Eric Johnson's Furniture Weblog

Free Classes for Veterans--Dovetail Demo June 9th

 

                     

 

Hello all,

 

If you are a Veteran, or someone you know is a Veteran, we wanted to share an exciting opportunity with you!

 

The co-operative Gallery Artistic Roots in downtown Plymouth, NH is sponsoring free classes and demonstrations throughout 2012 for Veterans as a way to say "thank you" for all your service and commitment to America!

 

Eric will be offering dovetail demonstrations and an opportunity for participants work hands on learning dovetails Saturday, June 9th at Artistic Roots in downtown Plymouth.  We would love to have you stop by and join him!  You can find directions at http://www.artisticroots.com/contact.php

 

Please share this with your family, friends and neighbors who have Served in the Armed Forces.  Also, you can see a complete listing of all the demonstrations and classes offered at http://www.artisticroots.com/

 

Hope to see you there & a special thank you for your service!

 

Eric & Debbie Johnson

 

www.ericjohnsonsfurniture.com

 

Second option for April Frame Class--April 28

Thanks to all that have shown interest in the frame class!  Due to a high level of interest, we have added a second frame class for Saturday, April 28.  We have two spots left, so email or call right away if you are interested.  Here are the details:

 

Build a furniture quality Picture Frame—1 Day Class

* Learn mitering and spline joinery is this one-day class.

 Max. 4 Students  $50 

Saturday, April 28:  9:00 to finish    Lunch provided or bring your own

Once the April classes are complete, I will be taking a break from classes for the summer, so watch for our fall Schedule which should appear sometime mid-summer!  

Thanks for all those that have given the classes a try!  I am learning from you and hopefully you are learning from me as well!

Until next time,

 

Eric

 

Eric Johnson's Furniture
Maker of Antique Reproduction Furniture
Campton, NH
View my latest projects and conversation at www.ejfurniture.typepad.com
Visit my Website at www.ericjohnsonsfurniture.com

(603)726-4980

 

 

Woodworking Classes March & April, 2012

If you have been following my postings about my woodworking classes, you might be wondering why I haven't taken any time to post pictures of some of the projects and feedback from the first round of classes.  

Well, I did--twice!  And twice I lost them just before posting them!  So I considered it a great success that I didn't throw the computer right out the window and just lost heart from even trying!  But I will again . . . . soon.

In the meantime, I am adding some classes to the schedule and will be offering some brand new classes this summer, so check back if you don't see what you are looking for.  Also, if you have some specific techniques in mind that you would like to learn and don't see them being offered, send me an email and I will see if I can work them into a class.

In the meantime, here is the latest schedule:

Build an 18” Cherry Side Table -- 3 Weekend Class

All the materials and instruction needed to build an heirloom quality cherry side table. This class will cover:

* Dimensioning Wood

* Mortise & tenon joinery

* Leg tapering

* Finishing techniques & more 

 

Maximum 3 students  $325 

Dates & Times:                                           

March 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 & Apr. 1            Saturdays 9-2, Sundays 1-4

 

Hand-Cut Dovetails – 1 Weekend Class 

You will receive dimensioned wood to build a cherry box with a lid.  We will focus the lesson on the skills and steps to hand-cut dovetailing.  Materials & Hardware included.  Bring your own tools or use those provided.

 

Maximum 4 students $160 

Dates & Times:  Sat. Feb. April 14 & 15.  Sat. 9:00 - 3:00  Sun. Noon to finish

 

Build a furniture quality Picture Frame—1 Day Class 

* Learn mitering and spline joinery is this one-day class. 

Max. 4 Students  $50  

Saturday, April 21:  9:00 to finish    Lunch provided or bring your own

 

Call or email to reserve your spot or to be added to notification list for future classes:

(603)726-4980          Email:     ejfurniture@roadrunner.com

 

 

Winter 2012 Woodworking Class Schedule

Our new woodworking class schedule through March is now available.  Call or email with any questions or to reserve your space.  The Colonel Spencer Inn offers discounts for anyone needing overnight accommodations while attending a class. 

 

Woodworking Classes

Build an 18” Cherry Side Table -- 3 Weekend Class -- 2 Sessions Available

All the materials and instruction needed to build an heirloom quality cherry side table. This class will cover:

* Dimensioning Wood

* Mortise & tenon joinery

* Leg tapering

* Finishing techniques & more

 Cost:  $325 materials included      Maximum 3 students

 Dates & Times: Two class sessions to choose from: 

Jan. 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29. Saturdays 9-2, Sundays 1-4.

