Steve Smith, Hand-Hewn Timber Craftsman

This article outlines the extensive range of timber products offered by Wickes, catering to various home renovation and garden landscaping projects. It emphasizes Wickes' reputation for supplying high-quality timber, including softwood, sawn kiln-dried, sawn treated, and studwork timber, all designed to provide flexibility and strength for a lasting finish, whether used indoors or outdoors. The article categorizes the timber products into several key areas, making it easier for customers to find specific materials for their needs. The range includes various timber supplies such as wall panels, all-purpose timber, trade timber, and planed square edge (PSE) timber, which are essential for structural and finishing work. Mouldings are also highlighted, offering decorative options for interior spaces. For outdoor projects, the article features garden and outdoor fencing, garden and railway sleepers, and timber decking boards, providing materials for constructing fences, raised beds, and outdoor living areas. Additionally, specialized timber products like wooden floorboards, skirting boards, shiplap cladding, timber scaffold boards, and timber roof battens are available for specific construction and renovation tasks. Cladding options are detailed, including exterior timber cladding and interior timber wall cladding, catering to both external weather protection and internal aesthetic enhancements. The article also covers various timber-related accessories and fixings, such as window sills and boards, staircase parts, joist and truss hangers, brackets and straps, and different types of timber fixings like multipurpose screws, exterior timber screws, and joinery nails. These supplementary products ensure that customers have all the necessary components for secure and effective timber installations. The goal is to assist customers in selecting the appropriate timber and associated materials for building furniture, erecting sheds, or undertaking comprehensive home renovations, ensuring their visions are brought to life with durable and high-quality supplies. #TimberSupplies #BuildingMaterials #HomeRenovation #GardenLandscaping #Woodworking #DIYProjects #ConstructionTimber

Robert Greene, known as Bob and affectionately called Hugger by his Bonacker friends, is a renowned decoy carver residing in Springs. His exceptional skill elevates decoy carving to a museum-worthy art form, as recognized in Harvey J. Lewis's book, “Artistry of Louisiana Decoy Carvers: Old and Contemporary.” Greene's masterpiece, a life-size red-tailed hawk, demonstrates his meticulous attention to detail, having taken him 550 to 600 hours to carve. This piece, complete with a chipmunk emerging from a stump and intricately carved oak leaves and acorns, showcases his ability to transform a block of wood into a lifelike sculpture. His home is a testament to his artistic passion, featuring taxidermied animals, his own vibrant landscape and animal paintings, and display cases filled with carved ducks like red-breasted mergansers, green-winged teal hens, and mandarins. Greene's creative process begins in his shed, where he carves the wooden forms, and continues in his basement workshop, where he applies paint. Both spaces are filled with a mix of taxidermied birds he has hunted and his own carved creations, covering nearly every surface. His tools range from band saws for rough cuts to fine-pointed wood burners and Gesswein devices with tiny diamond drill bits for intricate feather detailing. He employs gesso for priming and an airbrush for blending colors, often adding bright dashes of color to secondary feathers, such as the green in a green-winged teal. Greene also crafts “smoothies,” decoys that achieve texture through painting rather than carving. His current project, a group of six lesser yellowlegs, exemplifies his progression toward photorealistic detail, a stark contrast to his earlier, blockier sanderling carvings. He studies books to accurately capture bird outlines, colors, and textures, creating practice pieces like individual duck heads. Decoy carving, an art form originating over 2,500 years ago with Native Americans, now encompasses two main categories: hunting decoys and decorative decoys. Greene specializes in decorative decoys, which demand lifelike detail. He emphasizes that being a successful decoy carver requires knowledge of wood, carving proficiency, painting skills, and an artistic eye. Greene's journey into carving began during his time as a heavy equipment operator, inspired by a fellow worker. Starting with basic tools like a jackknife and coping saw, he refined his craft over five decades, becoming one of the last carvers from his local group. He participated in national duck carving shows, earning ribbons and advancing through classes, and even competed in the prestigious Ward World Championship, though he eventually withdrew due to perceived political biases in judging. Despite his achievements and the museum-quality of his work, Greene views carving primarily as a hobby. He does accept commissions, with his reputation spread through word-of-mouth, as evidenced by a recent request for a $1,500 black duck. His passion for the outdoors extends beyond carving; he started duck-hunting with his father as a teenager and, at nearly 85, continues to fish and hunt with his son and grandson. His yard contains a fishing boat, lobster traps, and a camouflage duck blind trailer, highlighting his deep connection to nature and traditional outdoor pursuits. #DecoyCarving #WoodSculpture #WildlifeArt #RobertGreene #ArtisticProcess #TraditionalCraft #HomeDecor #NatureInspiredArt

