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The Editors Mailbox

The hobbit cupboard completed

Michael Pekovich, art director

20 users recommend

I had a lot of fun with the design of this cabinet, but I'd like to think that it is still true to it's Arts and Crafts roots.

A detail of the fantastic ironwork that blacksmith Sam Salvati created for the cabinet. The leaf pull was a nice surprise.

Here's the rough sketch which was all that Sam had to go on.

This door in a small German town inspired me to incorporate ironwork into my furniture.

Here are some basic dimensions for the folks who requested them. By the way, if you're making the shelf for a specific set of books, be sure to measure them first and size the shelf accordingly.

I had a lot of fun with the design of this cabinet, but I'd like to think that it is still true to it's Arts and Crafts roots.

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The hardware on this cabinet was the perfect excuse to team up with a young, talented blacksmith I had met while teaching at Peters Valley Craft Center. On a trip to Europe a couple of summers ago, I had come across a door on a building in a small German town with crazy wrought iron work on it. Ever since then, I'd wanted to try and incorporate something of the sort into my work. When I met Sam Salvati, I knew I had found the right partner. 

I sent Sam a picture of the cabinet in progress along with a chicken-scratch drawing of an idea for hinges and a request for something "hobbit-like". Not only did Sam come through with some great hinges, he he also worked up an incredible leaf pull which finishes the piece nicely. Thanks again Sam!

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Reflection and Response Following December 14, 2012

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Bandsawn Dovetails: Tails AND Pins

Comments (12)

jdmaher writes: Thanks for the dimensions sketch, Mike!
Posted: 12:57 pm on January 3rd

MPekovich writes: Congratulations Jim! I've added a sketch of the basic dimensions. Good luck, MIke
Posted: 8:47 pm on January 2nd

jdmaher writes: Elinor was born this morning about 1 a.m.! (Good size, mom and baby well, and only a few days late.)

So, now I'm committed to this project.

Mike, any dimensions you could provide would be greatly appreciated. I'll be happy to send you my Sketchup drawings (though I'm sure FWW staff could do much better).

Elinor's name is a variant (spelling) of Elanor, the first daughter of Sam Gamgee. Elanor is the name of a flower from Lothlorien (an Elvish woods). Our daughter is named Lorien (in honor of that forest), and the spelling of our grand-daughter's name is an anagram of her mother's.

I e-mailed Sam to inquire about the hardware. If you could provide rough dimensions, I can start drawiig and looking for some "special" wood.

Thanks again for a wonderful design and your help.

Jim Maher
Posted: 12:57 pm on January 2nd

B_Wolf writes: Fabulous piece... are there any dimensional drawings available?

Bob
Posted: 9:48 am on December 24th

oldbeachbum writes: Inspiring and tastefully understated.

You and the 'smithy' make a nice team.

It opens the imagination to other possibilities for themed rooms for children or small reading alcoves, such as an inglenook or possibly a small wet bar area off a family or game room,


Posted: 7:46 pm on December 23rd

Fiveoaks writes: what a nice piece! The hardware is great. I just may have to hook up with the blacksmiths here in LaPorte county. We have number of them along with very nice working blacksmith shop at our county fair grounds.
Posted: 2:40 pm on December 23rd

MPekovich writes: JIm, Good luck on your impending arrival. Sam's email address is samsalvati@hotmail.com. I'll take some measurements tonight and get back to you. Mike
Posted: 4:41 pm on December 20th

jdmaher writes: Mike,

Anyday now, our first grandchild will be born. If its a girl (we don't know yet), her name - like her mother's - will have been inspired by Tolkien.

So, there's a good chance I'll HAVE to make one of these.

Care to share a few more details? Rough overall size? 5/4 stock? Contact info for your hobbit blacksmith?


Jim Maher
Posted: 8:18 pm on December 19th

gparas writes: Very cool, Mike.
Posted: 11:04 am on December 19th

MPekovich writes: Yes, the project actually started with the door panel. It was really just a practice board because I had been wanting to try my hand at a medival-style carving. There are some more pictures of the panel in a previous post: http://www.finewoodworking.com/item/58100/the-birth-of-a-hobbit-cupboard

Mike
Posted: 10:16 am on December 18th

retired08 writes: Did you carve the grille work in the door? How thick was the piece when you started? Pretty cool!

Posted: 11:49 pm on December 17th

cahudson42 writes: Hey Mike,

When do we see the video workshop on this?

Chris
Posted: 9:23 pm on December 17th

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