You Know That Wood You've Been Saving? Here You Go.

Making a very unusual picture frame that not only holds the art but becomes part of it. Brought to us by Squarespace. For 10% off your first purchase, go to: squarespace.com/makesomething
Creating art from a locally grown slab of hickory and walnut. This project is deeply personal, using wood milled by a late family friend, and is a perfect example of how art can make us better woodworkers. In this video, I experiment with bending thin strips of wood to create an unusual picture frame that not only holds the art but becomes part of it. I’ll share my process, from rough sketches to Adobe Illustrator and Fusion 360 designs, and tackle challenges like reinforcing curved joints and creating a dome shape on a walnut centerpiece. Throughout the video, I highlight techniques such as using a vacuum bag for clamping, reinforcing joints with epoxy and plywood discs, and finishing touches that make the wood stand out. I aim to inspire you, whether or not you replicate the project, by showcasing how pushing the boundaries of woodworking can lead to unexpected and beautiful results.
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/ picciuto
Tools and Supplies Used (Affiliate Links)
Table Saw: amzn.to/4cTfEa2
Large Bandsaw: amzn.to/3G9LxvN
Miter Saw: amzn.to/3QRprDf
Disc Sander: amzn.to/3E2lMvv
Little Bandsaw: amzn.to/3sNqkVB
Palm Router: amzn.to/3u9fM3y
Stepcraft CNC: bit.ly/3pX03xU
Rayjet R400 Laser: bit.ly/3uHoP9e
Drum Sander: amzn.to/45rKNhv
Picture Hangers: amzn.to/3VOb0SW
Corner Clamps: amzn.to/3xGIXgh
Thin Rip Jig: amzn.to/3L3ZnCr
Planer: amzn.to/4aAXloD
Vacuum: bit.ly/3wcVFiX
Vacuum Bag: bit.ly/3AxuUbK
Epoxy (provided by Total Boat): bit.ly/3W0vTJ8
Random Orbit Sander: amzn.to/2aXutIU
T-shits, books and plans: makesomething.com

[@michaelcrouse9334]

Is it just me... or does that look like the Death Star as its exploding?

[@DeafMaker]

You beat me to it, my first thought it was the Death Star from Return of The Jedi.

[@monicaharvell]

To me, it looks like a chocolate cookie with a bite out of it. 😂

[@steveferguson1232]

@@DeafMakerI just posted along that same line, and then saw your post. You beat me to it. Great minds think alike lol

[@williambrewer175]

My first thought was Alderan at the moment the beam hit the planet.

[@sidespin9968]

Yep, Deathstar

[@steveferguson1232]

I said it when you created a piece inspired by a concrete bench in your neighborhood and I’ll say it again. You are a woodworking artist. Stunning piece Dave, stunning. On a funny lighthearted note, you could sell that to a Star Wars fan and tell them it’s the Death Star being attacked.

[@mattkey5964]

Ah yes…the special projects! My basement is full of special wood for special projects yet to be done. My wife loves this concept. LOL

[@slomo1562]

It is the "some day" pile.

[@jimsammons5721]

Your last 6mo of videos are hitting different than a few years ago and I’m really digging the art and on the fly designed pieces. This video is inspiring me to finally get my biggest pieces of wormy chestnut out and make the damn table Ive been planning.

[@IAmKyleBrown]

I think the acrylic background is the perfect balance between adding to the piece without detracting from the piece. Absolutely beautiful, well done David!

[@sgsax]

I don't know how you come up with a design that is both geometric and organic, but you nailed it. I love this on so many levels. And also, that precious piece of wood you have in your collection wants to be something, anything. There's still plenty more wood in the world. You can always find another beautiful piece. Woodworkers love hoarding wood. Appreciate the gratuitous end sanding shot. Picciuto is for the people. Thanks for sharing!

[@Warshipmodelsunderway]

Wood is not truly special until you give it a name. Tim, a slab of mahogany, has been hiding the in rafters of my shop for 20 years waiting for that special project worthy of him.

