Fireplace Mantle

In 2006, my dear wife Cheryl asked me to build a fireplace mantel for our home, and we came up with this. It is in mahogany veneers and solids, with a running bookmatch of crotch mahogany across the face.

Crotch veneers are very challenging to apply. They are very brittle and fragile, but they have a lovely, and classic appearance. We also installed a string of rope light to accentuate the veneer face. The lights set off the dentil molding in a interesting way. It scatters little flecks of light and shadows on the wall. You just have to see to appreciate.

This was one of my favorite pieces of work. I'd love to do another one someday. You select the wood species. 

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