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ALDER (Alnus glutinosa, A. rhombifolia, A. rubra)
A member of the Birch family. The two main varieties are the Red and the White Alder. They range from Asia, to the north of the
Himalayas, throughout Europe, North Africa,
and North America, and along the Andes into Chili. Our own domestic Alders are mostly found along the Pacific
Northwest
coast (Northern California, Oregon, and Washington) near stream banks.
Alders were a very popular tree in England during the Victorian period for woodworkers as the Alder would plant itself firmly near the boggy lands and thrive, making the wood available. It is a beautiful straight grained hardwood that lends itself well for carving and woodworking. In many Victorian paintings, relief cuts etc., where water was the theme, you would often find the Alder planted against the bank.
Alder is a preferred wood of woodworkers everywhere for it's ease of cutting and
sanding as well as it's ability to take stains and oils from a clear blonde
natural look all the way to a dark deep stain. Without a doubt this is my
favorite wood to use in any furniture making project. See the example pictures
below.
About The Woods and Finishes:
I am using solid Alder wood, to give you a choice going up the color scale. Some like lighter woods, some darker. This choice will allow a good mix to help with your individual decorating needs. What follows below is a more detailed description of the fabrication process. All of the woods start off in large thick planks. They are then re-sawn to approximately 1/4 inch thickness and fine sanded smooth to 400 grit. Boards are selected and matched and then moved to the cutting process.
Painted pieces: - In addition to offering the doll furniture in the solid woods with natural finishes, I have added the option of ordering in a smooth painted Antique White option. These pieces are constructed differently and I use a solid MDF smooth manufactured wood as it accepts paint better. All painted pieces are first coated with two applications of primer and then followed with two coats of Antique White paint. I then apply a coat of clear semi-gloss lacquer to protect the paint. Really beautiful option for those wishing a painted look in their doll house decorating.
Solid Wood Finishing
All of the pieces, after they are cut and assembled, are given three coats of pure Danish Oil only. This process creates the rich warm glow only found with a hand-rubbed finish. This is also the process found on many beautiful antique furniture pieces from the period. This traditional finishing process soaks into the wood, seals it, and brings out the natural grain and beauty of each piece. Like traditional furniture, over time, the natural color of the wood deepens, warms...ages and matures to become even more beautiful and rich. Following this oiling process, a top coat of clear semi-gloss lacquer is then applied to protect the finish and allowed to dry. This coat is finely sanded to 800 grit and a second clear lacquer coat is applied.
From start to finish, each piece is hand made as close to the traditional Victorian process as possible. There are no two pieces exactly alike. There is nothing like the look and feel of solid woods. I am very pleased to be able to offer this heirloom quality collection of fine doll furniture.
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