-
Topsy Workshop at Fremont Winter Market
The Topsy Workshop is selling at the Fremont Sunday Market (winter edition) for the 2025-2026 season. We have assorted boxes, toaster tongs, step stools, picture frames and easel stands, plant stands, and more exciting products in development. Everything is, as always, handmade in Wallingford from sustainable domestic lumber. The booth will be open next on
-
Handrail Refinishing
These handrails are from a piece of exercise equipment. They had been in use for many years, and the original finish was failing. The old finish was some sort of film finish, and it was peeling and discolored where it had seen the most wear. The handrails were removed and brought to the shop where
-
Bench Restoration
This bench had been out in the weather in the Northern Cascades for many years. The surviving slats were cracked and rotting. White oak was chosen as it is strong and does reasonably well outside. New slats were cut, drilled, and finished at the workshop. The new slats were made as thick as the castings
-
Garden Cart Restoration
This garden cart had seen many years of use, and the plywood was showing its age. Measurements were taken, and new pieces were cut from marine plywood. The new pieces were made entirely from measurements as the original cart was in continual use far from the workshop. Edges and holes were sealed with epoxy, and
-
Cutting Board Restoration
A neighbor brought over this old cutting board which had seen decades of use and abuse. It was splitting in a couple of places and needed refinishing. The glue was failing, so it was necessary to completely separate most of the strips. The exposed surfaces were planed smooth, and the boards were glued together once
-
Custom Cabinet
This custom cabinet was built to replace wire shelving. By filling all of the available space in the corner, the new cabinet houses stools and mats that were previously scattered throughout the studio. The cabinet was built as three separate pieces that are stacked. This made construction and transportation easier and also affords options for
-
Strongbox / Treasure Chest
A small strongbox or treasure chest made of ash. The construction of this piece is fairly simple but with some strong details: chamfered edges on each strip, decorative plugs, and a rounded top. The exterior is smooth with no protrusions other than the hinge pins. The result is quite striking. This piece is substantial; it
-
Trees, Christmas, Commerce
Tiny Christmas Trees are now available in our Etsy shop. Each one is handmade from felt and wood. You can decorate them however you like with whatever you like. Or check back as we will soon be selling ornaments for the trees. And yes, Mr Splinters decided to call them “Christmas Trees” as explaining the
-
Coming this Christmas
Do you enjoy festive flora on the winter solstice? Perhaps something of the evergreen variety? Do you find the standard models a bit… big? Well, this holiday season the Topsy Workshop has you covered with tiny Christmas trees, perfect for desk, shelf, or table. Our trees give you a tiny canvas to show the world
-
Coffee Table with Storage
A coffee table in Alder with storage compartments under a split top. The table is stained to match other furniture and is finished with gloss water-based poly. Each half of the top is hinged at the back. The front latches closed with a modified window sash latch controlled by a wooden knob on the front
