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News / Blog
Posted on April 3, 2008 at 6:35 PM |
I Love Your Furniture! Will You Make a Piece for Me?
Yes, I definitely want to hear what you have in mind, and I look forward to your inquiry.
Let’s discuss how the process works from your first contact to the delivery of your heirloom piece of furniture. It all starts with your first email.
There are several basic pieces of information that I need from you. You can be as specific or as general as you desire. What kind of furniture are you interested in? Was it something you have seen in my portfolio section, or is it something you saw somewhere else. In the latter case, it will be very helpful if you can include an illustration or a picture of what you have in mind. Please keep in mind that, although I take inspiration from wherever I find it, I personally design all of my creations. Therefore do not expect it to be a replica of what you saw in the picture you sent to me.
Next, what materials are you interested in? I use native, Appalachian hardwoods, such as, cherry, walnut or maple in both regular and curly or highly figured varieties. I do not use imported exotics. I exclusively use solid wood which means that you will not find any plywood or veneers in my furniture. Please note that some very fine pieces of furniture are created using plywood and/or veneers. I just prefer the challenges that come from working in solid wood.
I will also need to know the size of the piece you have in mind. Be as specific as you care to be in this stage. Once we get into the design phase I may suggest some changes that would improve the overall proportions. Be sure to let me know if there are certain measurements that are not flexible. In that case we will work around those measurements in the design phase.
Oh, I almost forgot. I will need to know what color you want. That is a bit of a play on words because I do not stain or paint my furniture. If you are looking for a dark piece of furniture, choose walnut, if light choose maple, in between, choose cherry, although keep in mind that cherry develops a rich dark patina as it ages.
Now that I have the basic information from you, what can you expect from me? First of all, I will let you know if I am interested in creating the piece you have in mind. Within a few days I will probably be able to give you a very rough estimate of the cost. And lastly, I will give you an idea of how long it will be before I can start on your project and an estimate of how long it will take to design and construct your treasure.
So far you have incurred no charges. Once you decide that you want to commission me to create your heirloom, I require a refundable 10% deposit to hold your place in line. That deposit becomes non-refundable once I begin the design process. An additional, non-refundable deposit of 20% is due when I begin construction, which includes purchasing any special materials. The final 70% and any appropriate taxes are due upon completion of the piece and prior to shipping or delivery. Although I will assist you in arranging shipping, you are responsible for all aspects of shipping including, but not limited to breakage and theft. I accept personal checks for payment.
I sketch all of my working drawings. Depending on the piece, I may draw a full size drawing to get a better idea of how the proportions being used. I do not draw scale drawings, nor do I create computer generated, CAD, drawings. I find that the benefits do not justify the time spent on these drawings. I will forward scans of some of these sketches to you, but please realize that these are working drawings. The exact measurements will vary slightly depending on the actual dimensions of the wood. A ¾” board may actually measure 13/16, or even 7/8.”
Once I start the construction, I will keep you posted on the progress. Every few weeks I will post some pictures in the “Work in Progress” category in the Portfolio section of my Obaloo web site.
Nothing would make me feel better than to hear from you every occasionally during the construction process, or even better, to have stop by to visit my shop and lay your hands on your future heirloom!
Once your piece nears completion, you will need to be finalizing arrangements to pick it up or have it shipped. I have no expertise in crating or shipping.
Your final payment is due before your treasure leaves the shop.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact me at kmmerrill@embarqmail.com.
Kent Merrill
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Mark the date: Saturday, October 24, 2009 at the Story Telling Gardens in Jonesborough, TN.
I "never" do shows, but Jonesborough is putting together its first Annual Fine Art in the Park Show, and to show my support, I will be displaying four of my pieces. This is a jurried show with no food or trinket vendors. It promises to be fun. Stop by and say hello if you are in the area. I am attaching a picture of one of the pieces I'll be displaying.
Kent Merrill |
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