Featured artists
Join us in Adrian, Michigan for a weekend filled with all things woodworking, inspired by the beauty and sustainability of our natural resources. Our festival celebrates the artistry and skill of woodworking, featuring exhibits from the finest woodworkers in the region, live demonstrations, and hands-on activities for all ages. Discover the stunning collection of handcrafted furniture, decorative objects, and unique pieces on display, created using sustainably sourced wood from our forests. Meet and chat with the makers, who will happily share their techniques and inspirations. If you are a woodworker or artist who would like to participate in the festival, please click here.
WOODWORKING WARRIORS
Veteran Woodworkers
Warriors will be selling high-quality hand made wooden items including American Flags, Cutting Boards, Band Saw Boxes, Veneer Boxes, CNC Signs and misc other items all made by veterans in the Woodworking Warriors program.
Luke A. Barnett
Windsor Chairmaker/SBWI President
Luke Barnett a co-founder and President of the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute and the Great Lakes Woodworking Festival. He was born on May 6th, 1985 in Adrian, Michigan which is where he currently resides. He is a woodworker that specializes in ultra-high quality, traditional American Windsor chairs. Luke has been selling Windsor chairs since 2011, but now dedicates most of his time to teaching and operating the SBWI. Luke has won awards and been featured in internationally published magazines, including November 2014 of Popular Woodworking Magazine in which his Continuous Arm Rocker in aged mustard finish was picked for best in the seating category for 2014. “Early American Life” magazine named Luke as Top American Craftsman in the Windsor chair making field in 2015, 2016 & 2017. Luke has had chairs on display for a traveling Smithsonian museum exhibit called “The way we work”. Luke will not have a booth this year at the festival, but will be walking around causing trouble. For more information visit www.barnettchairs.com or www.longlivewood.org
TOM BECKER
Woodworking Warrior & Instructor
Tom Becker is an avid woodworker with 47 years of experience. He is a Marine Veteran and is also a graduate of the Woodworking for Warriors Program. His specializations include Intarsia, Carving, Woodturning, and the ancient Japanese preservation technique Shou Sugi Ban .
Intarsia is a woodworking technique that uses varied shapes, sizes, and species of wood fitted together to create a mosaic-like picture with an illusion of depth. Shou sugi ban is a particularly striking method of preserving wood by charring it with fire. Traditionally, this practice is used with Japanese cedar in order to weatherproof it. The wood is burned until the surface is charred, and then coated with natural oil. Tom will also be providing demonstrations on his unique flag carving and finishing techniques throughout the festival.
noah Budd
Noah B Woodworks
Noah Budd and his wife Jamie have a one-year-old daughter, Naomi. They are a proud, multicultural household in Farmington Hills, MI. Noah’s dad is a carpenter and handyman extraordinaire who had a dream of restoring old mining houses in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where they are from. Noah frequented his dad’s woodshop and learned how to woodwork at the age of 13. In college, he used his woodworking and engineering skills to build an electric guitar and a set of high fidelity speakers. Today, Noah has acquired a powerful woodworking shop and tool collection in his backyard barn. He cannot wait to pass down his passion for woodworking to his daughter as his father did for him.
Tony BURROUGHS
Tony’s Creative Carvings
Tony Burroughs grew up in Adrian and lives in Morenci, Michigan. "I've always been very artistic- I weld, draw, and decided one day to try and carve after seeing a guy carving at a show. Been chainsaw carving for 17 years now and love it. I carve bears, owls, Indians, eagles. Anything a client might be interested in-I will try!” He has carved for several fairs, festivals, shows and events. He loves what he does and has started traveling all over the US. Contact Tony for more information: (517)902-1743.
