Our Craft
At Atomic Walnut, I believe that a frame should be more than a border, it should be a testament to the memory it protects. Every step in my process reflects an intentional commitment to quality.
Selecting the Wood
Selecting through-sawn walnut for grain continuity and character.
I begin with premium, rough-sawn hardwoods, most often American Black Walnut, selected one board at a time for figure, tone, and grain. My goal is simple: honor the tree, and let its natural beauty lead the way.
Precision Joinery
Precision domino joinery ensures heirloom strength.
Using Festool domino tenons, each joint is created for heirloom strength and structural longevity. These are not shortcuts or quick fix corners, they’re the same joinery techniques used in fine furniture.
Shaping & Sanding
Each profile is shaped and eased by hand, then sanded to a smooth finish.
Once assembled, the frame is shaped by hand to define its profile and eased on every edge, inside, outside, and reverse. I sand through multiple grits 150, 180, 220, 320, up to 600 until the surface is silky smooth and safe to the touch.
Natural Finishing
I use a hand-rubbed hard wax oil for a timeless, touchable finish.
Each frame is finished with a hand-rubbed, all-natural hard wax oil that cures to a satin sheen. It enhances the character of the wood while also protecting it.
Hardware & Presentation
Solid brass hardware and hand-cut backing complete every frame.
For retail clients I install solid brass, USA-made sawtooth hangers and turn buttons. Foam core backing is cut to size and glass is wrapped. Every frame is then packed in layers of secure packaging, ready to be gifted or hung immediately.
Crafted to Last
Finished with care in every curve and corner.
I build each piece like it's staying in our family. The care doesn't stop at the front of the frame, it's in every joint, every grain line, every curve.