A Farewell to Kevin

French Compagnon Kevin Lion has spent the last year and a half imparting his fine craftsmanship to our work in exchange for the opportunity to sharpen his English skills and immerse himself in America. Kevin's expertise was central to the construction of one of our most technically challenging stairs, which features a complex paneled soffit. 

The dramatic geometry of the stair mirrors the unique passion Kevin brings to woodworking.  His conviction and fervor permeated every aspect of his work, and this stair was no exception.  Upon completion he enclosed a tool, a pen, and a bottle of French Bourgogne wine: an iconic time capsule rooted in French tradition, discoverable only upon demolition of the stair.

"It is a gift," he explained.  "You cannot work without a drink… it's like a thank you for whoever finds it."  

Although Kevin does not anticipate the wine to be discovered for the next two hundred years, his legacy has already begun to make its effect on all of his coworkers at Seattle Stair.  We wish him the best of luck upon his return to France and thank him for his exuberance and friendship! 

View the Facebook Album for a glimpse of the stair from conception to completion.

Mary Anne Carter

Assistant Director of Marketing

Irish Coffee Contest Winners

Each March, we gather the Seattle Design Community to celebrate collaboration, craftsmanship and St. Patrick's Day.  This year's Irish Coffee Event was a tremendous success- much to the spirit and participation of our guests.

In addition to fine Irish Coffee, flaming bananas foster and woodworking displays, our guests indulged in a variety of games.

We congratulate all of our winners and thank everyone for their participation. Each winner will receive a Seattle Stair & Design tee-shirt and hand turned ornament.

Go For the Gold: Jennifer Chase and Buu Christman

Find the Clovers: Lyn Quickslund

Best Dancer: Art Burt

Limerick Contest:  Dave & Andrea Lisch

Our guests were challenged to verse us in stairs and St. Patty's day traditions in the form of a limerick. Although not all of the entries were in true limerick style, we'd never heard a collection of poetry with as much affection for stairs.  Here are a few of our favorites.

First Place: 

When I walked in the door, the shop did look good

I was impressed by all the fine stairs made of wood

With an Irish Coffee to drink

My cheeks turned all rosy and pink

And I counted all the shamrocks I could.

-Dave & Andrea Lisch

Honorable Mentions: 

There were some stairs built in Seattle
To install it was such a battle
With swishes and swirls made their way East
And now reside on the shores of Sammamish
-Lyn

Mouse in a house
On a couch he went on a stair
I went too
He went up
I went up too.
I caught him in a shoe.
-Anonymous Child

On this St. Patty's Day
So happy and gay
Let us play a game of musical chairs
For who gets to do what when we go upstairs
-Ryan Christman

At the foot of the stairs
I can feel my cares
As I climb each flight
My worries become light
So at the top all is fair

-Ken Myers