Nicholas DePlonty
Castle of Wood, LLC
Nicholas DePlonty is the owner of a small woodworking business called "Castle of Wood, LLC” in Sault Sainte Marie, MI. He has a full time position outside of his wood shop, but spending time building furniture and small woodcrafts really helps him decompress after a long day at the office and helps him express himself through functional works of art. He started to get into woodworking while in middle school. He was very lucky to attend a school system that had a thriving trades program. Nick’s passion for woodworking only grew stronger while in high school, and continued even after his graduation in 2012. He comes from a long line of blue collar workers who had a knack for working with their hands, so it is only fitting that he continued that legacy. His woodworking ranges from small woodcrafts such as butcher blocks, magnetic knife blocks, small artwork pieces, and shelving, to larger pieces such as conference tables, dinner tables, cabinets and counter tops. Nick uses a variety of hand tools and power tools, and enjoys using his CNC machine to add intricate touches to his work. Check him out at facebook.com/CastleofWood
Kelly Forest
Michigan Pottery
Kelly Forest started Michigan Pottery in 2017. She has been a regular at the Great Lakes Woodworking Festival, selling our favorite Long Live Wood plates and magnets. Check out all of her cool Michigan-themed ceramics ware during the festival, and follow her work at https://www.facebook.com/MichiganPottery/
Wesley Garrison
Wesley’s Woodworking
Wesley Garrison is12 years old and attends Onsted Middle School. He started woodworking when he was 8 years old. His mentor, Mr. Jason Hunt, taught him how to make his first cutting board and bench as 4-H projects. Since then, Wesley has honed his skills and made benches, charcuterie boards, coasters, serving trays, picture frames, dice, magnets, Christmas décor and much more. He recently discovered fractal woodburning and has made several Lichtenburg pieces.
Ross Glickman
Red Hand Guitars
Red Hand Guitars is a luthiery specializing in both the handmade classic and hyper futuristic portions of the instrument building trade. They utilize both CNC tools and hand carving to maximize precision and beauty. In a Red Hand instrument you may find both +/-.001” accuracy fretwork, rough whittled elements, hand rubbed French polish and machine positioned bridges. It’s their belief than an instrument needs both machine accuracy and human love to be perfect. They operate out of Saline, MI and Toledo, OH with shops in both locations. They will be doing both computer aided design and computed aided manufacturing demonstrations during the festival, along with short crash courses for individuals interested in learning both. Check out their Instagram red-hand-armory-guitars
Lonnie & Laurie Glines
Father & Daughter Duo Chainsaw Carvers
Father and daughter chainsaw carvers Lonnie & Laurie Glines are coming in from Harrison, MI. Lonnie is a former equipment rep, who was in search of a carver for fair and customer open houses. The carver he hired became a good friend and mentor, who taught him the art of chainsaw carving for 8 years before he passed away. His daughter, Laurie, started carving after Lonnie had an accident where he almost lost his left arm in September, 2021. Laurie’s husband is also a chainsaw carver and will be carving during the festival. He started carving in 2018 as a hobby, but would like to do it full time in the future. The Glines family will be demonstrating live chainsaw carving throughout the festival. You can also check them out on Facebook under timberartlonnie or on TikTok under Laurie Glines. They perform on-site carving of tree stumps, and demonstrate at other fairs, festivals, and special occasions.
Bill GorDON
Lumber Milling & Carved Tiki Heads
Bill Gordon is coming to the festival from Belleville, MI. He starting woodworking when he and his dad bought a sawmill when living in the upper peninsula of Michigan. He mills slabs and dimensional lumber, and does custom woodworking for several local customers. Bill will be cutting slabs and carving Tiki and Easter Island heads during the festival.
CHAD HADFIELD
Woodturner
Chad Hadfield is a hobbyist wood turner from Bancroft, MI. He enjoys turning bowls, both decorative and useful, using tools that are affordable for nearly anyone. He enjoys being an ambassador for hobby level woodcraft, demonstrating how the average person can create beautiful and functional objects. He will be demonstrating bowl turning at his booth during the festival.
DAVE HELLER
Fine Furniture / Veneer & Marquetry Inlaid Design
Dave Heller is a furniture maker in Charlottesville VA. His focus is on traditional veneered and inlaid furniture, primarily in the Federal, Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles. He has run Heller and Heller Custom Furniture for the past 11 years.
He has long been fascinated by patterns, and strived to incorporate them into his furniture. In the late 90’s he wanted to dress up the interior of a roll top desk he was making, and found an attractive veneered example in a book. He learned how to veneer to complete the roll top desk, which his father-in-law still uses daily. He learned marquetry shortly after to better incorporate pictures into his work.
