Lots of Irons in the Fire

A moment of repose during busy times...

Tables: Contrast of Forms

Above:  Mid-century Modern corner table

I run across all sorts of styles of furniture in my "travels".  These two tables demonstrate a couple of examples of what you may consider extremes.

Above:  Mersman Company 1930-1940's Lyre Harp table design uses several common ornamental classical motifs.

The table pictured above is a pretty good example of what we have come to call "Mid-Century Modern", furniture designed in the middle of the 20th Century.  I love its nearly boomerang-shaped slab top and sleek tapered stiletto legs.  Though this table is very "modern" in appearance, its form is based on classical elements.  And the sweeping curve of the top looks like the leftovers after the oval was cut out for the Lyre Harp table.  :o)

At the connection of the legs to the top there is a simplified entablature.

 

 

The Harp & Lyre table is made of various parts curving in many directions. 

Besides its curving oval top with raised edging, the legs curve much like those of Duncan Phyfe furniture and terminate in a clawfoot brass cap (The caps have been removed for restoration).

The Lyre Harp with carved ornamentation sweeps up and the base on which it attaches to the legs is concave and the legs sweep down.  The image of the lyre harp appears in early Greek and Roman art.

The modern "boomerang" table is available at Home Again Consignment.  The Lyre Harp table is in my work shop being restored from years of neglect and abuse---the condition in which I found it---but it will soon be a beauty!

Pet Portrait: Corgi

Woody, Toni Youngblood, 12"x12" acrylic on canvas, 2012

Order your own custom pet portrait here.

Coat Hanger Coat Rack

This is not one of my ideas, but just saw it at SF Girl By Bay and thought it was cleaver and makes me smile.  Photo by Jansje Klazinga

Coat Tree (Rack)

This coat tree from My (reconditioning) Workshop is available now at Home Again Consignments in Salt Lake City.

The coat rack is made of very solid (oak) wood and exhibits traditional turned details.

The junction points of the piece are brass (see top finial above).

This is a handsome piece that's sturdy enough now to enjoy many years of use.

HAPPY PIONEER DAY to all the Utahns!

Graceful Oval-topped Louis XVI/Gustavian-style Dining Table

This dining table is on its way to consignment at Home Again in Salt Lake City.  It has an oval top with book- matched inlaid oak panels which have been lovingly restored and finished with a durable polyurethane to see many more years of dining. 

The table edge follows a curve accenting the position of the legs.  The legs are a Gustavian or simplified Louis XVI design.  The table apron and legs are finished in a creamy paint on which a protective top coat has been applied.

 

I want to give credit here to my unwavering helper in recent projects, who really prefers to remain anonymous.  His work has shortened the time in which I can get my pieces completed.  His quality of work is excellent and I enjoy having his collaboration of ideas.  Love you!

2012 Architectural Boxes

For several years I've been finding and reconditioning little wood boxes.  All different sizes, shapes, designs in various types of wood; boxes that can be used for jewelry, coins, keys, iPods, woodwind reeds...See a few boxes from years past here.  From the beginning, I've incorporated copies of etchings of old buildings from a great old book I have.

The oval box displays details from drawings of Palladian buildings, is similar to several I found and reconditioned in years past and is a favorite of mine.
This year I am adding boxes to the series which include copies of my own sketches from travels---drawn while on location.  They  have a less formal character that comes from experiencing the light and weather conditions as well as other elements of the time of day and season.

     

Above:  From the pencil sketch Montepulciano at Dusk, Toni Youngblood 1988.

The picture here features a sketch I did at the end of a day trip to the town of Montepulciano in Italy.  It was dusk and the town was viewed and sketched in silhouette.

This is a quick preview of boxes for 2012.   There are also a couple of personalized box commissions in the works. More little boxes are coming...in between...other projects...