Monday, May 12, 2025

New Finishing Resource, Clever Cheap Scriber, Tool Hospital & More!

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New Finishing Resource, Clever & Cheap Scriber, Tool Hospital & More!

A quick look at all the stuff Lost Art Press published during the last seven days.

With a relatively quiet week ahead of us, the ability to walk for an hour without crutches and crippling pain and, perhaps most imporant, access to my bench because there's no class going on, I get to start making a bunch of "smalls."

Chris, Kale and I are all contributing to what will likely be our next pocketbook – a collection of great-looking but simple projects perfect for a few hours of shop time and for using up all those scraps that are too large to thrown out, but too small to use in a tool chest, chair and the like. In other words, "smalls."

My first contribution? A cherry spoon rack, based on an antiwue Welsh example.

– Fitz

Lost Art Press Blog

Check Out 'Finished: The Art and Science of Wooden Surfaces'

Sydney-based furniture restorer Shane Orion Wiechnik and carpenter, freelance filmmaker and teacher Liz Duck-Chong have recently launched YouTube channel "Finished" – it is well worth watching.

For Sale: Comb-back Stick Chair in Red Elm & Oak
Chris has for sale his latest Welsh (Kentucky) stick chair, this one set up for lounging and wearing a cute pair of socks. It's quite hygge/gezellig/cozy.

The Caretakers of The Tool Cabinet and Workbench of Henry O. Studley

Read about those who preserved the now-iconic Studley tool cabinet in this excerpt from "Virtuoso: The Tool Cabinet and Workbench of Henry O. Studley."

Now Shipping 'Build a Chair from Bulls%$t'

Christopher Schwarz's latest book shows you how to use home-center materials and tools to build a handsome and sturdy chair. It's also the latest book in our pocket book series. (Note: The patches are gone.)

Mind Upon Mind: Leveling Legs

Here's a clever tool for scribing, made from inexpensive items that you likely already have in your tool chest.

A John Brown Harpsichord for Sale

John Brown, while best-known as a chairmaker and author of "Welsh Stick Chairs," was also (among other things) a boatbuilder, fine art painter and maker of musical instruments. One of JB's sons is now ready to part with a harpsichord made by his father.

The American Peasant Substack

A Hard Way to Make Some 'Bulls%$t'

Discover the reasoning behind "Build a Chair from Bulls%$t," Chris's first book with no photpgraphs – more work, but worth it.

(Free for everyone)

Earlywood: Two Wests Inside Me
"Easy trials" – and a combination of family DNA – get Chris our of trouble and back to work.

(Free for everyone)

Wanna Join a Religion?

A church in the trees leads us to a church of the trees (and the only place where Chris wants to be buried – if not for several decades).

(For paid subscribers, with a free preview)

'Bulls%$t' Poster for Paid Subscribers

As a paid subscriber of "American Peasant," you can download a hi-res version of the "Build a Chair from Bulls%$t" end sheets that depict Rumpke Mountain. This hi-res image, drawn by Keith Mitchell, is suitable for printing at poster size.

The Anarchist's Apprentice Substack

Another Episode of 'Tool Hospital'

Learn how to keep your tools in working order (aka: what Chris, Megan and Kale have to do before every class…because we're too tired at the end of every class).

(Free for everyone)

Never Sponsored Substack

Mesto Waterstone Mister

This pressurized plant mister is (thus far) blessedly free of the dribbles – a common problem with the home center misters we used to use for lubing up our waterstones.

(Free for everyone)

On Instagram This Week

Another chair class (two, actually) have come and gone on our IG this week (Chris was teaching in Covington, and Kale was studenting in Tennessee).

Visit Lost Art Press

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Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Now Shipping! 'Build a Chair from Bulls%$t'

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Now Shipping:
'Build a Chair from Bulls%$t'

Signed by the author, Christopher Schwarz.
The first 500 customers get a free merit badge.

The latest book from Lost Art Press shows you how to build a comfortable and sturdy chair using only materials and tools from the home center. No jigs. No specialty tools. Literally anyone can do it.

