follow anne marie and rick as they build a 17th century joined blanket chest

We are thrilled to share that we have been selected as a mentor –apprentice team for the 2025–2026 Southern New England Apprenticeship Program (SNEAP). This program is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Connecticut Office of the Arts (DECD), and the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation, and is supported 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 master carver Rick Liegl’s mentorship, Anne Marie Elder will deepen her study of 17th‑century joinery and decorative carving - working entirely with hand tools. The team 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.

Rick's love for carving started at a very young age in the Boy Scouts and he has become a master of the craft over the years. Anne Marie's passion for carving and woodworking was deepened when she inherited her great grandfathers tools about 6 years ago - most of which are from the 1800's. Her great-grandfather, grandfather and father were carpenters and joiners. She is super proud to carry on their legacy using the same tools that they used.

Anne Marie started her journey with 17th century New England carving when she first attended one of Rick's decorative carving classes. Rick is quickly becoming known in the US for his knowledge and skills of 17th century New England joinery and carving. Anne Marie later honed her skills in a class taught by Peter Follansbee, who is world-renowned for his exceptional skill and his deep knowledge of 17th century joinery and carving traditions of New England and England using traditional hand tools.

Rick will mentor Anne Marie as she makes and carves something similar to the Thomas Dennis chest shown below.

Be sure to come back and follow our progress in the photos all the way at the bottom of this page!

Thomas Dennis Joined Chest

Some of the most richly ornamented joined chests produced in New England in the USA during the seventeenth century are those attributed to the Ipswich, Massachusetts joiner, Thomas Dennis (1638–1706). He acquired his florid style as an apprentice in County Devon, England.

Choosing our woods and carving design

Most chests in 17th century New England were made from Oak and Pine as those were readily available in the Region. Many of the carving designs originated in England.

Preparing the Wood Stock

The wood needs to be planed to the desired thickness, squared up and using winding sticks, you ensure the edges and tops are true. Mortise and tenon work relies on square, true faces and plowed grooves that line up perfectly.

Building the front frame with the proper fit

Starting to Lay Out and Carve the Designs on the Rails, Stiles and Muntins

Most period joiners did all joinery work before carving. Lots of mortise and tenon work in this step! And we get to use Anne Marie's great-grandfathers plow plane from the 1800's!

Starting to Lay Out and Carve the Designs on the Rails, Stiles and Muntins

This next step is A LOT of carving. Anne Marie chose strapwork patterns based off Thomas Dennis' work. It's called strapwork due to the long narrow bands throughout the patterns. It was inspired by leather straps on books and interlaced belts and harnesses.

Carving the Panels

Starting to Lay Out and Carve the Designs on the Rails, Stiles and Muntins

Coming soon.....

Finishing the Frame

Adding the Bottom and Lid

Assembling the Frame

Coming soon.....

Assembling the Frame

Adding the Bottom and Lid

Assembling the Frame

Coming soon.....

Adding the Bottom and Lid

Coming soon.....

follow anne marie and rick as they build a 17th century joined blanket chest

Thomas Dennis Joined Chest

Choosing our woods and carving design

Preparing the Wood Stock

Building the front frame with the proper fit

Starting to Lay Out and Carve the Designs on the Rails, Stiles and Muntins

Starting to Lay Out and Carve the Designs on the Rails, Stiles and Muntins

Starting to Lay Out and Carve the Designs on the Rails, Stiles and Muntins

Starting to Lay Out and Carve the Designs on the Rails, Stiles and Muntins

Carving the Panels

Starting to Lay Out and Carve the Designs on the Rails, Stiles and Muntins

Starting to Lay Out and Carve the Designs on the Rails, Stiles and Muntins

Finishing the Frame

Adding the Bottom and Lid

Assembling the Frame

Assembling the Frame

Adding the Bottom and Lid

Assembling the Frame

Adding the Bottom and Lid

Adding the Bottom and Lid

Adding the Bottom and Lid

Some of my great grandfather‘s tools from the 1800’s and 1900’s that we are using to build this chest

Here are live shots of our progress

follow anne marie and rick as they build a 17th century joined blanket chest

Thomas Dennis Joined Chest

Choosing our woods and carving design

Preparing the Wood Stock

Building the front frame with the proper fit

Starting to Lay Out and Carve the Designs on the Rails, Stiles and Muntins

Starting to Lay Out and Carve the Designs on the Rails, Stiles and Muntins

Starting to Lay Out and Carve the Designs on the Rails, Stiles and Muntins

Starting to Lay Out and Carve the Designs on the Rails, Stiles and Muntins

Carving the Panels

Starting to Lay Out and Carve the Designs on the Rails, Stiles and Muntins

Starting to Lay Out and Carve the Designs on the Rails, Stiles and Muntins

Finishing the Frame

Adding the Bottom and Lid

Assembling the Frame

Assembling the Frame

Adding the Bottom and Lid

Assembling the Frame

Adding the Bottom and Lid

Adding the Bottom and Lid

Adding the Bottom and Lid

Some of my great grandfather‘s tools from the 1800’s and 1900’s that we are using to build this chest

Here are live shots of our progress

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