Individually hand-made furnishings Diether Etzel: Cell: 082 57 32 807 Email: diether@milkpaint.co.za

Contents:

• About my furniture
• Some examples
• Milk paint

About my furniture

Individually made with a mixture of love, patience, traditional tools, as well as hand-held power tools, each furnishing has its own character. The furniture designs are either by my wife, Frith, or myself and are based on simplicity and tall, clean lines (probably influenced by the turn-of-the-century Scottish designer Renee Macintosh, the "Arts & Crafts" movement, and the American “Shakers” style).

I want to provide the traditional look and feel of years ago, when pieces were created and finished by the same craftsman:

• Old-world aspects, such as dust boards, snug fitting joinery and dowels are used throughout. Brass screws and panel pins are applied very sparingly - if at all. Tops are mostly held in place only by dowels or buttons to allow for seasonal movement.
• Wherever practical, solid wood is used, and I cut as much of the furnishing from the same piece to ensure an even colour and texture.
• I make and finish the solid brass looped drop handles. The backing plate is hand-filed, and the ring beaten into shape over a steel rod. I also cut and lead the stained, and clear glass myself.
• The multi-coated finishes are done by hand, and various natural oils and waxes are used to enhance the inherent colour and texture of the wood, whilst creating a stain-resistant film. Drawer sides and runners are waxed (only) for smooth movement.
• Some furniture is painted with our own redeveloped, home-made, traditional milk paint which sticks with a tenacity and beauty that puts modern finishes to shame. The colour will not fade for generations, and the paint is totally harmless to you and the environment.

These unique furnishings will become a part of your home and family, and will remain fond members through generations as long as you feed and shelter them adequately. I give them a lot of love during the creation process - they need to be lavished with the same in your home.

site designed and hosted by Candor Webtech