood tones and emphasis on a worn grain. Care is easy, just use saddle oil.

 

Prairie Bench Saddle Horse 64-BL-02-12

Dragon Shield 2

by Prairie Bench2

The designing and carving the first dragon shield was so much fun, that we tried another version. This increases the arch by 2 degrees with each stave. The result is a more aerodynamic shield with excellent dragon defense qualities. The woodcut design follows the original sketch, however each carving is unique and no two give off the same tone or sense of foreboding. Ideal mounted above a fireplace or in a place of honor above your dragon memorabilia.

63-BL-02-12 Fashioned in reclaimed spruce and fir with rosewood and linseed oils.

 

Dragon Woodcut Shield

by Prairie Bench1

When creating the arch top design for the saddle and clothes horses, we set aside some extra wood to create several shields and masks.

This example is a dragon woodcut with an moon motif. The project involves using a cooper technique to cut and size the wood. The back is framed in. Then the outside design is sketched and chiseled. After staining and more sanding, a rich antique luster grabs the eye of onlookers as you march of glen and glade in search of those scaly creatures.

The shield should be good for some significant whacks with a tail or five minutes of full on dragon breath. Great for 2012.

62-BL-02-12 Finished in traditional oils. Designed in reclaimed spruce and fir.

 

Songwriter Bench

by Prairie Bench0

 

This was a fun design. It has lots of curves, the arms are at different levels: one skinny to prop a guitar, and the other wide to write notes, and there’s a sneak-box underneath the seat to hide lyrics and keepsakes. The bench is sturdy and has a comfortable back slope built in. If you play and instrument or entertain guests on the patio, this is your office.

The Songwriter Bench has a 36″ seat length. Reclaimed fir and spruce, finished in rosewood oil. #27-BL-01-12