(07) 3256 9000 | enquiries@bywaterdesign.com.au
Whats happening lately
Happy 2024 !
Here we are already in the throes of January, Christmas seems a distant memory now as we head into the second week of the new year.
We hope you managed to “carve out” some restful time during the Christmas and New Year period, things can certainly get frenetic in the lead up to the festive season .
We are rested and recharged and all the team are back in the workshop beginning new and exciting projects for 2024 !
May it be a healthy and happy year for all :)
When the sky is clear and blue and everything is in full bloom
We are awash with colour and perfume right now. Frangipanis in all their glory
What is a summer day without an ocean visit
Escapsim
As we begin to embrace a new month ( and a new season!!) we take a look at some of the wonderful restoration projects we have had the joy of undertaking this month …
With its delicate tapestry, this quaint occasional table was carefully repaired and then repolished to bring this cute piece back to its beautiful original glory.
This beautiful rather grand Oak sideboard, was rescued from the 2021 Brisbane floods, as you can see from the watermarks .
We carefully repaired all internal and external damage and gave it a beautiful fresh polish to make this spectacular piece “Pop” !!
This beautiful 1920’s miners couch, hold high sentimental value for our lovely client, and we were only too happy to restore and really enhance the rich grain of the timbers, as you can see the results are just beautiful and all ready for the upholster to work his magic …
The not so humble entertainment unit really has a tough gig . It has to house important components, maybe not so much the “old school” dvd and blu ray equipment ( with thanks to the endless streaming platforms now available) but our cherished hi fi components along with the sacred and highly sentimental and often questionable vinyl collection , it may also house various cables and also give a stylish home to objects d’art as well as those wonderful family portraits that showcase the fabulous family milestones.
So no biggy right , when it comes to the often central point in the lounge room/media room/sitting room /tv room or the common room.
The entertainment unit is more than likely an extension of our decor preferences so that it can blend in effortlessly with its surrounds, and so the choice of design let alone timber or material choice is limitless as that proverbial piece of string .
Sleek and elegant, this classic style entertainment unit is a stylish home for a well curated vinyl collection.
So where does one start
Wel,l narrowing down the essential elements of the unit is a good start -
taking into consideration but not limiting yourself to these factors
tv and associated components , what do you have or what will you be adding in the future
are you a stereophile - will there be need for a turntable, speaker , amplifier etc etc
vinyl - are you an avid collector )( with a growing need for more ) or does the collection stop
at one or two essential classics ?
for the love of art - is adding your favourite collectibles an essential part of the unit or strictly business
Once you have narrowed down your non negotiables , its time to look at practicalities
the space allowed for the new unit- how much room do you really have ?
will it be flush against the wall - if so which wall ?
window treatment - will the unit be receiving lots of natural light -
lighting - good lighting from above , or a fabulous table /floor lamp can really elevate the ambience of a piece
foot traffic - is it going to encroach on walkways or be in the road of something else
Simplicity is key, our black classic entertainment unit is a wonderful companion to the adjoining bookcase
Once the essentials are compiled then the fun really begins…
But it all boils down to “what do you really like?”
Classic, retro, edgy, ornate, mid century -, painted , not painted the options are endless, and although the options are endless it can be an exhausting exercise drilling down the final choices for a design
But making a list of suitable designs, leaving it for a few days then trimming one off , followed by a rest and then repeating the process can make the final choise a well thought out considered exercise
With a nod to art deco - this beautiful entertainment unit, features stunning silk to enhance the bold front design
Once the final choice/s ( we suggest up to three) is made then its time to talk
Stuart it is a wizard at taking a concept and turning it into a drawing that can really make sense to the untrained eye of how something will look in real life.
Budget considerations are of course paramount to any project and is the first priority in undertakingany project.
Alternatives can be given or modifications suggested so that the dream piece youve been wanting can become a little more attainable .
Simplicity at its best - our cantilver entertainment unit ,ticks all the style and practicality boxes
The epitome of minimalism, our grey tpac entertainment is perfect for apartment living.
