The Furniture Maker

Blast from the Past

2012-02-27T08:49:00.000-08:00

So I am supposed to be doing the taxes... of course I am procrastinating and looking back at old photos instead. I haven't looked at these in years. They bring back many memories of life in the mountains.

1999 I Think

This ultra-modern VG Larch set was shot in a stunning, mountain top hideout way back in the last century. The timber frame home was built by Spearhead Timberworks.

Classic Trestle Table

This table (we didn't make the chairs) lives in another timber frame home, this one right off the slopes of Fernie. It is a classic, gigantic harvest table, perfect for a huge feast after a day on the hill. I think this one also dates from the late 90's.

Completely Different

This elegant, cherry and maple set (chairs by Michael Grace) went to an amazing home in the Alberta Foothills some time in 2000. We've lost touch with these fantastic clients and I hope they are still out there enjoying their furniture.

Home on The Range

2012-02-22T05:19:00.000-08:00

Handsome Rogue

Once again, my sister and her husband have been off traveling. While they are away we often stay at their "farm" and look after the critters. This means 2 dogs, three horses and one sad cat.

An Exceptional Workspace

The bonus for me is the opportunity to cook it up in their amazing, James Hopper designed kitchen. OK, I am biased but it is fantastic and the sad fact is that we don't have this in our own home. Huge counter space, full extension drawer glides and a butcher block island just made for rolling out pizza dough.

English Brown Oak Bar Cabinet

We don't do many kitchens but it can be a really fun and rewarding process. We are inspired by the design philosophy of British superstar Johnny Grey Rather that the typical bank of espresso stained homogeneity the concept is a more eclectic, furniture style kitchen which gives the client a warm, inviting and creative place to prepare their meals.

Oven Cabinets using Maple, Cherry and a Bunch of Other Stuff

The kitchen is the heart of your home and it deserves so much more that what comes out of a box. Our cabinets are made using only the finest, long lasting materials and designed specifically for the home they are going in. Although they should be $100,000 the cost is often not much more than a commercial, generic kitchen.

Butcher Block Island With Dovetailed Breadboard Ends

The Lovelies Waiting for Lunch

Design Means Veneer

2012-02-20T15:31:00.000-08:00

"In most people's vocabularies, design means veneer." Steve Jobs

Measuring the Starting Point

I decided to edit Steve's quote for my own purpose. While lots of people still use the word veneer as a negative descriptor, we at James Hopper Furniture see it as a wonderful invention. An invention that has been around as long as the pyramids. Just like in University, I have borrowed from a few different sources to come up with a brief history. (Illustrated with Veneer Bookmatching Pics)

The End

Veneers of exotic materials were commonly used to decorate artifacts the Pharaohs planned to take with them into the afterlife beginning with the earliest dynasties. An extravagantly inlaid table presented to Julius Cesar by Cleopatra, and a citron table purchased by the Roman orator Cicero, which featured "veins arranged in waving lines to form spirals like small whirlpools," are two examples of the highly developed veneering techniques in practice over 2000 years ago.

A Nice Clean Cut

In the seventeenth century, veneering took a major step forward with the development of better woodworking tools. And by the beginning of the eighteenth century, veneering began to take center stage when a shift in furniture making style replaced frame and panel construction with case and drawer construction, and surfaces of figured veneer were favored over shaped panels and carved surfaces. Toward the end of the eighteenth century, veneering reached a high point in the meticulously inlaid neoclassical furniture of designers like George Hepplewhite and Thomas Sheraton.

Lovely Walnut

It was in during the industrial revolution that veneering started to develop a bad reputation when some manufacturers were using veneer mainly as a method of hiding poorly constructed furniture. By the middle of the 1800s, commercial furniture producers in America had grown into factory-type operations that weren't reliant on skilled cabinetmakers, and veneer was seen as a way to save on material costs more than as unique decorative technique. To compound the problem, methods for producing the large amounts of veneer necessary for the level of furniture production that was going on were crude compared to the current state of the art. The result was bad all around. This practice is still quite commonplace as many think a coffee table should cost $299.00.

An Indispensable Tool

Veneering, in my eyes, is extremely difficult to do properly. Jim has been doing it for many years and was able to learn from some of the best in Canada. This practice allows us a more sustainable method for using exotic wood species that's much less demanding on hardwood resources than solid wood construction. Also,furniture with veneer construction has greater dimensional stability, overcoming wood’s natural tendency to move. In the end, with the right combination of expertise and design ability, the furniture maker can use veneers to create amazing effects and surface design that will still be around for the archeologists of the future.

