A Relaxing Oasis in Boston, MA
Imagine waking up and feeling refreshed. Working and feeling inspired. When I look at these images I am reminded, nature is the true designer. Something so peaceful about the mix of materials, light and nature.
When I began working on this walnut slab, I envisioned it as a communal table in a restaurant. Piecing it back together with its other half when a large party wanted to sit together. How wrong I was... This piece wasn't meant for that. It was meant to bring a sense of purpose to this room. To say "I once was broken, but now I am whole. This is where I belong".
My Pith series has been my most unexpected success story in the shop. By taking these often discarded boards, and putting them back together we have found a new purpose. The "Pith", refers to the center of the tree and represent the 1st year of growth. It is a soft, spongy material and generally this board will split right down the middle because of this. But there is another meaning to this word, "The essence of something".
Crafting these pieces takes time, thought, and planning. It all starts at the mill. We take careful measurements when beginning our cuts because your 1st cut dictates how your last cut ends. These cuts are often planned to remove the pith from all other boards. Making them more stable and less likely to crack during the drying and building process. As I mentioned earlier, once these boards have dried they are likely to crack along the pith. We reinforce the cracked boards together again using a variety of techniques (Mortise and Tenon, Bowties, Epoxy, etc...). Here you can see our process and inlaying bowties (other names include butterflies, Dutchmans keys, etc...):
It is our hope that we can continue to salvage these boards to create truly one of a kind heirloom pieces for years to come. Thank you for reading and please feel free to comment or share below!
Refresh with a Modern Desk
A modern desk for any home or office
The Mel Desk
I created this design for my wife who is a Photographer. She really just needs a jumping station for her notebook, phone, and laptop. The idea was to create a desk that took up minimal space, could be placed in the center of a room, and could be used as a table if needed while still being special.
The Top
Each desk is crafted with a 1-1/2" thick top and measures 48" long x 24" wide or 60” long x 30” wide. The idea is to keep this space as clean as possible and only see what you need or want. Working on melamine, laminate, or other wood veneers are ok but nothing is better than the look and feel of natural hardwood. I don't use softwood or pine, because these are not durable enough to keep up with you. The top is set down on the base to keep papers, pens +pencils, computers, etc... from falling off the edges. Corners are smooth and rounded over to avoid a harsh edge on your arms and wrists.
The Base
Im not sure I could complete this design without the mitered legs. It has a very modern look but the feel and strength of traditional mortise and tenon joinery that will last. The legs measure 1-3/4" thick and 3" wide to provide strength without looking over built.
FAQ
Do I have to use a coaster on wooden surfaces?
No, we use RubioMonocoat finish that provides the protection while still giving you the look and feel of the wood.
Can this item ship?
Yes. This desk can be knocked down into 3 pieces and boxed for curbside shipping. Assembly is a breeze. Also, if and when you move you can take it apart again for easy transportation.
Can I add a drawer or cabinet?
Sure, just contact us to learn more about customizing your desk to fit your needs.
Purchase
Mel’s Desk is a simple desk with style for days. Available in white oak and walnut in two different sizes (48” long x 24” wide and 60” long x 30” wide). Please give us 4 weeks to complete your order.
If you would like a custom wood or stain, please contact us for more information.