Saturday, April 18, 2009

A Tranquil Mobile

Some friends of ours are having a baby any day now, and I volunteered Eric to build them something special for their new arrival. (Nice of me, I know. I do it all the time. It makes us both look good.)

The item they desired, was a very unbaby-like mobile – three large, abstract rainforest leaves made of cherry wood veneer.

It looked pretty simple and easy to construct, but you would be surprised at the level of complexity this piece proved to be. You have to understand, Eric's used to building furniture - pieces that are solid and heavy and built to be used, not just looked at. Everything about this mobile was so delicate – the thin pieces of veneer, the hairline-hinged assembly, and the fine piece of fishing line that connects it all together. Plus, it had to balance JUST RIGHT, or it's not much of a mobile, is it?

But I never had a doubt that Eric couldn't make it. And it turned out just splendid. We hope it brings many tranquil moments to the new baby and the new parents. Congrats Lindemans!