If that's all you need to know, you can buy the book in our store here. It's $21 and is made in the USA. (Or buy a complete set of our pocket-sized books – including this one – at a special price here.)

Still unsure? Here's how we did it. The chair's legs are made from hickory tool handles. The spindles are 5/8" dowels. The arm is plywood and the seat and backrest are construction pine. Most of the cutting is done with a jigsaw or small tabletop band saw. All the mortises are made with a drill and home-center bits.

What about all the compound angles? Isn't that difficult? Nope. We developed a way to drill all the mortises for the sticks with ease. You just clamp the arm and seat together like a sandwich and drill the mortises according to the patterns. (You can download free full-size patterns for the chair via this link.)

"Build a Chair from Bulls%$t" is short – just 112 pages, written by Christopher Schwarz and fully illustrated by Keith Mitchell. You can read the book in just a few hours.

If you are intimidated by chairmaking, the materials or the tools, "Build a Chair from Bulls%$t" will remove any doubts, fears or excuses. And what if you can't afford the $21 to buy the book? No problem. You can download the entire book for free here. (Don't worry. You won't have to register or give up your email. Just click and the book will download to your device.)

The physical book is nicely printed in the USA and is worth owning. "Build a Chair from Bulls%$t" is one of our "pocket books" – inexpensive but well-made books. It measures 4" x 6.5". The text is printed on #70 matte-coated paper (acid free). The book's pages are gathered into signatures and then sewn together – a step few publishers bother with today. The book block is then glued and reinforced with fiber tape and covered with heavy cloth-covered boards. This is a permanent library-grade book – designed to last a couple centuries.

Buy the Book

Download Book for free

Monday, May 5, 2025

Meet Philippe Lafargue, ATC Kits, Planemaking & More

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Meet Philippe Lafargue, ATC Kits, Planemaking & More

A quick look at all the stuff Lost Art Press published during the last seven days.

If it ever weren't a crazy day at LAP, I'd be a little worried. Kale is in Tennessee taking a Chairmaker's Notebook class (they're building a storied Australian form; you'll get glimpses of it on our IG later this week), I'm out of the office today due to some family stuff, we're expecting Chris' new book "Build a Chair from Bulls%$t" to arrive at the warehouse any minute now, and Chris is teaching a class (a chair class, natch).

Tomorrow might be slightly less crazy, but probably not. We like boring only when it results in holes.

Here's a look at what's been happening on the blog and substacks over the last week.

— Fitz

Lost Art Press Blog

Meet the Author: Philippe Lafargue

Philippe Lafargue is part of the team behind the Roubo project. He new at a yung age he wanted to be a cabinetmaker, and trained at the prestigious École Boulle before working for the French Mobilier Nationale, and later the Smithsonian and Tryon Palace in the U.S. Learn more about him in this post from Kara Gebhart Uhl.

For Sale: Elm Comb-back Stick Chair Built by My Assistant

Claire Butler (who cut the best dovetails I've ever seen from a student in one of my classes last year) took a few chair classes with Chris, then came to Covington to serve as his assistant. She's that good. On her last trip, Claire left her chair here and Chris is now selling it on her behalf. Even if you're not in the market, have a look. It's gorgeous work.

A Great Kit for 'The Anarchist's Tool Chest'

In my opinion, one of the biggest barriers to building the Anarchist's tool chest is sourcing and prepping the wood. This new kit – gorgeous white pine from Alexander Brothers in Virginia (yes, they ship) – eliminates that challenge.

Making A Plane

In this excerpt from David Finck's "Making & Mastering Wood Planes," discover the tools you need to build your own plane, and an overview of the process.

The American Peasant Substack

Earlywood: The Moon & Antarctica

Road trip as inspiration – or how "The Stick Chair Book" was conceived.

(Free for everyone)

Download 'The Anarchist's Tool Chest: Revised Edition'

The revised edition of "The Anarchist's Tool Kit" is at the printer. No, the old edition is not wrong – but the author has changed, and so have a few of the approaches to how the chest is built. Subscribers get a free preview.