John Webster, a former commercial oil and gas diver, has transitioned into a timber craftsman specializing in Yakisugi, an ancient Japanese method of charring timber. This technique, also known as 'burnt cedar,' offers a durable, low-maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional stained timber, particularly for achieving the popular black timber house look. Unlike staining, which can be harsh on wood, Yakisugi enhances the timber's natural properties, making it more resistant to insects, UV radiation, and water due to its hydrophobic qualities. Webster's journey into Yakisugi was born out of extensive experimentation. He spent approximately two and a half years in his garage developing the precise method for charring wood, a process that initially led to a serious incident involving smoke inhalation and a stay in Intensive Care. Following this, he implemented a smoke extractor system to safely continue his work. His dedication allowed him to master the technique, enabling him to produce charred timber in commercial volumes. Traditionally, Yakisugi utilizes Japanese cedar. However, Webster has found that thermally modified radiata pine from the New Zealand company Abodo Wood serves as an effective and sustainable local alternative. This adaptation makes the ancient Japanese technique more accessible and environmentally conscious in his region. Prior to his career as a timber craftsman, John Webster spent 12 years working as a commercial oil and gas diver. His work involved extended periods in confined spaces with limited human interaction, leading to unique psychological challenges. An accident that occurred at a depth of 220 meters resulted in PTSD symptoms, which he later recognized when a seemingly innocuous act like putting on his motorcycle helmet triggered a panic attack. Through resilience and recovery, Webster has overcome these challenges and can now comfortably engage in activities like scuba diving and riding his motorbike. This article highlights John Webster's remarkable career change from a high-pressure, hazardous profession to a specialized craft, emphasizing his innovative approach to traditional timber treatment and his ability to overcome personal adversity. His work with Yakisugi not only provides a sustainable and durable building material but also introduces an ancient, effective technique to a modern context. #Yakisugi #TimberCraftsmanship #JapaneseTechnique #SustainableBuilding #CareerChange #WoodTreatment #Entrepreneurship #PTSDRecovery

Chris Zettel, a master carver at Naples’ Thomas Riley Artisans’ Guild, exemplifies the preservation of traditional woodworking in a world increasingly dominated by mass production and digital design. With 25 years at the guild by 2025, Zettel specializes in adding intricate, hand-carved flourishes to fine wooden interior accents, using tools inherited from his ancestors. His workspace at the guild is a blend of history and artistry, filled with antique tools, personal mementos, and design sketches, reflecting a deeply personal connection to his craft. Zettel, 71, differentiates his work from standard carpentry and cabinetry, focusing on architectural and decorative millwork. His creations range from modern scallops on cabinet fronts to elaborate koi fish bases for mahogany tables, and structural elements like steam-bent archways and intricate corbels. He meticulously transforms raw wood surfaces into eloquent visual narratives, often spending hours to refine just a few inches of carving. This detailed work, he notes, represents the “frosting on the cake” of woodworking, requiring significantly more time than the underlying cabinetry. His process typically involves affixing a paper pattern, often self-sketched, onto the wood and precisely chiseling around it. The guild, serving discerning clients nationwide, values Zettel’s unique skill. He recently embarked on a “once-in-a-lifetime” project in Nokomis, Florida, involving an entire room designed to replicate a 1700s British men’s club, featuring extensive hand-carved moldings, corbels, and four mermaids. In this endeavor, he collaborates with his former apprentice, Sepeideh Azin, ensuring the continuation of the craft. Zettel’s approach to his work is grounded in a practical, hands-on philosophy, influenced by his upbringing in Jamaica where traditional methods were prevalent. He expresses admiration for French Gothic cathedrals and the artisans who built them using only human power. He appreciates the independence that hand tools offer, allowing him to work anywhere without relying on machinery. He acknowledges the scarcity of his particular skill set in contemporary society, emphasizing the guild's role in maintaining these time-tested techniques. While the guild integrates technology, using computer-powered milling machines for initial stages, Zettel highlights that machine-made cuts lack the authenticity and perfection achievable by hand. Even if machines could match the precision, his decades of muscle memory ensure his hands would complete the work much faster. A third-generation craftsman, Zettel's journey into woodworking began at 13, building boats in Jamaica. After moving to Naples in 1976, he transitioned from boatbuilding to fine woodworking, joining the Thomas Riley Artisans’ Guild in 2000 under master carver Jim Boot. His early projects included decorative open books for lecterns, which inspired his creation of 'memory boxes'—carved wooden boxes designed to hold cherished mementos, often personalized with motifs reflecting the recipients' stories. Zettel views these memory boxes as small tokens of artistry and love, demonstrating his profound connection to both his craft and the stories it can tell. He is now passing down his specialized tools, including a prized set from Japanese blacksmith Takahashi Norikazu, to the next generation, ensuring the enduring legacy of this ancient art form. #MasterCarver #WoodworkingGuild #OldWorldCraft #ChrisZettel #ThomasRileyArtisansGuild #TraditionalCraftsmanship #ArchitecturalMillwork #DecorativeCarving #NaplesFlorida #ArtisanSkills