To this day, he continues to refine his technique in order to make what he envisions – or what his customers want. He has studied under several accomplished artists, has read most of the books, but mostly he experiments and makes furniture and art pieces. He now teaches both saw and knife based marquetry approaches throughout Virginia and now beyond, including at the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute. In a prior life Dave was a Chemical Engineer, so he may geek out if asked about finishing or glues. Learn more about Dave Heller at hellerandhellerfurniture.com. Dave is teaching a veneer course at the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute the week after the festival. CLICK HERE to learn more about the course and register.
jimmie johnson
Scroll Saw Baskets
Jimmie Johnson has been woodworking since shop class in school. In the past, he made many different woodworking projects like potato boxes, wood carvings, and Adirondack chairs, but he was inspired when he first saw wooden baskets on a trip to Fenton, MI to pick up saw blades. He bought a wooden basket pattern book and set out to teach himself the craft. 3-4 weeks later he figured it out and now it’s his specialty. It takes Jimmie over 8 hrs to complete one breadbasket. He says it’s something that he enjoys and since he is retired it helps kill the time. “The trouble is when you get down to where you’re almost finished with a basket and it breaks right at the last part, then you have to start all over, that’s not fun.”
You can find Jimmy most Saturday mornings at the Madison Farmer’s Market in Adrian, MI.
Terry Klimer
Woodworking Warrior
Terry Klimer is a veteran from Clinton Township, and retired from a 40 year career in the painting field when he also did finish carpentry and several other forms of home remodeling. Woodworking was always a dream during his entire working career, now he finally has time for it. Terry joined the Woodworking Warriors program at the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute in 2022. He served 4 years in the Navy in the fast attack nuclear submarine service SSN. Terry makes beautiful bandsaw boxes which are made on the bandsaw and using many sanding techniques. He has used a wood lathe to make many items like platters, bowls, round containers, mugs, and wine glasses. All of his pieces are made mostly from Michigan wood and the epoxy is food grade. He attended his first art show this spring in Mt Clemens, MI and was very successful. Terry’s booth will be close to the other Woodworking Warrior tents at this year’s festival.
Jason Kozak
Dr Live Edge
Jason has owned his own construction company since 1996. 8 years ago, one of his builders was clearing a lot and pushed some logs into a pile. About the same time, his friend’s dad retired and bought a sawmill. Jason hired him to mill the logs onsite. It was the coolest thing he’d seen in a long time. His friend’s dad mentored Jason for 6 years. Last year, he bought his own sawmill. He’s also been a hobbyist woodworker for 20 years. He had never realized the process from turning a log into lumber. Jason will be demonstrating milling on his sawmill during the festival. For more pictures, check out his facebook page Dr. Live Edge.
Erik Lancaster
Odin's Woodshop
Erik started carving over 30 years ago with his grandfather. Six years ago he started heavily pursuing the joy of woodworking. He started with small products like military shadow boxes and simple jewelry boxes. The last few years, Erik has mostly focused on woodturning pens and hunting calls. He will be demonstrating pen turning and epoxy pen blank creation. He will also have a stock of pens, small bits and pen making parts for sale.
Ken Larabell
T & K Woodworks
Ken Larabell hails from La Salle, MI. He has always tinkered with woodworking but has really gotten into it more heavily over the last few years. Ken and his son Tim McKnight started their company T & K Woodworks about 5 years ago. Their first major purchase was a CNC machine and it has been getting a steady workout from day one. Most of their projects are wooden plaques and signs, and a small amount of custom furniture pieces. Check out their work on their facebook page: tandkwoodshed
Steve Laut
The Live Caveman
Steve Laut has been involved in archery for over 60 years. He has been making arrows, bow strings, quivers, long bows and re-curve bows since 1991. He also makes many primitive artworks, specializes in flintknapping. Stop by Steve’s booth throughout the festival to watch him transform a red ossier shoot, turkey feathers and a stone to an arrowhead to complete a primitive arrow.
Gerald “Skip” Lawver
Woodland Turned Art
Skip Lawver is a Professor Emeritus from Eastern Michigan University who lives with his lovely wife Jo Lynn in Milan, Michigan. They celebrated their 51st Anniversary this past year. He has worked and built many projects with wood his entire life. He recently started turning wood into unique, high quality products from bowls, vases, platters, Christmas Ornaments and decorative wooden snowmen and snowwomen. Each item is turned from local timbers and is finished utilizing various dyes and finishes. Each bowl and platter are finished with food safe finish. Many logs have been rescued from the burn pit and turned into a unique gift.
The mission Woodland Turned Art is to share the gift of turned wood to those that desire a unique gift for weddings, house warmings, or to grace the homeowner with a one-of-a-kind, piece of wooden art. Each piece is designed and turned with the vision of the crafter. No two pieces are alike, and each had a soul of its own.
About Woodland Turned Art: Skip has been turning wood items for approximately 6 years and really enjoys the creativity aspect and joy in finding that hidden beauty in the various grains in the wood being turned. Most of his work involves native species of Oak, Maple, Walnut, Adder and others native to Michigan and surrounding states. He can honestly say that no two pieces are identical, and each has a uniqueness to its own.
