Cherry Stool

I was very keen to try something new. I had built a couple of tables but wanted to try something more complex and challenging. I thought that a stool would be just the thing. I choose to do curved legs because it is a new challenge having to create important structural pieces that don’t have strict dimensions, only made by the way you sculpt them.  

I started by milling up a board of cherry and glueing together two pieces that would later become the circular top to the stool. I then created a pattern for the legs. I sketched out a few different designs before finally settling on the one that I liked and would draw out on a large piece of MDF wood. I cut and sanded the piece to use as the template for the legs. I traced the template onto a piece of cherry wood then used the bandsaw to cut the pieces. Once I had the rough legs cut, I moved onto creating the circular top for the stool. Then it was onto making mortise and tenon for the top of the legs by using the wood mallet and chisel to cut out three square holes in the stool top.

The next step was to shape the legs and then sand them smooth. I did this process completely by hand in order to give me more creative control. Attaching the legs to the seat base required me to make a cut along with the tenon and then placing it into the mortise with a wedge and wood glue. Finishing required me to fill in small gaps with filler and then lots and lots of sanding. Creating a final smooth finish was essential. A purchased Walrus Oil from a company that produces all-natural products. The “furniture butter” works as a sealant with a tougher, more durable finish, than a regular oil finish. 

I am incredibly proud of this piece. It was a big challenge and it turned out very nicely. While it definitely took longer to make, the process was extremely satisfying. I feel inspired to make more furniture pieces of this nature, particularly ones with unique shapes. This piece helped to build my confidence toward believing in myself as a builder as I didn’t compromise on my vision.