This mirror frame was inspired by an archway in Rings of Power. I’ve always loved the Elven art and design in LOTR. I made a stencil with my scroll saw out of hardboard. But I have the wrong scroll saw blades and I’m impatient so it came out a bit rough and uneven with my hand- drawn design. I had some old oak and some new stock that I glued up together and the difference shows. I glued the stencil to the oak but as I began to router it out, the glue gave out and my router slipped, tearing into the piece. I also routered too deeply I think. Then I broke a piece off. Just one mistake after another really.
But that’s how it goes sometimes. So I’m starting over completely and this time I can learn from each mistake I made. The only thing I’m stuck on is that the hardboard (“chalkboard”) didn’t stick well enough with wood glue or CA glue… so idk what to try next. Maybe 1/4” plywood with carpet tape?
In the medieval period, there was the common idea that if something is too perfect, it must have been made by the Devil. To forestall accusations of having done a deal with the Devil, craftsmen would often deliberately introduce flaws in their design.
That's why there are always gaps in my dovetails.
Finally. A rock-solid excuse for why the software I write has so many bugs in it!