(For paid subscribers, with a free preview)

The Anarchist's Apprentice Substack

Am I More Than You Bargained For Yet?

Kale's most recent chair put up a fight. Find out who won: the maker or the chair. Also, a lesson learned from staining.

(For paid subscribers, with a free preview.

Never Sponsored Substack

Blue Spruce Router Plane

The Blue Spruce router plane, based on the Preston 1912 design, is a good tool, but has some flaws.

(For paid subscribers, with a free preview)

On Instagram This Week

Everyone should have some rubberized grit in their toolkits. Plush brash wood, Trusco boxes and more.

Visit Lost Art Press

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

March 2025: Phoenix is Heating Up—Literally & Market-Wise!

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Spring has sprung—and with it comes a fresh batch of insights, trends, and a few wake-up calls for buyers, sellers, and investors alike. From shifting condo inventory to Zillow turning bearish, and from the rise of build-to-rent to a looming $384B commercial risk, this month's stories hit hard.

Whether you're hunting for a condo, exploring commercial plays, or just keeping tabs on the Valley's wild ride, this month's issue is packed with perspective.

Market Snapshot🎯March 2025

🏜️ Phoenix, It's Time to Go Back to the (Desert-Friendly) Drawing Board

Phoenix is booming, but are we building homes that truly respect the desert environment? Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's principles, it's time to rethink how we design for the Sonoran heat.

Lessons from Wright

Frank Lloyd Wright's designs, like Taliesin West, worked with the desert rather than against it. Features like thick walls, natural ventilation, and locally sourced materials were sustainable and functional. Compare this to modern builds with glass-heavy facades and black rooftops that clash with the environment.

A Call for Change

Phoenix developers can embrace architectural styles like Desert Modern, Pueblo Revival, and Mid-Century Modern. Features such as shaded courtyards, water-harvesting roofs, and adobe-style insulation not only blend with the desert but also offer lower energy bills and higher resale value.

The Future of Phoenix

As climate change intensifies, building homes suited for the desert is not just about aesthetics—it's about survival and quality of life. Buyers are willing to invest in homes that stand out and are tailored to the environment.

Let's make Phoenix a city that thrives in the desert, not just one that looks good on Instagram.

Now go check out the Bloomberg piece that kicked this whole thing off. It's actually legit:
👉 Phoenix Can Learn From Frank Lloyd Wright's Desert Architecture

Phoenix: The Build-to-Rent Capital of America—and It's Not Even Close

Phoenix is making waves in the real estate world, and it's officially the Build-to-Rent (BTR) capital of the U.S. Over the past five years, BTR housing in the Valley has skyrocketed by 309%, outpacing every other city. In 2024 alone, Phoenix added 4,460 new single-family rental homes—more than any other city in the country.

One of the largest developments, The Bungalows on Camelback, introduced 334 single-family rentals, ranking third nationally for BTR projects this year. What's driving this boom? A combination of strong demand for rentals, plentiful developable land in Phoenix's suburban areas, and an investor-friendly market. With interest rates still fluctuating, many prefer renting a new home instead of committing to a hefty mortgage.

Looking ahead, more than 13,000 BTR homes are set to hit the Valley, keeping Phoenix firmly at the forefront of this growing trend.

Zillow Turns Housing Bear… But Phoenix Still Has Some Fight Left in It

Zillow just downgraded its 2025 housing forecast, now predicting a 1.7% national price drop. Rising inventory and affordability issues are shifting the market. But Phoenix is still holding on, with Zillow projecting +1.2% price growth locally.

🚨 Maricopa County inventory is up 55% year-over-year — from 12,262 to 19,069 homes — giving buyers more leverage.

Reddit's buzzing, ResiClub broke it first, and we're watching closely.

👉 Read the full post for market insights + hot takes.

The $384 Billion Time Bomb💣: Is Commercial Real Estate the Next 2008?