A Perfect Edge

Ode to the Swedish Work Pant

2012-02-16T08:59:00.000-08:00

My Patchwork Artistry

I spent part of yesterday patching Jim's beloved Swedish Work Pants for the third time. We bought these beauties almost three years ago in Goteborg and he has been wearing them almost steadily ever since. It is pretty amazing that they have held together this well. Compared to the North American favorite, Carhartts, these pants are lighter weight and much stronger. They also have about one million pockets (I think we actually counted 18)which is great for work, not so great for laundry.

Even Pippa Likes Them

We've tried to find someone who brings these into North America but haven't had any luck. I guess we will have to make another trip soon.

Fristads in Action

Walnut Bed Progress Report

2012-02-15T08:26:00.000-08:00

The Walnut bed is getting ready for assembly. These shots show the dry fitting of the frame for the foot board and headboard.

I know these photos look a bit pasty. This is just our fluorescent shop lighting. The Walnut has a beautiful tone.

Foot board Goes Together Well

Side Rails Are Mortised For Hardware

Everything Lines Up

Waiting for the Panels

Don't Try This at Home Please!

2012-02-09T17:06:00.000-08:00

I'm not a big fan of re-posting but this video is insane. My sister and I were just talking about how scared we are of lathes. Have you ever been in a shop when a bowl goes flying off the chuck. Imagine what could happen in this scenario.

I just thought it was kind of funny since I saw the video on a US DIY type blog. I think you could probably do it yourself if you had 30+ years experience. Let me know what you think.

Lie Nielsen Vancouver

2012-02-08T17:59:00.000-08:00

I Would Be Scared

Before the Lie Nielsen Event in Vancouver Jeremy took Jim out to explore the trails at Lynn Canyon. Although it looks like a fantastic spot I am glad that I missed the suspension bridge. Too scary.

The Vancouver Event could have been called Planes, Planes and More Planes. Hosted by Ultimate Tool Supply Jeremy and Jim charmed the crowds with their Wayne and Shuster type routine.

Jeremy at the Bench Jim at the Camera

Scraper Plane Adjustment

While Lie Nielsen hand planes are beautiful they were overshadowed by the work of Sauer & Steiner, made to order, bespoke hand planes.

A Drizzly Vancouver Day

2012-02-06T11:20:00.000-08:00

My last day in Vancouver was a bit damp. We took a tour out to Deep Cove or Drip Cove as my mom calls it. The main reason was to sample supposed good donuts. They turned out to be crap donuts served by a grumpy lady but we did get to discover Room 6. This is a lovely little shop, filled with well curated, mostly handmade things.

Love the Palette

Here I bought my only souvenirs of the Vancouver Trip. Heart shaped sponges from Rice make cleaning the sink adorable.

and Anthology magazine. This is a tidy little magazine whose tag line reads "living with substance and style" What more could you need. It is brimming with interesting profiles of artists, coffee roasters and collectors all striving to make things special and unique.

The 'Couv - Day 2

2012-02-03T18:17:00.000-08:00

Sweet Little 'Rati

The first thing I like to do when I get to a big city is to find a Maserati to look at. (In case you don't know, we don't have these in Saskatoon) We didn't manage to find one on Main but of course, several turned up in Kits. I really liked this brand new White one. My expressions says "Why did you have to be a furniture maker? There's nothing wrong with playing hockey."

Favorite Place

My new favorite place has to be Full House Modern. It is a fantastic mix of Vintage and new Danish Modern, conveniently located by the Maserati dealer. What a dream store. If anyone wants to help me do this in Saskatoon please let me know.

More Full House

After a few lattes and croissants we stumbled upon this super cool woodshop. Federico at Dalbergia was a very gracious host to us all. What a great, yet distracting place to work.

Federicos Shop

The Guys Talk Wood

Jim's Turn to Lust After Wheels

View from the Aqua Bus

The last stop of our walking tour always seems to be Fluevog. This is the best building with giant, chunk o' wood display tables by Nathan Wiens.

Vancouver - Day 1

2012-02-01T17:54:00.000-08:00

I love Vancouver! It is such a great place to visit family and friends, eat sushi, as well as an opportunity to see some great design.

We spent some of our first day there on Main, the latest address for hipster retailers. Here we found a few highlights. Besides chasing down "gamle volvos" we also managed to hit a few brilliant new shops.