[@pjh432]

Just a thought but if you did a gallery show, I would love to see 50 or 60 pieces which would show the changes in approach and your incredible improvement overtime. Far more interesting than only showing perfection in my mind I also that artful pieces like that impact people differently, so don’t limit me yourself on the number of pieces to show the world Love the work you do and I love how you keep us so involved in your creative process. It helps for someone who’s less creative like me.

[@chaoticlogic588]

I love the direction this is going. 1000% right call using a high gloss on that focal point. I can't wait to see the evolution of this unfold. Great job man.

[@jeremygunkel]

Saw you show part of this on the podcast and was excited to see how it turned out. Looks great!

[@davidczepanski1359]

That's cool, Dave. Nice work. Took a risk; nailed it.

[@jordandominy7295]

That is gorgeous. One of my favorite projects that you’ve done.

[@robshamel3210]

Love it!! Love the sketch to finished project vision. You over killed it!!!

[@BillDiehl-bf2bf]

Loved this project! At first I was confused when you referenced the cool "little bung-holes" in the wood. Upon rewatching the video, I realized you were talking about "bug holes"

[@andyiliff7793]

This piece looks really amazing, David! I love the contrast in finish, color and shape. It works beautifully! As always your work continues to inspire me. I just moved back to the Toledo area and I hope that we have the chance to cross paths so I can thank you in person. I'm excited to see what you come up with next!

[@whhsfordian]

You did a great job with the commentary at the beginning and end explaining what you are trying to do and why. And I am about as far away from being an artist as anyone can be but I really enjoyed the artistic aspect of this.

[@jaron1990]

Wow! I rarely like wooden art, but this one came out so good. and the glossy epoxy finish... looking sick. great great great job

[@foos.998]

Great choice to make the walnut glossy, Dave.

[@spenserolson7937]

Really loving the lighting in this. Much more interesting than the typical "KZbin" look

[@williammaxwell1919]

Yeah, I like collecting ideas; I also like creating new ideas and adapting ideas to "what if". As an architect, I'd ask trade reps doing demo's "can your product do XYC?". 95%+ would straight out say "NO", about 4% would say "I'll find out if it can" and only a few said "I'm sure we can come up with a solution"

[@TotalBoat]

Absolutely stunning work! Love the frame!

[@threesteaks]

I think that turned out awesome! I dig the idea of mixing art and woodworking. Thanks!

[@DennismMaler]

David, I really liked this project. My unsolicited opinions: I prefer the white acrylic because it contrasts with the dark wood. The pale blue of the wall would also look good if you removed the acrylic, but any darker surface wall I think wouldn’t look as good (without the white in the frame). I know you normally don’t like glossy, but it works for this because the dark wood almost gives it a mirror finish which I think helps enhance the center wood piece.

[@masontejera506]

Beautiful work David! Love the ever evolving feel of your videos!

[@chriscalon8913]

Love it! Good work David. I really like the bent wood frame. Very unique!

[@woogaloo]

This is definitely art. I heard you talking about it before, but seeing it...wow. I love how it's disconnected, but connected. You really are a woodworking artist - whether you believe it or not. Great stuff as always!

[@jimrosson6702]

Absolutely stunning I love this idea of the frame being part of the art .amazing work can’t wait to see more. Thanks for sharing

[@johnrosekelly7920]

Excellent! I love the direction you are moving with your videos and your projects.

[@eddieroy8037]

Love the project its probably my favorite art projects you have done thanks for the inspiration

[@JoshWrightWoodworking]

Really cool, I like how it looks with the acrylic 👍

[@jasonzodda]

More like this! Love the idea. So inspiring.

[@bradgreen7270]

Beautifully done, Dave!

