Baker Brothers

Sunday 18 November 2012

Bell Pole

The antique bell was a gift to the owners by a close friend. They wanted to have a unique post to hold the bell so they asked me to build them a pole from a cedar tree that we found on their farm property. I first used a chainsaw and a grinder to create the spiral and then cupped the wood on the inside to hold water and create a waterfall effect when it rains. The pole was hand sanded to 400 grit and then finished with linseed oil. The spirals intensify the sound of the bell ringing as well as create a unique focal point in the garden!

Friday 7 September 2012

The Box

About two years ago we received the devastating news that a dear friend of ours was diagnosed with terminal cancer. We were very fortunate to have more than a year to spend with him after hearing the sad news. During that time Paul asked Blair if he would make a pine box for him. Blair was honoured to do this one last thing for Paul, and of course Blair being Blair, he handcrafted something much more spectacular than a "box".

The top of the box was crafted from laminated 2 x 10, and 2 x 6 clear pine. Blair wanted to create something very unique and deserving of such a wonderful man. He carved an absolutely amazing angel that would embrace Paul forever. This project was emotionally draining for obvious reasons, but the end result was so rewarding!!

The base was built from solid pine and lined with "Toronto Maple Leaf" flannel material - Paul's favorite hockey team! The box was was secured with blue rhinestone saddle buckles.

Cheers to Paul - an amazing friend!








Wednesday 20 June 2012

Inventory and Price List


Endless

Date: August 2011
Medium: white birch burl with linseed oil finish
Size: 22"H x 18" W x 16" D
Price: $5,300

Aviator Chairs


Medium: poplar frame wrapped in aluminum, leather seat
Size: 32" H x 36" W x 40" D
Price: $2950
Custom orders available.


Couch Table

Medium: Maple log with tempered glass top
Size: 21" H x 24" W x 38" L
Price: $2400

Floor Lamp

Medium: pine burl, wood base wrapped in aluminum, LED light
Size: 70 " H x 14" W x 14" D
Price: $1200

Forgotten

Date: February 2012
Medium: maple with linseed oil finish
Size: 70" H x 14" W x 14" D




Monday 11 June 2012

Floor Lamp


This floor lamp was created from a pine tree that fell into the river at our Haliburton property. Blair cut the tree up and threw it onto the river bank. Years later as we were walking along the river's edge Blair spotted the log. The bark had peeled off and exposed a very unique burl that was transformed into this amazing floor lamp. The leather stitching has reniforced a cut that was made in the log years before. The base is made from wood wrapped in aluminum, with an LED light that does not produce any heat. It looks amazing when the light is turned on and glowing through the knots and stitching in the burl.

Sunday 27 May 2012

Distillery Art Market - May 26 & 27, 2012


Thank you to everyone who took the time to stop and say hello - I appreciate your time, and truly enjoyed some great conversations. It was encouraging to hear so many positive comments about my work.

Hope that we talk again soon.
Blair



Friday 25 May 2012

Sneak Preview!!

The Aviator Chairs are complete and they look amazing!! Custom cowide leather seat was superbly upholstered by a local company - JR Custom Upholstery in Pickering.




Friday 18 May 2012

Exciting News!

Blair has been selected to showcase his work at the Distillery Art Market on May 26th & 27th

Check out the event on Facebook!
For more details, head on over to the Distillery Art Market site
Please email Blair if you have any questions : bakerbrothers@bell.net
We hope to see you there!

Monday 14 May 2012

Presenting the Baker Brothers version of the Aviator Chair....

Distinct features:
  • hand crafted (by Blair) with quality materials purchased from a local supplier (Mar-Lyn Lumber)
  • solid wood frame
  • wings are hand molded from ozidized aluminum, and over 2000 "#6 Robertson" screws
  • customized seat dimensions for ultimate comfort
  • superior quality cowhide leather seat and chair back
Here are some photos of  the chair in the making - the finished piece will follow....





Wednesday 2 May 2012







"Endless" is a unique carving made from a birch burl. Blair had his eye on the rounded growth for about 20 years, checking frequently on the tree's destiny. Once the birch tree was dying, Blair fell the tree and cut the burl from the trunk.

The project began, using only hand tools to meticulously remove the bark, and smooth the wood. After each carving session the burl was kept saturated, and wrapped in cloth to help the wood cure. The grain seemed to come to life as Blair carved the burl, stopping when he reached what he first envisoned in his mind.

The name "Endless" is quite ironic. It was after the completion of this piece that Blair came to the realization that he gets an incredible sense of pride and satisfaction when other people appreciate and see what he sees. This was actually the beginning of a new venture....

Tuesday 24 April 2012



An extraordinary piece that Blair has created is this beautiful angel that he has named "Forgotten". The angel was hand crafted from a dying tree (on his Haliburton property) that he has had his eye on for several years. The tree was struck by lightening and then continued to grow for many years later. Blair envisioned the split in the trunk to be the wings of an angel and waited patiently for nature to take it's course. As the existence of the maple tree came to an end, he brought it back to life once again in this beautfiul art form.

Sunday 15 April 2012

The couch table is almost complete. Here are some photos - you will have to use your imagination to envision the final look.The temporary plywood top will be replaced with glass, and the finishing touch will be the cold pressed steel feet....



Tuesday 10 April 2012

Blogging is new to us - to be honest we are a little overwhelmed right now with the whole Social Media concept and all of the different forms of networking and marketing tools that are available! Recognizing that business success in this era depends so much on internet browsing, we are now official "Bloggers", so here it goes.....

Blair is now working on a unique "couch table" made from a fallen tree that caught his eye.  He envisioned what he would create, and the idea stuck in his head until he began. The grain of the wood is amazing!! Here he is in the early stages....


The table top will be made from 10 mm tempered glass. The glass top will provide for constant appreciation of the beauty of the wood. The detail along the sides of the piece is made from stainless steel woven wire that is laced through rivets. The feet are designed from 2 1/2 inch cold rolled steel, distressed, and then formed by hand. More pictures to follow....