Chasing an Amazon (shot from the back of the bmw)

By Design Modern

By Design Modern is an offshoot of a more conventional antique shop across the street. Nothing better that a place that specializes in Danish Modern. Although the place reeked of solvents and Jim made fun of the line through the O, they have some beautiful pieces.

I want this Blue PH5

Pete Through the Looking Glass

A White PH5 and a Lovely Teak Chair

We Find the Amazon

Kissing Crows Cyclery

One of my favorite stops was Kissing Crows. I love bespoke bikes. Though I don't think

I could own one of these treasures I am very happy that others support this art.

Dream Bike

Trying to Shoot out the Rainy Window

Paradise Found

2012-01-29T12:42:00.000-08:00

Ferry Ride

Once again, Sidney, BC didn't fail to deliver perfect weather. The sunshine was blinding, there might have been whales and there were huge piles of teak.

When we finally get to retire at 80 i think this will be the place.

Can You See Whales?

Perfection

My New Business Idea

Not Your Average Lunch Room

Teak $$$

Making A Hand Tool Wish List

Good Plane Fun

Super Sweet VW Van

The Usual Suspects

Imagine!

Lie Nielsen - Sidney

2012-01-25T17:53:00.000-08:00

Getting ready for the Lie Nielsen Hand Tool Event. This weekends stop is Westwind Hardwood in idyllic, Sidney, BC.

Westwind is like Jim's Valhalla. An ocean front timber broker, run by fellow Nordic types that love Volkswagen Vans. What could be better.

Jim Studies his Hand Tool Videos

The Walnut Bed

2012-01-25T05:04:00.000-08:00

Mortising the Bed Rails

The Walnut bed is beginning to take shape. These pics show a bit of the progress building the headboard components.

The Slot Mortiser - My Favorite Tool

The mortise and tenon joint could probably be considered the cornerstone of furniture making. It provides a strong and simple way to join for many different furniture projects. The Slot Mortiser just does this a lot quicker.

Shaping the Headboard

Her Indoors

2012-01-23T16:46:00.000-08:00

The week of -38 celsius meant I was trapped indoors for more hours that I am used to. Lots of opportunity to shoot these interior details. My collection of Vintage Scandinavian housewares is growing and I love to show it off.

Teak Serving Thing (not a bowl or tray)

Danish Candle Holder with Norsk Pewter Collection in the Background

Jim Sweeps off the 123 While I Stay Warm

Cozy Kitten

Fav Christmas Gift

View from the Yoga Mat

Maple Meeting Table

2012-01-22T12:21:00.000-08:00

The Maple Meeting Table with Scando Chairs finally got delivered this week. The -38 Celsius weather caused a bit of delay. Apparently Volkswagen Vans don't like extreme cold.

Here are some snapshots of the finished product.

Detail of the Bird's Eye Top

This Meeting Table has a new home in an executive office overlooking the South Saskatchewan River. I can't imagine getting much work done with such a stunning and distracting view.

James Hopper Furniture - The Motion Picture

2012-01-18T05:37:00.000-08:00

I am really happy to be sharing this video profile that was done for Max Magazine.

It took hours to set up and shoot. In the end we have a succinct little program to help explain what we do every day.

The Maple Chairs

2012-01-16T06:26:00.000-08:00

4 Lovely Maple Frames

Another version of the ever popular Scando Chair get ready to go to their new home. These will also have a beautiful view of the South Sask River. I am envious.

Preparing for Upholstery

Maple Part 2

2012-01-12T07:46:00.000-08:00

Brown Leather Upholstery

Almost complete is the Bird's Eye Maple meeting table with maple chairs. The chairs have a beautiful colour and grain with a nice soft sheen. I can't wait to see the table top with finish on it.

Chair Backs Being Shaped

Waiting for Finish

Starting to Look Like a Chair

Bird's Eye Table Top

Shoppers in his Favorite Spot

Walnut Bed in Perspective

2012-01-09T07:45:00.000-08:00

Perspective Drawing of Walnut Bed

We are beginning work on this classic/contemporary king size walnut bed. Stay tuned for progress reports. I will be really interested to see the inlay details in the large panels.

Crime Stoppers

2012-01-05T07:25:00.000-08:00

Another digression from woodworking but... over the holidays someone tried to steal our van. Luckily they were unsuccessful. They must have realized it wasn't a good idea based on a few key points.

1 Our van needs to warm up for quite a while before it wants to move forward.

2 Stealing a 1985 Volkswagen Van with James Hopper Furniture written all over it might make you easy to spot.

The Culprits Footprint

The attempted crime got even funnier when we realized the thief dropped his wallet. When the police showed up they asked me to take photos of the evidence in case they needed it. (???) Is this normal practice in an attempted car theft? Should I buy my own CSI kit if it happens again?

