When I first started Lawson in 2017, I was living in New Orleans, a very art centric city. My initial idea for selling my woodwork was small furniture and picture frames with the focus being on custom framing with local artists. Boy, was I wrong on both counts. But you have to start somewhere, right? And that leads me to the point of this blog post - adaptation and evolution.
Read MoreMy client KC Thomassie Designs was looking for a custom fabric cutting table to suit her needs and studio space. The studio is on a second floor with a tight, winding staircase leading up to it. Her table needed to be taken apart to get up that staircase. I came up with the idea to create a base, a top, and four “pillars” separately that would be pieced together like a puzzle. KC’s table needed to be waist high with a large top. She wanted shelves, a storage space in the top, custom spaces to fit drawers she currently owned, and casters for mobility. Together through consultations and text messages we were able to come up with a design we both agreed on.
We decided on using MDF for the main construction to cut costs. Being the table will be used indoors made MDF another reasonable option.
The four pillars were the first to be constructed. Two of the pillars were simple shelving units and the other two were constructed to fit six drawers (3 in each) that my client already owned and wanted to use for this project.
The top and the base (mirror images) were designed to fit each pillar by placing those pillars in a snug, rectangular frame. This design eliminated the need for extra hardware to assemble the table.
The top of the table was framed with 4” pine wood with a lid to give my client space to place fabric and other materials she would be using but needed to have them out of the way at the same time.
After priming and painting the the table, the pillars and each rectangular space on the top and base were marked with a corresponding colored dots to make assembly quick and easy.
The finished product measured 60” X 40” and 40” in height. After delivering the table from Gulfport, MS to New Orleans, LA we assembled the table with much delight from KC. I am thrilled to have her so happy and using her dream, custom fabric cutting table.
Picture above courtesy of KC Thomassie. Visit my dedicated page to see step by step photos from the original sketch to this finished table.
Read MoreMany people ask me where the name “Lawson” came from - Is it my first name? My last name? The question becomes more direct when it is coming from people who know me and know the answer to the first and last name questions is no. The name Lawson is not mine but is from my family.
The above picture consists of 4 very important men in my life - 3 brothers and their father. From left to right they are my Dad, my Uncle Jimmy, my Grandfather, and my Uncle Owen. All four men have passed on but they continue to influence me every day.
Since 2013 I have been researching the history and roots of my family (both my Mom’s and my Dad’s). I love learning where we came from and moments of our past that have defined us today. My grandfather, Floyd, immigrated to the US from Nova Scotia in 1925 at the age of 18. He lived with his niece while he began to create a life for himself in his new country. Floyd eventually married a wonderful woman named Anna and over the years they had five sons (two who sadly died as babies).
My grandfather knew how to do it all. He was an electrician, a plumber, a mechanic, and one hell of a carpenter. He was a penny-pincher too so his learned skills could have also come from the desire to do things himself rather than pay someone (something I know all too well). But he was one of the finest in all these skills and people from all over called him when they needed something done and wanted it done right. My grandfather had a strong work ethic. He didn’t take charity. He believed in working hard every day and providing for his family.
Floyd passed on this work ethic to his sons. They worked extremely hard doing whatever it took to make sure their families had what they needed. My father worked two full-time jobs the majority of my childhood so that his six kids could have a decent education and take part in many after school activities. My Dad also inherited my grandfather’s technical skills. If anyone needed their car fixed, a light fixture changed, a new toilet installed, or a new addition/room built, they called my Dad. And my Dad would be there no matter what, regardless how tired he was from his two jobs, because that’s what people did for each other - my grandfather also passed that trait on to his sons.
People are what matter in life. And family is the most important thing. Whether that family is blood or extended (and my extended family is huge) nothing else takes priority. My family today definitely lives and breathes that belief. And the skills I have today with woodworking comes directly from my Dad and my grandfather. The picture above hangs in my workshop so I can see these 4 men daily and be reminded where I came from and where I am headed. And I every day I thank the man who took a chance at a new life and taught his family how to work hard to make it happen - Floyd Lawson Caldwell.
