Jim Ipekjian Restoring Greene & Greene Grandeur

I am going on a trip to Pasadena! 

The last few Pasadena trips were to family.  My husband grew up in the neighborhoods chock full of Greene & Greene homes, and we always drive through the streets during every visit dreaming about our finished home (someday) in Seattle .

Greene & Greene Craftsmen
This time I have the unique opportunity to meet a number of the talented craftsman who have replicated or restored furniture, doors, and light fixtures in Greene & Greene homes....Details and Joinery class by Jim Ipekjian, it's a behind the scenes 3-hour class....

Greene & Greene Furniture

Curiosity.....Knowledge....Passion......Craftsmanship

Tom Stangeland has each in abundance; even in his early days when he made small motorized airplanes these qualities were evident.  As I was driving away from his woodworking shop/winery I couldn't help but kick myself for not getting a photo of those early flyers.

Now Tom makes absolutely gorgeous furniture—and that has always been the case but the furniture wasn't always in the Arts & Crafts tradition inspired by Greene & Greene.  A turning point in his craft was in 1990 when a music industry icon visited the Seattle gallery where Tom's furniture was displayed.......

Construction--Looking Forward into 2012

Much has happened with our construction since the last post in June but not enough to interest the casual observer.  Instead of posting news of the house we will feature the people and businesses that have a love of all things Craftsman and specifically Greene & Greene.  I now have time to explore these resources, learn about their stories, delve into why they are so passionate about their craft, and report it back to you.

I hope you join us on the journey.....in the near future I will be visiting a Greene & Greene furniture craftsman, living for a short time in an actual G & G home, and learning more about Ephraim Faience Pottery.

For those interested in the actual construction....