The Van

At the Movies aka Volvo Freaks

2012-01-02T16:04:00.000-08:00

Volvo Amazon Cop Car

"No Volvos Were Harmed in the Making of this Movie"

So while taking a break from Furniture Making we headed out to see Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Happy to find out it wasn't just an advert for new Volvos, they also featured tons of Vintage Volvos as well. The Volvo Museum in Goteborg loaned them lots of 60's vintage cars for the parade scenes.

One of our best holidays was a trip to this very museum a few years ago. We headed out from Oslo with our friend Ketil and spent the day looking at all kinds of Volvos both new and old. I also remember having the greatest lunch ever at the Volvo staff cafeteria.

Jim and Ketil at Volvo Wonderland

Inspecting the P1900

Checking out a Prototype

If you've been able to visit our shop you will know that we have Saskatoon's own Volvo Museum.

A 123GT like Ours Appears in One of the Final Scenes

Maple

2011-12-30T05:58:00.000-08:00

These pics have been in the camera for a while. Christmas got in the way of my blogging.

These images show progress as a stack of maple is transformed into a meeting table and chairs.

Boards Ready for the Project

Stock is Pre-Drilled and Dimensioned

Mortised Rails

Starting to Take Shape

Almost a Back Leg

Using the Router to Shape the Rail

Slowly Getting Ready for Christmas

2011-12-19T08:24:00.000-08:00

Slightly Festive B & O Display

People ask me everyday if I am ready for Christmas. I guess I shouldn't think this is a weird question but I am ready for Christmas at Christmas. Most of my Christmas gifts still have to be made. Christmas Eve is the day we turn the shop into a present factory. It is an acceptable custom in our family to have slightly unfinished gifts under the tree.

Jule Nisse and Lights on the Tree

As for decorating our home. This year we are earlier than usual. Jim and his Dad picked this beauty up at the Farmers Market yesterday. I had to pull hard to squeeze it through our front door.

I am also showing off my early Christmas present. New coffee table in Teak. It is a slightly more modern version of the last one. The Teak colour looks great on the cozy auburn cow hide.

Oh Yeah!

2011-12-15T07:10:00.000-08:00

The Scandinavian Modern dining set is safe and sound in it's new home. I think it will like it there. Beautiful view of the river and the Bessborough, and great people to look after it.

Lovely Variation in the Walnut

The Wish List

2011-12-13T07:45:00.000-08:00

All I want for Christmas...

Being a considerate sister, I wanted to make this years shopping easier on my siblings. Here is my simple and accessible list of gift suggestions.

Nokian Hakka Studded Bike Tire

These may save me from breaking something on Saskatoon's incredibly icy streets.

Cathy Terepocki Cup with a Bike on it.

My family like to accuse me of having a mug obsession and they are right. i have been thinking about both of these mugs for quite a while.

Or this Iitalla Mug from Cava Cuisine

I ask for a robot vacuum every year.

Rhooma Robot Vacuum

Jims Christmas wish list is a lot shorter. Apparently he only wants these 2 things.

New Liberty of London Scarf

My Brothers Old Mountain Bike

Weekend at the Shop

2011-12-12T10:57:00.000-08:00

Pulling Leather til my Fingers Hurt

We had a really productive weekend preparing the walnut set for delivery. The client hand selected the walnut and she chose lovely boards. It is absolutely gorgeous. The colour and grain of the walnut give this Scandinavian Modern design a very contemporary twist. I hope they love it as much as I do.

The Finished Product

Fine Tuning the Expansion System

Only Slightly Grumpy

Shop Kitty is Always Lovely

December!

2011-12-05T18:02:00.001-08:00

			Christmas time in the shop always makes me feel like one of Santa's busy elves. While others are out partying and shopping we are shaping, sanding and finishing. We put in longer hours, drink way more coffee and hope everything is complete on time.
Walnut Table Top

These newest shots are of a walnut dining set which will be in it's new riverfront home very soon.

Chairs Ready for Leather Upholstery

The Process

2011-12-05T17:53:00.001-08:00

Sometimes projects take a bit more work before they become a reality. When a client has something in their mind that requires exploring we add a few extra steps in the design process.

It begins with asking questions. Then we comb through magazines for images which provide examples. We don't expect clients to use the same design lingo we do. Images become the universal form of communication.

The Sketch

The Models

A glue gun and bits of wood help to add dimension to the proposed design.

