WHF Blog

Western Heritage - Wednesday, March 21, 2012

 

I am always amused, while thumbing through a fashion magazine, when I read headlines that declare that "Red Lips/Polka Dots/Black Pants are BACK!"  Well, thank goodness!   Am I the only person that didn't know they were gone?

Even if you do not follow fashion, there are some things that are simply classic.  The color black definitely falls into that category.   As I was laughing at the revelation that black pants were FINALLY back in style, it dawned on me that there were a lot of orders leaving our doors lately with black leather panels.  Maybe there was something to this black thing...

So this blog is dedicated to all the gorgeous black leather accented furniture that we have created, and all the super trendy designers and retailers who know style when they see it!

 

Our classic Whatchamacallit combines rustic with sleek black leather. The Bartlett legs can be modern or rustic, making this a very versatile piece. 

 

If the rustic Ghostwood is not your style, Western Heritage will also make furniture out of Alder, such as this buffet.  The wood is stained our standard Coffee finish, and Pewter tacks pop off of the black leather panels.

 

 

The Signature Cocktail Table looks dapper in black.  I could see this with a contemporary red leather sofa, cow hide or Navajo Rug, and neutral walls and floor.  Statement piece for sure!

 

 

Custom "Cowboy" corners were added to this piece for a Western Bedroom. 

 

Last but not least, one of my favorite pieces to come out of the factory lately were two of these custom-sized buffets with black leather panels and Hammered Zinc tacks.  The end result was simply stunning. 

When it comes fashion and furniture, trends can be fun, but CLASSIC is always in style! 

As always, call us at 925-639-1424 or email sales@whf-inc.com for more information. 

 KM

 

 

 

Western Heritage - Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Western Heritage Furniture can be found in many wonderful home furnishing stores and homes throughout the United States and Canada.  While we have dipped our toes into the international market, we received a wonderful surprise the day that Elena de Vizri, owner of El Corcel in Panama gave us a call. 

Ms. De Vizri has three storefronts where she sells fine Western apparel, tack, and home furnishings.  And to help her fill her multiple locations, we put together an entire container of furniture to ship down to Panama.  She made her selections without having ever laid eyes upon the furniture, having only a recommendation and our web images.

It was a wonderful experience to work with Elena and to see everyone at WHF pull together and make this happen.  

 

 

Our warehouse space inside the factory was full to capacity!

 

On shipping day, an empty container arrived on the back of a truck, and a carefully orchestrated game of furniture Tetris began. 

 

 

 Neith, Richard, Tel, and Jim were hard at work making sure that everything was properly wrapped and padded for the trip across the ocean.

 

 

Every piece had to be lifted up almost 5 feet to find its place in the container.

 

 After several hours of carefully loading, everything fit in perfectly!  Our loaders did a great job of making sure that the pieces were secure and protected. 

Then we waited.  After several months of organizing, preparing and building we had to wait a bit longer to get El Corcel's reaction to the furniture. 

 Finally, after weeks of freight time and customs, Elena emailed to say how delighted she was with all of the furniture, and surprised me with this.....

  Thanks to Elena of El Corcel from all of us at Western Heritage Furniture! 

 

Western Heritage - Friday, December 16, 2011

 

It sure is getting chilly up here on Cleopatra Hill!  The icy winds and snowfall have been delivering quite the punch these last couple of weeks.  

 

While I have to admit that it looks beautiful, keeping warm in this old building is a bit of a challenge.  One thing that we have done to try and battle the chill, is the addition of all new exterior doors on our factory.   Besides providing better insulation, they look much better than the old gymnasium doors.  

 Western Heritage Furniture makes a wide variety of doors using alder and Ghostwood.

 

 

 

Any of our parquetry patterns can be converted into our doors.  Above is the Diamondback and Archer patterns.

Simple rustic elegance.  Roxy can't resist sneaking a peak.

Open the doors up to see the copper and leather designs on the interior.  While not the best for dealing with the elements, adding embellishment on the interior of a door would certainly dress up a foyer.