Steven Lang, a master craftsman with 25 years of experience, specializes in the intricate design and construction of custom wood stairs, railings, turnings, and millwork. His work, based on Long Island, emphasizes precision and attention to detail, a philosophy stemming from his observation that inaccuracies in stair and railing construction cannot be concealed, unlike other carpentry work. Lang's journey into this specialized field began with a general carpentry background, influenced by his father and uncle, and further developed during his time in the Navy and the carpenter's union. He established Lang Stair & Rail Inc. in 2007, focusing exclusively on stairs and railings, with his wife, Susan, managing the business's financial aspects. Lang advocates for early involvement in building projects, ideally before the house framing begins, to integrate the staircase seamlessly into the overall design. He highlights that a staircase should serve as a dramatic entrance or a harmonious element within a space, rather than just a functional transition between floors. Working directly with homeowners, Lang guides them through selecting appropriate posts and rails, ensuring they complement the space without being disproportionate. He stresses that each staircase is custom-made, recognizing that no two spaces are identical in width, height, or dimension, which necessitates bespoke solutions. The technical aspects of his craft involve meticulous measurements and adherence to state and local municipal codes regarding rail heights, widths, and step dimensions. Lang's approach prioritizes visualizing the final product, particularly the railing, and then working backward to construct the stairs, ensuring a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing outcome. While he primarily works with wood posts, also known as newels, in various styles, he notes a current trend towards white square balusters and satin black metal. The choice of railing profile—ranging from contemporary squares and rounds to traditional Victorian designs—is crucial, as is the ergonomic comfort of the handrail for users. Material selection is another key consideration, with options including red oak, white oak, maple, mahogany, and Brazilian cherries, each offering distinct finishes. Lang also undertakes restoration projects, particularly in older Hamptons homes, where lead removal might be necessary before he can duplicate vintage railing designs. Most of the stair components are pre-fabricated in his Medford shop, with final assembly occurring on-site to ensure a perfect fit. Lang maintains that the level of craftsmanship remains consistent across all projects, regardless of the home's value, emphasizing that the product must always fit correctly and enhance the house's overall design. His ultimate goal is client satisfaction, ensuring that the finished work brings a smile to their faces. #MasterCraftsman #CustomStaircases #Woodworking #HomeDesign #Railings #Carpentry #HamptonsHomes #ArchitecturalDetails #InteriorDesign

Spirit Ironworks, led by the brother-and-sister team Rachel and Tim Miller, specializes in fine metalwork, including blacksmithing, to create custom pieces for residences, businesses, restorations, and art installations. Their work ranges from intricate master staircase railings to custom doors, fireplace screens, and even large-scale sculptures. The company's focus is on crafting unique, handmade metal objects, often employing traditional methods while also integrating new technologies. One notable project involved an East Hampton house where they created a curved elliptical staircase with custom balusters and a polished, sanded finish. This piece served as the focal point of the home, a project that took eight months from design to completion. For a Southampton home, they designed and built a stainless steel staircase with a custom railing and a hand-hammered stainless steel fireplace screen, working with a material known for its difficulty. They also produced a 14-foot-tall door, a fireplace surround, and a driveway gate for another Southampton residence, emphasizing that every item they create is one-of-a-kind and handmade. The Millers' workshop showcases their diverse capabilities, featuring metal filigree, various finishes, steel flowers with graphite and mica powder finishes, and even gold-leafed flowers. Stainless steel is a popular material among their clients, along with custom patinas that give metal an aged appearance. They even crafted a door with 12 bronze portholes and corrugated stainless steel paneling, going to great lengths to match existing bronze hardware in the home. Their passion for metalworking originated from their childhood, with their father owning a coin store where they were introduced to heating and working metal. Tim Miller, an 11-year-old, was captivated by the art of blacksmithing during a visit to the Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Society’s blacksmith shop, inspiring him to pursue the craft. He earned a BFA in metals and founded Spirit Ironworks in 2001, while Rachel, who also holds a B.F.A., manages the business operations. The name "Spirit Ironworks" reflects their philosophy of infusing their personal spirit into their creations. The Millers emphasize that mastering metalwork takes years of dedication, involving reading, classes, and engaging in professional forums. They view their work as a continuation of their artistic pursuits, with clients often acting as patrons of their unique metal art. While Tim primarily leads the metalwork, Rachel manages the business side, a division of labor that evolved as their projects grew in complexity over nearly two decades. Their 5,000-square-foot shop houses two coal forges, power hammers, and a gas forge, supporting a team of eight workers. Beyond residential projects, Spirit Ironworks engages in historical restoration, such as restoring a 15-foot weathervane for the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium, and creating art installations, including feathers for a large sculpture near the Wyandanch railroad station. They also fabricated a 45-pound wrought iron bell clapper for a Jeff Koons retrospective. The company combines traditional blacksmithing techniques with modern technology, like an induction forge that uses magnetism to heat metal precisely. This allows them to create custom items such as nails for international projects. Despite the historical nature of blacksmithing, Tim believes it remains a vital craft, fulfilling a unique demand that many might not realize still exists. #SpiritIronworks #Metalwork #Blacksmithing #CustomFabrication #StaircaseRailings #HomeDesign #ArtisanCraftsmanship #HistoricalRestoration #TimMiller #RachelMiller

