Birch corner cabinet

Notice the lattice work in the doors: we’re especially proud of the design.

Custom lattice work in birch corner cabinets

Prairie Style Ceiling Light

This was a tricky one to photograph, but I wanted to include it on the site. It is a prairie-style, custom light fixture, made for a client’s kitchen. It was part of a complete kitchen cabinet job: we made all the cabinets, and the client couldn’t find a commercial fixture that fit the design.

Prairie Wooworking LOLA Art Crawl Open House

Come by the shop at 3537 East Lake Street tomorrow — we’re participating in the LOLA Art Crawl  Saturday and Sunday, August 27, 28 2011  10am-5pm both days. Visit us, then visit some of our great Longfellow arts neighbors — more info on the LOLA website here.

Tall Prairie Lattice Enclosure in Oak

The oak radiator enclosure was made for a first-time client in Virginia. She saw our work on our website, and couldn’t find a local source for the type of radiator enclosure she wanted for her home. We helped her measure, modified an existing design to work in her space, and shipped the new enclosure, ready to install, just last week. We hear it looks great in her space and she plans to order more. Here’s a detail of the design:

Detail of custom oak radiator enclosure

And no post is complete without a picture of our shop dog, Iriving:

Irving and the Radiator Enclosure

Sketch of an Oak Buffet

I thought I’d post a couple of sketches of new projects. It will give you an idea of some of the things we’re working on — and give me a chance to enjoy them. I nearly always draw or make sketches for new projects: it is how we help clients visualize what their new piece will look like; it helps us troubleshoot how a design will really work; it serves as a plan once we start building.

Pantry Design Sketch

Plan drawing for the pantry

Detail from Melissa Borman, A Sea of Troubles Meets the Trees Themselves

Inspired by the beautiful window displays of our neighbor, Miller Upholstering, we’ve started a series of artist projects in our Lake Street window. First off — the very brave Melissa Borman. Melissa was kind enough to share her work with us – we have no budget, and this is our first window exhibition. The installation is titled A Sea of Troubles Meets the Trees Themselves, and it’s been getting the attention of Lake Street pedestrians, bikers, and bus riders already. Thank you Melissa! (and you can see more of her work here - www.melissabormanvisualart.com

Detail of A Sea of Troubles Meets the Trees Themselves, Melissa Borman

A Sea of Troubles Meets the Trees Themselves, Melissa Borman

Prairie Woodworking custom cabinet with corbel detail

I love seeing images of our furniture in process — it brings out details about the design and construction that I really enjoy. These are images of a recent favorite project — a solid, broad cabinet with beautifully balanced details on the front and sides that gave it real character.

Prairie Woodworking at Arts & Crafts Chicago

We’re on the road again — this time for the Arts & Crafts show in River Forest, IL. We’d love to see you there – if you get a chance, bring me a cup of coffee. Here’s the info on the show:

  The 6th annual Arts and Crafts-Chicago Show and Sale will feature furniture and accessories from and inspired from the American and English Arts and Crafts Movement.

Homeowners interested in acquiring pieces and/or educating themselves as to the appropriate furnishings for their turn of the century bungalows and craftsman style homes should come to the Geiseman Gym on the campus of Concordia University in River Forest Illinois Saturday, May 14th: 9 AM – 5 PM and Sunday, May 15th: 10 AM – 4 PM. Admission is only $7.

Entertainment Center - Open

Entertainment Center - closed

We built this entertainment center a few months ago — before the move to our new space. I’ve always really liked this design. Simple lines, beautiful wood, super functional.