Build

Another prototype?!?!

Let's have a beer and talk about how you are making things better in our community with the contribution, and more importantly, why..

Pictures and sketches are a great place to start; but plan on some hot air sessions (translate: meetings and discussions).  Our design starts with function; appearance will be the pleasing rendering of what you want; and the design is completed with meaning.

The kitchen table design used in this example started with an image from Pinterest.  Over coffee, considerations like size, as put in the context of room dimensions and the tall people in this family, were addressed.  To better picture the table in the house, a cardboard sheet on the dining room floor provided a table footprint to test chair placement and family traffic for a functional size. 

Appearance is style and what is pleasing to your eye, and the Pinterest picture went a long ways for establishing that for this commission.  

And, finally meaning: I like the more millennial attitude that it is about the story embedded in what is purchased.  Don't buy brand name; buy what is meaningful.  Meaningful can include a minds eye video of where it was built and the critter who built it; or where the materials came from; and certainly where the charitable contribution goes to make your community better.

Because your project is unique, we will be building a prototype.  Your participation will not disappear in the build phase that may include 'awshits' and the unanticipated.  Expect a call or two, and if you don't get one, feel free to initiate contact to check up on things. 

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The Pinterest image used to start this design displays a table with 4 legs and an apron around the perimeter for structure and stability.  But, we wanted more utility; so drawers were added to the project for storing utensils and placemats.  Structure and stability were addressed with a center 'apron' strip, and metal bands on the outside apron.  And then, 'awshit', a table top of wood slabs with gaps between them would leak liquid into the drawers after spills.  We added cutting boards over the drawers on each side for spill protection, and the ability to sit a the kitchen table and prepare dinner together.

If it all works - great!; if not, bummer/heavy sigh; and all is not lost as the end product is guaranteed.  If you don't get what you wanted or needed, I will repair, re-do, or refund.  The final product will never go to waste; it'll stoke the woodburning stove - at worst, or someone else will take a shine to it, or I can work some magic on it to a point of an exceptional commission. 

This is almost as good as Christmas (or Hanukah, or Kwanza, or Festivus...)  The meaning, or story, behind your commission gets carved in stone with this contribution and stated intention.  I really enjoy sharing this moment with you.  Thank you for your action and caring.

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This kitchen table is a gathering place for family and friends.  Mom sees it as a potential heirloom.  Family and friends are asked, at some memorable events, to sign and date the underside of the table, tying it to events and adding the story. 

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Ovarian cancer took the  parent of Dad,  The commission price went to KU Endowment to support clinical operations/ovarian patients in need; a tangible effort in the fight to end that disease.