Furniture Talk: Sliding Dovetails

Explore the versatility and elegance of the sliding dovetail through a close study of traditional furniture construction and the remarkable engineering of the Swedish folk chair. In this lecture and demonstration-based class, we’ll examine how sliding dovetails have been used for centuries to create strong, stable joinery in chairs, tables, cabinets, and case furniture.

Participants will get an up-close look at the layout, shaping, and assembly of a traditional Swedish folk chair, with special attention given to how sliding dovetails contribute to strength, movement control, and visual refinement. The class will also cover practical considerations for fitting sliding dovetails by hand, common variations of the joint, and examples drawn from historical furniture traditions.

We’ll also spend time exploring the Scandinavian decorative tradition of rosemaling, looking at historical examples and discussing how painted ornament was used to personalize and enliven everyday furniture. A brief introductory demonstration will cover basic forms, brushwork, and design principles behind traditional rosemaling patterns.

Ideal for woodworkers, furniture enthusiasts, and anyone interested in traditional joinery, folk art, and vernacular design.

Takeaways: 

• A deeper understanding of furniture anatomy and design principles. 

• Tools for assessing quality, durability, and style. 

• Insights into how history and culture shape everyday objects. 

• A sharper eye for both beauty and flaws in the built environment. 

Snacks and drinks provided. 

Instructor Bio:  Caleb Nakia Rogers is a woodworker whose craft is deeply rooted in the Japanese traditions of kumiko and sashimono joinery. Drawing inspiration from centuries-old techniques and the quiet elegance of Japanese aesthetics, Caleb creates intricate wooden pieces that honor both form and function. His work ranges from delicate shoji screens and finely crafted furniture to contemporary interpretations of classic designs. 

Caleb's philosophy centers on the belief that beauty lies in simplicity and imperfection, echoing the wabi-sabi spirit. His work has been featured in the Lost Art Press and a two hour documentary on Japanese television, focusing primarily on the creation of traditional kiri tansu.