Here are a few pictures of cherry card table I made for the Interiors 2008 show in May. The piece was inspired by 18th and 19th century card tables but in a contemporary form. The legs were made as thin and elegant as possible and are attached to a central pod. It would be the perfect hall or occasional table and is designed to be up against a wall. There is a slope in the back legs so the top will touch the wall but the legs will clear any skirting.
The back legs use a wooden hinge to pivot out so as to support the unfolded table leaf. Maybe it is just me but I always like to see how the underneath of a table is finished; I think it can serve as good indicator of how well a piece is made. To this end and to lighten the appearance of the table top, I sculpted the two leaves of the top to be thinner on the outside edge and added a hand carved surface to give the table some tactile interest. The table is made of cherry and over time the wood will darken but when the table is opened the inside will be revealed as a beautiful pinky flesh colour. The legs are jointed using strong traditional mortise and tenons and the finish is tung oil and west cork bees wax. Not only does this all natural finish enhance the beautiful figure of cherry wood it also gives the table a luxurious silky sheen and feels wonderful under hand. Also it is easily maintained assuring the table will look great for many years to come. 
