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Q: Do you
have a catalog?
A: Over the years, I have developed a
line of fairly "standard" pieces ... dressers, beds, etc.
Many of these are featured on this website, along with the
custom designs. I don't print a catalog at this time,
however, you are welcome to print out the "On-line Furniture
Showroom" and contact me for current pricing
information.
Q: Do you have
a showroom?
A: Yes, I have a small showroom in my
workshop. Please call or e-mail for directions.
Q: How do you
get this smooth finish on your furniture?
A: LOTS of sanding! Then each piece gets
a hand-rubbed oil finish, sanded again between each
coat.
Q: How should I take
care of my furniture?
A: I recommend simply using a citrus
oil, my favorite is called "What I Use".
Q: What is the most
popular wood selected?
A: Currently the most requested species
with my clients is Cherry. Quarter-sawn White Oak runs a
close second.
Q: Do you ever work in
Pine?
A: All Sandhill Designs are made of
quality hardwoods. Pine is a very soft, unstable material to
work with and doesn't meet my high quality standards. If you
like the look of Pine, my preference is to use good
hardwoods, such as Ash or Hickory for a more satisfactory
end result.
Q: What is "quarter
sawn" wood?
A: Instead of sawing the log
the usual way, the tree is first quartered lengthwise and
each wedge is sliced on the diagonal (see diagram). The
result is distinctive markings in the wood (see
photo.)
Stickley made much of his original furniture of quarter-sawn
White Oak.
Q: Is quarter-sawn
White Oak still available?
A: Yes, many of my clients
choose it for the "authentic antique" look it provides. Due
to the large amount of waste the milling process creates, it
is more expensive than straight oak..
Q: What is the difference between "Mission" and "Arts and Crafts" Furniture?
A: Since the late 1800s this sturdy
furniture has been called many names by different makers
(Stickley preferred "Craftsman"). Frank Lloyd Wright's
"Prairie" style had many similar elements, as well. Today,
many people use the terms interchangeably.
Q: I live in
another state, can you ship large furniture to me?
A: No problem, there are several
delivery and shipping options available.
Q: Why is your business
called Sandhill Designs?
A: Because Sandhill cranes
nested in the marsh behind my first shop, in Morrisonville,
Wisconsin, about 45 minutes south of the International
Crane Foundation.
Cranes are the Chinese symbol for longevity,
a quality I strive for in my furniture.
Q: How much would you
charge...?
A: I price each piece according to the
complexity of the project and the cost of materials. This
takes a few days to research current wood prices, etc. I can
usually give an immediate quote, however on anything shown
in this web site.
Q:
Do you know any other good sites for Arts
and Crafts enthusiasts?
A: Here are a few for
starters...
The
Arts and Crafts Society is a good general site with LOTS of
links.
In
the Craftsman Style is a site by Ashmore/Kessenich
Design, an architectural firm.
Mansion
Hill Inn
is a charming small hotel in Madison, Wisconsin. (The
Craftsman Room features some of my work.)
The
Collins House is a Prairie School style bed and
breakfast on the shore of Lake Mendota in Madison,
Wisconsin. Guests staying in the Claude-Starck room sleep in
a queen-size Sandhill Design bed.
Q: Who are
some other woodworkers you'd recommend?
A: Here are a few woodworking friends
who also have web sites.
Looking for beautiful wooden boxes and accessories? Visit
Will Wipperfurth at www.designsbywill.com
Need a Windsor chair? See Jeff Trapp at www.jefftrappwindsors.com.
Prefer
shaker or early American? Click on www.dandrewkates.com for D.
Andrew Kates.
Q: Do you work
alone?
A: Yes, each piece of
furniture I build gets my full attention as the designer and
craftsman. Although I have no employees, I'm not exactly
alone, Whylee, my shop cat keeps me company. (I keep telling
him a flannel shirt is more appropriate attire for the shop,
but he prefers a tuxedo.)
If you have a
question not covered here, e-mail me and I'll do my best to
answer it.
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