Specialty Category Winner
not listed
Ray Valdez / Exotic Woodworks

My goal in producing this table was to replace a smaller, round Duncan Phyfe table. The client wanted something unique that would blend with their more traditional furniture. Dimensions are 73" diameter x 30" tall. The satinwood veneer gave a beautiful light-colored wood to shade. Sand shading the end grain on each piece and placing them perpendicular to each other produced the basket weave effect. The leg bending was accomplished by multiple layers of veneer bent around a form. The inside plies are 1/16" poplar covered by quarter-sawn sapele. The edges of the legs are veneered to cover the poplar and the legs have a basket weave pattern as well. The legs are tipped with solid ebony, as is the outside edge of the top.

Judges' comment
"The use of fine parquetry and structural curved lamination, along with elegant graceful lines, harmonize with a perfect blend of exotic veneers."