Ortiz Studios News Letter

A safe and peaceful holiday and New Year to all!

Dear Friends and Family,
I hope that this late fall newsletter finds all of you in good health and in a warm place. It has been a curious few months for me here in the shop. I seem to be reminded, almost daily, of the passing of time. I see it in the usual ways, the shortened length of daylight, falling leaves and temperatures, and holiday decorations to name a few.
These days however, I am seeing changes in new ways…a new pair of glasses confirms that my eyes are not as keen as they used to be - especially for close up work; yesterday I spent a good part of the afternoon raising my work bench 5 inches so that I will be able to work without lower back pain. This did not used to be a problem. What keeps me from getting discouraged is the knowledge that I am still learning and my skills continue to improve. Though my eye sight may not be getting stronger, I think that the “eyes” with which I design, and make furniture continue to get stronger.
All the while I am mindful and grateful to those of you who order and purchase my furniture. It is because of you that I am able to pursue this calling. I am also thankful to those of you who drop in and visit and on occasion say a kind work or two. It’s nice to be on so many people’s “tour of Chestertown.”

With Christmas and the New Year fast approaching, I thought I’d let everyone know that there are 2 Sofia Glass Top Coffee Tables and one Daniel Glass top End Table available for immediate shipping. ..not exactly stocking stuffers but perhaps a nice surprise for someone or for your home or office. I will pack and ship, free of charge, if an order is placed before December 31st. Click on price list on the web page and that will take you to prices and dimensions for each piece.

Lastly, I’m enclosing 2 photos. The first was taken while my Ceremonial Tea House was on exhibit at the Academy Art Museum in Easton where it was used in a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony. Maiko Behr, daughter of Ikebana artist and potter Seiko Behr performes the Tea Ceremony. The second photo is a new design of a King size floating platform bed with walnut slab top head board. There are 4 drawers for storage beneath. The photo was taken without the mattress which would normally reach up to about 3 inches below the headboard.
May 2008 be a safe and healthy year for all!!!

Love and hugs
Bob Ortiz


Floating Platform King Size Bed with Walnut Slab Headboard	Ceremonial Tea House used in Ceremony at the Academy Art Museur