Jeff McEldery
Three Trails Custom Woodworking
After much encouragement from family and friends, Jeff decided to give his passion for woodworking a proper go. This is his 3rd career path and how the name Three Trails Custom Woodworking came into being. Jeff has worked with wood most of his life as a hobbyist and decided to take the plunge officially as a business a few years ago. He started making items for flyfishing enthusiasts (another hobby of his) and has now expanded to many other items. Cribbage boards are a big part of his business also. Jeff really enjoys playing Cribbage and likes to make Michigan themed boards. All of his products are made by hand using traditional hand and power tools. Learn more at http://ttcwoodworking.com
Michigan/Ohio Woodturners
The Michigan/Ohio Woodturners are a local woodturning organization with about 45 members and an AAW Organization affiliate club. They cover all areas of woodturning and will be doing turning demonstrations during the festival, in addition to offering hands-on pen making for the public.
Len Perotta
5 Lakes Wood Co LLC
5 Lakes Wood Co LLC’s Len Perotta hails from Allen Park, MI, where he has lived the vast majority of his life. With his sons becoming adults, and a medical retirement, Len found some time to pursue his lifelong dream of being a full-time woodworker. While he loves building cutting boards, furniture, wine racks and the like, he has found his true passion expressing his artistic side by creating battlefield flags, wavy flags and unique art pieces. Len’s flags are a fan favorite! Each is uniquely hand-carved, right down to the individually carved stars, and finished with great care. 5 Lakes Wood Co LLC creations can be found in galleries and boutiques from Trenton to Brighton, St. Claire Shores to Milan. Len will be demonstrating the process he uses to carve the very distinct battlefield flags throughout the festival.
Mike & Tammie Rosenberg
Rosenberg Woodworking - Segmented Turnings & Novelties
Rosenberg Woodworking is located in Tecumseh, Michigan, and was formed in 2016 by Mike and Tammie Rosenberg as a part-time woodworking business specializing in turned segmented bowls made from mahogany and maple. Mike has been crafting wood products for over 30 years including custom cabinets and furniture along with specialized home décor items. The business now offers unique items including LED lighthouses, charred oak drinking cups and exotic wood bangles. In addition, they have several custom-made Michigan and Great Lakes themed items including clocks, magnets and key chains. Several of the designs on the products are created by through the process of soda blasting designs into the wood and hand painting and sealing the designs. Items can be found throughout the year at Michigan Wares in Tecumseh, Michigan located inside of Grey Fox Floral. For more information, visit https://rosenberg-woodworking.square.site
Mike will also be demonstrating the process to glue up wood segments for bowls and cups focusing on how you construct the bottom of the bowls and cups for turning the wooden cylinders he uses to make lighthouses, drinking cups, desk cups, and bangles. Learn how he uses the Cricut Design Studio to create custom designs on vinyl stencils which are used to sandblast designs into wood.
Paul Rutgers
Rutgers Wooden Spoon and Utensil Co.
Paul Rutgers learned how to work with his hands from his Grandpa at a young age and when he became interested in duck hunting as a young man it was a natural progression to start carving duck decoys. Through duck decoys, Paul met a great group of friends and invited them over every Thursday night to carve duck decoys.
During a trip to Williamsburg, VA in 2006 Paul noticed the wooden spoons and the idea of making them percolated. A few Christmases later, family members received his first batch of hand-carved wooden spoons. They were a hit and everyone asked for more.
Today, Paul lives in Kalamazoo, MI. He designs and carves spoons and utensils full-time. His two daughters, Sara and Abby, join the family business often. For more information, visit the Rutgers Wooden Spoon & Utensil Co facebook page.
Paul will be demonstrating spoon carving at his booth throughout the festival. Stop on by and check it out!
