Craftsmanship
In the body of this website we have a Craftsmanship Section. It's deep. It answers the questions below and more:
- What makes a handmade rocking chair different from those that are mass-produced?
- Are handmade rocking chairs worth the cost and worthy of investment?
- What woods make the best rocking chairs?
- What do you look for and how do you evaluate joinery, wood, finish, ergonomics?
There is a subsection on How We Make a Rocking Chair and pages on Mortise and Tenon, Finishing, the organization of the shop, and more.
We are dedicated. Our patrons notice and often write about it.
Gary,
You out did yourself!
R. was shocked, breathless and then smiled when sat in 'her' rocker. The people in this part of VA. have never seen such a work of beauty and art.
Simple words cannot describe the heartfelt joy I know this rocker will give her. This whole process has been so much fun I'm going to do the same for my sister in San Diego (I'll keep you posted as to when I'll order.)
Again, my many thanks to you for your 'touch'. Merry Christmas! . . . And we'll be talking!
G.C. Your #1 FanWinston-Salem, North Carolina
Gary:
The rocker arrived in perfect shape. I have already rocked my grandson, Rueben (age one month), in it, and he thinks that it is a great ride. I plan to put a lot of miles on it over the holidays.
This is a very good product — the lines, proportion and finish are of superb quality. Thank you for your courtesy in following up on the delivery. Merry Christmas to you, too.
P.L.Chattanooga, Tennessee
Gary,
Actually he graduates this Saturday. Yes, I did receive the rocker on Friday — in the midst of the snow storm here in Lancaster. I did find a tear in the box, and marked it on the shipping slip — but the rocker was unmarked. I love it Gary — you are right, I don't miss the two extra slats in some rockers. I am really impressed with the finish, the overall craftsmanship of the rocker, and feel of the rocker. I can't wait to give it to M. I must share with you — however, if he is not as excited with it as I am, I will have to return it. As much as I love it, it is a little out of my league for myself.
It is, however, exactly what I was looking for. I think the lines of the rocker would fit well with furniture from modern to Early American. I just love the clean lines and beautiful cherry wood.
Thanks again,
M. A.Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Hello Gary
Got it. We have been richly rewarded by your workmanship. Merry Christmas
gday
G.H.Jamestown, North Dakota
Gary —
The rocker arrived pretty much right at the time promised, and unpacking it was much easier than I expected it to be. We are very pleased with how comfortable it is. My wife, who had been thinking of it as merely something for me, immediately found relief for her back in it and was surprised by how much she liked it (she's six months pregnant). Clearly, I will have to yield to her. Oh, and we were really impressed by the stool. You made something very simple into something really intriguing to look at, and it works very well with the chair.
Thanks again for better service than one gets anywhere, not to mention for furniture that lives up to expectation.
P.P. Kenosha, Wisconsin
Gary,
The rocker and stool arrived in perfect shape. The chair is even more beautiful and comfortable than I had imagined it would be. I'll be ordering one or two more in the spring.
Thanks for your great service and product. You give me hope that American craftsmanship is alive and well, at least in Wimberly, TX.
Best wishes for a healthy and happy holiday season.
P.B.New York, New York
Gary,
I've just finished unwrapping the chair at my house. It is perfect! The box was undamaged at the terminal. I unpacked it from the crate and it fit right in the back of my Jeep Liberty with the seats down. It is a beautiful thing, a real work of art. I appreciate the effort you made to get it here before Thanksgiving. When my wife gets home tonight she will be delighted. Please use us as a reference, not that you seem to need any. This chair will be used and loved beyond our years.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving,
C.M.Benicia, California
Hi Gary,
The rocking chair was delivered last evening without incident, and the driver was, as you suggested, much more cooperative than the dispatcher. That individual could use some training in giving some hope to the customer that maybe things won't be as complex as was described, and refraining from the definite "no's" about which she was adamant. A simple "it is the prerogative of the driver" would suffice.
The rocker is the epitomy of fine craftsmanship. The finish is impeccable. The quality and workmanship makes us know our great grandchildren will still have use of it in the future long after our rocking days are over.
