Over the years I`ve created many items for gifts, grandchildren and even grown-ups to play with. Always well received and in constant use.

I love turning wood and will be devoting more time to this craft soon. Recently I was in Ireland, at the Glen Lucas wood-turning school where I acquired additional skills and studied the equipment and shop set up used by a professional. This will help me with my upgrade plan for the wood turning shop.

Learning to use hand tools was a turning point for me. It opened a new world for my woodworking. I purchase more than sixty planes on eBay in various state of repair. Some were just red metal blobs, while others needed new knobs, handles, and parts.  I refurbished them all, sold them back on eBay and kept six for personal use. The number 5 ¼, exceedingly rare, is my favorite for its size and agility. The Stanley compass Which has not been manufactured for the past 40 years is priceless for any curved surfaces. The number 6 corrugated Bailey is a smooth ride over any surface.

A few years ago, I asked my friend John (a mixed media artist) to give me some pointers on working with glass. I told him I wanted to make kitchen cabinet doors with leaded glass windows. Since then I have created numerous pieces, both leaded and foil all of them incorporated into furniture projects. I love what glass brings with its colors, textures and light reflections.

I`ve taken a great interest in carving and the use of milk paint. Creating non machine-made effects and finishes produces a hand-crafted look that appeals to me. I`ve had the opportunity to meet two artists Michael Cullen and Danielle Rose Byrd that have really inspired me. I still have a long way to go before being truly proficient but I`m enjoying the journey.