Steve Skornicka
What Knots / SBWI Facility Manager
Steve has worked mostly in the automotive industry for the majority of his career. He worked heavily in engineering and project/operations management. He has extensive experience with the Lean Manufacturing principle and is excited to bring those processes and ideas to the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute to help us create an orderly, organized, and well-sustained management program for shop functionality. Steve started out as a volunteer at the shop then proceeded to take multiple classes such as the knife making course, bandsaw box class, hand plane restoration, and more! In his free time, he loves to do woodworking at home and use the knowledge he’s gained from his career and classes at SBWI to work on his own creations. He also enjoys spending lots of time with his wife, friends, and family. He also is the owner & operator of the woodworking business “What Knots”.
society of American Period Furniture Makers
Great Lakes Chapter
If you had only one word to describe SAPFM, then it would be ‘education’. They exist to promote the understanding, education, and appreciation of American Period Furniture. There is no other organization that promotes these goals, particularly in the context of the makers movement. SAPFM is organized as a volunteer run, non-profit educational organization. They assist the furniture maker to further their craft by locating resources and individuals with the specialized expertise in period furniture. SAPFM members include professionals and hobbyists alike. Not all are furniture makers. Some are furniture and tool collectors, museum curators, and historians.
There are many great resources available to gain equivalent knowledge, such as museums and books. However, SAPFM has a unique approach: they teach by building the very furniture so many collect, admire, and study. Nothing cements understanding quite like building it. No other woodworking organization can inspire its members to achieve perfection of the craft quite like SAPFM. SAPFM members will be displaying their woodworking masterpieces in the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute machine room during the festival. Do not miss this opportunity to see these works of art! Learn more at https://sapfm.org/
Benjamin Suydam
STILarts
Benjamin is a Michigan native and is forever connected to the arts. His mother told him from a young age that the human mind is the happiest when it is being creative. Benjamin spends many of his waking hours traveling barefoot in the deep forest with his camera. He found out several years back that he could print his work in black and white on matte photo paper and then watercolor paint directly onto his photo yielding him a unique finished result. Ben will be demonstrating his painting techniques during the festival. Learn more at http://Spreadtheinnerlove.com
Mike Thomsen “Canoe Mike”
Thomsen Boats
Michael Thomsen of Tecumseh, Michigan built his first canoe because he wanted a small, easily handled boat to fish from. It turned out so nice he knew he had to build more. Canoe Mike has now retired from his day job as an electrician and devotes all his time to building boats and paddles. He makes wooden canoes using the wood strip and fiberglass method. He buys the caned seats and brass hardware for the boats, but hand makes all the other components of the boat. He also makes wooden canoe and kayak paddles. Mike will not be selling canoes or paddles, but he will be talking to visitors about the boat and paddle making processes. Visit Thomsen Boats on Facebook to view his current work.
Thomas Tusano
The Tusano Trading Company
Thomas originally came from Boston, and moved to Michigan for college. He worked on several city improvement projects for the city of Detroit with the Riverfront Conservancy, and now works out of MakerWorks in Ann Arbor as a self-employed fantasy-themed woodworker. He was taught Making and Woodworking by his Mother and Grandfather, and have endeavored ever since to stay a self-employed artist after a stint in the Tabletop Role-playing Furniture and Game accessories industry, by making things he calls "Tavernwares" (home decor with nerdy flair). Thomas also seeks to collaborate and learn with artists from mediums ranging from glass to plaster, and from cork to metals as a way of brining new ideas into his own craft and proposing novel solutions. He works extensively with MakerWorks on community engagement and forming liaisons by building bridges in the Maker community with local businesses. In his free time, he finds inspiration through video games and broadcasting to the wider internet at large to share laughter and camaraderie. Most importantly, Thomas gets up each morning to do what he loves and finds novel inspiration which fosters community cohesion and collaboration. Check out his website Tusanotradingco.com
Jim WATKINS
Hand Crafted Wood Items
Jim Watkins grew up in Sylvania and built 3 homes in Sylvania Township. When he retired he started building oak tables and stools and dovetail sewing kits and jewelry boxes. He also builds dovetailed dressers and miniature churches and houses with night lights in them and pews.
JEFF WYATT
Windsor Chairmaker
When Jeff Wyatt is not working in the oil refinery, you would find him in his workshop shop in Middle Tennessee. Jeff has been published in numerous magazine articles including This Old House Magazine and American Association of Woodturners. He has taken numerous classes with Greg Pennington, Jeff Lefkowitz, David Ellsworth, and Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute’s own Luke Barnett. Jeff will be performing demonstrations on hand cut dovetails (1pm) and turning Windsor chair legs (4pm) on the lathe during the festival.
Jeff is teaching a Windsor High Chair course at the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute in August. Click here to view the details and register.