J.R.Beaumont, Texas
Yes, we received the rocker. It arrived in great condition. I must say that it is wonderful to touch and look at. I am more than pleased and very grateful. Thank you for making such a beautiful treasure for myself and my two sons. We look forward to enjoying it for many, many, years.
Thank you, Gary and please thank your wife and son Austin for assisting in the process as well. We are blessed to have such a fine piece from such a fine family. Take care.
S.J.Mechanicsville, Virginia
Good Afternoon Gary,
Just wanted to let you know that everyone loves the rocker. People have used words like "incredible", "unbelievably comfortable", "magnificent", "stunning". M. has not made any comments yet, but she loves to nurse and sleep in the rocker.
Thank you very much for a piece of art that will be in our family for generations.
Regards,
J.F.Tampa, Florida
Received in perfect condition, and appreciated by my wife. Truly a work of art.
Merry Christmas.
C.S.Roeland Park, Kansas
The chair arrived in perfect condition. It took me awhile to unpack the crate. That was one very large box. The box is still on my front porch. I had already re-arranged my bedroom in preparation, but found that with the chair and the stool, I needed to re-arrange again. That of course led to re-arranging all the pictures on the walls as well! Several hours later, the chair and the rest of the furnishings in my bedroom are in place.
Thank you for a very comfortable chair. I was a little concerned when I saw it that it might be too large since I am only 5 feet tall. You said it would fit someone my height and it does. I look forward to many years of use. The stool is beautiful in its simplicity and I am enjoying it as well. Thank you.
I. L.Redwood City, California
Gary,
Your email said it very well! We love the chair and appreciate how well it is made. We also thank you for meeting our order several weeks earlier than expected.
Regards,
A.P.Houston, Texas
The rocker arrived and is just what I expected — fine craftsmanship, comfortable. Thank you.
D.G.Brattleboro, Vermont
Gary,
We just unpacked the chair tonight and it is by far the most beautiful piece of furniture we have ever purchased! The wood is gorgeous, and the craftsmanship is truly unbelievable (The parts are so well joined together that they feel completely seamless). You and your team are truly amazing artists.
After seeing your work, I am reminded of how much quality gets lost (in other company's products – of course) for the sake of mass production. Your chair feels thoughtful, even serene in comparison.
I am sure we will enjoy it for many years to come.
Sincerely,
D.S.Los Gatos, California
Gary,
Thanks for checking up on your progeny. I cheerfully accept responsibility for care and feeding from now on.
I have rocked a while (in secret) and am happy to report that this chair is a fine example of quality craftsmanship and beautiful material.
My wife will not know its comfort until her birthday on September 2 and the little girl who's on the way; she should be in the chair sometime around the end of November. I'll send along a note once we are all able to enjoy the chair.
This whole exchange has been a pleasure. Thanks to you and everyone who had a hand in making this happen. Please share this note with your people.
E.K.Moorpark, California
Gary,
I gotta tell you, yours is a unique business. I run a company that receives shipments in excess of $300,000/year – I have NEVER had a vendor track a shipment like you, even when that shipment was worth over $50,000. I'm always the one trying to chase stuff down. I can only assume this is indicative of the quality of work you do everywhere.
Thank you.
W. D.
---------------
Gary,
R. called the carrier on Tuesday morning. They said they'd give her number to the driver who would call and arrange for delivery.
He didn't call.
It didn't matter, she was home. The chair came in yesterday.
There was very minor damage to the crate, but the chair is fine.
The chair is better than fine, it's beautiful. I took lots of pictures of R. opening the crate, removing the bubble wrap, and sitting in it right there in the garage before we could even get it in the house! It was like a neighborhood event with multiple neighbors stopping by. I took more pictures of her and the chair in the new nursery. I can't wait to take pictures of her rocking our first, little F., due in 4 weeks. If you're dying to see your chair in action, let me know and I'll email you some.