Erik Wyckoff, a professional woodcarver operating out of Minneapolis for 28 years, specializes in creating bespoke wooden elements that add unique character and timelessness to homes. His interest in wood carving began in childhood, inspired by the intricate details of historic homes like the James J. Hill House. Wyckoff's parents encouraged his passion for traditional craftsmanship, leading him to pursue formal training. He honed his skills under the tutelage of master carver Konstantinos Papadakis, who passed down artistic, historical, and practical knowledge, including tool handling, carving efficiency, and the fundamental decorative styles. Papadakis's instruction covered various motifs such as birds, flowers, grapes, and the scrolling acanthus leaf, which forms the basis for numerous historical carving styles. This comprehensive training has enabled Wyckoff to undertake a diverse range of projects, from Italian-style wine cellar doors and French mantels to Black Forest-style mantels for rustic cabins. Wyckoff's portfolio includes notable projects such as a Renaissance-Revival-style carved paneled study featuring hidden loons, deer, and beavers, inspired by the Minnesota State Capitol. He also replicated missing wood carvings for the restoration of the Donaldson Mansion in Minneapolis and created a French-style relief carving over a door in Medina, incorporating the owner’s industrial symbols. Wyckoff places significant emphasis on research, drawing inspiration from historic decorative arts ranging from medieval churches to French tapestries, ensuring historical accuracy and a sense of permanence in his creations. Among his favorite projects are the doors and panels for a Maplewood home's wine cellar, which were inspired by France's Château de Chambord, designed to immerse the owner in a French aesthetic. This project also included a unique bar top under glass, carved with mythical beasts and foliage, conceived as a conversation-starting "cabinet of curiosities." Another deeply sentimental piece involved a carved panel with vines and a pair of cardinals for an older couple, symbolizing their lifelong partnership. Wyckoff collaborates frequently with design professionals, integrating his custom carvings, which often feature Old World decorative art motifs like animals, flowers, and scrollwork, seamlessly into the overall architecture and interior design. He ensures historical accuracy and tasteful integration, often being part of a larger design team to achieve the client's vision. Clients like Steve and Susan Rudolph of Orono attest to Wyckoff's ability to create custom pieces that perfectly match existing architectural details, as demonstrated by the eight unique willow corbels he carved for their Spanish Revival home's entry gallery. These corbels not only highlighted the groin vault ceiling but also subtly incorporated the initials of each family member, adding a personal touch while maintaining historical consistency. Wyckoff expresses profound satisfaction in knowing his work brings joy and lasting beauty to clients' homes. #Woodcarving #BespokeDesign #InteriorDesign #CustomCraftsmanship #HomeDecor #ArtisticWoodwork #HistoricalAccuracy #Renovation #ArchitecturalDetails

The Campbell residence in Asheville, N.C., exemplifies the "mountain modern" style, a design trend gaining traction nationwide. Designed by Living Stone Design & Build, the house is strategically placed on a steeply sloping lot, with its front facade facing the top of the slope and the rear overlooking the road and the primary view. The design prioritizes conforming to the land's topography, making the house wider than deep to minimize its environmental impact. Drawing inspiration from the region's indigenous Craftsman-style homes, the residence emphasizes structural integrity and the use of natural materials. Local fieldstone and cedar, both stained and painted, are prominent, alongside heavy-timber post-and-beam construction and eave brackets, which are characteristic of the Craftsman aesthetic. To integrate a modern sensibility, the design incorporates clean lines and deep overhangs, which also serve the practical purpose of solar gain protection. Notably, the absence of corner boards and the use of mitered corners provide a full, clean reveal. HardiePlank paneling was utilized for the upper exterior walls and soffits as a cost-saving measure, while the mitered corners and stained accents were intentional design splurges. The blend of Craftsman and modern styles addresses the preferences of clients relocating from regions where modern design is more prevalent, creating a home that is both traditional in its essence and contemporary in its details. The exterior features a massive masonry presence, achieved with cost-efficiency in mind. The chimney at the rear elevation rests on a partial concrete foundation, saving costs and avoiding encroachment on the carport space. Steel support was integrated into the screened porch's flooring to manage the load from the chimney and fireplace. Additional exterior highlights include heavy cedar post-and-beam timber brackets beneath a triptych of windows on the front facade's bump-out. This bump-out houses a seating nook with built-in benches and a tabletop, designed to replace a traditional dining room. Meals are taken here or at a dining table with fold-down leaves, which functions as a credenza when not in use, optimizing space within the shallow house design. Both the nook's tabletop and the dining table were crafted by one of the homeowners from reclaimed boxcar wood. The architectural plan also incorporates two private home offices, each with its own porch, situated at the rear of the house to provide solitude and scenic views for work. Given Asheville's emphasis on outdoor living, a third, west-facing screened porch was included for family use, complete with an outdoor kitchen. Further cost-saving measures were implemented throughout the interior. An oversized barn door was constructed from scrap wood by the trim carpenter, avoiding the expense of custom-made options. In the master bedroom, prefabricated wood sheets from Home Depot were used for an accent wall, a more economical choice than individual wood pieces. Blocking within the wall during framing allowed for floating shelves, reducing the need for traditional end tables. The children's rooms featured carpeting and bunks built from scrap wood to manage expenses. A woodworking shop off the carport was also incorporated to cater to the homeowners' specific interests. The design, with significant homeowner input, resulted in a residence that supports family activities, work, entertaining, and aging in place, all within an aesthetically pleasing framework. #ModernCraftsman #MountainModern #HomeDesign #SlopingLot #NaturalMaterials #CostSavingMeasures #OutdoorLiving #SustainableDesign #AshevilleArchitecture