PAST WOODWORKERS
SPOON CARVING & METALSMITH JEWELERY
Cale Stoker & Ashleh Worden
Cale Stoker carves spoons from greenwood using an ax and knives. He does so in Adrian, MI, his hometown, and most anyplace else he goes because carrying an ax and knives is easy. He goes places often because he can carry his work most any place and downed, undesired, trees are enough. Cale often collaborates with a wood-burning wizard, metalsmith jeweler, illustrator, and traveling partner extraordinaire, Ashleh Worden, and together they create under the shop name Cave and Canopy.
Cale and Ashleh are super excited to kick it with everybody and celebrate the many ways wood, and wood culture, are augmenting our collective lives.
Shaker Oval Boxes
The Home Shop - John Wilson & Eric Pintar
For the past thirty years, John Wilson and Eric Pintar have been showing people how to make Shaker oval boxes at The Home Shop in Charlotte, MI. Classes are held at The Home Shop and around the country that gives hands-on experience in this traditional craft. The wood, hardware, tools, instructional materials needed for box making are also found at The Home Shop.
Check out their website at www.shakerovalbox.com
Wooden Vices
Lake Erie Toolworks
Lake Erie Toolworks has been in business since July 2008 designing, building and selling the finest quality woodworking tools available.
Since one of the first tools that a woodworker should have in their shop is a sturdy and functional workbench, that's where we focused our initial development efforts, namely by designing and building the finest wooden vise screws and related components available for your workbench. These vise screw kits, crafted from solid hard maple, are fast, smooth and will provide you with years of enjoyment.
Our Moxon vises which are portable and very simple to use will allow you to cut dovetails and mortise and tenon joints anywhere, even on your kitchen table.
Our "ClampGAUGE System" takes the guesswork out of glue-ups and allows you to achieve the perfect glue up pressure while clamping boards together. This provides a properly glued joint which will be stronger and will last longer. For more information visit www.lakeerietoolworks.com
UNIQUE HOME FURNISHINGS
The Woodstock LLC
Stop by and say hello to Adrian local Jon Richards of The Woodstock LLC. He brings solid wood designs and hand-crafted unique styles to home decor and furnishings. Fun, creative, and clever... you're sure to find the perfect something for your home or lake house! Cutting boards, cornhole games, wall art, pet dishes, furniture, custom pieces are more!
Check him out at http://www.facebook.com/StackOwood/
Rustic Wooden Furniture
Cody’s Cedar Galore - Cody Grantz
Cody is joining us from Waterford, MI. He has been woodworking since 2012. “It started out by just wanting to build myself a cedar bed frame. So with the little knowledge I had at the time, I cut down some trees and got to work. After I finished my bed frame, friends started approaching me to see what else I could build. I build rustic cedar furniture and home decor. My specialty is Michigan Adirondack chairs but I love when someone comes to me with something I’ve never built before. I’m up for any challenge!” Check out more of Cody's work at Cody’s Cedar Galore on facebook: www.facebook.com/codyscedargalore
UKulele’s
Dave Birney - Dave’s Ukes
Dave Birney has lived most of his life in the Lansing, Michigan area. He has been an avid woodworker for close to 50 years, upon retiring from the construction industry he started building Ukuleles as gifts for friends.
“At first I felt an apprenticeship was in order so I started making ukuleles for friends and family, learning as I went. I studied books, the internet, and best of all had a dialog with other luthiers. I feel I learn from everyone I talk to and every instrument I examine. This learning will never end. It has grown into a business and I couldn't be happier, I get to work with unique and exotic woods every day.” For more information visit davesukes.com
WOODEN RINGS, Forged Knives & Leather Sheaths
Patrick Estes
Patrick Estes is a local knife-maker, leather-worker, woodworker, and instructor at the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute. His hand-forged knives are as beautiful as they are sharp, and complemented by sculpted wooden handles and custom leather sheaths. Patrick will also be showing his custom inlay wooden rings. He loves his craft and welcomes custom orders. Email Patrick at knifecraft17@gmail.com for more information.
Michigan Violinmakers Association
Peter Lynch
The Michigan Violinmakers Association was established more than 40 years ago and includes makers from around the US and internationally. They hold quarterly meetings and publish a quarterly newsletter containing in-depth articles of topics related to violin and bow making repair, restoration, and history. Their members include some of the top makers and restorers in the United States. Although they are a professional group, they do have members who are serious armatures and enthusiasts as well and all are welcome. In addition to their meetings and newsletters, they also have an extensive lending library available to members. For more information visit www.michiganviolin.org
CHIP CARVING
Cutter’s Corner - Stephen Pyle
Stephen Pyle was born in raised in Toledo, OH but has lived in Jasper, MI for the past 33 years. He is a retired project manager who started woodworking about 15 years ago. “I prefer to Chip carving the most but enjoy making or creating things. I started carving after my wife bought me some carving tool one Christmas.” Check out his website www.cutterscorner.net for more pictures of Stephen’s chip carved pieces.
