Axes are ancient tools, long pre-dating the Middle Ages. During the medieval period they were used for nearly every stage of cabinetry. "Two-handed axes" (axes with long handles, swung with both hands) were the foremost tool for felling trees and cutting wood. These axes had dual-inclined planes, meaning they were beveled on both sides of... Continue Reading →
Mallet
Wooden mallets were ubiquitous amongst the tools of medieval cabinetmakers. These tools are easily made from scrap wood, customizable, and (unlike iron or steel hammers) do not damage the objects which they are used to strike. As a tool, mallets are force-multipliers: increasing the human arm's ability to drive trenails and dowels, coerce joints to... Continue Reading →
Chisels
Throughout the making of every piece of mobilier I've created, I have found chisels to be essential for paring the cheeks and shoulders of tenons, wasting-out mortises, and forming the dado (groove) on the sides of drawers. Chisels carve or cut by virtue of a single-inclined plane (i.e. beveled on only one side) blade and... Continue Reading →
A Processional for Gerald
The Priory of Saint Catherine, assembled for Gerald's elevation to the Order of the Laurel. Having written lyrics for two peerage elevations before, I had started to feel comfortable in composing them. So when Dame Cristiana asked me to help with Gerald's surprise elevation, I jumped at the chance to write something for this dear... Continue Reading →
Saws
Saws are among the most recognizable woodworking tools.
Interpreting the Oseberg 178 Chest
The Oseberg 178 chest was one of four pieces I made based on extant examples found in ninth century Viking Age burials.
From Tree to Chest
Preface As my interest in vernacular furniture has grown, so has my curiosity about the processes which went into making household items. What tools were used to shape and join them? What were the materials and how were those materials prepared? What methods of production did cabinetmakers practice? Inspired by the late Jennie Alexander, author... Continue Reading →
Three Boxes
I haven't posted in nearly a year, but that hasn't been for lack of productivity. Writing about what I have been working on took a back seat to working on the next project, and the next one, and the next one... So this post will condense the work done in learning to make carved-front boxes. ... Continue Reading →
A Processional for Disa
Writing Disa’s processional hymn was the most challenging and enjoyable piece of writing I have done in a long time. I really wanted the music to contribute to the authenticity of her ceremony. My goal, therefore, was to produce a piece which would have been unquestioningly plausible for 9th century Birka. Which proved nearly... Continue Reading →
A Processional for Aelisia
As a Beginner-level instrumentalist, I am very challenged in writing lyrics (and I don’t write music at all). So when asked to write music for Aelisia’s procession I had to clarify that I could write lyrics to someone else’s music given sufficient time and access to a recording of the tune (as well as, of... Continue Reading →