Commercial real estate (CRE) is facing an unprecedented wave of loan extensions, with a jaw-dropping $384 billion deferred into 2025—a 40% increase compared to the previous year's maturities. These extensions are concentrated in commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) and bank loans, with multifamily and office properties leading the surge.

As lenders defer loans further into the future, many are warning of an inevitable reckoning. Drawing parallels to the 2008 financial crisis, today's trouble lies in rising refinancing costs rather than reckless lending. Office spaces and multifamily properties are among the hardest hit, while regional banks are left teetering on the edge.

Why might this NOT be another 2008? Stronger banking regulations and a localized CRE crisis could limit the fallout—but it's hard to ignore the similarities.

The big question remains: when will the reckoning occur? Loan extensions can only kick the can down the road for so long. Now is the time to prepare, save, and strategize—because when the fallout comes, those who are ready will weather the storm.

📬 March 2025 Condo Market Snapshot

By PhxCondosForSale.com — Contributor to Arizona Real Estate Insider

🔥 Phoenix

Inventory: 5.67 months (down from Feb, leaning balanced)
Median Price: $380,000
Days on Market: 53
Sold-to-List: 97.2%

📌 Solid pricing + balanced pace = good time to list or buy

🌵 Scottsdale

Inventory: 5.77 months (down from 8.75 in Feb)
Median Price: $615,000
Days on Market: 55
Sold-to-List: 97%

📌 Inventory dropped fast — buyers still have options, but sellers gaining edge

🎓 Tempe

Inventory: 4.61 months (down from Feb)
Median Price: $341,000
Days on Market: 49
Sold-to-List: 98.5%

📌 Fast-moving, high-demand market — sellers in control

🌄 Carefree

Inventory: 13.18 months (holding high)
Median Price: $475,000
Days on Market: 31
Sold-to-List: 98%

📌 High supply = strong buyer leverage and room for deals

🧠 Final Take

Valley inventory is shrinking across the board.
Prices are steady or rising, especially in Phoenix and Tempe.
Sellers are rewarded when priced right.
Carefree is the spot for buyers hunting bargains.

📈 Phoenix Rising (and Shifting): How Our Commercial Market Stacks Up Nationally

The latest NAR Commercial Real Estate Insights Report just dropped, and Phoenix is making moves—some good, some challenging, but all full of opportunity.

Here's the quick breakdown:

🏢 Office: Phoenix ranks in the Top 10 for highest vacancy (16.71%), up slightly from last year. That's tough—but also prime time for value buys and repositioning plays.

🏘️ Multifamily: Strong demand! We absorbed 19,523 units—a big jump from last year. Phoenix remains one of the strongest rental markets in the country.

🏭 Industrial: We're in the Top 10 again, absorbing 17.25M sq. ft.—up from 11.66M last year. Logistics and warehousing continue to fuel our growth.

🛍️ Retail: Nationally slowing, but Phoenix retail is evolving. Grocery-anchored centers and experiential retail are holding strong.

🏨 Hospitality: Back to pre-pandemic highs. Events, conferences, and year-round tourism keep Phoenix hotels busy.

📉 The Economy: Interest rates holding at 4.5%, inflation down to 2.8%, and the job market stays steady.

🚀 What's Next?
Phoenix remains one of the most dynamic markets in the U.S. Want to find the best opportunities? Let's talk—whether you're investing, selling, or repositioning assets.

📎 Full NAR Report: Click here to view

IN OTHER NEWS

What a Recession Could Mean for the Housing Market.
Real Estate vs. Stock Market: Which Is the Better Investment Right Now.
The Devil Wears Prada' Loft Has Hit the Market for $9 Million.
Homes are selling at the slowest pace in 6 years
In March 2025, 51.2% of Phoenix home sellers offered concessions, while 15.5% of pending contracts fell out of escrow. - Redfin
Why Americans love McMansions

Copyright © 2025 Juan Pesqueira @ Attorneys Realty All rights reserved.
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Monday, May 12, 2025