Whatever your vibe, whatever your style , there is no right or wrong (trends will always come and go ) - it boils down to what you really love , and we have no greater wish than creating forever pieces that our clients fall in love with .
Family heirlooms that are not just a joy to look at , but at a beautiful functional part of everyday life
#lovewhatwedo
When the weather decides to make up its mind, spring can be the most beautiful time of year.
With those crisp blue skies and those perfect temperature days , and purple reigns …
the perfection of spring blooms
mother nature in all her beauty
And we are awash with the magnificence of Jacarandas.
The elegance and the joy a tree can impart
It really is the simple things in life
Its not everyday we have the opportunity to restore a beautiful racing machine.
The classic and very fast Streur K1 Lancer (for those playing at home) is a sleek and most beautiful kayak made in 1977 and was a favourite with Olympic contenders due to its finely tuned design that encorporated a lightweight body with excellent directional stability.
Made from Mahogany with a sleek Wenge pinstripe for added wow factor ,the K1 is the ultimate in kayaking sophistication and accelaration and rightly deserved some special treatment to bring it back to its 5 star appearance.
Our K1 ( we are just a little smitten) had a close call with a house fire and so her owner realised it was time to reignite the passion for kayaking and provide the K1 with some TLC.
With the main focus on sanding and polishing , who better than Stuart to provide the multi step process and bring her back to more than her original glory.
Taking pride of place in the polishing booth, Stuart patiently taped and prepped K1 for the ultimate pamper session …
Its all in the prep …
After careful sanding , Stuart then proceeded to apply several coats of polish to bring out the beautiful grain of the Mahogany and Wenge
Perfectly polished
Featuring Mahogany and those beautiful Wenge stripes
A truly stunning end result for our unique restoration project.
Our client was beyond thrilled with the outcome and really does promise he will get it in the water , once he gets over the thrill of that beautiful finish.
In a world full of modern conveniences, there is something truly magical about unearthing a hidden treasure from the past.
Recently, our team had the privilege to work on a captivating project that involved a remarkable timber inlay created by a talented woman after the war.
Unveiling a Family Heirloom:
Our client was taken by surprise when she stumbled upon her mother's creation tucked away in long forgotten box at the family home.
It was as if time had stood still within the intricate patterns of the timber inlay.
During a time when there was a scarcity of skilled workers, women were encouraged to pursue "non-traditional" skills, and her mother's talent sprang to life on this forgotten piece.
Embracing Sentiment and History:
Overwhelmed with joy and a desire to honor her mother's legacy, our client entrusted us with the task of restoring and preserving this exceptional treasure.
The sentimental value attached to the inlay made it even more important to bring it back to its former glory. Our team knew we had an extraordinary responsibility - not only to create a visually stunning piece but also to retain the emotional connection it held.
With meticulous attention to detail, we embarked on the restoration journey, carefully breathing new life into the timber inlay.
Made from a combination of Silky Oak, Silver Ash, and Qld Maple, the inlay's intricate designs came alive once more.
Each stroke was a tribute to the craftspeople of that era, a testament to their talent and dedication.
To showcase this exquisite work of art, we decided to fashion an occasional table around the restored timber inlay
Our choice of Cambia, a versatile and elegant material, complemented the inlay's timeless charm.
With expert craftsmanship, we brought together the old and the new, blending nostalgia with contemporary design.
It was an honour to be able to put into fruition this wonderful slice of history
Pre restoration. the Beautiful work of Pearl Moran
Prepping the beautiful inlay
That beautifully restored inlay . The sensational timber really pops after careful restoration.
The addition of cambia highlights the gorgeous grain and the intricate pattern of the inlay
A beautiful end result combining history and craft
There is always a case for Restoration …
The act of preserving something (in particular something of high sentimental value) will always have so many advantages.
From a pure ecological standpoint , restoring and repairing existing furniture considerably reduces our footprint on the planet , thus reducing landfill. A win win situation
It is always a pleasure to restore and repair furniture for our clients - the immense satisfaction we garner through the process is only outweighed by the pure joy and happiness we see when our clients take hold of their furniture.
It truly never gets old.
