Thirty-five years ago, I enrolled in a woodworking class with the ambitious goal of building an electric guitar. As luck would have it, the new teacher specialized in banjos—an instrument with a similar neck and fretboard design. That first project was a success, sparking a lifelong passion for woodworking.

After college, I invested in shop tools and machinery, eventually building more than 20 guitars and crafting a range of furniture—side tables, serving tables, chairs, and chests of drawers. Along the way, I honed the art of applying stains and finishes to recreate the rich patina of 200-year-old English antiques.

Today, I focus on making decorative boxes inspired by 18th-century tea caddies. They offer a simple yet elegant way to showcase the natural beauty of wood, complementing both modern and traditional interiors.