This blog post features an interview with England fast bowler Mark Wood, exploring his little-known passion for woodworking and timber. The article humorously highlights that 'Wood' is a nickname derived from his enthusiasm for wood, as his actual surname is Rudd. The interview delves into Wood's preferences for various types of timber and his experiences with joinery. Mark Wood identifies South American Ziricote, particularly Argentinian Ziricote, as his favorite wood, citing its beautiful variegated grain structure. He describes it as a serious hardwood, noting its modulus of rupture of 110-115 megapascals and crushing strength of around 60 megapascals. Ziricote is commonly used for furniture and musical instruments, such as guitars, but not for cricket stumps, which typically utilize European Ash. The conversation also touches upon cricket bats, where Wood expresses a clear preference for English Willow over Kashmir, acknowledging its suitability for bats despite not having a strong personal affinity for it beyond its functional purpose in his professional life. Beyond Ziricote, Wood reveals his enjoyment of working with other woods for making furniture, including Oak, Ash, Maple, and Cherrywood. He also lists Zebrano and Scots Pine in his top three, appreciating Zebrano for its alternating color pattern when quartersawn and Scots Pine for its widespread utility and aesthetic appeal as the UK's only native pine. Wood describes his woodworking activities as a hobby, mentioning that he makes items like end tables, wardrobes, and colonial-style chairs. He shares that he is currently in the process of setting up a new, larger workshop, as his old one has been converted into a gym for rehabilitation. During a tour of his unfinished workshop, Wood points out various tools, including chisels, coping saws, a Japanese Ryoba saw, and a plunge router, and mentions awaiting the delivery of a new turret lathe. The discussion also uncovers that woodworking is not an isolated hobby among cricketers. Wood mentions other players with similar interests, such as Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head (skilled with veneers), Shubman Gill (proficient in dovetail joints), and Tony de Zorzi. The interview concludes with a humorous exchange about the 'greatest Test-cricketer-cum-carpenter of them all,' identified as Xenophon Balaskas, a figure the interviewer initially fails to recognize. #MarkWood #Woodworking #CricketPlayers #Timber #Joinery #WoodTypes #CricketCulture #Hobby

Echo Petersen, founder of E Lee Designs, has found a creative outlet for her artistic passion by creating a variety of home decor and kitchen items featuring unique swirled acrylic paint designs. Petersen's work, which includes handblown coasters, trivets, charcuterie boards, and holiday ornaments, will be showcased at the 605 Made Holiday Market in Sioux Falls. Her designs are characterized by their vibrant colors and intricate patterns, achieved through a technique of blowing acrylic paints with drinking straws onto surfaces like ceramic tiles, wooden cutting boards, and canvases. This method allows colors to remain separate and distinct without blending, resulting in visually striking pieces. Petersen's journey into this craft began after she retired from her career as a financial assistant. Inspired by a set of handblown coasters she encountered during a trip to Fort Collins, Colorado, she dedicated herself to learning and mastering the technique. This involved extensive research through online videos and significant experimentation to develop her own proprietary mix of acrylic artist paints. Her husband, Bryce, supports her endeavors by creating custom oak frames for her canvas pieces. Each item crafted by Petersen undergoes a meticulous, multi-stage process that spans approximately one week. After the initial paint application, the piece requires time to dry and for the paint to cure. Following this, Petersen prepares the item by sanding its back and carefully taping it before applying a resin layer, which then takes an additional three days to dry. This commitment to quality ensures the durability and longevity of her handmade products. E Lee Designs offers a range of items, from small porcelain tile coasters to larger six-inch porcelain trivets and various wooden cutting boards. A particularly popular item that frequently sells out is her bamboo charcuterie board, which features pullout drawers and includes small wooden utensils, all adorned with her signature handblown paint designs. Petersen prioritizes using high-quality materials to ensure customer satisfaction and product resilience. In her creative process, Petersen pays close attention to current interior design trends, specifically monitoring popular colors in furniture and granite countertops. This awareness guides her selection of hues, ensuring her designs complement contemporary home aesthetics. She also incorporates micro powder glitter into her paints to add a subtle shimmer to the finished pieces. Popular color palettes in her collection include gray-beige, purple, and various autumn colors, while her personal favorite combination involves navy blue, moss green, and gold. This will be E Lee Designs' first participation in the 605 Made Holiday Market, though Petersen has previously showcased her work at vendor shows across South Dakota in cities such as Brookings, Pierre, Aberdeen, and Yankton. The 605 Made Holiday Market, an event organized by Knotty Gnome Variety & Salvage, Sew Doggy Boutique, and SiouxFalls.Business, and sponsored by The First National Bank in Sioux Falls and Dakota Business Finance, will feature over 40 makers. It is scheduled for Saturday, December 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cherapa Place in downtown Sioux Falls, with free admission for attendees. #E Lee Designs #HandmadeDecor #AcrylicPouring #HomeDecor #HolidayMarket #Craftsmanship #ArtisanProducts #SmallBusiness #SiouxFallsEvents