We are very pleased with our purchase. I had no idea the chair would be as solid as it is; the seat, the arms, the legs, everything is nice and thick. We planned for this chair to be in our family for generations, and that will obviously be no problem. We've been working on the nursery for a while, but last night R. called me in, and with tears in her eyes told me that the room now feels like the baby's room.
R's already talking about how she needs the footstool; we'll have to check the budget.
Feel free to use us as a satisfied customer reference. R. said "This is not only the most comfortable rocking chair I have ever sat in, but one of the most comfortable chairs period."
Gary, your work is outstanding and we appreciate it.
W. D.Hailey, Idaho
Gary,
The rocker is perfect. Many thanks. I have been sitting in it at least once a day since I received it. The construction is flawless and the graining and finishing of the walnut is grand. Somehow it accommodates me at 5'10", my wife at 5'4" and my jealous neighbor at 6'1" with comfort. It is a wonderful piece of furniture.
S.N.The Dalles, Oregon
Good morning, Gary -
Since we live in the northern reaches of Durham County, NC, we're usually last on the list with big deliveries, and this was the case with our rocker yesterday. Saying it was worth the wait would be an understatement. When we uncrated the chair, it was still warm from being in the truck. Sitting in it reminded us of being enveloped in a fresh loaf of homemade bread just popping out of the oven. Everyone who has sat in the rocker so far has had the same reaction: a long sigh, a smile and closed eyes. A visceral experience! Please extend our sincere thanks to your crew of craftspeople who put so much time and talent into our chair. It is simply gorgeous. We look forward to years of enjoyment. I'll add just two more words to properly describe the Weeks Rocker: functional sculpture.
Thanks again and best regards,
J. and J.Y. and familyHillsborough, North Carolina
Gary:
Thanks for your inquiry. The rocker arrived in fine shape last week. It was crated so well, even the truck driver commented: "Gee, I guess that's not the kind of rocker you buy at the Old Country Store." So true.
D. and M. were beside themselves over the quality of the construction and comfort of the rocker. I have to admit I was skeptical until I went over to try out the chair myself. I didn't want to get up out of it! Your rockers are amazing. Thanks again.
--
P.L.Smithfield, Virginia
Hi Gary,
I was going to write you an email today, but it looks like you beat me to it . . . :) Yes, I did get the chair yesterday and it is more beautiful than I'd imagined it! It is as much a piece of art as it is a piece of furniture . . . The original design, the quality of the wood, and the impeccable craftsmanship makes it a one of a kind piece!
I would give the overall experience a 10/10 if it wasn't for the delivery . . . The delivery company would not deliver on Saturdays, and could only give me 4-hour windows in the morning or afternoon. That doesn't work for any person working full-time, as it effectively requires one to take a full day off. The Stickely dresser I bought a few months back was delivered on a Saturday morning, and that worked out perfectly. As the Overnite Transportation warehouse was just a few miles away from my office, I ended up driving there during lunch break to pick up the chair myself. The crate would not fit in my Honda Pilot, so I had to disassemble it on-site . . . Quite an ordeal. In short, I'd suggest that you look into using a delivery company that does Saturday deliveries.
Thanks for such a beautiful chair!
Best regards,
M.M.
[ I regret any inconvenience to any patron and work to keep it to the minimum. However, the shipping prices quoted in our catalog and on the website are for the level of service noted in this email: large appointment windows on weekdays only. I can see how these specifications are problems for some, but the price cannot be beaten by any other carrier that I have found. The option of a Saturday delivery will cost at least twice our quoted prices, but I will be happy to arrange it for those who require and desire it. — GW ]
San Francisco, California
Hi again, Gary —
Just to let you know the rocker arrived in perfect condition and is gorgeous. J. and his parents love it, and it's been a rare pleasure for me to rock my little grandson in a chair we've looked forward to almost as much as the baby!
Thanks for your craftsmanship and care
L.R.
