Craftsman to Artist

Customers have referred to me as a craftsman and an artist many times. These remarks have always been great compliments. Recently I came upon a quote from American lawyer, Louis Nizer (1902-1994):

"A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist."

Do you have an idea for a project that I can put my hands, brain and heart to work for you?

Deck the Halls

A long, open wall in a large hallway was the perfect place to add a bookcase that compliments many other built-ins in the home.

Classic Radiator Cover

This removable radiator cover also has storage compartments for shoes, boots, hats, gloves, etc.

Custom Beams and Mantel

This family room with a cathedral ceiling provided enough space to add these decorative oak beams and massive oak fireplace mantel. They create just the right blend of traditional to this contemporary room that the home owners wanted to achieve.

Black Sheep Woodworking celebrates our 20th Anniversary (1994-2014)

Twenty years ago, I started Black Sheep Woodworking to fulfill my dream of becoming a custom woodworker/cabinetmaker. Now, twenty years later, Black Sheep Woodworking has grown from making small desktop accessories to custom furniture, cabinetry, and complete interior renovations. I’m proud of this growth and gained knowledge that I share with my customers every day.

Would you like to learn about new trends? What woods and styles are hot? What finishes and paints to avoid? Are you aware that water-based paints are not all "friendly?" Insist on no/low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints for your home or painted furniture to ensure a clean, healthy environment.

What will enhance your home? A window seat? Mantel? Wainscoting? I welcome your questions regarding your dream project. If I don’t have the answers, Black Sheep Woodworking can provide names of trusted professionals in many fields who can help.

Follow our blog www.blacksheepwoodworking.com to keep up to date with our projects.

Email me at blacksheepwoodworking@mindspring.com, or call me at 914-747-6110 for advice.

You can like us, and follow us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/blacksheepwoodworking for more information and endorsements.

Tom Torlish
Black Sheep Woodworking
Licensed and insured Home Improvement Contractor:
Westchester WC-09094-H98
Rockland H-11936-03-A5-B5
Connecticut 0559019

Bookcases Flanking Fireplace

Custom bookcases flank an existing fireplace surround,
and use moulding details to tie the whole wall together

Window Retreat

A window nook is a great spot to sit and enjoy the sunshine.

This nook was filled with a built-in seat with storage.

A comfy cushion is all it needs.

A New Slant on an Old Favorite

Bookcases are favorites in all areas of the home. These custom bookcases fit perfectly into a room with angled walls.

Column Room Dividers

Painted room divider bookcases provide storage and a handsome transition between the dining and living rooms.

Solid Cherry Family Room Cabinetry

Solid cherry cabinetry, stained a dark brown color by the homeowner's painting contractor, gives this family room multiple storage options, window seats and a media center.

Custom Built-in Children's Bookcase

This children's bookcase with wainscot back panel offers plenty of adjustable shelf space capable of changing to accommodate a growing child's interests.

Custom Teenager's Built In Bookcase / Storage Unit

A teenager with a passion for reading needed this custom built-in bookcase to hold her many books as well as to store other items.

This storage unit is built and painted with  no-VOC materials for a  healthy environment.

Built in Media Cabinet with TV Swivel and Alcove Display Shelves

Flanking this grand fireplace surround, custom built-ins fill the alcoves. One side offers opportunities to display keepsakes on the shelves as well as a a roomy storage cabinet below. 

The media corner holds all of the electronics for a whole-house sound system and a large screen TV that pulls out and swivels for full-room viewing. There is also room to store DVDs, CDs, etc.

White Oak Home Office

11-foot tall, built-in bookcases with custom moldings offer storage to new heights in this home office with 14-foot ceilings.

The custom-built, 7-foot long, mission style white oak table is a great desk for one person but capable of accommodating an office assistant also.

Fantastic Family Room

Twenty seven feet of exceptional birdseye maple cabinetry with walnut accents. Matching crown molding highlights this grand room.

There is even a built in window seat with drawers below.

Designed together with the home owner.

Round Room? Round Furniture!

Custom round desktop and shelves flanked by bookcases fit perfectly in this round child's bedroom. Black Sheep Woodworking can custom build cabinetry and furniture for children and adults in any shape or size. 

Custom Built-in Bookcase

This Maple bookcase was hand-rubbed with a custom mixed white-wash finish which tints the wood, and highlights its beauty.

This bookcase features adjustable shelves, custom moldings, and storage for items behind the doors.

Mini wet bar

A small alcove is a great place to add a special feature to any room.

This Arts and Crafts influenced wet bar provides a functional area for entertaining with its granite counter top, glass shelves and accent lighting.

Maple and Walnut Kitchen

 

Shaker style wall and base cabinets with a little flair -

Walnut contrasting band in all door and drawer openings give this timeless style a modern look. Four piece crown molding finishes the upper cabinetry to the ceiling, also highlighted by a walnut band.

Arts and Crafts Entertainment Center

Arts and Crafts styling made of solid oak and oak veneers, this unit was built and stained to match the existing playroom furniture.

This Entertainment Center provides storage for tapes and DVDs on pull-out shelves. Toys, blankets and pillows can be stored in the drawers below.

It's large scale was designed with the homeowner to hold a flat screen TV measuring up to a 54". The shelves above the TV house all necessary electronic devices.