Dave McGeehan
12-15-2009, 2:31 PM
I recently made a tambour for a woman who makes French lace by hand. The drum-shaped tambor lies sideways across her lap to support the bobbins and lace as she braids it.
My job was to replicate a particular 250 year old tambour featured in a French museum. The photo size of the tambour was 3" in diameter and only a half-view of the carving. She requested the finished ends equal 11" in diameter and carved in the style of that era. She also asked that one end contain a door worked into the design to store the lace as it is braided.
I used local cherry, finishing it with Watco Danish oil. Within 6 months its color will deepen naturally. It now goes to an upholsterer for the cushioning material and leather covering.
My job was to replicate a particular 250 year old tambour featured in a French museum. The photo size of the tambour was 3" in diameter and only a half-view of the carving. She requested the finished ends equal 11" in diameter and carved in the style of that era. She also asked that one end contain a door worked into the design to store the lace as it is braided.
I used local cherry, finishing it with Watco Danish oil. Within 6 months its color will deepen naturally. It now goes to an upholsterer for the cushioning material and leather covering.