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic work, Dave! Nicely done! 😃 But art doesn't need to be divisive. It can be, of course, but doesn't need to be. After all, it's the artist's expression. That's all. And remember: Ryan Johnson used to say it and he killed Star Wars. Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@sapelesteve]

Very unique and unusual piece David! Well done! 👍👍🔨🔨

[@jlathem56]

Outstanding piece of art. Something about the center dome piece makes me wonder how it would look if it stood off the wall a half to an inch, just to give it a little more separation.

[@am0ebab0y]

I was thinking it would be cool if the cut off bits of the cookie would be in the other bits of the frame, but this is beautiful as it is.

[@esterndesign]

Amazing process and end result. To me it looks like an olive with a toothpick going through it. Like an abstract nod to a martini or something. Keep up the great channel!

[@JNewellworks]

Very cool David! I like how different that is from the norm.

[@thegentlemanmaker]

I can give up my saved wood any time. It’s not a problem. Also, awesome project!

[@ttapion]

Gloss was definitely the way to go. It looks like a polished stone! Pretty cool. Thanks Picciuto!

[@Wordsnwood]

Did you consider making the straight parts of the frame out of strips to match the curved pieces? Really like how you domed the walnut!

[@davebauerart]

Love all the exploration! Definitely reminds me to try something new!

[@splinters_66]

Love the art approach to your work, encourages us to think outside the box 🔥👏

[@Kernowwoods]

I love the evolution of your channel and your style dude. Kudos for staying true to yourself 🤙

[@garagemonkeysan]

Great film, love the shots and story. Super cool build. Mahalo for sharing. : )

[@JoshBCamp]

I love this. Such a cool piece and unlike anything I’ve seen on KZbin. I hope you make and share more art pieces. I’m trying to get some of the creativity I had in college back and this is very inspiring.

[@kenncollins2558]

Inspiring, as always. Also, I nearly stopped before the final seconds and I'm glad I didn't. Thank you!

[@craigarmstrong5185]

My son gave me your end grain cutting board book- I love it!

[@masterricon]

The glossy is the right choice with the dome shape of the cookie. The light reflections changing as you move around the room wouldn't be a feature if it was satin finish.

[@MasonWiseman]

Love the piece! The cookie reminds me of the death star from Return of the Jedi. Just a much more organic looking version haha. Maybe if you do fill it in with acrylic you could do a space design of sorts to emphasize that. Cheers and great piece!

[@woodvibecreation]

That's super good looking. It's a good idea to make it shiny and it kind of make me think about the death star of star wars, that's cool !!

[@saraestrapala5306]

This turned out great! Nice job!

[@kevinmcleod6329]

hell yeah man, keep doing your best work. The art and the videos are on point.

[@ctcummings21]

If "woodworkers love overkill" isn't a shirt you sell yet, fix that now. 😂

[@TheShavingWoodWorkshop]

This is awesome David ! Looking forward to seeing where this road takes you, have a good one.

[@Lilreedo87]

This is so cool!! I love all of the choices you made and the white acrylic looks great because it makes the center wood round pop!

[@kyleh6962]

That was great being able to see the Stepcraft cookie cutter, what a helpful tool, so much better than using a CNC. 😂

[@negotiableaffections]

As an artist first 2D & 3D, I've evolved into music and woodwork. . .take it from me, Dave Leave the piece just as you've displayed it. It looks perfect and when its displayed on a different coloured wall, you'll appreciate the white acrylic being a smooth setting for the glorious centrepiece. Great work!

[@ZOEng99]

Cool. Love your work. I do have a small point of contention….’woodworker like overkill’…..not all of us do. Some of us thrive on simplicity and understatement.

[@TetraCNC]

Of all the stuff I have watched you create; this may be my favorite piece!

[@paulcharette6400]

This is super cool David. Love it.

[@WiredWorkshop]

Awesome piece of Art!

[@tomphillips2473]

I think Cookie Monster found your wood cookie! Great video as usual 🙂

[@danieldurkton2942]

Very Cool!!! Looks Great. Enjoy your Sunday…..

