Comments from our Patrons

Category: Rocking Chair - Craftsmanship

September 02, 2004

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​

September 02, 2004

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​

August 16, 2004

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​

July 21, 2004

Dear Mr. Weeks,

The chair was delivered as scheduled, and arrived in perfect condition. We are most pleased with the rocker in terms of comfort, beauty, design and workmanship. The joints are immaculate, a delight to the hand, and the grains as nearly symmetrical as human art could achieve. It is everything I hoped, and then some.

Many thanks,

J.A.

P.S. — My Weeks cherry rocker reminds me of a rosewood desk by Sam Maloof that I had a chance to buy for $800 about 40 years ago. I have often regretted my inability to afford that desk, which would now be a museum piece, but I expect the sting to fade in the enjoyment of your magnificent chair.

Bloomington, Indiana

July 13, 2004

Hi Gary,

The rocker arrived yesterday in good shape. If you designed this chair to fit you, you must be about 5'8", 150 pounds, 32/30 trousers, size 40 jacket, big feet and size 7 hat. This chair fits me to a tee and is a work of art. I have studied it over and cannot determine how many quarts of wildcat it took before you got settled on how it ought to be, but I'm glad you stuck it out and came up with this chair. It is really nice to sit in and nice to look at. My wife is very happy with the chair. She said that it is charming and beautiful. She is now talking about replacing all our living room furniture to match the chair. This sort of talk would usually get me worried a little, but she will never be able to match the exquisite beauty of your rocking chair.

In 1972-73, I built a 38' gill netter. It was a brute of a commercial fish boat with 13' of beam, drew 5' of water, was planked with 1-1/2 inch cedar, framed in oak, single Caterpillar diesel, and I forget how many tons of fish you could carry in the hold. It was the first boat I ever built and I probably should have started with a rowboat and worked my way up. A couple of months into the job I realized I had bit off more than was a mouthful, but decided to stick it out. Six months into the job, I realized that it was waaaay more than a mouthful, but now I was in so far, I couldn't let go. A shade over a year later, the boat was in the water and I told my friends that if anybody ever sees me with a set of boat plans again to please just get the 12 gauge and kill me. The reason I am telling you this story is because, just looking at this rocking chair and thinking about you figgering it out, made me think of that damn boat. To tell you the truth, the more I think about it, I believe I would rather build that boat again than try to come up with a rocking chair. You did a great good job. I very much appreciate the effort that went into this rocking chair.

Best to you and your crew down there. I hope you win the lottery and that your dog lives for 20 years.

J.M.

Freeland, Washington

July 04, 2004

Gary,

Just wanted to let you know that E. (6 days old today!), is thoroughly enjoying his new rocking chair.

Thank you for making us such a beautiful piece of art.

Best,
J., D., and E. R.

San Francisco, California​

July 03, 2004

Gary,

Received the Terrell Side tables yesterday. They are fantastic! Your shipping containers are as well thought out as are the pieces you make. They arrived perfectly and are beside my bed with the rocker and footstool at their side. Being an old woodworker, I can say that your work is impeccable and exquisitely done. Thanks again. They will become heirlooms someday.

C.F.

Omaha, Nebraska​

June 27, 2004

Gary,

In 1994 I bought this pecan rocker from you in Austin.

I want you to know it has brought many hours of pleasure to our family over these last 10 years. Every time I sit in it I find myself looking at the exquisite craftsmanship and fine detail which has set you apart and far above the furniture industry in quality. I am a very happy customer.

This particular chair was one you used in brochures and ads. It looks now as good as the day you last laid hands on it.

Thanks for your dedication to fine furniture making which you have elevated to an art.

G.E.

Houston, Texas

June 25, 2004

Hi Gary,

I received the chair yesterday. My wife is ecstatic. The chair is exquisite, a work of art. The confidence and pride you have in your work is truly apparent. Excellence is obviously the only acceptable outcome.

My 85 year old grandmother spent five months knitting a beautiful blanket for her soon to be born great grandchild. When I placed the chair in the baby's nursery, my wife hung the blanket over the back of the chair. The craftsmanship in the blanket and the craftsmanship in the chair seem to compliment each other.

Regards,
S.P.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

June 21, 2004

Gary,

She is very appreciative and excited with your fine craftsmanship. My mom seems to like it very much. I can't wait to see it the next time I come to visit. All went well and I thank you for your service. I do appreciate it very much. Have a nice week.

Respectfully Yours
K.P.

Maple Plain, Minnesota

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