Monday, July 28, 2025

Ladderback Chair Slats, a Book on Milk Paint, Glue ‘Tricks’ & More

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Ladderback Chair Slats, a Book on Milk Paint, Glue 'Tricks' & More

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

This evening, I pick up Derek Jones at the airport – he'll be in town for a little more than a week to teach a class on making cricket tables (he did, after all, write the book on them!). Last week, Katherine and I went to our local(ish) lumberyard, C.R. Muterspaw, where I got some nice cherry for these tables. Tomorrow, Derek and I will finish the stock prep. (I've got everything done except the legs…I need Derek's instruction for the legs; I know they end up triangular, but I don't know with what shape the students start!)


Derek thinks cherry is fancy wood – which is hilarious to me because around Cincinnati, it's not a great deal more expensive than poplar. Almost everything I've made that isn't painted is from cherry…and some of my painted stuff is, too! I guess that makes me a fancy lass – at least while Derek is here.


Lost Art Press Blog


Slats for a Post-and-Rung Chair

In this excerpt from the third edition of "Make a Chair from a Tree," read how Jennie Alexander measured and shaped the elegant, delicate slats for her ladderback chairs.

The American Peasant Substack


4 Chairs Down, 400 to Build

After teaching in Germany, Chris hopped over to the U.K. where he got to measure and photograph three more of his beloved Lincolnshire chairs (he measured one in New York earlier this year, as you might recall). Yes, there will be spreadsheets.

(Free for everyone)


Make Fresh Milk Paint with Nick Kroll

While in Germany, one of the students, Nick Kroll, handed Chris a hand-bound book he'd written on homemade milk paint. He even milk-painted and waxed the cover. We're going to publish it (oh, that we could use a milk-painted and waxed cover!). As soon as I finish this newsletter, I'm jumping back in on that project, which we hope to have out by the end of the year.

(For paid subscribers, with a free preview)


Earlywood: Running Lights

You have senses other than sight – and often, they are the most valuable in the woodshop.

(Free for everyone)


New East Coast Class: Build a Comb-Back Stick Chair

Registration opens August 1, 2025, for a comb-back stick chair class Chris will be teaching next May 18-22 at Peter Galbert's workshop in Berwick, Maine.

(Free for everyone)


But it's Not What They Want

It can be difficult to listen to your inner voice when all the voices around you are saying something different. But if you don't, it might lead to Hawaiian shirts.


The Anarchist's Apprentice Substack


An Angle on Shelving

In which Kale learns a "trick" for working out angles, and learns to use a trim router (what – you thought it was always all hand tools?).

(For paid subscribers, with a free preview)


Never Sponsored Substack


A Tool from the Dental Aisle & a Tool from Skid Row

AKA glue tricks with Megan and Chris.

(Free for everyone)

On Instagram This Week

Pigment heaven, Lincolnshire chairs, and bad arm break (no one got hurt) and more.

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