From a young age, I was always drawn to making things. My dad was an amateur woodworker, and my mom sewed, so my inclination for making came from both sides. Being a Sierra Club member in high school, I developed a love for the outdoors, which led me to develop a small-scale sewing business, making backpacking equipment and climbing gear. As I developed an interest in woodworking, I added tool cases to my product line, and my clients included retailers Smith & Hawken and The Japan Woodworker.
This fascination with nature led me to earn a degree in Ecology and Systematic Biology, though I eventually realized that I didn’t want to do it as a career. Through a friend, I heard about San Francisco State University’s industrial arts program and started taking classes with John Kassey, author of The Book of Shaker Furniture and The Book of American Windsor Furniture. I thought about teaching, but I didn’t feel I knew enough about woodworking to teach it. Instead, John recommended that I develop my skills by applying to the Cabinet and Furniture Making program at The North Bennet Street School in Boston, MA.
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Profile: John P. McCormack
As the Port Townsend School of Woodworking welcomes master woodworkers from around the Northwest to their November Woodworking Show, we caught up with its newest faculty member, John P. McCormack. Here is John’s story in his own words:
From David Marks Studio- Patina Applications & Questions
For years, many of you have read my discussions about gilding and chemical patination techniques, but are unsure about its application to your own work. I'd like to share a recent email from Sandra Walkin of Louisiana, who took my Gilding & Chemical & Patination class and a 2-day private class in 2015:
Education: NW Woodworking Studio
Education: NW Woodworking Studio
From David Marks Studio Milling Guitar Backs
David Marks has been a studio furniture maker in Santa Rosa, CA for nearly 40 years and was the host of the popular woodworking television program WoodWorks on the DIY network.
Tools & Techniques Understanding Greene & Greene
Craft in America, the Peabody Award-winning PBS television series, showcases the creative spirit of America’s handmade craft artists.
Profile: Jim Piper
Jim Piper of Portland, OR draws upon the natural world in creating his exquisite turned and embellished wood pieces.
Profile: Greg Klassen
Greg Klassen of Everson, WA is studio furnituremaker, who’s River® Table Collection has garnered international attention and orders. Here is Greg’s story, in his own words:
Rubbing Out Arm R Seal & Questions
Rubbing Out Arm R Seal & Questions
Turning Topics AAW Members' Exhibition
Continuum
Profile: Scott Grove
Scott Grove of Rochester