                                           Or

March 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 & Apr. 1            Sat. 9-2, Sun. 1-4.

 

Hand-Cut Dovetails – 1 Weekend Class 

You will receive dimensioned wood to build a cherry box with a lid.  We will focus the lesson on the skills and steps to hand-cut dovetailing.  Materials & Hardware included.  Bring your own tools or use those provided.

 

Cost $160  Materials included   Maximum 4 students 

Dates & Times:  Sat. Feb. 11  9:00 to 3:00, Sun. Feb. 12 Noon to finish.

 

Build a furniture quality Picture Frame—1 Day Class

* Learn mitering and spline joinery is this one-day class. 

Cost: $50 Max. 4 Students   Lunch provided or bring your own 

Saturday, February 25:  9:00 to finish

 

Call or email to reserve your spot or to be added to notification list for future classes

Eric & Debbie Johnson

Eric Johnson's Furniture

www.ericjohnsonsfurniture.com

(603)726-4980

Email:  info@ericjohnsonsfurniture.com

 

Now a member of The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen

We are so pleased to announce that Eric has recently successfully juried into the respected League of New Hampshire Craftsmen.  This long standing group has established a reputation for excellence among its members, so it is with great pleasure that we have achieved this association.

If you aren't familiar with The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen or its members, you might enjoy reading more about it here. 

Also, our first class session has begun.  Two enthusiastic students are building a classic cherry side table that will be ready well before Christmas.  We are working on the class schedule for the New Year and have created an email list just for those specifically interested in woodworking classes, so if this interests you or someone you know, please email or call  so that we can inform you of the classes to be offered.

Finally, we would like to thank everyone that joined us for our Open House the first weekend of November.  The lovely company and beautiful weather combined to make a great event!  We appreciate each one that took their time to come, visit, explore the world of heirloom quality furniture, and meet us & our guest artists, Cheryl & Joyce! 

Without you, there would be one less small business in America!

Until next time,

 

Eric & Debbie Johnson

www.ericjohnsonsfurniture.com

Email:  info@ericjohnsonsfurniture.com

(603)726-4980

Campton, NH

 

 

Now Offering Classes--First Class Schedule

I am pleased to announce that if you are in the Central New Hampshire area on weekends and are interested in learning woodworking, that I am now offering classes. 

In this first class session we will be constructing an 18" cherry side table.  We will cover tool usage, wood movement, mortise and tenon joinery, tapering legs and finishing techniques.  When the class is over, you will be able to take your table home--just in time to enjoy for the holidays--or even give as a gift.

This class will cover three weekends beginning Saturday,  November 12. 

Cost of the class is $325, including materials.

Call or email for more information, exact dates & times, & specific questions.  I am limiting the class size to 3, once it is full, I will be happy to put you on a waiting list and let you know about future classes.

Until next time,

Eric

Email: info@ericjohnsonsfurniture.com

www.ericjohnsonsfurniture.com

(603)726-4980

 

 

 

Adjustable shelf supports

Hello again,

Here is the blog that I have been meaning to write the past couple of weeks--the exciting world of adjustable shelf supports!

You all have seen them.  Simple little metal clips that have a round post on one end and a flat surface on the other.  You push the round post into a hole in each corner of the case and viola', adjustable shelf support.

When I started getting serious about building reproduction furniture, I quickly realized that this wasn’t acceptable. I looked for other ideas--preferably antique ideas.  I found a bookcase that was build in the early 1800’s that had a type of saw tooth cut into a board that was attached to the case sides.  There where four of them.  Two facing each other--front to back--on one side and a matching set on the other side.  In between was another board that fit into the saw tooth.  The shelf fit onto this board and then was adjusted to the desired spacing. 

Here was my answer; however, it looked quite time consuming to build.  In a fit of clarity, I happened upon the solution.  Now I am sure I did not invent this idea, but I did come up with it on my own. 

My solution is to take a board that is about a 1 ½” thick (you can glue two boards together if you would like) and about 3 ¼” wide by however long I need.  I then start about 6” from the bottom and drill a ¾” hole in the center of the board every 1 ½” along the length.  I use a paddle bit or a fostner bit in my drill press.  Don’t use a hand held drill for this.  Once I have this done, I can then re-saw it on my table saw and cut them in half through the center of the holes. I now have four individual pieces.  Before I cut them apart, I label them A,A B,B, as you can see in the drawing.  I then attach them to the case with A,A facing each other on one side and B,B on the other.  In between I make a 5/8” thick board to fit as a shelf support.  You can see this in the picture.

