Coffee Table with a pewter crossword

[marcus]

Here's a little project I've just finished for a client. It's a coffee table in Arts and Crafts style with a pewter crossword inlaid into the top (it was commissioned as a gift for someone who loves crosswords). They had a list of arts and crafts motifs that they wanted me to work into the design. The result is something I would never have designed left to my own devices, but it's a nice little piece and was a lot of fun to make.

The top is veneered birch ply, to give a stable substrate for the inlay. It's a very simple construction; the whole thing comes to pieces with the removal of two wedges and four screws. The timber is stained oak. The finish is wiped oil and varnish.

 

[Hutzul]

WOW !! Really smart Marcus, tyvm for sharing =D>

 

[Graham Orm]

2 Words 11 letters....Great result!

 

[monkeybiter]

That's a very attractive piece, looks 'old' despite being new.

 

[WandrinAndy]

That's a very attractive piece, looks 'old' despite being new.

+1

 

[andersonec]

Very original and intriguing idea. No doubt he will compose his own clues for when he gets guests, problem is he knows all the answers.

Would love a "How to" on the pewter inlaying.

Andy

 

[stevenw1963]

Seriously nice looking piece

 

[marcus]

looks 'old' despite being new.

That rusticky antique finish is not hard to do — hand plane/scrape/sand, raise grain, sand again up to p240, then put on a water based stain or dye that darkens the grain (van **** is usually fine, perhaps with a bit of something else in to warm it up a little), then a low build finish on top. You need to use an opened grain wood to get the effect, and oak is the traditional and most convincing choice.

Would love a "How to" on the pewter inlaying.

Was going to do one for this piece this but the deadline was a bit too tight and I had to plough on. Will see if I can do a WIP next time I'm asked to do some....

 

[MickCheese]

Marcus

Just had a look at your website, you really make some fantastic pieces. Your style seems right up my street.

I feel very privileged to get hints and tip from some really superb craftsmen on this forum.

You and a number of others inspire me.

Mick

 

[marcus]

Thanks for that Mick, glad you like it! I also am glad to have such a great pool of skill and expertise to draw on on the forum, it's a great resource....

 

[WandrinAndy]

Just had a look at your website, you really make some fantastic pieces. Your style seems right up my street.

Ditto to that MickCheese... After you mentioned it I struggled to find the website name, but found www.beautifulwood.co.uk well worth a visit,

and may well revisit in the future to "get inspiration" (read crib :wink: ) for some design ideas.