I derived my interest in making things from my parents, who between them seemed able to make anything. As I grew up my father concentrated more and more on woodworking, and so I followed his direction, though I did not exclude other materials or techniques. Over the years I have learned to weld and machine metals, design electronic devices, build computers, and of course construct with wood. My biggest project thus far was the home my wife and I built from the ground up, along the way learning to be an electrician, plumber, mason, roofer and carpenter.

Since building our home, I have spent the ensuing years building furniture for our own use, as well as numerous Christmas gifts for children in the family. A couple of years ago I joined the Sonoma County Woodworkers Association to pick up some new skills and take on some new challenges, including larger furniture pieces, and marquetry.

I have been making footstools for about 30 years to help youngsters reach the sink to brush their teeth. In the beginning the design was very basic, with a child's name carved on it, then I started adding animal figures, plants, banners and pennants. I enjoy the design phase as much as the carving. Lately, I have redesigned the legs so they are curved sections of a cone (not a cylinder), done on a bandsaw and tapered with a handplane, which makes the overall design more interesting.