News

The Tribune (San Luis Obispo, CA), 2008-07-18
Section: Central Coast Living
Page: F10

DESIGN NOTEBOOK: RUSTIC FURNISHINGS ARE WINSOME & WHIMSICAL: ATASCADERO WOODWORKER ANDY NEEDLES USES LOCALLY HARVESTED EUCALYPTUS, MADRONE AND MANZANITA TO CREATE UNIQUE FREEFORM TABLES, CHAIRS AND ROCKERS

By Rebecca Juretic

The next time you chuck an armful of branches into your fire pit, pause and consider that Atascadero woodworker Andy Needles might use that firewood as the beginning of a work of art or table or chair. Ten years ago, Needles, who was a woodworking hobbyist at the time, lamented that local woods such as madrone, eucalyptus, manzanita and California sycamore were being tossed into the chipper, used as firewood, or worse -- disposed of as garbage. Recognizing the potential in these under-appreciated species, he resolved to turn them into striking pieces of freeform furniture. The result is his business, Dover Canyon Rustic Furniture.

Needles only uses wood from within San Luis Obispo County, reclaiming his materials from trees that have been removed or fallen, or branches that have been pruned. For example, numerous walnut slabs have found their way into his shop as walnut orchards in the North County have given way to vineyards. After curing for a year or more, those walnut slabs are turned into bench seats, tabletops, platters and bowls. Freeform slices of manzanita become seat backs. Craggy madrone and manzanita branches are used as table or chair legs. Needles begins with sketches, but improvises as he goes. "Much of your final design is dictated by the shape and character of the wood you have," he said. This means that instead of carving and cutting wood to conform to his design, each piece plays up the natural form and contours of the wood. The look is rustic, winsome and often whimsical.

Even when there is a flaw--a crack, split or void--he works with it to make the piece ever more special. After stabilizing the split, he will fill it with accents including abalone, jadeite from Big Sur, soapstone, fossils or chrysocolla (a blue-green mineral). "I actually look for split material, as it allows one to add these elements to a piece of wood that would not be useable otherwise," he said. Needles completes each piece with an oil-based finish to accentuate the grain of the wood, then a clear, water-based topcoat.

Furniture made from slabs and branches may seem too fragile for everyday use, but Needles insists his creations are quite sturdy. He uses mortise and tenon joinery, with hidden pins and screws to support the natural strength of the wood. Needles is only a part-time woodworker; his day job is working with special needs children for the county Office of Education. Still, he manages to turn out about 20 pieces each year --every one unique. His work is on display at Lone Madrone Winery in Paso Robles and the Shadow Canyon Cellars in San Luis Obispo.

For more details about Dover Canyon Rustic Furniture contact Andy Needles at 462-9886, via e-mail at andyneedles@charter.net or by visiting his Web site at www.dovercanyonrustic.com

WOODWORKING TIPS FROM ANDY NEEDLES

CREATE A MEMENTO
Do you have a favorite tree that has been cut down or trimmed? Needles may be able to craft furniture from its branches. The wood must be properly dried, pest-free, strong and appropriate for building.

ADD AN ACCENT
You might not want an entire house done in rustic pieces. But a small accent piece goes a long way in adding individuality to a room, regardless of its style. Think of awkward spaces -- such as a foyer or the corner of a room -- where an accent table or bench would be a welcome addition. Then have a piece custom built to the dimensions of that space.

MAKE IT LAST
Although it looks hardy, rustic furniture needs protection like any wood furniture. If you keep it outdoors, protect it from direct sun and wet conditions -- a covered patio is ideal. It can be cleaned by a quick spritz from the hose followed by a thorough wipe-down.