Read MoreWhen we display artwork in our homes we are letting people see into a piece of ourselves. We are showing what we find beautiful or moving. We are saying something about ourselves. The same goes for those cherished photographs of vacations, graduations, weddings, family, etc. We show our history when we put those photographs on the walls or on the mantles, which says something about us and where we came from. No ordinary frame that anyone and their mother can purchase should do for our own personal pieces of artwork or photographs.
You could go to a chain craft store and over pay for a machine made frame that lacks quality and being original. Or maybe you do go to a frame shop to get something unique but are completely shocked when you are given the quote and therefore head back over to the chain craft store where you will still over pay. OR, you get in touch with Lawson Woodworks.
All custom frames created by LW are done with the client and the artwork constantly in mind. The frame is meant to display the artwork or photograph, to bring the viewer over to get a closer look, but also to show that the piece inside the frame is special and important. When I am working with a client building and designing a custom frame I stay in touch with that client through email, texting, social media, etc to let him or her know where the process is and to get the client’s feedback to make sure we are both on the same page and moving in the right direction. The client doesn’t just mail me or drop off their artwork and then get it returned in a new frame (seeing it for the first time).
All custom frames are handmade with quality pine wood and then hand-painted and designed to complement the encased artwork or photograph. The completed frames are not only custom but they are personal; they are made for the client and their artwork making each frame one of a kind and unique to that client and their art.
I know that when people see the word custom applied to something handmade they usually think expensive. I get that. And I have seen some crazy quotes from frame shops that do over charge for their services. However, people are usually surprised by the quotes I give them for custom, personal frames. They usually refer to the quotes that they received from frame shops asking how is it possible?? The truth is that purchasing a custom frame is not as expensive as you might think if you go to the right person (hint-hint).
Contact me today to get a quote for a frame for your favorite piece of artwork or that cherished photograph. Check out some of my custom work for clients all over or visit the shop for frames (and other one of a kind goods) all ready for purchase.
Read MoreThis past September marked one year of embarking on this venture of Lawson Woodworks. And this past July after 14 wonderful years in New Orleans I picked up and moved to Gulfport, Mississippi. I was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA and although I have been drawing since I could first hold a crayon, my artistic life was ignited in NOLA. It was there that I truly started to explore painting and illustration (see my work at bradjcaldwellart.com), was a production designer for a major concert venue, a sign painter, became an actor, writer, director, and producer for live theater, and also a set designer, which directly relates to my current status - wood worker.
Now I am not a wood worker in the sense of sitting on the front porch and whittling ducks from blocks of pine. Nor am I transforming oak or mahogany into masterpieces of refined furniture that cost thousands. No, I make functional pieces meant to be used but also meant to be appreciated. I love the refined pieces and am in awe of the talent that goes into making them (same with the ducks), but it’s just not me.
My work - frames, small furniture, and memory boxes (or keepsake/jewelry/ash boxes) - is meant to be used. At the same time I want my work to be something decorative that will catch people’s eye and get them talking about it. Everything I learned and experienced as an artist in NOLA brought me here and is reflected in my work. My first space to do my set design was in my yard, and that yard and my back porch eventually became the starting place for Lawson Woodworks. My goal for 2018 was to find an actual studio space but then the subject of moving popped up and now here I am in Gulfport, Mississippi with a full blown workshop attached to my house.
I am very excited about this next chapter. I am hoping to push it all even further. I want to give a shout to all my family and friends who have supported me and cheered me on. And a big shout out to New Orleans - you are such a magical city. Thank you NOLA for getting my fire ignited.
Read MoreThere are so many faux finishes. Some are over-the-top and tacky, while others are beautiful and add much dimension. But one misconception about faux finishes is that they are difficult to accomplish. Like all things it takes practice and there are finishes more complicated than others, but with practice they can be achieved with success. Some simple faux finishes for the beginner are dry-brushing, stippling, and ragging. One of my favorite simple faux finishes is called frottage. Frottage is two colors that are layered on top of one another (usually the darker on the bottom). The top layer is pulled off exposing the bottom layer in pieces. It is a fast paced technique but simple to accomplish (and fun!).
The pictures above show my process when doing a frottage faux finish on frames. Before doing anything I choose a color that will complement but not overpower the art or photograph that will be encased in the frame. After that decision is made I black out the frame and tape out the areas in which I want to remain black (Or to be painted a different color).