PS- — when the second daughter announces a pregnancy, we'll be in touch again.Salt Lake City, Utah
Gary,
We finally decided to keep the chair, it's just too beautiful and comfortable to return. The chair is so close to what we have been looking for in a rocker that it would be foolish to make the width of the chair too much of an issue. Our daughter really loves rocking with us, she laughs and giggles and it's wonderful to see how much she, too, enjoys the rocker. Is it possible that the wood has started changing colors? It seems to me that the wood is already richer and darker than when the chair first arrived even though it seems kind of quick to me.
Thanks again for your help and comments; the chair will be a great memory for us, especially when we will return to Europe someday. We love things that are built to last and not to toss and it's wonderful to see that this kind of work you provide still exists!
Thank you!
I. E.New York, New York
Dear Gary:
As I was having a glass of wine last night, and sitting in the Weeks chair, I thought again what a terrific piece of art that thing is. It's functional, stylish and even by itself – it adds something to the room. And also – thanks for the prompt delivery.
Who knows??? maybe I'll order another sometime in the future.
all the best
H.B.St. Martin, the lesser Antilles
Dear Gary, Leslie and Company,
I wanted to let you know that your gorgeous rockers arrived here yesterday in perfect condition. The toughest part was deciding which one to keep and which to give to my mom. They are both beautiful, yet very different. I have already rocked the baby to sleep twice in the chairs. I only wish I'd had them sooner. S. really likes running her little hands over the arms of the chairs and looking closely at the patterns in the wood. She is a very detail oriented baby! (Must be her dad's influence as it sure isn¹t mine.) I am sure we will love them for generations to come. I keep telling S. that someday that chair will be hers.
Thank you again for your beautiful work. I would recommend your chairs to anyone.
N. and S. (and husband C. too)
Gilbert, Arizona
PS: At 5'5", 6'2" and 27" we all fit comfortably in the chair.Gilbert, Arizona
Lovely Number 1326 has arrived. For some odd reason the anticipation peaked when my screwdriver and your screws resisted each other, but with patience I revealed our treasure chair. It is perfect. As I was removing the bubblewrap, my son and two friends came home. They laughed at me. I guess I looked pretty thrilled. We tested it for comfort and have all declared it wonderful. Each of us slid into the seat with a sigh and from 110 lbs/5'6" to 180 lbs/6', all of us felt the chair was made for us. C. remarked that it isn't only a chair, but a work of art and L. gazed at the figure and traced it with her fingers, noting all the swirls and silky, seamless lines.
If I haven't sufficiently conveyed it, I am delighted and the next generation promises to rock on his porch when he is an old curmudgeon.
Best regards and gratitude to all involved in # 1326's creation.
S.G.
PS: I must secretly admit that spending all that money (huge for me), sight unseen, no word-of-mouth recommendation — based solely on your good looking website, was a bit unnerving for me, but I decided to believe . . . and am glad I did. — S.Scottsdale, Arizona
Dear Gary-
We just received our gorgeous rocking chair delivered perfectly to Amsterdam this afternoon. My husband and I are really thrilled with it! Thank you so much for creating something so special for us as we expect our first child. It's a beautiful heirloom treasure which I am sure will be passed on to future generations!
(Also, thank you so much for your promptness in correspondence, your precise time table and impeccable packing and delivery.)
All the best,
J.K.Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Gary,
The chair was delivered on Friday afternoon and is in perfect condition. We absolutely love it — a real work of art.
Thank you!
I.C.Columbia, South Carolina
GW
Chair arrived yesterday. Nicely packed and in great condition. It's a wonderful piece — nice fit to our home. Thanks for all.
B. B.Wilmington, North Carolina
Dear Gary:
It arrived a couple of days ago, but pick-up/delivery couldn't take place until late yesterday. For another night it languished on the truck that had to make a delivery in another community on the island (- ah! the Caribbean!).
My wife was arriving from her office just as I had lifted it out of its box, and our grandson was already making eyes at the box; he already had images of it as a fort — which it is now.
The chair is everything the write-ups say it is: attractive and beautifully comfortable, and better yet — it fits into the room as if it had always been there. When function and form are combined in something that as a whole appeals completely to the senses — you know you've got the right concept. You do superb work, man. Thank you.
