About the
Artwork
Holmes MakerWares' designs utilize positive and negative space to illustrate familiar forms in an unfamiliar way. The frames tie into any space as they change in the light and share in the shadows with their surroundings.
It starts as a sketch...
All designs begin as hand-drawn sketches.
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This particular design is offered in an eccentric size because it was originally sketched in a square notebook.
Sketches are refined
It's hard to sketch a bug in purely positive and negative space the first time around.
It's also difficult the second time. Many of our favorite features started out as happy accidents.
The sketch is digitized
Each design has to be digitized into a scalable format so that the CNC can follow discrete vector paths. These paths are traced on top of a photo of the sketch.
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Every size of every design gets its own vector file.
The vectors go to CAM
Vectors are imported to a CAM software which produces toolpaths for the desired shapes. This particular design utilizes a small 1/16" end mill to maintain sharp corners with its distinctive lines.
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Any piece that uses 1/16" bits must be flipped over to carve from the rear, as seen in these paths.
Cutting and Finishing
Designs are cut out of oak-veneered plywood with grain running vertically. Current products are left unfinished to illuminate the natural grain without yellowing the material.​
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From here, the parts are cleaned up, packed, and shipped!
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