Building a 17th Century joined Blanket Chest with Anne Marie Elder - 2026
I’m thrilled to share that my friend, Rick Liegl, and I have been selected as a mentor–apprentice team for the 2025–2026 Southern New England Apprenticeship Program (SNEAP), awarded by the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History. This prestigious grant supports the preservation and transmission of traditional arts, ensuring that time‑honored skills continue to thrive in our region.
Under Rick’s mentorship, I will deepen my study of 17th‑century joinery and decorative carving - working entirely with hand tools. I will focus on creating a historically accurate 17th‑century joined chest inspired by the work of Thomas Dennis, one of New England’s most celebrated furniture makers of the 1600s.
My love for carving and woodworking working was been deepened when I inherited by great grandfathers tools about 6 years ago - most of which are from the 1800's. My great-grandfather, grandfather and father were carpenters and joiners. I am proud to carry on their legacy using the same tools that they used.
I started my journey with 17th century New England joinery and carving when I attended a class taught by Peter Follansbee, who is a world-renowned for his exceptional skill and his deep knowledge of 17th century joinery and carving traditions of New England and England using traditional tools.
PICKING and DRAWING OUT MY DESIGN
