Kemling Woodworks

02/09/2025

On March 22nd in Shenandoah, IA, I’m offering a class introducing the three fundamental hand tools of furniture making: the hand plane, the chisel, and hand saws. Places for 10 students. Registration ends March 17. More info in the picture below.

01/14/2025

When designing a project for a client, I believe making 1:4 model helps the client and myself. The client can see the form, proportions, and wood color take shape. For me, I can see the parts and processes needed to make the project full scale. Plus, I really love making models.

12/20/2024

It has been a while since I’ve been on the lathe, so I did a little warm-up with a tree ornament. Much larger project in the works. But it also gave me an opportunity to experiment with form, texture, and color.

10/27/2024

Took time away from work on the house today to restore a 1940s Stanley no. 5 (I believe it is a type 19, but hard to tell) for a friend who wants to start his woodworking journey. It cuts clean and true. He will be off to a great start!

10/11/2024

Working the booth for at the Woodworking in America Conference. Stop by and say hello!

03/28/2023

Spring has sprung and time to put a wrap on these Adirondack chairs. Love the blue. But especially love the personal touch of the brass inlay to honor my client’s husband’s memory. I had the pleasure of meeting him a few times. He was kind, gentle, and loved to talk about woodworking.

01/27/2023

Cutting a dovetail by hand takes time, patience, and a steady hand. Photo credit

11/24/2022

It is perhaps fitting that I complete my final project for the Online Mastery Program right before Thanksgiving. For that I am thankful. Gary and the program has given me a better command as a designer and a furniture maker. Skills I look forward to continue to hone. I cannot express how much this program has changed me and allowed me to grow.

That aside, here is the C.A.M.O.S. Desk. Quartersawn curly walnut, maple, and brass. Finished with shellac and wax. Rooted in the Organic Modernism movement with inspiration from Hans Wagner. 30”x30”x60”

10/17/2022

09/02/2022

Progress is slow on a project like this desk, but it is an amazing feeling when I start to see it come together. There is still a lot to do: stretchers, drawers, shaping, gluing, sanding, applying finish. You know, the small things.

The second, third, and fourth pics are the scaled model (without drawers).

04/07/2022

I am without words. I am excited and honored to have my C.A.M.O.S. Cabinet included in the latest issue of Thank you!! 🙏And thanks to Mastery Program for helping finding my voice as a furniture maker. The journey is just beginning.

02/27/2022

Working on some chair designs on 1:4 scale for my next project I’m planning to make both, as each offers a different challenge in design and making. The chair on the left will have a woven seat in Danish cord and the shorter one will have a wooden seat. At least that is the plan for now. Next making models at full scale for both.