Each week we bring you a round-up of interesting and entertaining woodworking content from the Woodworkers Institute and the web, including handy tips to help you get stuck into your next woodworking project
Furniture Design Awards
In a commitment to innovation and the highest quality finishes, this year’s SIT Furniture Design Awards featured the work of both new talent and seasoned designers. One of the most notable winners was the Poty Armchair by Studio Lucas Caramés, which won Furniture Design of the Year. The chair combines modern design with traditional craftsmanship, incorporating carnauba straw – a nod to the artisanal culture of the Delta Parnaíba region.
Another exciting winner was Jenna Jang, awarded Emerging Furniture Designer of the Year for her Otto Lounge Chair. This piece stands out for its versatility, designed to adapt to both home and office spaces, which is particularly relevant in today’s post-pandemic world where workspaces are more dynamic. With sleek cushions and a solid oak frame, the chair balances comfort and style, offering flexibility in how it can be used.
Woodworking Past & Present
Did you Know?
The humble spokeshave, a tool used primarily for shaping and smoothing wood, dates back to at least the Roman era. Traditionally, it was used in wagon-making, furniture design, and even shipbuilding. Today, it’s still popular with woodworkers who need to shape curved surfaces like chair legs or wheel spokes.
Modern spokeshaves come in both metal and wooden varieties, with adjustable blades for different levels of precision. It’s one of those rare tools that has stood the test of time, maintaining its fundamental design while evolving with new materials. You can find spokeshaves with straight, convex, or concave blades, depending on the specific project needs. Interesting fact: the word “spokeshave” comes from its original purpose of shaping wagon spokes.
Woodworkers Institute Articles of the Week
NEXT WEEK: Butterfly bits
Francesco Cremonini explains how you can preserve the integrity and customise the appearance of solid wood in one fell swoop.