This is one of the more interesting designs we’ve worked on at CTT Furniture, the cabinet shop I work at in San Diego. It features a Grey Elm crotch and steel that was fabricated by an excellent craftsperson to fit snuggly around the wood. As a new woodworker and hopeful designer, I’ve mostly limited my designs to just wood, often mixing species for a lovely contrast, but rarely have I thought of combining materials. Since working here, it has opened up my eyes. The design possibilities are endless with wood alone, but intermingling different materials opens up a lot more possibilities that you can add to your repertoire. It also comes with a major learning curve, not just about how the different materials will mesh esthetically, but from a functional and longevity stand point as well. 

    This piece sure is beautiful and get carries a hefty price tag with it. So much so that we were reminded of it in our lower backs that next morning. Weighing over 800 pounds, it took 4 of us to lift it in order to get a rug under it. I gave me a whole knew understanding to (bleep) you money. A topic in which I will likely jot my down my thoughts on at a later time. 

Michael Thomas Olin