This article highlights the enduring appeal of hardwood furniture amidst the emergence of new materials in design. While acknowledging innovations like bioplastics and vegan leathers, the piece emphasizes that skilled and creative woodworkers can transform traditional materials like teak, walnut, and oak into long-lasting, heirloom-quality pieces using only their tools and workshops. The focus then shifts to showcase several custom wood furniture makers in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) who excel in crafting these enduring designs. Five distinct pieces of furniture are presented, each demonstrating different styles, materials, and price points. The first featured item is Daniel Gruetter’s bar stool, crafted from red oak. When treated with iron oxide, the red oak develops a unique ruddy, patinated complexion. Gruetter combines this material with mortise, tenon, and an upholstered seat to create a bar stool designed to be an heirloom, priced at $2500. Next is Nicholas Hamilton Holmes’ Captain’s dining table, which features a rounded design and pin and tenon joints that playfully extend through a marble tabletop. Made from white oak, this table, starting from $3700, offers a commanding presence while maintaining a lighthearted aesthetic. Heidi Earnshaw’s Half Hathaway is the third item, a made-to-order piece distinguished by its minimalist appearance, bevelled legs, turned knobs, and straight-lined design. Despite its seemingly simple form, the piece incorporates complex joinery, showcasing the hidden craftsmanship. It is priced from $5400. Atelier Arking’s Lami dining chair is highlighted for its contrast between a rigid white ash frame and soft, pillowy leather upholstery. This chair, starting from $620, is designed to serve both as a functional everyday seating option and a striking statement piece. Finally, the article features Kate Duncan’s Ribbed Bed. Inspired by brutalist architecture, this bed, however, uses textured hardwood instead of cold concrete. It can also include optional details such as brass pulls and leather-veneered fronts, and is available from $18,000. Each piece underscores the timelessness and quality achievable through traditional woodworking techniques. #CustomFurniture #Woodworking #TorontoDesign #HeirloomQuality #ProductDesign #HardwoodFurniture #LocalMakers

This article highlights six woodworking studios located in the Hudson Valley, emphasizing their contributions to the contemporary furniture and home goods scene. The region is noted for its high-quality craftspeople, with craft fairs like Field + Supply, The Farmhouse Project, and Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair showcasing their work. The featured woodworkers are recognized for their distinct styles, commitment to sustainability, and use of locally sourced or reclaimed materials. Brian Persico, based in Windham, creates one-of-a-kind furniture and functional objects, drawing inspiration from natural materials and historical craft techniques. He prioritizes locally sourced wood, often from within 20 miles, and utilizes natural finishes and glues, some based on 16th-century recipes. His experience with unusual natural materials in archery bow making, such as horn, bone, and sinew, influences his designs, notably in his Windham series, which incorporates antler pins. Examples of his work include a pine and osage kindling box with hand-cut dovetail joinery and a bent Osage Orange handle, and a walnut cove mirror crafted with an antique architectural molding plane. New York Heartwoods, operating out of Kingston, was founded by Megan Offner in 2010. Her mission stems from her experience as an advertising set designer, where she observed excessive waste of wood materials. The studio reclaims discarded lumber and repurposes Hudson Valley trees felled by natural causes or development. This reclaimed wood is then used in their carpentry studio to create bespoke furniture and products, or sold to architects, designers, and other woodworkers. Noteworthy pieces include the Eclipse Coffee Tables, designed to be nested or used independently, and the Highland Coffee Table, characterized by its faceted corners, butterfly key inlays, and a hand-shaped Mid-Century inspired base. FN Furniture in Stone Ridge, established by Ken Landauer in 2017, focuses on creating well-designed, affordable, and zero-waste furniture. Landauer's designs for indoor and outdoor chairs, benches, and sofas are informed by yogic principles, ensuring comfort and proper alignment. Indoor pieces are made from multi-layered Baltic Birch Plywood using a CNC machine. Following requests for outdoor and office furniture, a line of outdoor pieces was launched in 2020, utilizing marine-grade, high-density plastic. The F2 Rocker, available in vibrant colors like red, yellow, and green, and the F2 Writing Desk with its thoughtful storage nooks, are highlighted examples. Samuel Moyer Furniture, with studios in Staatsburg and Los Angeles, is dedicated to crafting furniture and artwork intended to last for generations, thereby reducing waste. Moyer's handmade, made-to-order cabinets, tables, consoles, chairs, and beds often incorporate brass with unique, sometimes self-milled woods such as locust or American black walnut. His work frequently features unfinished sections that expose the inherent beauty of the wood and the crafting process, with a focus on statement joinery and showcasing raw edges. KHEM Studios in Stanford, founded in 2016 by Kari Britta Lorenson and Erik S. Guzman, emerged from their desire for simple, clean contemporary designs using natural solid hardwoods. Both founders have backgrounds in sculpture, which influences their homeware and furniture collections. They design and produce pieces in their Stanford studio using locally sourced kiln-dried hardwoods. Featured items include the Mega Whale Bone Cutting Board, which combines artistry and functionality with its size and deep channel, and the Unity Bench, praised for its elegant lines and unique angles, suitable for various spaces. Accordance with Nature, located in Accord, is a design and furniture studio established by self-taught furniture makers Patrick Turiello and Leah Fabish. Their backgrounds in sculpture, architecture, and industrial design are evident in their work, which ranges from sculptural side tables to custom wall-mounted shelves and peg rails. Each piece is designed and manufactured by Turiello and finished by Fabish, often utilizing repurposed tools and machinery. The Woven Shelf No. 1 in White Oak is highlighted for its delicate interwoven slats and compact design, and the Peg Rail No. 2 in Ebonized Oak is noted for its stylish organization capabilities in entryways. These six studios collectively represent a commitment to craftsmanship, sustainable practices, and the creation of unique, high-quality furniture and home goods in the Hudson Valley, contributing to a vibrant local design economy. Each studio offers distinct approaches to woodworking, from reclaiming materials to integrating artistic and ergonomic principles, all while focusing on durability and aesthetic appeal. #HudsonValleyWoodworkers #ContemporaryFurniture #HomeGoods #SustainableDesign #HandcraftedFurniture #LocalCraftsmanship #InteriorDesign #Woodworking #ArtisanFurniture

