This piece is a new take on an old invention. In 1810, Thomas Jefferson designed a revolving book stand that was made in the joinery at Monticello, Jefferson's plantation near Charlottesville, Virginia. It is currently on display in the Cabinet Room of the house. The book stand was designed to support as many as five open books for reading and research. At the center is a pivoting mechanism that allows the unit to be rotated 360°. Here are a few interesting views of the original from the Thomas Jefferson Foundation website:

• Photo and description
• Quicktime movie of the Cabinet Room, home of the book stand
• Quicktime movie of the book stand

A sapling in the early 1500s, the 330+ year old yellow birch used in this book stand was recently reclaimed from the watery depths where it sank after being logged over 150 years ago. The grayish discolorations, seen mainly in the top checkerboard panel, are evidence of the tree's long, submerged history. I've relished the opportunity to do several projects using these same planks of yellow birch, but the opportunity to connect this old growth wood with the historic Jefferson book stand has been especially rewarding. For a deeper look into the making of this piece, please check out the blog.

Deceptively complex, but enjoyable to make, this piece features shop sawn veneers and parquetry. The local bird's eye maple parquetry on the side panels has been laid out in what is termed a four-way center and butt veneer match. The top panels take advantage of the light colors of the yellow birch plank's sapwood, while the remainder of the piece uses the darker tones of the heartwood. The legs and horizontal stretchers in the stand are of yellow birch heartwood and include floating mortise and tenon joinery. The main platform has been attached to the stand using shop made brass brackets.

Yellow birch, bird’s eye maple and brass

Shellac and beeswax polish

13 1/2" deep x 13 1/2" wide x 16" tall; panels closed
32 5/8" deep x 32 5/8" wide x 25 1/2" tall; panels fully opened

SOLD. This piece currently resides with a Minnesota collector.

A sapling in the early 1500s, the 330+ year old yellow birch used in this entry hall mirror was recently reclaimed from the watery depths where it sank after being logged over 150 years ago. The grayish and subtle golden discolorations are evidence of the tree's long, submerged history. It was an honor to work with this beautiful reclaimed old-growth wood.

Made of solid wood, this piece features open mortise and tenon corner joints in the mirror frame, doweled cabinet joinery, frame and panel cabinet backs, hand-cut dovetail drawers, and shop-made brass knife hinges and wall hangers. In our very first furniture collaboration, the mirror backing was designed and handwoven by Carol.

Yellow birch, kwila, maple, bird’s eye maple and brass

Beeswax polish on yellow birch; shellac and beeswax polish on kwila, bird's eye maple panels and interior of drawers

5 3/4" deep x 31 3/8" wide x 29 1/2" tall

Available for purchase, this piece is currently on display at Xylos.

Read what others are saying about this piece.

The yellow birch used in this box was recently reclaimed from the watery depths where it sank after being logged over 150 years ago. Images of water and sky created by the contrasting colors of the heartwood and sapwood on the sides of this hand-cut dovetailed box are reminders of the tree's long history. Adjacent sections of the plank were used for the sides and the lid frame, allowing the color and grain lines to wrap up and onto the top of the box. The hand-carved recessed pull and the softened edges throughout the piece are designed to be gentle to the touch.

Yellow birch and bird’s eye maple

Shellac and beeswax polish

7" deep x 11" wide x 4" tall

Available for purchase in the Studio Tupla Shop. Please contact us to arrange for a private viewing of this piece.

Hand-cut dovetails are featured in this diminutive piece. The thin sides and bottom are made from 3/16" stock.

Kwila and big leaf maple

Shellac and beeswax polish

2 1/8" deep x 2 1/8" wide x 4" tall

SOLD. Commissions for similar pieces are welcome.

The rich colors of kwila and makore give this sideboard a quiet yet commanding presence in the room. The veneers were carefully sawn from planks and arranged to provide a unique sense of refinement for the piece. The beveled kwila parquetry, inspired by Mama's quilts, elevates the winged kwila top and dances across the top edges of the gently curved doors. Opening the doors reveals a generous storage area that includes two adjustable shelves with hand-shaped support pegs and three hand-cut dovetailed drawers.

Kwila, makore, Port Orford cedar, kauri, bigleaf maple and shop-made brass hardware

Shellac and beeswax polish

18 5/8" deep x 39 1/4" wide x 39 5/8" tall

Available for purchase, this piece is currently on display at Xylos.

Hear what the judges said about this piece at the Northern Woods Exhibition.

The wonderful, serene quality of the arbutus in this solid wood cabinet is gently punctuated by the square medallions of brown doussie cascading downward between the book matched apple panels of the cabinet door. Similar geometry is reflected in the back panel, hand cut dovetailed drawers, and the hand carved drawer pulls and adjustable shelf consoles. Every joint and surface has been faithfully cared for by the maker. Wall cabinets of any shape and size offer a delightful way to contain or display most anything important in your life.

Arbutus, apple, curly maple, brown doussie and shop-made brass hinges and wall hangers

Shellac and beeswax polish

5 3/8" deep x 8 1/4" wide x 18 1/2" tall

Available for purchase in the Studio Tupla Shop. Please contact us to arrange for a private viewing of this piece.

Read and hear what others are saying about this piece.