Follow up on Lacewood

[Woodworks by John]

A little over a month ago I asked for opinons about using Lacewood for a frame (LINK) and many of you replied which I appreciate -- thanks! I also said I'd post the final results so here it is but please keep it to yourself since it's going to be a present for my daughter. Just for background, I build furniture and make custom frames mostly for my artist/wife these days. Growing up my daughter spent a lot of time in the shop with me and we also worked on projects together. This painting is titled At The Bench which is appropriate since she pursued a career in law.
Enough of the background, let's talk about the frame. The Lacewood (also referred to as Leopardwood) I got from Woodworkers Source didn't have nearly as much figure as the sample corner I showed. I used the piece that had the most figure for the bottom of the frame. It started with my usual profile that I refer to as the 15°, then a beading tool was used to form a 3/16" bead on the outer edge. To cove the profile I use this setup on the table saw followed by lots and lots of sanding! Mitered, biscuited, glued, and joined followed by two coats of Osmo #3043.
I took your advice/opinions to heart but just couldn't bring myself to use a liner; it's something I've never used and my #1 client doesn't care for them so ........ you know the rest!! Again, thanks for your input. I've attached a few pictures of the build too.

 

[wpfay]

Not nearly as Baroque as I envisioned from the sample.
A very nice "window" on your world.
I can't imagine a better gift for your daughter.
Hate to jinx it, but between the two of you, you've created an heirloom.

 

[Ylva]

It came out much better than I thought it would from the sample. Beautiful frame and beautiful painting. I am sure your daughter will treasure this heirloom!

 

[Woodworks by John]

Not nearly as Baroque as I envisioned from the sample.
A very nice "window" on your world.
I can't imagine a better gift for your daughter.
Hate to jinx it, but between the two of you, you've created an heirloom.

Thanks, it's the heirloom I'm hoping for -- now if I could get the grandsons interested in woodworking instead of devices I'd really be estatic!!

 

[Mary Beth van der Horst]

Yesssssss!!!!! I knew it would work if there was a fair scattering of that orangey sienna brown throughout the painting. Glad to see the whole painting with the frame. It looks wonderful! The texture brings to mind dappled light, evocative of the brushstrokes, just as much as it's reminiscent of chiseled wood.... really lovely match.

 

[Woodworks by John]

Yesssssss!!!!! I knew it would work if there was a fair scattering of that orangey sienna brown throughout the painting. Glad to see the whole painting with the frame. It looks wonderful! The texture brings to mind dappled light, evocative of the brushstrokes, just as much as it's reminiscent of chiseled wood.... really lovely match.

I was hoping it would, I very rarely; which is pretty close to never, stain my wood projects whether it's a simple box or a piece of furniture. Just feel they can be damaged if surface is scratched and then touch up is difficult. It's all about the wood so my preference is a penetrating finish.

 

[Rick Hennen]

Thanks, it's the heirloom I'm hoping for -- now if I could get the grandsons interested in woodworking instead of devices I'd really be estatic!!

John, if you ever figure out a way to get them interested let me know. I would love to do the same. BTW, we are out in your neck of the woods right now. Stop over to visit my mother in law in Mesquite on our way to Utah. This little town has really grown over the years.

 

[Woodworks by John]

John, if you ever figure out a way to get them interested let me know. I would love to do the same. BTW, we are out in your neck of the woods right now. Stop over to visit my mother in law in Mesquite on our way to Utah. This little town has really grown over the years.

Rick, we'll have to figure out a way to educate our youth!! I taught middle school woodshop from 1977 - 1992 then a boys prison teaching construction related stuff. You're so right about the changes, having lived here since '77 I've seen more than my share and my wife has been here since first grade. Enjoy Utah, beautiful country.

 

[Bruce Papier]

I have a young friend who does woodworking as a hobby, but won't even consider doing it professionally. A couple people (me being one) have mentioned to him the financial and creative rewards of cabinet- making. He just doesn't see doing something with his hands as a possibility.

 

[Woodworks by John]

I have a young friend who does woodworking as a hobby, but won't even consider doing it professionally. A couple people (me being one) have mentioned to him the financial and creative rewards of cabinet- making. He just doesn't see doing something with his hands as a possibility.

Frustrating isn't it, especially as a shop teacher. I would do custom work during summers and even now still turn out the occasional piece for clients. I'm now retired and see many retired folks who have no passion to get up in the morning -- if nothing else, being creative satisfies that. Life's too short to sit on the couch! I spent much of my teaching in a small town and was invited to a 40 year class reunion. It was gratifying to talk to former students now in thier 50's who mentioned they some of the work they learned from my classes.

 

[Rick Hennen]

I have a young friend who does woodworking as a hobby, but won't even consider doing it professionally. A couple people (me being one) have mentioned to him the financial and creative rewards of cabinet- making. He just doesn't see doing something with his hands as a possibility.

That's what I have also seen with my kids friends. Almost like it is demeaning to work with your hands. I think we are seeing a shift in that mindset as AI continues to grow and steal white collar jobs.

 

[Rick Granick]

No matter what else comes and goes, we will always need skilled tradespeople and crafters.
Think of what plumbers, electricians, mechanics etc. charge nowadays. Plus, there is pride in a job well done that can be much more satisfying than sitting behind a desk cranking out reports or whatever.
Rick

 

[Woodworks by John]

No matter what else comes and goes, we will always need skilled tradespeople and crafters.
Think of what plumbers, electricians, mechanics etc. charge nowadays. Plus, there is pride in a job well done that can be much more satisfying than sitting behind a desk cranking out reports or whatever.
Rick

Absolutely -- kids I taught realized that. I'm hopeful that things will turn around, desk jobs are being replaced by that @@#%^@$% AI Pride in being self sufficient and rewarded by your efforts is gold -- to me it's all about the process. Speaking of which, I need to peel some spuds!! Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[Bruce Papier]

The trade unions have a presentation they give to high school seniors which I find pretty compelling. They point out if you go into an apprenticeship program for four years, you come out with around $150,000 in income plus a job. If you go to college and get a liberal arts degree, you come out with $75,000 or so in debt and maybe a job.