Randy Steyert, owner of South Fork Decking in East Hampton, specializes in transforming outdoor spaces into luxurious oases for Hamptons homeowners. He emphasizes that while many focus on interior design, the outdoor area provides an equally significant opportunity to create a beautiful and functional extension of the home, ideal for entertaining guests, enjoying coffee, or watching children play. Steyert, along with his wife and co-owner Sarah, who handles operations, grew up in the East End, giving them a unique understanding of the local aesthetic and community needs. In addition to his entrepreneurial role, Steyert serves as a Sag Harbor Village police officer, a testament to his commitment to the community. He once famously rescued a man from a burning building on his way to work, showcasing his dedication both as a craftsman and a public servant. Steyert's carpentry journey began in his youth, learning from his uncles who instilled in him the importance of focus and respect for tools. While initially exploring various carpentry tasks, he also pursued a career in law enforcement, serving in the New York City police department before transitioning to the Sag Harbor police force. This dual career path allows him to pursue his passion for building while maintaining his community service. His business, South Fork Decking, specializes in deck replacement, design, material selection, rendering, permitting, and construction. He prides himself on a collaborative approach with homeowners, viewing each project as new construction where old structures are removed and replaced with custom designs. The decking industry is evolving, with new materials offering enhanced durability and aesthetics. Steyert notes that while traditional wood options like ipe and mahogany remain popular for their natural beauty and ability to complement home aesthetics, composite materials are gaining traction. Approximately 70% of his projects use wood, while 30% incorporate synthetic options. Mineral-based composites, particularly Deckorators, are favored for their wood-like appearance, longevity, and superior heat regulation. He highlights the importance of selecting materials based on homeowner preference, whether it's the natural individuality of wood or the splinter-free, color-consistent benefits of composites. When working with wood, Steyert employs specific techniques like board breaks and perpendicular boards to ensure uniformity and prevent rot. He also incorporates rain escape systems to waterproof areas beneath wood decks, channeling water away, and uses Camo hidden fastener systems and joist tape for a clean finish and watertight seal. Deck design is critical, moving beyond mere functionality to consider aesthetics, performance, and adherence to building codes. Steyert engages homeowners in discussions about their vision for the space, ensuring that railings, steps, and seating arrangements optimize flow and comfort. He prefers glass inlaid railings or cable railings for their seamless views and modern aesthetic. Decks can also be customized with various features, including built-in hot tubs, seating, and outdoor kitchens, which require careful planning for weight support and utility hookups. Pergolas are often added for shade and shelter. For pool areas, specific codes must be met, and materials like Deckorators are recommended for their non-slip and heat-resistant properties. South Fork Decking also designs and builds outdoor showers and integrates lighting for safety and ambiance. Beyond standard decking, the company has expanded its services to include projects like outdoor woodworking shops and deck offices, catering to the growing trend of remote work. Steyert's dedication to craftsmanship and his passion for transforming outdoor spaces into functional and beautiful extensions of the home are central to his business philosophy, evident in the careful selection of materials and the joy he derives from seeing families enjoy their newly crafted outdoor oases. #HamptonsDesign #DeckConstruction #OutdoorLiving #HomeImprovement #MasterCraftsman #RandySteyert #SouthForkDecking #ArchitecturalDesign #CustomCarpentry

Poland has emerged as the world's third-largest furniture exporter, a transformation rooted in its abundant forest resources and entrepreneurial spirit, which has flourished since the fall of communism in 1989. The country's woodworking industry, particularly in southeastern Poland, is experiencing significant growth and modernization. Kleniewski Tartak, a sawmill in this region, exemplifies this trend. Owner Waldemar Kleniewski, at 29, modernized his inherited sawmill by investing in Italian and Swedish machinery and empowering employees, shifting from a domestic focus to serving international clients. This move involved breaking traditional Polish business norms to meet global standards. This entrepreneurial energy extends beyond sawmills to furniture manufacturing. Beata Woloszyn and Damian Wasyl, co-founders of Raw furniture company, represent a new generation of Polish entrepreneurs. They returned to their hometown of Tomaszow Lubelski after gaining experience abroad to establish Raw, focusing on affordable, high-quality furniture made from natural materials. Their venture addresses a market demand for Polish-made furniture, a sentiment that is also growing across Europe. While Raw is a smaller enterprise, larger manufacturers like Converis, located in the central Polish production triangle, cater to major international brands such as Fritz Hansen and Ikea. Converis specializes in rotomoulding, producing large plastic furniture pieces and collaborating with global designers for manufacturing. Polish design heritage, though historically constrained by communist rule, is now gaining international recognition. Brands like 366 Concept, whose namesake 366 armchair designed by Jozef Chierowski in 1960 became an icon, are actively promoting Polish design globally. Their Warsaw showroom, with its deliberate Parisian aesthetic, highlights France as a key market. The country is also investing in its design future through institutions like the School of Form, Poland's leading design institution founded by businessman Piotr Voelkel to address a shortage of well-educated designers. The school, in collaboration with Lidewij Edelkoort, emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and attracts international talent for teaching and student engagement. Furthermore, the article notes the resurgence of Polish craft traditions. Szymon Pasierb, head of prototyping workshops at the School of Form, is dedicated to reviving traditional craft education, which was lost during decades of change. He points to regions like Gdansk and Zakopane as centers of unique Polish craftsmanship. The furniture brand Nudo, founded by Domenico Russo and Kaja Alaszkiewicz, embodies this blend of tradition and international influence, combining Polish craft with Italian heritage. Maja Ganszyniec, founder of Nurt, is a prominent Polish designer working to define and promote a distinct Polish design aesthetic, challenging the common comparison to Scandinavian design. She highlights Poland's innate curiosity and resilience, asserting that after years of being held back, the country's creative and economic momentum is unstoppable. The Polish furniture industry's success is a multifaceted narrative of resource utilization, entrepreneurial innovation, modernization, and a renewed focus on national design identity and education. From the raw material processing at sawmills to the creation of high-end furniture brands and the cultivation of future designers, Poland is solidifying its position as a global leader in the timber-furniture sector, leveraging its historical context and contemporary drive to carve out a significant niche in the international market. #PolishFurnitureIndustry #TimberFurniture #Woodworking #FurnitureManufacturing #PolishDesign #EntrepreneurialSpirit #Modernization #Craftsmanship #DesignEducation

