Between the Shores | Driftwood Home Furnishings » Driftwood Art http://www.betweentheshores.com Beached wood and surf spirit furniture Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:42:44 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.4 What to Do With Driftwood Before You Craft With It http://www.betweentheshores.com/driftwood-art/what-to-do-with-driftwood-before-you-craft-with-it/ http://www.betweentheshores.com/driftwood-art/what-to-do-with-driftwood-before-you-craft-with-it/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:40:10 +0000 admin http://www.betweentheshores.com/?p=133 I get a lot of questions about what makes for good driftwood, and what should be done to prepare it before turning it into a mirror, coatrack or art frame. So here is my quick guide for those that are curious. When scoping out a piece of driftwood, look for the following. If it has soft spots, it is not going to provide any support or strength to what you are trying to make so skip it. If there are any glaring defects that seem insurmountable, again I say skip it unless the section with a big crack or injury can be isolated and removed completely.

As for what steps you should take before you start your work on crafting the driftwood, there are multiple different methods that include boiling, heating and chemically disinfecting. These of course take place after you have doen your visual inspection and wiped off stuff like sand, dirt and debris. All of the cleaning procedures have their downside in my opinion, boiling can negatively impact the wood itself (remember that old commercial- water on wood ah ah no good), heating can actually lead to burning, and chemical is well chemically and not an organic process. Plus, boiling and chemically treating require that you place the driftwood into a container, and this is impractical with bigger pieces.

Still, it needs to be done in order to eliminate molds, parasites and fungi that may or may not be visible. I will leave the choice to you to determine which of them is the best of the bunch.

]]> http://www.betweentheshores.com/driftwood-art/what-to-do-with-driftwood-before-you-craft-with-it/feed/ 0 The Visionary Work of a Driftwood Art Master http://www.betweentheshores.com/driftwood-art/the-visionary-work-of-a-driftwood-art-master/ http://www.betweentheshores.com/driftwood-art/the-visionary-work-of-a-driftwood-art-master/#comments Sat, 13 Aug 2011 14:53:48 +0000 admin http://www.betweentheshores.com/?p=115 If you have an interest in driftwood art, and have not heard of Paul Baliker, you are in for a real treat. Mr. Baliker has been making wooden sculptures for the last thirty-five years and currently resides in Palm Coast, Florida. Regarding his work he has been quoted as saying “A passion for nature has inspired me to create a body of work that is environmental in pith. I endeavor to capture a moment in wood or bronze that expresses potential for a symbiotic relationship with nature.”

While I personally am captivated by his seahorse chairs and benches, mainly because the seahorse is my favourite sea creature, he is quite possibly best known for his award winning sculpture titled A Matter of Time. It is a wood sculpture that is thirteen feet in diameter, and a depiction of man’s position in nature. I find myself lacking the words to describe his talent, but can at the very least prompt you to learn more about this artist if you would like to see what can be done with this medium.

I find him to be an inspiration, and can only aspire to craft with such emotion and spirit. Check his work out, I know you will be glad you did.

]]> http://www.betweentheshores.com/driftwood-art/the-visionary-work-of-a-driftwood-art-master/feed/ 0 The Time Has Come to Expand the Workspace and Storage http://www.betweentheshores.com/driftwood-furniture/the-time-has-come-to-expand-the-workspace-and-storage/ http://www.betweentheshores.com/driftwood-furniture/the-time-has-come-to-expand-the-workspace-and-storage/#comments Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:10:29 +0000 admin http://www.betweentheshores.com/?p=105 I think that it would have been nice to have picked up a hobby that takes up less space. Instead, I collect the driftwood, store it for an unidentifiable time till I craft it into art or furniture, and then quite often I need to house the finished product till I find a buyer for it. Perhaps if I had known how much square footage I would have to devote to driftwood projects I would have taken up watercolour.

It has come to the point where I am faced with making a decision. Either I cut back on my craftwork, or I purchase something to house my pieces inside. This has been a longtime coming, and in reality I have gotten by for longer than many would have expected. This is where I should probably take a moment to mention how my spouse is an extremely understanding person, and without her patience and understanding I could never have gotten this far with my pursuits…. Thanks L.