I have been making this type of shelf support for about 10 years and I am really happy with it.  It’s elegant, quick, works flawlessly and fits the style of furniture I build.  This is a small detail in the whole scheme of the piece but I feel it is an important detail in separating a custom furniture maker from a factory.  This type of adjustable shelf support will last 250 years as opposed to the factory way described earlier. 

If you would like to see a video demonstration of this or some of my other techniques, leave some feedback or send an email and I will think about working on some of those.

Until next week,

Eric

www.ericjohnsonsfurniture.com

Email: info@ericjohnsonsfurniture.com

603-726-4980

Campton, NH  03223

 

 

Thanks, Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company!

Are you one of those people who can honestly say "I haven't ever won anything in my life?"  Well, we were too until last week! 

What a kick to learn that we were the winners in a Facebook contest hosted by The Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company!  We won a generous credit towards milk paint by posting some photos of a variety of projects we have used their great milk paint on!  We are looking forward to having a nice supply of milk paint on hand and using it with upcoming projects. 

In the meantime, a big thank you to Anne and all the crew at The Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company in Groton, MA!  If you need a durable and non-toxic paint that comes is a variety of beautiful historic colors and is the easiest paint you could ever want to use, we hope you will look into their American-made product!  Below you can see a sample of some projects on which we have used milk paint.

 

Our son even used it to paint some boxes he made for Christmas gifts.

If this is an option that you would like to have included in your furniture piece, we are happy to work to get just what you are looking for.  Many of the pieces shown above are available for order or in stock ready for shipping or delivery (well, except for those great boxes!)

Next week, we really will cover the shelving blog we promised!  In the meantime, keep entering those contests!  You just might win! 

Until then,

Eric and Debbie Johnson

www.ericjohnsonsfurniture.com

info@ericjohnsonsfurniture.com

(603)726-4980

Campton, NH  03223

Bookcase--Custom Tiger Maple Bookcase

This week I wanted to share some pictures and talk about a custom bookcase that I recently completed for a customer in New Jersey. 

This customer had some great ideas of the bookcase that he was looking for and it was a great collaboration of ideas.

It included a number of custom features such as beveled glass on the upper case which shows the beautiful solid tiger maple back.  The doors are also locking.   We wanted a streamlined look with this piece, so rather than using knobs, the key to the lock is the actual knob.   Another custom feature on this piece was to hide the butt hinges by using overlay doors. 

The shelves in both the upper and lower case are fully adjustable.  Next week I will blog about how I make these fully adjustable solid wood shelves.

It was a great project! I always enjoy working with people to mesh their ideas with period features to build both practical and beautiful pieces of furniture.  If you have a project in mind, I would enjoy hearing from you.

Until next week,

 

 Eric

www.ericjohnsonsfurniture.com

(603)726-4980

Email:  info@ericjohnsonsfurniture.com

Campton, NH  03223

 

Congratulations to Clock Winners

A hearty thank you to all that entered our summer clock giveaway by either joining our email list or "liking" us on Facebook!  It was fun to meet some new folks in person and watch as they entered to win the 8" shelf clocks that we were giving away.   One lady was so sure she was going to win, she asked me just to send it home with her that day so that we could save the postage!    Smart gal!

 

 

Our winners are:

Jackie and Keith from Fairhaven, MASS

&

Nancy Kennedy from S. Royalton, VT

 We hope you both enjoy your new clocks and that they bring you much joy and special memories of your time in New Hampshire!

Thank you everyone else for being willing to share your information with us so that we can stay in contact and let you know the various things that will be happening in the months to come.  We have several things in the works and will look forward to sharing them with you weekly after taking the majority of the summer off from on -line communications. 

One thing to mark on your calendar is the great event--New Hampshire Open Doors.  This fall it is scheduled for the weekend of November 5 & 6, so mark that on your calendar so that you can be sure to visit us as well as the many other artisans that are sure to participate in this fun and festive event!  You can watch as artists sign up and plan your route at www.nhopendoors.com

Keep us in mind for your special gifts or home items!  We look forward to hearing from you when you are ready for your next heirloom!

Until next week,

Eric and Debbie

www.ericjohnsonsfurniture.com

Email:  info@ericjohnsonsfurniture.com

Campton, NH

(603)726-4980