| The Elements of Arts & Crafts |
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Distinctly American...
Furniture made in the United Wood Craftsmen shop is fashioned after that style developed in the late 1800's by names such as Gustav Stickley, L. & J. G. Stickley, J. M. Young, and the Roycrofters. While conspicuously simple and square to the eye, the designs have proven to be useful, sturdy and seating solutions are more than comfortable.
While adding a piece of UWC furniture to your existing furnishings may prove quite acceptable, you may want to completely furnish an area in your home, office or business with complimenting pieces and accessorize the room with appropriate lamps, window treatments, floor coverings, wall art and some American Art Pottery.
It seems the simple quality of the harmonized Arts and Crafts look is becoming ever popular once again. The warmth of the wood and reflected light from the leather, copper and natural fabrics? purely American charm. Any other means or materials can not achieve this ambiance. The look, is simply quality. Quality from a time not too long ago, when a few inspired individuals so inspired generations to embrace a change. A change that would lead away from the ever more ornate Victorian influences, that seems to consume the civilized world. From everyday items being stamped out in factories by souls that cared not, toward a way of thinking and living that places as much importance on the practical as it does on the natural beauty of the things we surround ourselves with. Most importantly, the use of natural materials we can transform with our own hands, into things that make our lives more pleasurable, without making it more pretentious
The Woods...
For our Chairs, Tables, Settles, Sideboards and Book Cases, the selected species used is White Oak. Harvested and milled in the United States, no endangered habitat was disturbed to make our furniture. The choice was made for the same reasons it was chosen 100 years ago by the Stickley brothers. Strength, durability and the natural characteristics of the grain. The colors achieved with the ammonia fumes are the very essence of the Arts & Crafts feel.
Finishes...
All our furniture is colored naturally using ammonia fumes in an air-tight compartment, or if so desired by our customers, three aniline dye stain colors are available. All furniture is finished by applying several coats of clear shellac to protect the piece from every day use, and waxed by hand to produce a smooth, rich texture achieved by no other process.
Upholstery...
Settle and Large Chair cushions are constructed on steel springs attached to hardwood frames, covered with top quality foam cushioning, and finished in aniline dyed top grain hides. Seat cushions can be removed without much trouble. Chair back cushions are ventilated through grommets at the bottom and held in place with straps so that they will not fall or slide out of place.
Construction...
While every modern machine available is employed to maximize the time used by our craftsmen and improve the finished product in quality seen and un-seen, the methods used in construction of our furniture is time intensive. Table and large chair legs are not finished from one piece cut and sanded, but are made up of four or five pieces of oak, milled, fitted and glued to create an almost indestructible piece of art, all four sides showing the silver flakes of the quarter sawn grain. Tabletops and doors are made of several narrow pieces of oak that are milled, fitted and splined together to resist warps, splits and twisting. The splines are left exposed as ornament and evidence of the structural integrity. Chair stretchers and case rails are fitted with mortise and tenon joints, carefully fitted, pinned and glued to provide a life time of service.
The Craft...
It has been said that furniture building in itself is important work demanding the entire time of the craftsmen who practice the craft. From the selection of every piece of lumber used in the piece, the colors, the finish, the leather and the feel of the sit. It is the pleasure of the practice that United Wood Craftsmen cherishes most. The result of our passion is the use and enjoyment of fine original furnishings for our customers. That result is the source of much pride for all involved in our endeavor.
Thanks for visiting United Wood Craftsmen. If you are in the Big Bear Lake, CA area, please stop in and see our latest furnishings and quality accessories at our retail store. Fine quality, handmade, period appropriate prints, graphics, copper ware and art pottery are also available. Our Gallery Store is located in "The Plaza" building, 625 Pine Knot Ave., Suite F, in the heart of the Village at Big Bear Lake, Ca. We are open at 11:00 AM... each morning.
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