


This Custom Designed Dining Chair is built from purpleheart wood reclaimed from benches at the Capitol Building in Madison, WI, as well as cherry and birdseye maple and features walnut plugs at the main mortise and tenon joinery. The piece is finished in multiple layers of wipe on oil polyurethane to bring out the figure of the wood and provide excellent protection. It was then rubbed out with paste wax to give it a silky smooth finish. Please check out my web site for more photos of this piece. If you are interested in this piece or something like it, feel free to contact me, and I would be happy to give you a price quote and discuss the many options available.
Rugged Cross Fine Art Woodworking Llc
My name is Aaron Maes. I'm an artist, designer and master furniture maker. My work is known for its quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
My formal training is in studio art. I like to draw and paint, but in school I quickly gravitated to sculpture in wood and metal.
The physical process, the immediate feedback and the noise and smells and dust-the overall experience really engaged me creatively. The transition to furniture making was a natural one. I have always appreciated the art of finely crafted furniture, the beauty of the wood itself and the design challenges involved. It also lends itself well to my perfectionist nature as I strive to create art in a functional and beautiful piece.
My work is based on my love for the craft. I especially appreciate the design of the Arts and Crafts Movement and the simple lines of Shaker furniture, but I also thrive on the challenge to create a beautiful and well engineered piece that compliments an existing space or existing furniture.
Aaron and his son just left after delivering out bedroom set. We are THRILLED!! The pieces are gorgeous and extremely well made - they will last more than a lifetime. Aaron has been a pleasure to work with as we worked through details of the design, dimensions, hardware options, etc. He has always been extremely responsive to messages and has regularly kept us posted on the progress. This has been a particularly challenging year for him and his family, which led to a delay in delivery (hence the lower rating on "timeliness"), but the pieces were really worth waiting for. If we have other furniture needs, we will definitely contact Aaron.
Aaron did a great job making a custom mantle clock for me. His drawings in the bid were just like the final project. He was a pleasure to work with. I wish we had more custom wooden things we needed!
Aaron is a professional craftsman. His professionalism comes out in his communication throughout the process. His accessibility, responsiveness, openness and honesty all blend effortlessly to make a sizable online purchase like this a truly fantastic experience. His craftsmanship is incredible. I wanted a special desk, worthy of being "showcased" just off the entry way of our home. I have purchased custom pieces before; I had high expectations. Aaron surpassed them all. On time, on budget and delivering amazing quality.
Very communicative. Wonderful work. Would hire again.
Just thrilled. This was a different sort of project - an unconventional piece of furniture (a standing desk, set up for computer access) in a mission/arts and crafts style. Aaron put in a ton of time at the front end to ensure that the design was exactly right. Tremendous attention to detail, and beautiful craftsmanship. Delivery coincided with the 2012 Fine Furnishings show, at which it was featured and highly complimented. Aaron was a pleasure to work. Thanks again.