Chris Kemler Woodworking

Photo blog about my furniture building process and the occasional something else that I like.

[chriskemler]

A picture from the Sam Maloof centennial retrospective at the Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation.

[chriskemler]

This place was the bee’s knees!  The Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation for Arts and Crafts.  Go, go, go!  I took a tour of his house where you actually got to touch the furniture, and at the end, you actually got to sit in a Maloof chair!  In the archive of this blog is my interpretation of a Maloof rocker.  I did a good job.  It sits well and is really comfortable.  The chair that Sam made is leaps and bounds beyond what I made.  I sat in it and instantly I was...I don’t even know.  I’m a little different for having experienced it.

[chriskemler]

Petrified wood at Petrified Forest National Park.  Seriously, this place isn’t worth it.  This should have been a quick national monument to drive up to, take a few quick snaps, then move along.  I had a parks pass that had already earned its keep, and I still felt cheated of my time.

[chriskemler]

This is the Painted Desert at Petrified Forest National Park.  There you go.  You’ve seen it.

[chriskemler]

East of Albuquerque, NM is El Morro National Monument.  It is a place that was used as a watering spot since forever here.  Tons of people left their marks.  You can see a petroglyph on the left side of the pic, but in the middle is the signature of a conquistador with the best penmanship ever!

[chriskemler]

If there is anyone who has thought “Hey, I wonder where that guy went?”, well I’ve embarked in some big life changes that are going to cut off the woodworking for the foreseeable future.  That said, if you are ever in Moriarty, New Mexico, stay here at the Sunset Motel.  The nicest people own and run the place.  It is also one of the cleanest motel’s I’ve ever seen.

[chriskemler]

I've been away from the shop for quite a while. Here is a blank I prepared in 2014 and finally getting around to finishing. Spalted sycamore with redheart? butterfly.

[patagonia]

In southeastern Utah, a battle has been brewing between conservationists, recreationalists and resource extractionists. The pressure on all sides has increased as the stakes grow higher. At risk is the preservation of climbing in Indian Creek, Castle Valley, Fisher Towers, San Rafael Swell, Valley of the Gods, Texas and Arch Canyons, Lockhart Basin, Comb Ridge, and other remote areas collectively known as the Bears Ears region. Not only is climbing at risk but also other recreational resources, the fragile desert environment and priceless Native American heritage.

Take Action: http://www.bearsearscoalition.org/action/

Photo: Andrew Burr

[chriskemler]

Agreed.  Please consider signing this petition.

[giantcypress]

Here’s a clip from Mari Mukai’s film, The Blacksmith. Again, there’s an Indiegogo campaign to fund this film. Please consider making a contribution.

[chriskemler]

I contributed.  This looks like a lovely film.

[chriskemler]

West Texas sunsets are so good.  Monahans Sandhills State Park, Monahans Texas

[chriskemler]

Spinning the lathe for the first time in more than a year.

[chriskemler]

Working with my dad again to build a bathroom onto his house.

[chriskemler]

Maple

And the last one, maple.  I am normally completely against the pairing of maple and walnut.  I’ve seen them paired simply for the “contrast” without regard as to whether contrast is appropriate.  I think the problem is that maple has such a mild, closed grain, that there is nothing to harmonize the two.  This however is an ambrosia maple that curiously doesn’t show any of the green coloration you typically see.  It definitely had some bug infestation, which gave a brown discoloration around the holes.  This brings some quality of the walnut into the lighter wood and creates harmony.

If this is your favorite option, please vote with your likes and reblogs.

Thanks everyone for participating.  I look forward to the results!

[chriskemler]

Ash

We return to the domestics with ash.  I love working with ash and love the smell of it too.  It is rather easy to work, even though the grain is big and expressive.  It really changes the way the chair looks.  Walnut is such a high-style wood and ash is utilitarian in character.

btw, has anyone used ash in their smoker?  I’ve found it adds a little sweetness, or is it just me?

if you think the ash looks the best, please vote with your likes or reblogs.

[chriskemler]

Purple heart

Next option is purple heart.  This wood seems to be so popular, but I can’t remember ever seeing it used well.  I’ve tried with limited success.  This will also age toward brown, but not as far as the padauk.

If you like purple heart, please vote with your like or reblog.

[chriskemler]

Padauk

First up is padauk.  The wood is an orange-red that deepens toward brown over time.  I think that time and UV exposure will make these two woods compliment well.

[chriskemler]

I’ve been working on a pair of petite side chairs, out of walnut, and I want to do something different for the back with an accent wood, which will also be used to plug screw holes where the legs join the seat.  So, I’m trying out some options and I want you to play a part in this.  I’m going to post each of these separately, and we will see which gets the most likes.  Please vote with your hearts and I will post the winning option here in a couple of weeks.