Designed & Made, a St. Paul, Minnesota-based custom woodworking shop founded by Brian Grabski, specializes in cabinetry, architectural woodwork, and original design pieces. The company's name, 'Designed & Made,' signifies its commitment to complete creative ownership, from initial concept to final construction. This philosophy is inspired by artisans who integrate design and making under one roof, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and alignment with the architectural vision of each project. The company maintains a small team of 10 highly skilled employees within its 8,000-square-foot facility. This intentional size allows for agility and exceptional quality control, while still being equipped to manage the demanding schedules of large-scale residential projects. This approach helps prevent overextension, guaranteeing that every project receives dedicated focus. Designed & Made's process emphasizes collaboration and precision, beginning with detailed discussions with architects, designers, or homeowners. The design phase involves development and 3D modeling, where proportions, details, and materials are refined collaboratively. Following approval, all engineering is performed in-house, generating precise shop drawings and CNC-ready files. Fabrication occurs on-site, integrating advanced machinery with traditional handcraftsmanship. Most projects are fully finished and assembled before delivery and installation. The majority of Designed & Made's work involves high-end residential cabinetry and millwork, often encompassing full-home packages. The company also undertakes select commercial projects that align with its values and methodology. Typically, two to three projects are active simultaneously, progressing through a linear workflow of design, engineering, fabrication, finishing, and installation. This structured approach maintains focus on quality and detail. Designed & Made offers end-to-end services, including design consulting, engineering, procurement, fabrication, logistics, and installation, enabling precise execution of complex, architecturally driven projects. The shop is equipped with two Holz-Her 3-axis CNC routers, digital modeling software (Rhino/Grasshopper/F360/Cabinet Vision), advanced spray finishing capabilities, an SCMI edgebander, a Timesavers 3-head widebelt sander, a Weinig moulder, and various other traditional woodworking tools. The company is recognized for its blend of digital fabrication and traditional woodworking, incorporating sculptural shaping, bookmatched veneers, custom joinery, and meticulous hand-finishing. Material selection is a collaborative process, involving the careful sourcing of hardwoods and veneers to ensure consistency in tone, grain, and figure, balancing performance with aesthetic requirements. Designed & Made operates as a sustainable company, utilizing FSC-certified hardwoods, optimizing material yields through digital nesting, and employing low-VOC finishing systems. The company's focus on longevity and quality inherently contributes to its sustainability strategy. Approximately 75 percent of the work involves kitchens, cabinetry, and architectural millwork, with the remaining 25 percent dedicated to specialty furniture and sculptural commissions. These unique pieces allow the team to explore innovative forms, materials, and processes, showcasing the company's capabilities at the intersection of architecture, design, and craftsmanship. A notable example of the company's capabilities is a custom pool table, displayed in their showroom. This "passion project" demonstrates Designed & Made's comprehensive skills in high-end design, digital modeling, machining, handcraftsmanship, and finishing. The pool table, inspired by a vintage Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co. table, involved extensive 3D modeling and engineering by Brian Grabski and Duncan MacLeslie. Intricate details, such as genuine ivory inlays and hand-selected mahogany veneer, highlight the team's precision and artistic skill. Adrian Bileydi-Lee executed the veneering and ivory inlay, while Paul Perrone applied a custom, hand-rubbed finish. Andy Fleischhacker, the production foreman, oversaw the entire project. This collaborative effort exemplifies the company's belief that the combined skills of multiple craftsmen can produce results greater than the sum of individual contributions. Brian Grabski's woodworking journey began in high school, influenced by a shop teacher and an inspiring experience at Classic Woodworks. His entrepreneurial father further shaped his path, leading him to establish Designed & Made in 2005. Grabski was recognized as a Wood Industry 40 Under 40 in 2016 and continues to contribute to the industry by serving on the Board of Directors for the Saint Paul College Woodworking Program, offering curriculum feedback and shop tours to students. #CustomWoodworking #Cabinetry #ArchitecturalMillwork #ResidentialDesign #Craftsmanship #CNCMachining #SustainablePractices #FurnitureDesign #DesignBuild #InteriorDesign