I wish you and your wife, and your enterprise great continued success. And who knows? — perhaps I'll order another of these rockers in the not-too-distant future.
With best wishes
H. B.Sint Maarten, the Netherlands Antilles
Gary,
I have to tell you how thrilled I am with the rocker. It is incredibly comfortable, just as you said it would be. The mahogany is also a perfect fit and perfect match for our adobe home. It couldn't be more perfect.
My husband and mother and I are all in love with the piece, it is a real work of art and I know will be an heirloom in the family.
Many many thanks,
B. F.Taos, New Mexico
Gary,
Thanks so much for your message. The chair arrived in perfect condition. It is truly a work of art and meets every hope for expectation that we had. My wife, in particular, thinks it's wonderful. Thanks so much and congratulations on having such an excellent business.
Best regards,
J. S.Chalfont, Pennsylvania
Gary,
Many apologies for the delay in my thank you. The move to my new home was successful and you were great at rerouting the delivery of the cherry rocker and stool. Simply put the rocker and stool are superb! The packaging was beat up a bit as expected but the cherry rocker and stool were not harmed in any way. Going over them entirely by hand with my eyes closed, there were no snags or hang ups to be found and it was as smooth as my new baby's skin. I am 5'6" and my husband is 6' yet it fits us both like gloves. I am very impressed and rock my 6 month old son in it very comfortably.
Thank you again,
K. W.Fairfield, California
We received our new Weeks rocking chair and love it. It's not only a work of art, but it's comfortable, beautiful and inviting. Thanks for the terrific service and for this wonderful American-made product!
C. and J.Modesto, California
Dear Gary,
It has been a long time since Thanksgiving . . . a long time since our rocking chairs arrived. I have wanted to write to you and tell you what I felt about my chair but I didn't know how. So I went back to your website and there it was . . . "Sit in a work of art".
My chair is so beautiful and the [inlay] is just what I wanted. More than that, the colors of the [inlay] are gorgeous.
I sit in that chair very respectfully making sure to notice its comfort and smooth touch with my hands. Even where it seems, to the eye, that there should be a "hill or a valley" in the wood, it is just as smooth as smooth can be.
Thank you for all the effort you put into the chair, in general, and, specifically, all the attention you gave to that [inlay].
With great sincerity,
J.B.Dallas, Texas
Dear Gary,
E.'s family has just been delivered to the airport after a weekend of very informal celebrations, hikes — and meals in honor of his 50th. At this moment — he sits comfortably in front of a fire — rocking in his chair and reading the Sunday paper.
The chair is a treasure. Thank you.
Best regards,
A. G.
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Gary —
I am the fortunate recipient of one of your handmade mahogany rocking chairs. Not only will it be well taken care of while it is appreciated and enjoyed for many years, but it will serve as a enduring reminder of a milestone in my life. Your craftsmanship is extraordinary and I'm certain is up to the task of being used for years to come.
Thank you for working with my wife on this wonderful surprise.
E. G.
Owings Mills, Maryland
Gary,
The chair arrived Thursday as planned, and the baby came home from the hospital Friday (earlier than planned).
Chair works great . . . and looks great! I am very happy with my investment!
Very impressive piece of work!
Thanks!!!!!!!!!!
B. H.Chalfont, Pennsylvania
Hi Gary,
Here it is. A happy mother rocking already with the baby. We are totally happy with the chair. The only bad news was that French customs were much more expensive then expected (533 euros, which is about twice the amount you mentioned initially; this is something you have to know for future transactions!).
[ Ouch! I get an estimate for duties and taxes from my agent and forward that amount to people in another country who are considering a purchase. The customs and duty charges on previous shipments to France have been accurate. Apparently, however, it is impossible for me to get a firm and correct quote for duties and taxes to every country, every time. This experience makes me reluctant to estimate duties and taxes on an international shipment.
— GW]
Thanks for the efficiency in processing it all so as to make it available on time. And congratulations for the design: being born in Canada at a time when rocking chairs were very popular, I can tell you this one is really, really, well done.
All the best
C. M.Paris, France
Gary,
Wow!
