Kenney Mantle Ornaments
This set is all done, and should be on its way to @mekwoodworks in the next little while.
At the risk of sounding overly worshipful, I'd say this set is kind of an homage to Matt and what I've learned from listening to his ideas on Shop Talk Live and from following him here on Instagram. When I first started designing a piece for him, I knew I wanted to start with a soft colored, beautiful wood. Something subtly pinkish. Red fir was the solution, and I milled it rift sawn so I would have tight, straight grain on all four sides. I put a rabbet on every edge to make the pieces float off the table and because I like how the intersection at the corners looks. The set is quite small, maxing at 6", and I think the proportions on the smallest piece make it the most perfect thing I have ever created.
I also decided to leave the wood unfinished, after the Japanese tradition. I think it gives the piece a softness and humility that tones down the rigid geometric form. After all, it's just fire wood. I also like the idea that if the piece is beautiful and inviting enough, it will earn its finish from the hands of people who want to pick it up and touch it.
I put a ridiculous amount of thought into these simple-looking rectangles. And now, it's time to release them.