Adorable and Functional

Lie Nielsen

2011-12-04T12:25:00.001-08:00

Thanks to those who came out to this event. It's always great to see and hear what others are doing with wood.

Cousin Tom Checks Things out

It seems that every time the Lie Nielsen team come to Saskatoon they are greeted with miserable weather.I hope the delicious food at the Park Cafe and La Bamba cheered them up.

Jeremy Gets Set

Hand Tools

2011-11-27T07:51:00.000-08:00

Mighty Fine Shavings

It's the Lie-Nielsen time of year again. We are hosting the tool event extravaganza Dec. 2nd and 3rd. http://www.lie-nielsen.com/?pg=101 A great opportunity to stop by the studio for a show and sale of exquisite hand tools. Come meet some local woodworking talent, share some ideas and see what we are working on.

Saskatchewan Design Week Mixer

2011-11-24T07:45:00.001-08:00

Saskatchewan Design Week ended with a great party. The Premiers Design Awards showcased all the amazing Architects, Interior Designers and Graphic Designers working in our province. A great turnout at this event considering it was -25 outside.

Trying to Look Cool

The Farmers Market venue was transformed into a swank club for a few hours.I did take my camera along but was happy to see that Design Week photographer, Dave Stobbe, was there to capture the whole event.

Shop Tour

2011-11-16T19:15:00.001-08:00

Most Colourful Bandsaw

Workbench

Chair Backs

More Chair Parts

The Hand Tools

Prototypes

Shop Kitty takes a much needed break in the Showroom

Hygge Stool

2011-11-16T19:05:00.001-08:00

Hygge Stool

We wanted to call this the "troll" but this name was already taken. Hygge is also very fitting as you can't help feeling warm and cuddly when you see this shaggy guy.

The prototype was donated to the Saskatchewan Environmental Council as a silent auction prize. It was such a hit that we decided to do a few more.

Photography?

2011-11-14T12:19:00.000-08:00

Scando Chair in Re-Claimed Cypress

I always struggle with photographing new work. We've tried hiring professionals with unfortunately poor results. I guess if we had an endless budget we could find the right person.

Since an endless budget isn't a reality I am going to have to make do. This blog is one way to force me to work harder.

This last attempt makes me feel a bit better about my skills. I still don't do justice to all the beautiful grain of this cypress but it's an improvement.

Design Week

2011-11-13T08:20:00.001-08:00

It's Design Week

Yes, Saskatchewan has it's own Design Event and we will be involved. Check out the link below for a full calendar of design related events.

http://www.designcouncil.sk.ca/pdfs/11_DW_Schedule@aGlance.pdf?sk=wall

The Price Question

2011-11-08T13:56:00.000-08:00

Modern Harvest

Pricing is always a delicate issue. We love every piece we design and produce but of course we need our wonderful customers to keep our business flourishing. As each project is custom we can never offer an exact quote right off the start. Often projects evolve before the final design is approved. Once the design process is complete we then come up with a final price which is never altered.

That being said, this is an outline for general pricing. A small dinette set with 4 chairs can start at $4750.00 coffee tables at $1200.00, end tables at $950.00. Custom dining tables and chairs tend to start at $8500.00 but vary greatly depending on size and materials. If you are curious about pricing for any project large or small send an email. jhfurniture@sasktel.net

Last Fall Day

2011-11-07T11:19:00.000-08:00

Good thing we were able to enjoy the last days of this beautiful fall in style. The new Lounge chairs are so comfy and cozy with the addition of a fluffy sheepskin.

The Lounge is made from reclaimed cypress which makes it weather resistant enough to leave outdoors.

Western Living Gala

2011-10-31T09:20:00.000-07:00

Display of Our Work Got Lots of Interest

Jim on Stage with other Nominees

It may have been the huge, Calgary size, glasses of wine but my pics from this event are sadly lacking.

We had a fantastic time and met lots of great people in the Western Canadian Design world.

The Extent of our Site Seeing

Much Needed Latte Break

First Ever Blog Post!

2011-10-31T09:17:00.000-07:00

Wow, the first blog post, and hopefully one of many. Our goal for this blog is to create a project journal as well as a means to share information about fine woodworking, furniture design and interior decor.

Modern Harvest Table in Re-Claimed Cypress

We are currently working on a few different projects. One is an elegant dining set in walnut. We will have project photos coming soon.

Also in the works is a Danish Modern inspired settee, a rustic, re-claimed platform bed and a sleek and elegant board room table.