That one word is enough. The rocker is beautiful! Expertly crafted. The detail astounding. The walnut exquisite (especially the irridescence in certain areas). My wife loves it! And the comfort . . . we think it's the most comfortable chair we have ever sat in (and with nary a cushion).
Thank you for helping me make my wife's Christmas a very special one.
All the Best,
A. J.A. J. Corona, California
Dear Mr. Weeks:
The Weeks Walnut Rocker you made for me was delivered today. The picture of the chair on your web site doesn't do it justice. It's lovely. The workmanship is superb and the wood grain is beautiful. I am delighted with it.
If any of my friends need rockers or dining room chairs, I'll be sure to recommend that they check out your web site.
Thank you,
N.W.Washington, D.C.
Gary,
I apologize for not letting you know that my rocker arrived safe and sound. I was immediately impressed with the quality — both your craftsmenship and the wood. Wow! It's a beautiful chair, artwork really. I have the chair next to a cherry wood bookcase, that I loved when I first received it, but it does not stand up to the chair (I am thinking of painting it — the bookcase, not the chair!)
It took me awhile to get used to the chair and be sure I was going to love rocking in it. I was surprised by how much I leaned back in it. I'm one of those people who is most comfortable sitting up straight. I rarely lean my seat back on an airplane. I love the look of Windsor chairs, but feel like I am sitting in a lounge chair when in one. I like to read in my rocking chairs and have a little trouble doing that in the rocker. But I did finally break down the crate last weekend. I do love sitting in it relaxing at night watching tv or chatting with my husband. We'll see how the reading goes. I think paper backs have some potential!
Thank you for the wonderful service and for checking in.
L.F.
[ I very much appreciate these detailed comments from L.F. Of course I love to hear that the pitch of the chair is pleasing and that reading is effortless. But I want to hear when the ideal is not attained for an individual. The more information I have to publish about the chair, the more thoroughly one can consider a purchase. — G.W. ]Oakland, California
Do I like it?
Oh yes! It made me so happy I felt silly and self conscious at the effusive email I began writing to you soon after it arrived. I decided to wait until I cooled off a bit.
It's everything you said it would be. My husband, seven year old son and I all agree it's incredibly comfortable and beautiful. A true heirloom piece. Wow. We love it! We touch it all the time. My son accuses me of sitting in it too much. I had to agree to take turns.
I am so happy and grateful that you and your people came through. I've dealt with a lot of different dealers and contractors recently. Most have been very disappointing to work with . . . problems with communication, integrity, quality and other issues have clouded the interaction. It's strangely life affirming to deal with you and have everything happen as promised. Whew! What a relief! THANK YOU!
Oh yeah, the box it came in is a perfect hideout/playhouse for the kid. He's decorated it inside and out and plays in it every day. Thanks for the bonus!
I hope it pleases you to know that you have made this family in San Diego so happy. Please keep your high standards. The world needs more like you!
Sincerely,
S.U.San Diego, California
Gary,
Thank you for following up on our order, which was delivered on Friday 10/15 (there was a brief, untroubling delay at the terminal since Overnight wanted to send a smaller truck to negotiate the streets in our residential neighborhood). The chair was very well crated and delivered in perfect condition.
Needless to say, we are delighted. It is truly lovely, a sculptural, warm, and glowing presence in our soon-to-be baby's room. And as to comfort: well, let's just say your rocker exceeded our already-high expectations! After many "trial sits" this weekend, I am still amazed at how my back, head, and neck are so well supported. A good friend recently pointed out that once the baby is born and nursing begins, we'll be spending an enormous portion of our waking hours sitting in that chair. I can't imagine a better spot. Thank you.
E. E.Crompond, New York
Gary,
R. was awed! A gorgeous work of art. She eyed the rocker from across the room, then closed the distance slowly circling, taking in the beautiful lines and outstanding craftsmanship. She moved the rocker into a shaft of sunlight and slowly rocked the chair watching the grain and finish of the seat — the walnut shimmered like a highly polished tiger eye gemstone. Carefully she checked the underside of the chair and was delighted to find it signed and numbered. Then, she eased into the chair, slowly she relaxed, and a smile crossed her face — ear to ear. The seat was wide and full, the headrest perfect, the arms were just right for her, the edge of the seat didn't cut into her legs, and her feet were comfortably on the floor. The chair is just her size!
