ddouyardchairmaker

09/10/2026

2-slat side chair with dark green linseed oil paint and a split reed seat. This is fast becoming a favorite. Designed by Jeff Lefkowitz it sits beautifully as well as pleasing to the eyes.

09/04/2026

All set for the annual Berkshire Woodworkers Guild show this weekend. This show showcases the immense talent in the area and helps to raise scholarship funds to support furniture making schools. Looking forward to seeing everyone there.

08/29/2026

08/25/2026

Finishing up a high Sack Back Windsor for the upcoming Berkshire Woodworkers Guild Show Labor Day weekend. Come to Berkshire Botanical Garden to see some craft and support a silent auction. Proceeds go to scholarships to individuals going into furniture making for a living.

This has become one of m favorite chairs. The high back adds a bit of flexibility adding to the comfort factor. Not sure what color it will get painted yet some come for the surprise at the show.

08/18/2026

Simple way to drill a compound angle is very useful whether in a chair or other furniture.

I’ll be presenting understanding and drilling compound angles Texas Woodworking Festival this coming September.

Hope to see you there.

08/11/2026

Loving how the walnut a@d maple writing desk came out. The base is simple Windsor construction into a frame that supports the writing surface. The finish is SutherlandWelles wiping varnish. The lustre is incredible as the finish builds quite nicely.

07/23/2026

Simple Shaker is not so simple. Made some reproductions of the No 5 side chair with padded back and shawl rail.

The back legs are tapered and bent. The bend is slight being only 1” from seat to top and the taper is just 1/4” over the same distance. The seat rails joins the back legs are straight but the back pad and shawl rail are curved (steam bent) to different bends. It’s these small details that make the Shaker chair such an endearing classic.

Special thanks to Hancock Shaker Village for allowing me to examine their collection.

07/18/2026

A great week building Jeff Lefkowitz’ 2-Slat post and rung chair. The middle chair has a hickory bark seat by a student and the others are waiting for a paint job before the seat goes on. the chair is surprisingly light and incredibly comfortable.

07/18/2026

We finished up some 2-slat post and rung chairs early so started on some perch stools. Had some fun carving seats and trying out all the choice tools. We used acorns by Barr Specialty Tools, Jason Lonon, Ray Isles and travishers by petergalbert, Alan Williams, Jim White, and Ben Adams Handmade furniture & homewares . Will have some pics tomorrow.