One of the most important elements of frottage is the paint mixture. I combine flat (matte) paint with wallpaper paste. I eyeball the combination to my own satisfaction, but I would say it is close to 50/50 - a little also goes a long way. The wallpaper paste is crucial to creating the proper and final effect.
The paste dries slightly faster than the paint which helps create the final effect. Because of that it is important to have your materials at hand and to work quickly. It also can get messy so you should make sure surfaces like tables and floors are covered and protected. Painters gloves are a must.
I brush on the paint/paste mixture in sections. Then I use crumpled up sales ads and dab the paint. The dabbing action pulls away the mixture where the paste has begun to dry. I continue to dab until I am satisfied with the finish and blend into the unpainted areas. I repeat this whole process over the frame. I use the sales ads (ones you get in the newspaper) because the paper is usually better quality and the ink does not transfer to the frame (regular newspaper print tends to tear after a bit and the ink can bleed on to the piece).
After the frame has dried I carefully pull off the tape and then touch up the frame with black and with the left over paint/paste mixture. If I decide that the frottage finish is all I am doing with no additional design then it is time to hit it with several coats of water based poly to complete it. The poly not only protects the finish and the frame but it will also make the colors of the finish separate and pop.
I love this finish because it is quick and extremely effective. The result is always beautiful. Currently I use the frottage finish for frames but I have also painted entire rooms with it. Like with all painting techniques I recommend to beginners to practice and complete test pieces before applying it. Most importantly though is to have fun with it! Experiment! What color combinations would you use? What would you "frottage"?
Read MoreRecently I had the privilege to create a custom memory box for a client. It is always a privilege to create custom work, but what made this creation more special was that this memory box is being used to hold the ashes of a departed loved one. I am truly touched that something I made will be the resting place for someone who has passed on. Also this project gave me the opportunity to partner with a wonderful New Orleans glass artist for the inlay in the lid. I hope that opportunities like this one happen again.
Read MoreWondering how to keep up to date with Lawson Woodworks? It's easy. Follow us on either Facebook or Instagram! LW uses both of those social media sites to keep our followers current on what we're doing in the workshop. On either platform you will find images that inspire our work, new items being made and the process it takes, updates to our website,custom orders, and new items available on Etsy (you can follow us there too). Follow Lawson Woodworks today!
You love your artwork. You love those pictures of family, friends, and memories. So why would you put them in boring, chain store frames? Get yourself some original, one of kind frames from Lawson! We have many styles and colors. You can also order custom sizes and we'll work with you to get the design that best suits your style. Get in touch with us today or visit our Etsy Shop for frames available now!
Read MoreLawson Woodworks is on Etsy! You can now shop from selected finished pieces. Each piece of furniture is hand crafted and painted and accented with an original design created by LWW founder and NOLA artist Brad Caldwell. The color schemes of the furniture are inspired by the brightly painted and multi-colored New Orleans' homes. Our furniture is great for a child's room, dorm room, small spaces, for home decor, or to accentuate a quaint B&B.
Please visit Lawson Woodworks on Etsy!
Read MoreSofa tables are great additions to any living space. This piece is customized by size to fit the space between the side of the sofa and the wall perfectly. It also comes with two charging stations that accommodates 6 USB chargers and 2, 3-prong plugs (great for laptops). Another great aspect of sofa tables is the additional storage space; this one with the two cabinets (middle and end sections). How would your ideal sofa table be customized?
Read MoreHello and welcome to Lawson Woodworks. I am very excited for this new beginning in my life where I can help bring others some joy through my furniture and designs. Carpentry is in my blood and many family members before me were masters at this trade, including my father and my grandfather (who is the namesake of Lawson Woodworks).
LW is located in New Orleans. For over 13 years I have been involved with carpentry and wood working, mostly in the set design field for local theater companies. Around 2011, I began to make my own furniture to fit the odd spaces that many of us in NOLA are familiar with in our homes. Occasionally I would make something for a family member or friend. This work has become my passion. And now I am ready to go even further.
Look through the galleries and enjoy! Soon my work will be available at several local art markets. But for now please message me through the Contact section of this site to inquire about ordering your own custom piece or to check in on what is currently available.
Thanks for visiting and come back often!
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