The recent restoration of our 1940’s English Oak Chest of Drawers is a beautiful example of restoring somethng from the past and keeping the beautiful memories it holds alongside with it …
in need of some restoration and care
More than just costmetic repairs, those drawers really need some attention
Our repair process for this Chest Of drawers required extensive work to the the body of the cabinet, as well as working our magic on those drawers, so that they glide effortlessly every time .
The whole process was finshed with a clean and a beautiful wax finish to bring out the deep hue of the original stain
A beautiful end result
No more annoying stuck drawers .
Our beautiful restored Chest of Drawers is a wonderful example of keeping yesteryear alive.
A big congruatulations to our Timber Surf Board Riders winner …
GEOFF RYAN
We have raised a wonderful $1500 for Waves of Wellness due to the generosity of all our entrants.
We look forward to seeing Geoff in one of our Woodworking Workshops next year !
We love when our clients come to us with a strong vision, something a little different, a little “out there”
It challenges us and gives us a great sense of satisfaction creating a beautiful piece, as well as the tremendous happiness that our client has when their beautiful piece is installed .
This stereo cabinet , is a simply yet classic in design, but what sets it apart is the show stopping colour.
A colour not for the fainthearted , a colour that screams for attention and a colour that works beautifully with its surrounds ..
Using beautiful Sepele timber as our foundation we then finished the sides with a gorgeous rich black gloss which provides a beautiful contrast to that racing red
The red bench top is really the icing on the cake - the dramatic finishthat gives a beautiful not so subtle ending to an elegant addition to this home
Those curved legs add a touch of flair
Sapele timber with a jet black gloss finish
The finishing touches to the dramatic red
The red beauty
Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication
The last week of August provided a beautiful warm backdrop for our recent Wooden Surfboard Makingi Workshop…
Our 3 eager students crafted over the 4 days , shared conversations, and learnt a great deal about woodworking in our relaxed workshop.
The pace was productive yet friendly, its amazing what you can achieve whilst having a good chat …
That awesome sense of satisfaction
Winners are grinners
Proud and rightly so
Three amazing boards that will be beautifully glassed by Stuart .
Its always a joy to be able to share our love and passion for woodworking and surfing with such great people.
Our last class for the year is October 5-8 inclusive dont miss your chance to be able to craft your own amzing wooden surfboard
The joy of custom making is a journey of realising what you need, what you love and meshingthose things together to create something that will fill your house with joy as well as being an integral part of the home that fulfils a purpose.
Our hoop pine built in bookcase is a perfect recent example.
Our client wanted ample storage in his new home but wanted an elegant design , classic and of a light timber to blend in with the overall ambience of the home…
Our hoop pine bookcase at nearly 4 metres long certainly fulfilled the brief…
A wonderful practical and elegant inclusion to this family home .
Classic style built in bookcase. A wonderful addition to this new home.
So many shelves, so many storage and display opportunities
The blank canvas ….waiting for its beautiful bookcase
Well, its been a while …
We have always felt strongly about giving back to our community , when times are tough its reassuring to know you are’nt alone and if the last three years have taught us anything - its the power of connection and reaching out .
Our last fundrasing event where we got to chill with likemined people was in February 2020 for “Waves of Wildlife “ a surfing fundraiser to help our distressed wildlife from the ravages of the terrrible bushfires.
Fast forward to last year and our online raffe to raise much needed money for flood affected Northen New South Wales raised an impressive amount of money for our southern friends.
It was a humbling time for all and we were so proud to have been able to donate all our proceeds to those in need.
And so its time to come together again to enjoy a collective surf and raise much needed funds for mental health . The organisation will are raising funds for is;
Waves of Wellness is …
(WOW) Foundation is a mental health surf therapy charity, committed to changing lives by
delivering for-purpose, innovative support programs for people experiencing mental health challenges.
Such a vital programme offering much needed assistance to people in need.
So we are proud to introduce our even for this year …
We would love for you to join us at Alexander Headlands on Sept 2 for a much needed surf catch up and to raise some monies for such a worthwhile organisation .
