![]() ![]() This is important because the more material that is removed, the harder it becomes to maintain the continuity of the grain pattern. Once I select the board for the front apron, I want to remove as little material as possible when cutting it up. The splines started to look like a belt-and-suspenders step, so I omit them now. But then I realized this table and its drawers are small, and unlikely to be under much load. Because the vertical dividers between the drawers are short grain, I used to add long-grain splines to reinforce them. I’ve made a few tables with this method, and I’ve streamlined the process. I have an uncommon way of building the kickers, runners, and guides that reduces my headaches when fitting the drawers. ![]() Less apparent, but equally interesting-at least for us woodworkers-is the way I construct the table’s internals. Done methodically, this technique produces an apron and drawer fronts that have consistent, closely matched grain that appears to flow from one part to the next. My method for achieving this is to rip the apron blank into three strips, crosscut the middle strip to separate the drawer fronts from the rest of the apron, then reassemble the parts (minus the drawer fronts) back into a single apron. When I can, like on this table, I take this approach a step further and cut out virtually all interruption, wrapping the grain across the apron as well as the drawer fronts. One common way that people use continuous grain is with drawers, where they’ll use a single board for a row of drawer fronts, making sure to cut and sequence the fronts so that the grain appears to flow from one drawer to the next, interrupted only by the vertical dividers that separate the drawers. I want people to understand that the details in my work do not happen by chance. I think it clearly shows intention, which is something that I strive for. I’m a huge fan of using continuous grain in my furniture. Mike Korsak shows how to cut and sequence the apron and drawer fronts on his delicate-looking but sturdy side table. A classic way to showcase continuous grain is on a table apron with drawers. We had some leftover fiber fill from a previous activity that was added to the scene to look like snow.Synopsis: Using continuous grain in a piece of furniture shows intention and a respect for detail. This activity encouraged the children to build a winter scene using tree blocks. Try using loose parts on the light table! For this winter scene we found odds and ends in our storage room that were the colors of white and blue, along with paper doilies. While exploring the color white, we put loose parts with different textures on our light table. Read more about it here: Winter Loose Parts Light Table We explored the colors blue and white, along with different textures, for a fun hands-on winter activity. We love to explore spiders in the fall, so I combined them with blocks for loose parts play. (Next time I’m added this leaf confetti!) I sealed the bag and taped it to the light table. I filled a gallon size freezer bag with water and clear hair gel, and then added some leaves and sequins. I also share some others, as well as homemade versions, towards the bottom of this post. It is a light box by Excellerations and you can find it here. I’ve put together a collection of fun light table activities that our preschoolers have enjoyed in our classroom.Įdited to add: I’m often asked what light table we currently use. No matter what time of year, what season we are enjoying, there is a nice variety of activities that can be used at the light table. We usually change what we have on our light table each week, so this allows for a nice variety. ![]() We have ours tucked in our reading and writing area and it’s a perfect spot for one or two children to explore color, as well as other concepts. As you scroll down this page, you will find a link. If it’s because of the cost, there is good news! You can make your own for a fraction of the cost. ![]() If you have a light table, you know what I am talking about.īut, you might not have one. I never dreamed how many different fun light table activities existed! I knew I wanted one for our classroom! I immediately started searching for fun light table activities that would work well with young children. The first time I saw a light table in a preschool classroom, I was drawn to the display on top of it. Inside: This collection of light table activities is full of hands-on exploration that build a variety of skills. ![]()
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