Listening to the Wood: A Craftsman's Journey of Growth and Discovery

Hello, fellow wood enthusiasts and curious minds!

Today, I want to share with you a guiding principle that shapes my work and philosophy: "Every piece of wood has a story to tell. The craftsman's job is not to create the story but to allow it to be heard." This idea isn't just a fancy saying; it's a way of life and a continuous journey of learning, growth, and discovery. As craftsmen, we don't impose our will on the materials; instead, we listen, learn, and co-create with them.

Learning from Each Piece

Every time I pick up a piece of wood, I'm reminded that it's not just a material to be shaped but a partner in the creative process. Whether it's a fallen oak branch or a discarded piece of pine, each has its unique grain, texture, and character. Working with wood teaches me patience, respect, and attentiveness. It's about understanding the wood's potential and gently guiding it to reveal its beauty and function. This process has taught me more about woodworking than any book or class ever could.

Growing with Nature

Nature is the ultimate craftsman, and as someone who works with natural materials, I see myself as its apprentice. The natural world is full of lessons on resilience, balance, and harmony. By observing the way trees adapt to their environment, heal from injuries, and continue to grow despite challenges, I've learned to approach my craft and life with a similar resilience and adaptability. Nature's cycles of growth and renewal are a constant reminder that there is always an opportunity to learn and develop further, both as a person and as a craftsman.

Developing the Craft

The journey of a craftsman is one of perpetual development. With every project, I discover new techniques, tools, and approaches. But more importantly, I develop a deeper understanding of the philosophy behind the craft. It's not just about becoming more skilled with my hands; it's about cultivating a mindset of openness, curiosity, and respect for the materials I work with. This mindset has allowed me to not only improve my craft but also to find joy and fulfillment in the act of creation.

Lessons to Behold

Woodworking has taught me invaluable lessons about life. It has shown me the importance of listening—to the wood, to nature, and to my own inner voice. It has taught me that true growth comes from being open to learning, from acknowledging that every piece of wood, every project, and every day is an opportunity to develop further. The lessons are there, in every knot, grain, and curve, waiting to be discovered.

Join the Journey

As I continue on this path, I invite you to join me in exploring the stories that wood and nature have to tell. Whether you're a fellow craftsman, an enthusiast, or simply someone curious about the lessons the natural world offers, there's so much we can learn together. Let's embrace the journey of continuous learning, growth, and discovery, and let the wood guide us along the way.

From Firewood to Functional Art: Turning a Birch Log into Something Special

Welcome Everyone!

I wanted to share this cool little project I just wrapped up with you. It all started when I was visiting my Dad & Mary at their home in Northwest Connecticut in the Spring of 2022. They own a wonderful, secluded woodland property of nearly 8 acres, where wildlife abounds. When there, I’m always on the lookout, ever the woodworker, to rescue any wood that has fallen to the forest floor and calls to me for rescue.

I spotted this chunk of birch lying along the trail while Dad and I were working in the yard and knew I had to have it, so I could give it a second chance at life. Grabbing my Dad's chainsaw (with permission, of course), a manageably-sized piece was cut so I could lug it all the way back to California in my suitcase. Yeah, you read that right—I flew the business jet back with a log in my luggage. Bet you don’t hear that every day!

The Idea

The idea was simple: one of my great passions is turning forgotten or discarded items into something both beautiful and useful. I decided on a bud vase. And, I wanted to keep some of the birch's bark on them, you know, to keep its story alive. Being relatively new to wood turning, I look to a few special wood artists on YouTube. One of my favorites is Phil Anderson, of Shady Acres Woodshop. He does an amazing job of highlighting the natural components of the vessels he creates, leaving as much of the original bark and elements he can. (Check him out if you get a chance!)

Making It Happen

Needing my daily fix of woodworking, I went out to the wood pile and spotted this little log. As often is the case, I scan all my little treasures before one calls to me in inspiration. Today, this was the piece to do so.

Getting down to work, I studied my little birch friend and it slowly spoke to me. As I was looking at it, I began to see the little vase in my mind’s eye. (I had made the little box six weeks earlier, from another portion of the log.)

As I began to turn this little log, it spoke to me helping to shape its own future, as these pieces often do! Sometimes there’s a catch with a tool, or a knot, or crack in the wood that changes the direction of the final piece. I honor those parts, seeing them not as defects but as attributes of the piece’s character, and allow it to help dictate its final form, rather than forcing it into my idea of what it should be.

This feels like I’m honoring the wood and giving it a voice. I don’t want it to lose its identity. Rather, I want to help it realize its potential. That’s also why I chose to leave some bark on each piece, as a nod to the wood’s origin – a rustic reminder of where they came from and the journey they have been on. This is the story I hope to convey with my pieces.

The Best Part

The best part of this whole adventure? Bringing a piece of wood that was headed for decay on the forest floor into the home of people who'll cherish it. It's not just about the wood or the final products. It's about the memories attached to them, the stories they'll tell, and the smiles they'll bring – hopefully for a long time after I’m gone.

And hey, now I've got a fun story about flying three thousand miles cross-country with a log in my bag. Not something you hear every day, right?

Join the Journey

So, if you're into woodworking, upcycling, or just love a good story about turning the ordinary into the extraordinary, stick around and consider following us on social media or visiting our online store to see if something strikes your fancy. I've got plenty more where that came from and will be back soon to share my latest inspiration. Let's enjoy this journey of creation and discovery together!