Mid-Michigan Woodworkers Guild
The Mid-Michigan Woodworkers Guild is a group of woodworkers from the greater Lansing, MI area with the mission to promote understanding, appreciation, and skill development in woodworking for all individuals and organizations. They have been a club for over 30 years and have approximately 100 members. Meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday each month at the Dewitt Memorial Building at 206 W. Washington St, Dewitt, MI. Visit www.mmwg.org or www.facebook.com/MidMichiganWoodworkersGuild for more information.
Gunsmith
Steven Durren
Steven Durren has been making things with his hands as long as he can remember. He has a formal education in gunsmithing and spent many years working in machine shops and enjoying various forms of woodworking. 20 years ago, he turned to his true passion, gunsmithing, full time. He now spends most of his work hours (and off work hours) building fine custom rifles.
He feels the highlight of his career was when he was accepted as a Professional Member in the American Custom Gunmaker’s Guild as both a Metalsmith and Stockmaker. He currently serves as Vice-President of the Guild.
Steven will be displaying examples of his work and will be demonstrating some of the techniques used to create a high-end custom stock.
Scroll Saw Toys & Puzzles
Grandpa Arnie's Creations
Welcome Grandpa Arnie Short from Wauseon, OH! "Hello everyone my name is Arnie Short. I am the Creator and Owner of Grandpa Arnie's Creations. How did this all start? Well many years ago when my children were little I started making items for them as a hobby. Then next thing you know the grandkids were here, and I continued to make items for them all. Now that I'm retired I have even more time for my hobby. I enjoy watching the faces of my kids, grandkids, and others when they see the items for the first time. It's even more joy to sit back and watch my grandkids play with my creations. I hope ALL of you come out to the 3rd Annual Great Lakes Woodworking Festival to see all the creations I will have for sale."
Northfield Mandolins
Derek Smith
I'm from mid-Michigan and currently reside in Marshall. I've always banged away on, cobbled together, and rived wood for enjoyment and utility. I've slowly honed my knowledge and skills over the years while being involved with musical instrument sales, repair, and building. I am more of a jack-of-all-trades within a small team of luthiers. We combine our various skill sets to produce some truly great mandolins that we sell all over the world. I specialize in wood purchasing and processing as well as finishing and final setup of our mandolins. For more information visit www.northfieldinstruments.com
Exodus Painting Inc
Adam Gancarski
My name is Adam Gancarski, I have been the proud owner of Exodus Painting Inc for 23 years. Throughout my career, people have constantly referred to me as an artist. In the last several years I have been using my woodworking and finishing skills, applying them in a more artistic manner. Originally from the high plains of Colorado, I relocated 4 1/2 years ago to Harbor Springs, MI looking for a change of pace and lifestyle. Settling into Michigan, I have been able to take more creative time, creating unique pieces of wood and epoxy finishes. Visit exoduspaintinginc.com for more information.
