Travail du Bois by J. Soileau

Travail du Bois by J. Soileau Custom woodcraft shop, specializing in wooden home decor. From crosses, lamps, and plaques, to wall

A busy summer is finally slowing down, and im finally getting back to some long overdue woodworking.  Here's a quick loo...
09/03/2022

A busy summer is finally slowing down, and im finally getting back to some long overdue woodworking. Here's a quick look at my newest project.

"Ole Salty".

It's been a while, but here's a new item from the shop.  These wood duck boxes were a special request for a friend, and ...
06/04/2022

It's been a while, but here's a new item from the shop. These wood duck boxes were a special request for a friend, and something I've been wanted to make for a while.

The first box is made of Eastern Red Cedar, a great wood traditionally used in nest box construction because of its fantastic rot resistance. It's hard not to love the color of red cedar, especially after it is freshly planed.

The second box is made of Longleaf Pine, a wood that built the United States historically. Although lesser known because of its long growth cycle, longleaf pine is also a fantastic wood for nest box building because it too is rot-resistant. The trees were used historically for many products that would go into ship building.

Both boxes are finished with live edge boards for the front and top, giving these boxes a realistic look

03/10/2022

Hey all! Sorry you haven't been seeing any new posts or updates, but we've been busy moving into our first home! We finally got moved in last week after almost 2 months of renovations that we needed to do before we could move in. Still alot of work to go, but Rome wasn't built in a day! And, the woodworking didn't completely stop. While one of my projects for the house isn't complete yet, as soon as it is, I'll get some pictures on the page.

However, I will start working on new items very soon, and I'll try to do a few more "sneak peaks" of those as they progress. I have a couple of new box designs that I'll be showing off very soon.

As always, if you have any special requests, feel free to send me a message so we can discuss. Thanks so much for the support!

02/01/2022

Unfortunately, Box #6, the 3rd and final Mardi Gras Fleur de Lis, has been delayed. I will try to get it up as soon as possible, but difficulties getting the right glass for it have prevented completion.

I will be taking a short break in February on new items as my family and I work on moving into our new house. However, if anyone has any special requests, feel free to send a message to the page.

As always, thanks for all the support. I hope to get back to producing new projects real soon!

FOR SALE!!Wall Art Fleur De Lis.  5 total.  These are made from "rainbow" poplar, and the uniqueness of this wood really...
02/01/2022

FOR SALE!!

Wall Art Fleur De Lis. 5 total. These are made from "rainbow" poplar, and the uniqueness of this wood really comes out in these pieces.

$20 each. Shipping available for additional fee. Message the page if interested in buying or for more pictures.

Box  #5-- Mardi Gras Fleur De Lis.  This is  #2 of 3 in the series.  Another box of rainbow poplar and Wissmach Iridesce...
01/21/2022

Box #5-- Mardi Gras Fleur De Lis. This is #2 of 3 in the series. Another box of rainbow poplar and Wissmach Iridescent glass, this cut of poplar has lighter shades of purple with a few pinks as well--a true rainbow of colors.

Barring any delays, Box #6--the last of the Mardi Gras Fleur De Lis trio--should be up by early next week!

If you have any special requests or would like something you've seen on the page, shoot me a message. While I will always try to make items to put up for sale, I'm happy to discuss custom work.

Box  #4-- The Fleur De Lis.  This is currently  #1 of 3 set to come out in the next week.  The box is made of "rainbow" ...
01/18/2022

Box #4-- The Fleur De Lis. This is currently #1 of 3 set to come out in the next week. The box is made of "rainbow" poplar (yellow poplar to you nature enthusiasts out there). You can see on this box and it's sisters why woodworkers gave it the colorful name. Beautiful streaks of green and purple really POP on this one. And what better way to use those colors than in a Mardi Gras-inspired box?! The glass is an Iridescent made by Wissmach, and doesn't it remind you of Mardi Gras beads? Beautiful whether illuminated or not.

Unfortunately, this box and box #5 (debuting Thursday) are already spoken for. They're selling as fast as I can make them!! But Box #6--the third and final Mardi Gras Fleur De Lis--WILL BE up for sale, so keep an eye out for that one.

As always, thanks for the support! Like and Share if you enjoy what you're seeing. Thanks!

As promised, here's a sneak peek at the next work coming out of the shop, and it's just in time for Carnival Season!  To...
01/06/2022

As promised, here's a sneak peek at the next work coming out of the shop, and it's just in time for Carnival Season!

Today feels appropriate to give the first look at these Mardi Gras-inspired boxes, as tonight is Twelfth Night--the night the 3 Wisemen visited the baby Jesus in the Christian Tradition, and the beginning of Mardi Gras season. This is one of the funnest times of year in Louisiana as we prepare for the Lenten Season and later, Easter. And what better way to capture all of these themes in a box than with a Fleur-de-Lis and rainbow poplar?!

The Fleur-de-lis (French for lily) is a well known symbol of French Louisiana, and often found on Mardi Gras souvenirs. It is also used at times as a religious symbol, representing the Trinity by the 3 petals.

"Rainbow" poplar is so-called because of the streaks of yellows, greens, Reds, or purples often found in the wood. In this case, streaks of green and purple contrast the whites and slight yellows, giving us the 3 colors of Mardi Gras--purple (Justice), green (Faith), and yellow (Power).

Keep an eye out for the completed boxes soon. Because of the nature of the rainbow poplar, each box will have its own unique pattern, and thus, is ONE OF A KIND! These won't last long, so don't miss your chance at a unique piece that is sure to bring Mardi Gras wherever you display it!

Box  #3--Cross and Dove.  The faceplate is a custom design at the customer's request.  Eastern Red Cedar with a luan pla...
01/03/2022

Box #3--Cross and Dove. The faceplate is a custom design at the customer's request. Eastern Red Cedar with a luan plate and green Kokomo Opalescent Glass. This is the second box with this combination, and the colors just go really well together. I only wish I had more of this color.

A quick (and BIG) thank you to everyone that has liked, shared, or followed the page. In alittle more than a week, we've reached nearly 1000 people! I never would have thought that many people would see my work so quickly, and it wouldn't be possible without your support!

Keep an eye out later this week for a sneak peek at the next couple of projects coming out (and the first that will hit the page for sell!).

Stained Glass Light Boxes.  These boxes feature a wooden frame and fretwork body, with a piece of stained glass attached...
12/26/2021

Stained Glass Light Boxes. These boxes feature a wooden frame and fretwork body, with a piece of stained glass attached. A battery powered, remote operated LED puck light illuminates the glass to produce a beautiful centerpiece for any room. Because the light is battery operated, it can be placed on any table in any room--no need for plugs!

Boxes pictured here are made of Eastern or Aromatic red cedar finished with a beeswax blend. The inside is unfinished, allowing for the cedar oils to escape and release the fresh aroma this species is known for.

Pricing varies based on materials. Message for specific requests.

Wildlife tabletop lamps.  This lamp was made several years ago.  Cut from Southern yellow pine and finished with both st...
12/26/2021

Wildlife tabletop lamps. This lamp was made several years ago. Cut from Southern yellow pine and finished with both stain and paint to create a distressed, rustic look. Available in a variety of species. Depicted here is a Great Blue Heron.

Pricing varies. Message for specifics.

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Opelousas, LA

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