If you cannot make it on the day ,we invite you enter our raffle anyway, and the pleasure of making your own surfboard or entrance table could be yours for a mere $20 donation .Winning both ways
Entrance is super easy and can be done by heading over to our sister site Wooden Surfboards Australia to donate.
We cannot wait to see everyone and have great catch up
Cheers
Daniele And Stuart
What better day to start our Surfboard Making workshop than the first day of winter.
Beautiful crisp sunny days provided the perfect backdrop for 4 days of fun and learning with our amazing board students.
Our eager crew were keen to learn the fundamentals of woodworking - delving into the mechanations of how a wooden surfboard is assembled, how to complete the perfect glue up , the importance of shaping your board just so - that it becomes the board you want to in the water and realising that the better you sand your board the better the finish will adhere to it - and everyone wants a shiny glossy board . And what better way to showcase those glorious timber grains than with a premium resin finish.
So after 4 fabulous days in the workshop, our students achieved what they set out to do - to make a beautiful hollow wooden surfboard.
So now, the glassing process begins and those wonderful wooden surfcrafts will take on a beautiful new dimension …
It is our absolute joy to share our love and knowledge of all things woodworking - and well surfing , thats the icing on the cake
Over the last two Saturdays , our budding woodworkers worked diligently to create their beautiful hall tables.
During this time students are taught, the fundamentals of what makes a good design , introducing knowledge of various timber species and their appropriate application.
Then comes the fun part where our students get their hands dirty - and begin the wonderful journey of creativity.
Learning the safe and proper use of the drop saw , biscuit joiner and other associated woodwork machinery is an integral part of the workshop.
These skills will be for life and make the difference between a so so woodworker and a competent safe one.
The importance and proper utilization of adhesives and abrasives is practically taught in these two days also .
The finish of a piece of furniture is as important as the construction and our students discover this for themselves during the construction of their table.
Its a very productive, fun two days that see our students achieve a great deal.
And its the very best feeling leaving with your own custom made piece of furniture
The dining table, is arguably the most pivotal part of the home .
It provides for so many things…
Its the place for sharing a meal at the end of the day.
Its the place for having that first cup of coffee or the late night tea .
Its the place to fold the washing.
Its the place to work out the budget.
Its the place for a Friday Night Margarita.
its the place for last minute exam cramming.
its the place for planning the next holiday.
Its the place for assembling the birthday cake.
Its the place for sewing .
Its the place for being together.
Its the place to peruse that magazine - finally alone .
The dining table really is the anchor of the home
And the design and look is as different and unique as each family
So when creating a dining table, we understand the important role this plays in the home.
The design and timber options are as vast and varied for a table
Lots of things need to be considered of course, budget tolerances, lifestyle and decor considerations all go into the melting pot of a fabulous dining table.
Our dining tables are created to last, to be passed down from generation to generation where they carry the memories and moments from one family to the next …
The dining table ; the heart of the home .
Custom made dining table; inlay camphor top, jarrah pinstripe and silver ash border
With kind thanks to Afloat Magazine for showcasing our wonderful apprentice Nathan in their current April 2023 issue.
Its a wonderful behind the scenes chat with Nathan, detailing his love of all things timber and the joy he gleams from a job well done.
We are so proud of Nathan and the consistently high standard of work he produces.
With Summer not wanting to say goodbye, our April students were greeted by warm sunny days during the course of their wonderful 4 days.
Coming from the coast and Emerald, our Queendand students bonded quickly over glue ups, sanding and the joy and mindfulness that comes with shaping your own board
Conversations over surfing the best points, and the thrill of chasing the perfect wave gave everyone an extra buzz knowing that riding their own board was not very far away
Time and patience was evident, cutting the skins will make for a perfectly finished boards.
Whats the saying, mark twice cut once ??
The integral glueing and vac pressing component …not to be taken lightly
The all important shaping - a time honured practice that defines the performance of the board (no pressure hey !)
Perfecto
The beautiful finished product
Once again , our wooden surfboard students have shown such high calibre of workmanship and enthusiasm over the last 4 days.
Its been a joy to share the woodwork love and so now its time to glass and bring out the best ih these boards
#lovewhatwedo
