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Shawn Pixley

  1. Next thing next

    After deciding the top structure will echo the bottom structure, there is a question of proportion. To hold my guitars, this would have to be a big piece - Roughly 4' wide x 2' deep x 7' tall. The question then becomes, "how do I ensure that the right proportions occur?" My answer for this piece is that all the dimensions of individual members would be 2/3 that of the base. That is then added to the concepts of squares that are foundational to the design. The cabinet base drawer unit is ...
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  2. Finding the logical conclusion

    When designing something, there are two common challenges that most of us face. In the process of design, the sweet spot is somewhere around taking the central idea to its logical conclusion. The challenge is that this point is somewhere between under-designing the project and over-thinking / over designing the piece. Under-designing is typically better than over-designing. So let's take a look at over-designing first. This is of course this is a matter of individual taste. I'll use Rococo pieces ...
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  3. Choice is torment

    Agonizing over the best way to do something is not my best attribute. After finishing the drawer carcass, I had to decide on the intermediate top treatment. when designing the piece, I drew it as being walnut with a thin, tapered edge. while working on the carcass I had started to wonder whether the walnut upper cabinet corners (mimicking legs) would be set off better from the top if the top was maple, trimmed in walnut.

    IMG_0628.jpg

    After talking with ...
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  4. Refinement, the dilemma

    When I am constructing a project I look for elements of refinement along the way. This can be a good thing or bad thing depending upon what is discovered. LOML is an artist / silversmith, so I ask for her opinion along the way. I don't always take it but it allows me a sounding board to consider a design. For the base, I had a very clear idea of what I wanted to accomplish. When it came to the box (carcass) I also knew the fundamental idea, but augmentation raised an ugly question, "how did ...
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  5. Progress on the cabinet, or how I learned to stop worrying and love the process

    I started my blog on the aspects of design and the creative process. Here is a recap of what and why I am doing this:
    "There was a spirited discussion in the design forum around using sketchup vs drawing by hand. I am a proponent of designing by hand, so if something else works for you, do it. First, I should explain that I never use anyone else's plans unless I am taking a class. I am not trying to espouse that you should design this way or that this way is the best, but merely that this
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