Gary, you made her very happy, thank you!
I'm not sure how you figured everything out, but you did . . . the chair fits me like a glove! R. is 5'6" and I'm 6'1". All I can say is "It's magic"!
We love our rocker!
Thanks for everything,
D. and R. W.Budd Lake, New Jersey
Hi Gary,
I AM rocking, and I am SO pleased! Your chair fits my extra-long legs and tilts my body back to a comfortably balanced angle — something which was missing in the (considerably more expensive) rocker I tried first. The arms are delightfully sculptured for resting my hands outstretched or for crossing them in toward the body for knitting or reading. Not an uncomfortable edge to be found. The finish is beautiful to eye and hand alike. I am looking forward to showing it off and (occasionally) sharing its comfort. Thank you so much, Gary. And thank you for delivering it exactly as committed, without a hitch.
B.F.Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Gary:
The rocker arrived safely, and it's beautiful. It has joined our family of chairs in the living room, and I must say that it looks quite happy to be there. I've put it so that its wonderful curly patterns are visible from the doorway, and will draw the eyes of people as they walk in. My kids will fight over this, for sure! Thanks — you are a lovely man to work with.
I want to let you know what surprised me about the rocker: its heft. Somehow that does not come across in your photos, or didn't to me. I knew its dimensions, and at some point I actually got out my tape measure and figured out how high it would stand, but I didn't realize, until it arrived, how strong and substantial it would be. I really, really like that about it.
(maybe someday I'll get a second one, for the family room!)
A.S.Phoenix, Arizona
Gary,
The rocker has arrived and is beautiful. How fortunate you are to have the gift of creating such beautiful things. And I am fortunate to get to share in your talents.
I think it will "rock on" in my family for many generations.
B.P.St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Dear Gary,
The walnut rocker arrived today, in perfect condition, although the top of the box got smashed in and the flaps separated, letting some shipping grime in. (It might be worthwhile to use an extra piece of cardboard to help guard against this in future shipments.)
Anyway, on to the chair! As we anticipated, the rocker is well-proportioned and graceful, but we were surprised and impressed at how large and substantial it is! The craftsmanship appears to be top-notch, and the attention to detail is evident, down to the careful matching and placement of pieces for grain and color. I'm also pleased with the deep tones of the walnut.
As I told you, we had not seen the OS Clear Oil before, but the finish on the chair is beautiful. The Hardwax Oil gives off a strong "waxy" smell for quite a while after application, but the rocker has only the faintest odor, so that's a nice surprise.
Of course, the point of the rocker is to use it, which we did immediately. I found it very comfortable, and my 17-month old daughter was quite taken with it, wanting to rock on mommy's lap, and then stand in front of the chair and rock it with me in it. At nap time, we found that it fits a breastfeeding mom & toddler great! My daughter's legs easily fit under the arm of the chair, with her feet supported by the edge of the seat, and the central placement of the back slats allowed her to tuck her arm behind me. Maybe it was just all the excitement of finally receiving our "special chair", but she was asleep in minutes.
So, thank you for making us this beautiful piece of furniture with the special finish, and for the excellent service. In this era of high-hassle, low-quality goods, it's a treat to have my expectations exceeded.
Best regards,
E.D.Kirkland, Washington
Dear Gary:
The chair has arrived and is beautiful, and in fine shape. Yes, it feels wonderful and is very comfortable. Clearly the most comfortable chair in the house.
Thank you so much for your craft, your artistry, and the nice time we had getting to know you.
Sincerely,
J.B.Houston, Texas
Gary,
My husband is delighted with the chair. He and I both taught in the College of Architecture at Tech for many years retiring in 1997. We appreciate the design and craftsmanship that you put into your art.
Sincerely,
V.T.Lubbock, Texas
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