Simply beautiful

Not long ago, I found a very interesting blog called fiftyrings, written by woodworker Evan Andersen. It is devoted to mid-century and modern wood furniture and is filled with great images that I think you would enjoy. Recently Evan featured another woodworker named Ryan Mails on his blog. Ryan's website, Mails Wood Work, showcases some of the most beautiful handmade furniture I've seen. In addition to selling from his site, he has an Etsy shop.

Ryan Mails has a MA in Public History and has one of the most fascinating and readable profiles I've found on the Etsy site. His educational background in history and his research of 19th-century homes and early Southern furniture intensified an appreciation for and understanding of early handcrafting which had its start during his childhood. He comes from a long line of accomplished craftsmen. His grandfather was a woodworker and his uncle, a master carpenter. His father, a painter and architect, practiced in San Francisco and Seattle, and passed on his love of Modernist design to his son.

Ryan says of his own work:

And so, I too consider myself a student of my craft. I consider my workshop a place to explore, and my collection of early tools an archive. It is a good life, and I trust that it shows in my work.

See for yourself. I think you'll fall in love with the beautiful simplicity and expert craftsmanship of his modern design.

All images courtesy mailswoodwork.com

Springboard table

Gull-Wing bench

Lebanon table

Floating desk

Coffee table

Gull-Wing stool

Welcome shelf