For Jim Boisvert, life as a craftsman began at age ten. While other children his age tuned into Saturday morning cartoons, Jim watched the Woodwright’s Shop. For the last twenty years, Jim has kept a notebook cataloging every piece of furniture he has made as a Thos. Moser craftsman.
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Becoming a Thos. Moser Craftsperson
The journey from apprentice to full-fledged furnituremaker
When Thos. Moser began in 1972, many craftspeople were Tom’s students intermixed with boat builders, carpenters, and government officials. The truth is, it didn’t matter where they came from; what mattered was that they were a group of people so enamored with the maker culture and so dedicated to reviving a lost art of furniture making that they poured their heart and soul into learning every element of the craft.
While each comes to Moser with unique skills, they are connected by a common thread to those who came before — an incessant need to work with their hands, create, and leave behind a legacy. We sat down with CJ, a first-year craftswoman, and George, a craftsman of 25 years, to learn how this joy of creation is shared and how a commitment to excellence thrives at Thos. Moser.
“Woodworking is anything but a mindless task, and wood is unlike any other natural material. Reading the wood is everything, from color and grain match to knowing the nuances of the wood. We are experts in wood—understanding wood and matching for characteristics,” says CJ.
As a new woodworker, this place can be intimidating. “It takes mental toughness and a good attitude. Learning to work through the mistakes and how you get through building a piece of furniture is just as important as the final result,” says George.
“Working here takes craftsmanship to a whole other level when you look at a piece of Thos. Moser furniture, you know exactly what’s holding it together. We celebrate that here; we don’t hide it. We showcase the materials in the best possible way,” says George.
Signing a piece of furniture marks the transition from apprentice to maker. The process is not just a formality; it instills a renewed sense of commitment, accountability, and longevity of and to the work. It is the manifestation of the craftsperson’s commitment to excellence.
One of my fellow woodworkers approached me and said, CJ, you’re an artist now.”
“One of my fellow woodworkers approached me and said, ‘CJ, you’re an artist now.’ That was an extraordinary feeling,” says CJ. George recalls, “It feels good to sign your name to your work. You’re taking ownership and responsibility for your piece. Watching someone you’ve worked with achieve that level of skill gives you great pride, especially when you have had the honor of watching them become a full-fledged furnituremaker.”
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More Than a Signature
It was upon closer inspection customer David M. discovered that his chair had a unique marking.
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