There is no reason to have to use plain old doors!  Contact us at sales@whf-inc.com to find out about our custom doors, cabinet facings, and built-ins.  Or just come on up to Jerome and take a stroll around town, where you will see our doors in action!

 

 

Western Heritage - Thursday, August 04, 2011

We don't always, or even often, get to see our furniture as it relates to a customer's home.   Every now and then, we get the privilege of personally delivering our pieces out into the world, and can appreciate how the design process all comes together. 

Recently, we made a dining table that had our tongues all wagging, thanks to Sedona designer Sheri Mleynek.   Sheri designed this piece to have 2 leaves (expanding out to an oval), custom finish on the table and chairs, and Ghosttown Copper accents on the chairs, table top, and edging.



The top is our Archer pattern with the turquoise copper accentuating the darker wood tones.  The leaves are engineered so that a pattern is maintained when the table is expanded.



The table looked amazing on the slate flooring.


 
The chairs were coordinated with the same custom finish, Merlot leather, and a Ghosttown Copper panel on the back.  A gorgeous group designed by Sheri!  Thank you and keep up the great work!!

To contact Sheri Mleynek, email sheri@mleynekdesigns.com

For information on furniture, customizations, and bending the rules of time and space, contact sales@whf-inc.com


 

Western Heritage - Thursday, July 21, 2011


It used to be that we would come home from a long day at work, kick off our boots, grab a tasty beverage and settle in to the sofa to watch a little TV to unwind from the stresses of the day.  The living room is aptly named, as that is where we did most of our living.

But, in today's fast-paced, wireless, on-demand society, people are spending more and more time in front of a computer.  So why not make your office as comfortable and pleasant as your living room?  Might as well, desk potato.

Take a look at WHF's new Carson Desk.  Available standard in 60"x30" or in 72"x32", or custom sized to whatever dimension your little heart desires.

The majority of this piece is made from our Milled Ghostwood.  The rough exterior edges of our Ghostwood are planed back to reveal the interior wood.  The finishing result is a cleaner, sleeker, lighter wood tone, perfect for Mountain Modern or Contemporary Southwest designs.
 


The front of the desk is WHF's original Archer pattern in Ghostwood, Milled Ghostwood, and Ghosttown Copper.  Super Ghosty!  Any of WHF's patterned table tops can be put on the front of this piece, and our coppers and leathers are all available as accents to customize the look to your hearts content.



The top of this desk has a central writing panel of our Amber leather and a decorative panel of Ghosttown Copper to set off the top.   The side panels are crafted of the Ghostwood raised center, beveling back to the Milled Ghostwood below.



A single file drawer and two storage drawers on one side, and a tower compartment on the other are on the back of the desk.  The central pencil drawer can convert to a computer keyboard slideout if you need.  Of course WHF can accommodate whatever office configuration that you require.

Contact sales@whf-inc.com for more information regarding customization, construction, and where to buy one for yourself.

Sidenote:  Since this is very ghosty post, I thought it would be fun to mention that this pic is taken at Minehouse Collection on Main Street Jerome.  A few days earlier, they had their first ghost sighting just across from where this desk sits on the mezzanine.   He was relaxing in a chair.  I guess he approves of the new furnishings and was enjoying the space!
 

Western Heritage - Thursday, June 02, 2011

I get a kick out of this old cowboys take on life.

 “Life should never be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely, in a well preserved body but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of dust, thoroughly used up, totally wore out and proclaiming loudly, “WOW, what a ride!”

Well, I am pleased to announce that, to the best of my knowledge, I am nowhere near the end, but can proclaim “WOW, What a ride!” Fourteen years ago, on May 22, I was blessed with a beautiful baby girl Riley Claire McClellan. Five pounds thirteen ounces and all of 18 inches long this little angel changed my life. 

                                           

Riley and I, a few moons ago

A more recent pic of me and Riley

At the time, I had a small woodshop and was a one man show. Upon her arrival, I quickly realized that I could not, with just my two hands, generate enough furniture to afford the life I wished for her. Being a bit of a perfectionist, I had, in the past, had a difficult time hiring help. I just couldn’t leave well enough alone. But for the future financial security of Western Heritage (and thus Miss Riley) I was able to overcome this limitation of mine. I did have to make a pact with myself in order to fully embrace this new adventure.

