Greene And Greene Inspired Open Back Bookcase
This bookcase was made to order. The client specified a 3 shelf open-backed bookcase capable of holding coffee table books on the lower shelf and regular hard bound books on the middle shelf. Paul produced an Arts & Crafts inspired bookcase with through tenon joinery. Each tenon is held in place by a 7 degree ebony wedge. This required a special jig to rout the 7 degree hole in each wedge. The style is also influenced by the Greene brothers. The cloud-lift pattern so often found on Greene and Greene architecture and furniture is evident on the sides and kick plates. The finish is Rockler gel stain that is identical to ammonia fuming. Several coats of Tried & True polymerized linseed oil varnish complete the finish. The Tried & True finish is wiped on, allowed to stand for one hour, and then the excess is wiped off. After 24 hours, the finish is rubbed with Liberon 0000 steel wool. The process was repeated four times to build a deep lustrous finish.
Long-time member
A Maker who has been a valued part of this community for several years.
Fast shipper
Customers say that this Maker ships promptly after completing a project.
Great service
This Maker has consistently demonstrated excellence in craftsmanship and customer service.
Paul Norman has two interrelated businesses. Forbidden Fruit Guitars refers to his lutherie (guitar making) business. Forbidden Fruit Designs includes all furniture and crafts that are not guitars.
- MW
M. Wheeler
For Front Porch Rebuild5.0I hired Paul Norman of SherpaDog Renovations to rebuild a large enclosed front porch which had been destroyed by carpenter ants! I was pleased by the variety of cost effective redesign options Paul offered. In the end I chose to add some ornament to my Victorian home. He replaced the exterior plain shingles with scalloped ones, designed a diamond pattern (instead of the common basket weave) for the exterior skirt of the porch, added wainscoting under the interior windows, built a beautiful wooden ceiling and installed casement windows. I was thrilled with the results. Paul's attention to detail and fine carpentry skills resulted in a porch much admired by my neighbors and friends. I recommend him to anyone looking for a reliable, conscientious and creative carpenter. I would definitely hire him again.
- RF
Richard Frank
For Wooden Cover for residential holding tank5.0Very good. No problems, builder took time to ask questions and provide suggested design elements.
Maker Policies
Discover true craftsmanship each week
A guide to the best items from the best makers and the stories behind them.