Anyway, I must admit I have been dodging this for way too long, and the time to make a change is here. I only hope it can be done in a manner that I find harmonious with the surrounding environment, and one that is inviting so I will want to enter the structure to get creative, or store my beloved designs. Wish me luck, today is the day I take the plunge.

]]> http://www.betweentheshores.com/driftwood-furniture/the-time-has-come-to-expand-the-workspace-and-storage/feed/ 0 The Call to Work with Driftwood and Create Art http://www.betweentheshores.com/driftwood-art/the-call-to-work-with-driftwood-and-create-art/ http://www.betweentheshores.com/driftwood-art/the-call-to-work-with-driftwood-and-create-art/#comments Tue, 01 Mar 2011 15:15:00 +0000 admin http://www.betweentheshores.com/?p=91 Ever wonder how people end up with the hobbies that they do, well I know I have done a lot of this especially since taking up driftwood art. I have encountered the most varied of individuals who share my passion for art made of driftwood. There simply are no boundaries when it comes to this medium because the material is absolutely free, and waiting to be transformed on long stretches of beaches and riverbanks.

Whereas with virtually every other material used by artists, aside from sea shells, there is a monetary aspect imposed on all who work with it. Whether it be paint and canvas, clay and glass, or just good old pen and paper, there is a cost associated with the craft.

I find this to be a very interesting topic and as such very much enjoy meeting other fellow driftwoodians. For, one way or another each of us was drawn to the beauty and quirks of driftwood, and that is simply fascinating to hear about.

]]> http://www.betweentheshores.com/driftwood-art/the-call-to-work-with-driftwood-and-create-art/feed/ 0 The Very Desirable Driftwood Blackboard http://www.betweentheshores.com/driftwood-furniture/the-very-desirable-driftwood-blackboard/ http://www.betweentheshores.com/driftwood-furniture/the-very-desirable-driftwood-blackboard/#comments Tue, 15 Feb 2011 14:14:21 +0000 admin http://www.betweentheshores.com/?p=88 While enjoying cocktails at a beachside restaurant I looked up to see the most charming blackboard. It was of course partially constructed of driftwood. Nice bulky strips of driftwood were arranged to make up the frame of the board, but still light enough as to not make it impossible to hang on the wall. I will not give any further detail, or instruction on how to construct a driftwood blackboard because it is an obvious task.

However, I will let you know that I started to make my own version the very next day as a gift for my little sister who is enjoying her first year at university. Normally the stuff I make out of driftwood is not quite her speed, but I feel confident that this will be something she gives her seal of approval too. Plus, it is actually both useful and beautiful. Maybe her friends will like them, and she can start her own little business making them for the other students. Just a thought.

]]> http://www.betweentheshores.com/driftwood-furniture/the-very-desirable-driftwood-blackboard/feed/ 0 How to Collect the Driftwood for Your Art http://www.betweentheshores.com/driftwood-art/how-to-collect-the-driftwood-for-your-art/ http://www.betweentheshores.com/driftwood-art/how-to-collect-the-driftwood-for-your-art/#comments Sat, 29 Jan 2011 12:40:51 +0000 admin http://www.betweentheshores.com/?p=84 So you are interested in making something from driftwood, but are still at the very beginning stage. In fact, you do not even have any driftwood to work with yet. No worries, here is how you go about it. You will want to plan a trip to a beach, or lake, any season can provide fruitful, you just have to be committed to the process. Some of the best times to go are after a good storm, or once high tide has passed. Wear clothes that you do not mind getting messy, and consider taking along gloves too, because you might need to sift through some other stuff that has washed up on shore to get to the wood. But if you have a stroke of luck, and have one of those spectacular moments when you just happen upon a lone piece sunning itself on the shore then savour it. It really can feel like finding a bottle with a note in it, or buried treasure.

]]> http://www.betweentheshores.com/driftwood-art/how-to-collect-the-driftwood-for-your-art/feed/ 0 This Year’s Driftwood Christmas Gifts http://www.betweentheshores.com/driftwood-furniture/this-year%e2%80%99s-driftwood-christmas-gifts/ http://www.betweentheshores.com/driftwood-furniture/this-year%e2%80%99s-driftwood-christmas-gifts/#comments Thu, 16 Dec 2010 17:23:20 +0000 admin http://www.betweentheshores.com/?p=71 As Christmas gifts this year I made hat racks from what else, but of course driftwood. I rifled through my mighty collection of driftwood pieces and merely sanded and lacquered them, in the hope that they would work in the different styled homes of the recipients in their simplest form. None were very large, or bulky, but still substantial enough to hold several hats well. Upon completion, I had done six of these pieces, and looked forward to watching the faces of those friends and family as they opened the wrapping. I did avoid giving anyone who has previously been given a driftwood article before yet another this year. I understand it is an acquired taste for some, and that my enthusiasm for this work is best shared in small doses.