[@ericlee8344]

I got some Wes Anderson vibes from this video and LOVED IT!

[@mwrcrft]

Nice art piece, The three separate pieces is interesting using the wall as the canvas vs mounting to a substrate. Now when it sells the buyer could ask for the wall behind it to be included since it is now part of the art. Maybe?

[@roadtriplover.]

It really is a lovely piece. Well done!!!

[@jorgeconcheyro]

ufff, looks in-credible David!!! Cheers from Buenos Aires!!!!

[@ClaesKamp]

Great video! Love the new editing style and really enjoy these more experimental projects. Cheers

[@MyGrowthRings]

Looks really slick, David. If it were me, I would remove the acrylic, but I get what you were going for. Nice build. Scott.

[@markduggan3451]

That looks awesome.

[@MrTravbub]

I’m not close to the level of skill and expertise as you David but I get better by watching and learning from you.

[@fouroakscrafts7240]

Wow! That is a beautiful work of art. Very creative!

[@dandavis5832]

Project came out great Dave, now you need to use the special wood scraps to make a new special special piece

[@subrotochatterjee5788]

Good job. Just saying that the white background in the two triangles appears dull due to the shade of the walls being light coloured. You can still have more eyeballs on your glossy walnut disc even with some bright green or sun yellow or some other non-white colour. Check it out in your computer!

[@phillipprior102]

That looks freaking amazing. Very cool.

[@reforzar]

Home run! What a beautiful piece 😍

[@baleavitt]

Such a cool piece!

[@CorbyQ]

Well Mr. Picciuto you are very talented and I admire your work and channel. I would love to hand out with you for a day and be able to pick your brain. Great job keep up the great work. Sorry to hear about your friend. God bless sir and have a great 4th of July.

[@robandsharonseddon-smith5216]

I love this kind of content. Your bought all the... were fun but this is really you. I really would like to see more. Super thanks in the hope that the algorithm will prefer that to a snappy title...

[@mikeygee4564]

Looks awesome, great job

[@karri4135]

Gorgeous as always! Your groove at about 10 minutes in should be your theme music!! 🙌

[@karri4135]

9:46 that is

[@karri4135]

Ok got distracted at the music… really love this piece. Think you’re right-the frame is part of the artwork. Would love to see the wall show through as a lead in to the center, which is so cool. I’m also curious-is this in three pieces?

[@PR-WoodWorkingCreations]

*Very Creative Project Looks Fantastic!!* 🌟 *Beautiful Work of Art 🎨 Amazing!!* 👍🏻

[@KeithTharp]

Really love this

[@DougKeeling]

Sand!! 😂 Finally! Awesome project!

[@alexturek5664]

Yoooo! That is awesome! Nailed it. Totally inspirational! And for what it’s worth, THIS woodworker Loves Overkill (start with the Years of Decay, a thrash metal classic!)

[@aaronblackford981]

Looks awesome.

[@jonwills1957]

Duuuuude!! Killing it!!

[@herbertliedel7019]

Really came out nice. Keep the inspiration going. I'm only a few miles north of Toledo in Monroe County.

[@Toyotajunkie]

Awesome piece

[@ericnicastro]

🔥🔥🔥 that frame is gorgeous!

[@sethoberst6310]

Love it!

[@valeriewestmoreland4010]

That is soooo cool. Thanks for sharing.

[@randystyborski5983]

Im inspired now- thank you

[@natepeterson7145]

That's cool Dave!

[@matt_wiese]

It came out great, I love all the wood bending lately! Is it all one piece or did you have to precisely hang each of the 3 pieces relative to each other?

[@rulowth4815]

Gorgeous, the artwork too! Hhaahha great as always

[@davidsorianorodriguez8152]

What a cool piece!!!

[@simonr6793]

Dan, I thought you had bought the Airbnb property to turn it into your own art gallery!!!

[@robandsharonseddon-smith5216]

Thanks!

[@MakeSomething]

❤️ Thank you!