Hummingbird Easel
A Surprise Gift
My best friend from High-School contacted me in the summer of 2023, asking if I could replicate a cookbook stand he had found while perusing a local shop. Their 12th Wedding Anniversary was imminent, and he wanted a special handmade surprise for her. He sent a snapshot of the Easel, and then relayed to me his wife’s favorite colors and animals. Beyond that, the design and materials were left to my, with full creative control.
CNC Initiation
I had recently received a second-hand CNC router and was pleased to be able to have such a personal project upon which to set it loose. Through an arduous learning curve involving multiple scraps of cheap plywood, I was in time rewarded with a sharp inlay of a hummingbird on Oregon Black Walnut.
Epoxy Encounter
After Successfully establishing the finished shape, I set out to fill the cutouts with Danielle’s Favorite Colors: Blue, Teal, and Orange. I poured a black outline for contrast, and used a nail to swirl in an eye and breast line in the green zone as it dried.
Brass Beauty
I attached the folding legs and base with these Old-World Fleur hinges that my wife found for me. I used a handheld router to flush-set them and dabbed epoxy underneath to ensure a long-lasting install.
Fold-Up Finish
Sand, Finish, Assemble, Ship.
Many thanks to Jake and Danielle for the trust and creative freedom on this unique cookbook stand. Happy 12 Years!