Walnut and Oak Picture Shelf

I had wanted to build a nice walnut and red oak picture shelf unit for quite a while.  But I never got around to doing it.  First, I had to wait for the supply of walnut that I had, to dry to a level where it was low enough to work with.  Then, other projects took over importance and the shelf just got put on the back burner.  Well I finally found time to do it and after literally weeks of churning around ideas in my head as to the design (which I am STILL not completely happy with) I finally got to building.  I did incorporate some new stuff in this project.  Wrapping the doors with an oak trim...using some spalted maple panels in the cabinet portion doors and sides and the most important element...I tried sliding dovetail joints for the first time with a relative degree of success.

  I finished the project and it sat around the shop - in the way - for about a month and a half.  Reason?  Because I told myself that it wouldn't be hung until we redid the family room where it was to be hung.  So, Karen and I finally got around to doing just that.  We wanted to rip up the old carpet and replace that and also sponge paint the walls.  Both of which ended up being a great choice.  The sponging turned out quite well and we are so happy with it.  I made a new walnut threshold for the entry doorway to the room and the room just feels like a completely new room.  We love it.

  So, here is the picture shelf hanging in its place.  Now all we need is to get some pictures on it.  I will probably end up making some picture frames such as the ones in this blog.  You can see them if you go back and search for them.  I am sure they are included in th archives.