Woodworking
Make an Arts and Crafts Mirror *Cancelled*
Replicate the great proportions and elegant details of the entry mirror at the famous Blacker House.
Tuition Assistance and Other Policies
Tue, 1/21/2025 - Thur, 1/30/2025
About
Make a mirror frame — or two — for gifts or your own home in the likeness of an actual Arts and Crafts style frame. The Arts and Crafts movement, which stressed craftwork and simplicity, originated in England in the 1850s and spread to the United States. You'll learn a variety of techniques you can apply to other woodworking projects, as well.
The original frame hangs in the entry of the Blacker House, a masterpiece in the Arts and Crafts style in Pasadena, Calif., designed by the renowned Pasadena architectural firm Greene and Greene. The frame is about 16 inches by 38 inches, perfect for checking hair, hat or tie on your way to an event. You can choose to replicate that frame or make a taller one, about 16 inches by 48 inches.
Owners of the Blacker House are clients of the instructor, so he was able to make detailed notes about the frame's construction. Most notable is an unusual, angled haunched joint at the top that has to fit perfectly. It’s tricky to perfect, but when you do it just right, you'll have a new joint to add to your projects.
This class is focused on creating robust joinery, using patterns for shaping, and getting details right in final construction. You will:
- Work with pattern shaping and CNC jigs for accurate, consistent work.
- Use the Festool Domino for quick, precise joinery.
- Learn how make perfect, pillowed ebony plugs.
Details
- Registration deadline is Jan. 10.
- When you register, you'll have the option of ordering one or two sets of materials, sufficient for either size or a combination. One focus of the class is learning how to make multiples, so you will probably have time in the class to cut two sets of parts. But you may need to finish one frame on your own after the class. The instructor will be available for guidance for one hour of Open Studio time after each Thursday session.
- The instructor will discuss hanging hardware and demonstrate how to hang the mirror.
- After you register, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to select the size of the mirror/s that you would like to make.
Materials
A $105 materials fee, included in the class fee, provides enough wood for one frame ($180 for two). The prices are the same for entry mirrors or taller ones.
In either case, the fee also covers a set of patterns and jigs to use in class and take home for future frames. A digital copy of the instructor's 56-page eBook, "The Complete Guide to Building the Blacker Mirror," also is included. The frame is ribbon-cut Khaya mahogany with Gaboon ebony for plugs.
NOTE: The materials fee does not include the mirror glass or hanging hardware. Buying the mirror glass on your own ensures it will fit even if your frame winds up being a slightly different size (in August 2024, Olympic Glass on Bainbridge Island was charging $79, plus tax, for a mirror to fit the entry mirror and $111 for the taller mirror).
Prerequisites
Class Policies
- Ages 14 and up are welcome.
- Wear safety glasses and closed-toe shoes, tie back long hair, and avoid loose-fitting clothing and jewelry. We recommend bringing your own safety glasses.
BARN Policies
- View BARN's Cancellation and Refund Policy.
- Tuition Assistance is available. Fill out the application before registering.
- BARN is committed to accessibility. We try to make accommodations when requested; the earlier you contact us, the more likely we can help. Please email accessibility@bainbridgebarn.org to find out more or request an accommodation.
- Sensory Statement: Makerspaces like BARN can be noisy and cluttered, smell strongly, and have bright or flickering lights. BARN is not an allergen-free facility. If you have concerns, please email info@bainbridgebarn.org.
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