Pins & Tales is published quarterly by The Society of American Period Furniture Makers and is one of the many benefits of SAPFM membership.

We are pleased to release the Spring 2021 issue of Pins & Tales, the SAPFM e-Magazine.

The SAPFM editorial team hopes that this issue of our quarterly newsletter finds you safe and well. The past year has been a challenge, but we have worked together as an organization to offer our members as much as possible to advance our skills and the body of knowledge regarding the construction and appreciation of historic American furniture. In this issue you’ll find the latest information about events, classes and the behind the scenes efforts of our board and our committees. We aren’t back to “normal” yet, but we’re finding new ways to serve our existing members and reach potential members.

If you want to be an integral part of your organization there are many ways to contribute. Your local chapter could use your help and if there isn’t a chapter in your neighborhood consider starting one. There are also openings on several committees where you can ensure the continuation of SAPFM and the work we do. Last but not least, the board is still searching for a candidate for the Vice President/President Elect position. This is a vital component for continuity of our leadership and if you’re wondering who will step forward, perhaps it should be you!

Sadly, this issue marks the passing of Phil Lowe, our 2005 Cartouche recipient. SAPFM co-founder Mickey Callahan shares his thoughts about the loss of a good friend and mentor to us all. We are including an article that Phil wrote for the 2005 edition of American Period Furniture. SAPFM’s oldest member, Al Hudson also passed recently and Ronnie Young writes about his long life and wonderful work. We will all miss the example that Phil and Al set for us in the quality of their work and their willingness to share their knowledge and experience.

We appreciate all the members who have shared the projects they have been working on lately. We feature an incredible Davenport computer desk recently completed by Joe Parker of the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter and are happy to see the completion of Steve Lash’s ebonized and gilded harp. We even a link to a video so you can see and hear the harp in action (see below). David Heller walks us through his process for fitting a complex carved chair splat to an equally complex chair back, and we review a couple of tools for sanding. Remember to send photos of what you’re working on to share with your fellow SAPFM members. We’re always on the lookout for articles in Pins & Tales and American Period Furniture.

-- Bob Lang, editor

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