So instead of cloth....we work with wood
Approximately a year ago, I purchased my own dayshade. This was a big step for me, and in keeping with my desire to present a period looking atmosphere while on and off the field at events, I decided I wanted proper furniture.
Now, this was exciting because although I had never worked in wood before (others have made it for me, while I paint it), I had some idea of what I wanted. Given that I have no place to work, tools, or knowledge enough to NOT cut anything vital off using said tools. I enlisted the help of a dear pair of friends, Mistress Genvieve and Master Alan. They were gracious enough to lend me a hand. My big caveat was *I* wanted to be the one to do the work. Given that I am a bit...well, stubborn...and I wanted to be able to add it to my A&S 50 challenge stash of things I have never done...I felt ok about invading completely on them. :-) Thank you again, guys.
I had some "must haves" for these projects. They needed to be functional (which means break down since it's camp furniture), I need to do as much as possible by myself, and they MUST be made in a manner that would allow be to be able to carry, set up, and break down all by myself...well, cause...did I mention I am stubborn?
So I decided I needed benches first...because they can double as seating and a table, if necessary.
The furniture I had in a previous life was made of poplar. I like poplar and like pine, or oak, would have been a period wood for my persona. It is light weight enough to carry myself and is soft and hard at the same time. PERFECT! I worked with Master Alan to put together my wood order from World of Hardwood. The pattern I based the benches on was a Vair and Ermine design, which is close enough to a period design (after looking at some period artwork depicting furniture) but has the ability to breakdown which was a necessity for me.
Using the tools I had and under Alan's watchful eye, we were able to produce the interim design, which consists of two legs, a stretcher and two supportive beams. The top would follow shortly, routed ont he side for finish and comfort. Because you don't want cuts made in the wood using a power sander, all wood was sanded by hand (took 6 hours one day) using 60 and 150 grit sandpaper.
I like the look of wood. I like the changes that make the grain come out with age. Although painting was the preferred method of finishing, along with a sealant such as linseed oil rub, because this furniture is intended to be outside camp furniture and will see hardships such as weather and seated armored fighters, I took Alan's suggestion and first used a sanding sealer, repeated a quick hand sanding and then sealed with polyurethane. I am sure in the future I may refinish these with paint, but for now I will enjoy the wood grain.
To date, the benches have stood up to at least 5 events, and the max weight of two fully armored fighters at once, or three unarmored adults without fail.
The table was the next project that was done, which followed the same process as the benches, with the exception of using a 3X6 foot piece of beautiful oak plywood for the table top. I choose the oak as opposed to the Beech because it closely matched the hue and grain of the poplar legs.
Will get pictures of the entire set up at the next event.
Ta Ta for now.
Now, this was exciting because although I had never worked in wood before (others have made it for me, while I paint it), I had some idea of what I wanted. Given that I have no place to work, tools, or knowledge enough to NOT cut anything vital off using said tools. I enlisted the help of a dear pair of friends, Mistress Genvieve and Master Alan. They were gracious enough to lend me a hand. My big caveat was *I* wanted to be the one to do the work. Given that I am a bit...well, stubborn...and I wanted to be able to add it to my A&S 50 challenge stash of things I have never done...I felt ok about invading completely on them. :-) Thank you again, guys.
I had some "must haves" for these projects. They needed to be functional (which means break down since it's camp furniture), I need to do as much as possible by myself, and they MUST be made in a manner that would allow be to be able to carry, set up, and break down all by myself...well, cause...did I mention I am stubborn?
So I decided I needed benches first...because they can double as seating and a table, if necessary.
The furniture I had in a previous life was made of poplar. I like poplar and like pine, or oak, would have been a period wood for my persona. It is light weight enough to carry myself and is soft and hard at the same time. PERFECT! I worked with Master Alan to put together my wood order from World of Hardwood. The pattern I based the benches on was a Vair and Ermine design, which is close enough to a period design (after looking at some period artwork depicting furniture) but has the ability to breakdown which was a necessity for me.
Using the tools I had and under Alan's watchful eye, we were able to produce the interim design, which consists of two legs, a stretcher and two supportive beams. The top would follow shortly, routed ont he side for finish and comfort. Because you don't want cuts made in the wood using a power sander, all wood was sanded by hand (took 6 hours one day) using 60 and 150 grit sandpaper.
I like the look of wood. I like the changes that make the grain come out with age. Although painting was the preferred method of finishing, along with a sealant such as linseed oil rub, because this furniture is intended to be outside camp furniture and will see hardships such as weather and seated armored fighters, I took Alan's suggestion and first used a sanding sealer, repeated a quick hand sanding and then sealed with polyurethane. I am sure in the future I may refinish these with paint, but for now I will enjoy the wood grain.
To date, the benches have stood up to at least 5 events, and the max weight of two fully armored fighters at once, or three unarmored adults without fail.
The table was the next project that was done, which followed the same process as the benches, with the exception of using a 3X6 foot piece of beautiful oak plywood for the table top. I choose the oak as opposed to the Beech because it closely matched the hue and grain of the poplar legs.
Will get pictures of the entire set up at the next event.
Ta Ta for now.