I love trees and am lucky to be surrounded by 24 acres of them! I also love working with wood, each board has its own story visible through all its knots and marks. My father taught my very first lessons in wood working and then my brother took over as mentor from there. My grandfather was also a woodworker.
I spent 25 years working as a special education teacher with at-risk youth. I was afforded the flexibility to be very creative in lesson planning and with my kids for most of those years. A favorite memory is making blue bird houses with them. Many of them had never built anything nor seen a drill, let alone use one. I found many similarities in working with my students to woodworking (both groups unique with their own histories - some flexible, some not so much!).
Lessons in discipline and work ethic have been taught to me precisely by my horse, Malibu. If I don't get something right, she sure lets me know. I hope to say that I've carried this discipline and work ethic into my artistic work.
I love to hike and I love to hike with my black lab, Buddy. He has been the best and most loyal companion to me for the last 11 years. The fondness I have for dogs and horses shows up in my work periodically. I've enjoyed connecting with people through my artistry who also are dog and horse lovers.
The desire to draw started for me at a very young age and painting came shortly after that. To combine drawing and painting with woodworking is just the best! As many other artisans can attest, it brings much happiness and is not unlike a good daily meditation. A chance to be in the moment, each moment while I work.
Inspired by a friend and coworker...Out of the Box became a reality. All items are made from scratch by me. I do not use store bought, pre-assembled pieces. Most of my items are one of a kind originals. I'm not into mass reproductions. I like playing around with options such as stain, beads, and of course, all kinds of paint! Inspiration comes from many places, some most unexpected! I start with a drawing, then cut the wood and from there, build and paint. All items are protected with a light coating of polyurethane or shellac. I prefer to work with pine (sure can't beat the smell of it!) but have branched out (no pun intended) and experimented with other types of wood.
I first started on Etsy in 2013 and so now, after a couple of year's hiatus, I'm happy to be back! I've done custom orders and am interested in helping you with any custom piece you would like to make a reality. Please contact me.
I hope you enjoy looking at my shop!