Woodworker: Greg BrownThis carved urn stand (11-1⁄2 in. dia. by 30-in. tall) was built to sit beside a Samuel McIntire parlor chair that Brown made a few years ago with a simple function: to hold a drink, and it, too, is based on a McIntire piece. The stand has a number of challenging turned and carved elements. The column and base feature five different types of foliage, with a grape-leaf motif descending the shaft. The base was coopered to avoid end-grain carving and, Brown says, “to provide an efficient use of my precious mahogany.” The finish is shellac and wax. Photo credit: Mark Schofield