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I began woodworking at a boatyard in Friendship, Maine and my training continued for five more years while employed by Thos Moser Cabinetmakers, then of New Gloucester, Maine. Since January of 1987 I have been on my own making all manner of furniture for homes and offices.

The items you see pictured are representative, a cross-section of my custom work. I also have a small line of furniture that I have labeled "Ming Shaker" due to the two major design details incorporated into these items. You can view more of the custom work at my website: www.jasbecker.com. Soon you will be able to view the complete (to date) "Ming Shaker" line of furniture at a URL to be announced. The items you see pictured here include a Biedermeier-inspired Dining Table. The owner called in 1999 and asked whether I could make something in this style; she had an antique sideboard, an original Beidermeier piece, which she wanted to compliment with a large table. The result of close to a year of correspondence is a 9-foot by 5-foot oval table veneered with maple and mappa burl. The tabletop is actually a sandwich of honeycomb cardboard, Baltic birch plywood and a laminated solid maple side band. This construction made the sections lighter in weight and more stable.

Also pictured is my Spindle Bed. One of my best selling items, it was inspired by much of the work I did while an employee of Thos. Moser. It is available in twin, full, queen, and king sizes; this is a queen. Visit my website: www.jasbecker.com where you can learn the dimensions and the most recent prices. Click on the "STYLES" icon and scroll down until you see the entry for "Spindle Bed." Click on the green words to see the photo again.

The TLB Chairs and Mr. Paine's Standing Desk were designed for different lawyers in the same firm. I have designed and supplied furniture for five members of this large office and hope to do more in the future. More information on these items is also available at: www.jasbecker.com. Again, click on the "STYLES" icon and scroll down until you see the entry for "TLB Chairs" and or "Mr. Paine's Standing Desk." Click on the green words to see the corresponding photos.

I thoroughly enjoy the work I do and would be happy to work with you to build one of the pieces pictured or something entirely different. Call, e-mail or stop by and we can discuss your particular needs. I am happy to provide drawings and or a quote for your inspection. Please call ahead before visiting. I often work alone and can be absent at any particular moment. I wouldn't want you to travel the distance for naught. Directions to my shop are available on my website.

—James Becker