As many of you know (from previous emails), I completed my first custom framing back in December. Now, I've completed my second project -- a much more complex, three-dimensional, solid-oak framing composition:
 
Here is the original concept rendered on the computer...
 
Gary cutting the first frames and Dados on the table saw...
 
Close-up of the Dado jig on the table saw (they came out PERFECTLY)...
 
And, here's the trick to absolutely perfect miter joints -- mitered sanding...
 
Gluing and joining the frames (with brackets) in the miter-jigs and framing bands...
 
Further reinforcing the mitered-corners with 18-gauge staples...
 
Preparing one of the frames with fine finishing sanding...
 
Finishing one of the smaller frames with Tung Oil...
 
A comparison photo of an oil-finished frame and a raw oak frame...
 
Routering a trough in the shelf (of the mirrored frame) for the glass vase...
 
Biscuit joinery of the shelf (for support of the vase, sand and greenery)...
 
Drilling the pocket-screws for the shelf...
 
Buffing the finish to a satin sheen with #00 Steel Wool...
 
Lisa and the kids arranging the sand, shells and "sea oats" in the vase...
 
After cutting matt-board, securing the photos with foam-board and framing inserts...
 
A close-up of how the frame with mirror and shelf (with pocket-screws) is mounted...
 
The final end result (note: I still haven't removed the protective cover on the glass)...
 
It looks MUCH BETTER in person and in natural lighting, but you get the ideas from these pictures. I'm VERY satisfied with the results... now I'm on to my next custom carpentry project. Stay tuned...
 
--
Gary Brown
gary@thebrownhouse.org
http://www.thebrownhouse.org