The pact:  At some point in the foreseeable future I would build a new shop, just for me, where I could pick projects based on my desire to create rather than my need to pay the bills.

                                         

My new home in Durango

                                       

My new shop space

                                         

Unwrapping some new toys, I mean tools

                                      

Hard at work

                                     

A beautiful shot of Erika Roberts at the ranch

The story of Western Heritage is a long exciting tale that I will save for another time, but suffice it to say that we have surpassed all of my wildest dreams. I have been blessed again with a great building for my new shop. I am now almost finished with the build-out (an extension of WHF) in beautiful Durango Colorado. Attached are a few photos. I will attempt to keep everyone posted on the progress and projects of the shop as well as my endeavors to improve my fly fishing skills.

Cheers,

Tim McClellan

 

Western Heritage - Thursday, May 12, 2011
Western Heritage Furniture is going to be featured on AAA Presents Highroads with Dan Davis, on Saturday May 14th.   In Phoenix, the show will air on KPNX Channel 12 at 6:30 pm, and in Tucson on KVOA Channel 4 at 4pm.   Check the website for more details, http://www.aaaaz.com/highroads/index.htm

Also, take a look at clips from Robin Sewell's Arizona Highways Television.  Ms. Sewell has featured Western Heritage Furniture ("Furniture with a Green Heart") as well as Verde BioFuel ("Fry Grease to Fuel" and "Verde Biofuel").  All the clips can be found through this link, http://www.azhighwaystv.com/show-archives/green-eco-friendly/

Happy Watching! 






 

Western Heritage - Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Earth Day came and went this year.  I planted no trees, didn't choose to walk or bike, and didn't switch out any light bulbs.  I probably drank bottled water, in my car, while wearing my baby dolphin shoes made in a Malaysian sweatshop.  (Ok, relax.  I don't support sweatshop goods.) 

Anyhow, it got me thinking about Western Heritage Furniture as a green product, and other companies that are committed to eco-friendly products.  I thought I would share some of my favorites....

 TOMS - These kicks are an affordable fashion statement for hipsters and humanitarians alike.  For every pair of shoes you buy, the company provides a pair of shoes to a child need.  As of September 2010, the company has donated over 1 million pairs of shoes.  toms.com

    

Solio Classic Solar Charger - It has happened to all of us, and probably more times than you ever care to recall.  Trapped in the hot, sunny desert with only half a bar left on your phone. (I live in AZ, and this is truly how it goes down.)  Your charging worries are over with this awesomely versatile, hybrid solar charger.  It is compatible with over 3200 devices, stores energy for up to a year, and can be plugged in on a cloudy day.  solio.com


Ice Stone - This company has been a long standing favorite of mine.  Mostly because the idea of having a counter top made of blue vodka bottles is just plain fun.  Besides blue, they offer all colors of the rainbow and use 100% recycled glass to make their products.   Ice Stone is a wonderful alternative to slabs of stone quarried from faraway countries, this is a must see for anyone considering a kitchen or bath remodel.  icestone.biz
Larson Rugs - I know that it is considered a sin, but I covet these rugs.  Frankly, it is hard to talk about how they are made in California, made of New Zealand wool, minimal carbon footprint, commitment to the environment, blah, blah, blah.  I want to sink my toes into that shaggy wonderfulness.  (I am not paid by the Larson Rug company for endorsements, but will accept any swag they wanna send my way :)  larsonrugs.com




-K


 

Western Heritage - Thursday, April 14, 2011

Ok Ladies…..

At one time or another, we have all found ourselves standing on our tippy-toes in front of the bathroom mirror trying to see how these shoes look with this dress?/ panty hose or no panty hose?/ does my posterior look amazing in these jeans?/ etc.

God Bless the person who invented the Cheval Mirror!

We made this free-standing mirror custom for a customer to avoid such bathroom balancing acts.  It is made out of our signature Ghostwood with Ghost Town Copper accents. 

And much like the previously mentioned posterior, we think it looks pretty good!

-K