Monday, January 25, 2010

Chess

This is just a little post to show off my dad's amazing prowess with a table saw and my formidable powers of assistantship. When John and I were up in Missouri in the fall, I was going to use some of my dad's power tools to make a very rough imitation of a chess set. Well, when Dad began helping me, amazing things started to happen, as you'll see. It was a great way to while away a fall afternoon and the net result was that I had this cool chess set handmade from a combination of Texas post oak, Missouri pen oak, and pine. We're now taking orders for $1,400 a set. Shipping included.



I call this group my "old-fashion woodland pagan team." I picture the bishops with full, leaf-strewn beards and the knights as badgers. The king, of course, has a broad chest and a wooden crown. The queen has wide hips.


Here's the more staid "Christian" team. The knights are horses, the pawns are upright, and the bishops are clean-shaven. The queen is a little more slim and the king is, as per tradition, wearing a cross for a crown.


Now if I can just get someone to play chess with me. Ryan, you want to come down for a visit?

5 comments:

  1. Wow! What a beautiful creation!! I'm so impressed!

    Janelle

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow, we finally get to see the chess set you two created. Very nice work! If it were me, those little pieces would be blood-spattered from such close work with a table saw, but that's why you have a pro do it :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Awesome - I have to admit I had my doubts but it turned out beautifully. Just goes to show you can do anything you put your mind to!

    Mom

    ReplyDelete
  4. Well now, My Dad would say "who'd a thunk a Missouri Miss could do somethin' like that?"
    He'd be smiling for sure, as am I :)

    ReplyDelete