]]> http://www.betweentheshores.com/driftwood-furniture/this-year%e2%80%99s-driftwood-christmas-gifts/feed/ 0 Let Your Driftwood Creations Evolve Over Time http://www.betweentheshores.com/driftwood-art/let-your-driftwood-creations-evolve-over-time/ http://www.betweentheshores.com/driftwood-art/let-your-driftwood-creations-evolve-over-time/#comments Mon, 06 Dec 2010 07:00:31 +0000 admin http://www.betweentheshores.com/?p=65 I imagine for many people who are interested in making art or furniture from driftwood they must first consider if they will need to make an investment in various tools. This is not necessarily the case. In fact, I would not recommend that those just getting started buy anything, instead just look into a decent tool hire.

You should test the waters, and see what you like most to do with driftwood. You may find that you prefer making large benches, or you like intricate mini sculptures. Obviously, you will not work with the same instruments in those instances, and to race out and buy anything might be a mistake.

Only spending time, working with the driftwood, and getting to know your preferences will get you to the place where you should consider buying expensive machinery. For, there are so many delightful things to make from the wood you find washed up on shore you will probably start with one thing and evolve into another. So, please do not see the cost of tools as a deterrent, it should not be.

]]> http://www.betweentheshores.com/driftwood-art/let-your-driftwood-creations-evolve-over-time/feed/ 0 Finding Driftwood Furniture on Display in Unexpected Places http://www.betweentheshores.com/driftwood-furniture/finding-driftwood-furniture-on-display-in-unexpected-places/ http://www.betweentheshores.com/driftwood-furniture/finding-driftwood-furniture-on-display-in-unexpected-places/#comments Wed, 17 Nov 2010 11:59:43 +0000 admin http://www.betweentheshores.com/?p=55 While attending a sweet potato festival in Portugal last weekend, I happened upon some very talented driftwood artists. I was surprised to find them exhibiting at this event, but nonetheless was pleased with my luck. As is often the way, I was enchanted most by the furniture, but what really got my attention was that the prices were sky high.

For a country that is on the verge of more economic woes, I was flabbergasted that there was a client base willing to spend hundreds of euros on a lacquered driftwood bench. For the consumer, this is not the best of news, but as a fellow artist, this made me smile. For, the product is a unique item, and in my humble opinion, can sometimes be the most beautiful piece in a whole house. I might add that there were other things I truly enjoyed at the fest also, like the free samples of regional wines, and an abundance of pastries all made of sweet potato. Good times indeed.

]]> http://www.betweentheshores.com/driftwood-furniture/finding-driftwood-furniture-on-display-in-unexpected-places/feed/ 0 The Use of Antique Tools in the Creation of Driftwood Art http://www.betweentheshores.com/driftwood-art/the-use-of-antique-tools-in-the-creation-of-driftwood-art/ http://www.betweentheshores.com/driftwood-art/the-use-of-antique-tools-in-the-creation-of-driftwood-art/#comments Sun, 07 Nov 2010 19:28:33 +0000 admin http://www.betweentheshores.com/?p=49 Some of the recent driftwood art that I have been working on has led me to make use of a business directory. For, the more intricate the work I do on some of the driftwood pieces, the larger my tool collection grows. I have found in many situations that I prefer to work with antique tools, but not just any tools, very specific ones. This has made the process of obtaining the instruments of choice more difficult than I once imagined. To be frank, the tools are also a bit more pricey than I had hoped too.

Thus, I have come to rely upon the info provided in a decent business directory for Sheffield to search out those shops that may possess the items I seek. I am compiling quite the lengthy list of antique stores, and will eventually put them on this site for all to make use of should there be an interest. In addition, I intend on taking some photos of the tools, because some of them are quite beautiful in their utilitarian way. I have set the goal of next February to have both the pictures and business info available online.

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