Hand Saw & Plane Tills
Dennis Paul Peterson
“I was born in Minnesota, became interested in woodworking after building houses in Minnesota, and earth sheltered houses in the Mountains of Colorado. I have worked in a few cabinet shops then also worked in a large 100 Journeyman shop in Washington DC, where I did work for the Smithsonian Institute, World Bank, and the Chief Executive Officer of the White House. I was published in the Taunton Press Book " The Custom Furniture Resource Book" in 2001. I have also patented a tape measure holder, in 1986. I enjoy designing and making furniture for my clients and trying to fulfill there dreams and wishes, in the work I do for them. I am Danish in the background and therefore enjoy the simple understated furniture that is the Danish Hallmark style. But, I will work in any style such as Arts and Craft, Prairie Style, Shaker, and also contemporary Furniture and Cabinets. My most recent new work includes Hand Saw Tills, and Plane Tills, which are Cabinets for holding Planes and Saws, to be worked out of in the studio, or as display collector cabinets for the home or office, etc. I enjoy photography and cycling when I am not working in a studio.” To see more of Dennis’s work, visit dennispaulpeterson.com
MILITARY tribute artist
Dan Kaminski - Some Give All
My name is Dan Kaminski. I was born and raised in northern Michigan. I'm the middle of five boys. My brothers and I grew up on a small farm and my Dad owned a sawmill. The house and the mill were divided by a small creek feeding into a huge pond with an arched bridge spanning the distance between. This bridge allowed me to drag lumber from the mill to the house, thus beginning a mass variety of creations. At the young age of five, I was always asking my parents for nails, glue or a new hand saw. I started building the basics; boxes, birdhouses, and various other projects. As the years passed my passion for woodworking continued to grow while I tried to build anything and everything I could think of. Without ever having instructions or prints to follow my imagination ran wild. As the years continued to pass my simple boxes have turned into pieces that will last many lifetimes. Aside from my work, I have spent many hours with my Dad and brothers building barns, pole barns, and even homes. Part of my contributions was even found at the end of a welder, fabricating different parts, but my passion for woodworking continued. My dad was a very creative, patient, man, and taught me everything I know. After working in the mill for several years I accepted a job logging the northern Michigan woods where I grew up. After 10 years I felt my time away from woodworking was far too great and decided to take a job doing remodeling and construction. Taking a pay cut and switching jobs has given me the freedom and opportunity to start my woodworking shop. Although it serves as more of a hobby, my dream is to have a woodworking shop creating everything from furniture to cabinetry and I hope to experiment with wooden boats, musical instruments, and the fine arts. I have a complete shop set up in my basement and am still creating beautiful items from a pile of lumber. You know what they say if you do what you love you'll never work a day in your life and I love woodworking in my basement just as much as I did years ago carrying lumber across the arched bridge of my childhood. For more information about Some Give All, you can contact Dan at (989) 350-0014 or kaminskiecreations@gmail.com
ELEGANT WOOD LIGHTING
Danny Miller - Strake Studio
Organized in 2018, Strake Studio was created as my woodworking developed to be more than a hobby. I enjoy designing and building elegant designs, specifically in lighting. The natural beauty of wood and the translucent qualities of resin can combine for incredible appearance.
My vision for Strake Studio is to design luxury products and to produce them singularly or in small batches, which is determined by demand. I design for those who demand unique, high-quality luxury lighting, locally handcrafted, and naturally inspiring. Visit StrakeStudio.com for more information.
reclaimed Wood & Metal Fabrication
Iron Willy's Fabrication - William Borja
William Borja founded Iron Willy's Fabrication in 2015 in Lansing, MI. They offer several services including custom motorcycle fabrication and custom home decor. Iron Willy's Fabrication creates home decor made from new and used materials, including automotive parts and reclaimed wood. William loves everything motorcycles and working with his hands. His passion lies in giving new life to old things. For more information, visit https://www.iwfabrication.com/
FATHER & SON WOODWORKERS
Crociata Woodworking
“My father was a carpenter and craftsman when I was growing up, so I followed. We started our own woodworking shop after his heart attack, we like to challenge each other. Right now we are making boxes and cutting boards, turning on the lathe.” - Joseph Crociata from Toledo, OH
CUSTOM FINE FURNITURE
Don Hinman Woodworks
“My first woodworking project was way back in 1996 when I built a wall shelf for my wife's barn plate collection. That's when I fell in love with woodworking. Seems I've always had some kind of project underway in my shop since then. I recently moved to Adrian and acquired a bigger shop and have been very busy since. I build any number of items from desk top items to full size furniture. My goal is to produce items that are both functional and beautiful. I believe that when the wood, it's grain and color, are used to make pieces beautiful I have accomplished my goal.” To see more works from Don, check out his Facebook page Don Hinman Woodworks.
Mixed Media Wooden Art
Ryan Fitzgerald - Zingara Home Furnishings
“I started woodworking out of a room at the back of our apartment in Saginaw about 3 years ago, armed with a cheap circular saw and drill, trying to make things we needed around our place. Projects kept coming and so did my interest in the history of the craft. I developed a love for using hand tools (with some machines mixed in) to make pieces that my wife could use as a canvas for her paintings. It wasn't long before we decided to set up shop to try to sell our pieces. We primarily make home decor items now and look forward to growing to be able to build many unique furniture ideas. Really, they'll get built regardless. We're pretty obsessed at this point.” Check them out at www.zingarahomefurnishings.com
Wood Creations & More
Philip Lanway
Phil became interested in laser and wood router woodworking when he attended a Maker Fair. From there, he started making 3-D puzzles and wooden clocks. Now he creates many different items. Check out his work at WoodCreations-More.com
UNIQUE WOOD TURNINGS
Andrew Kimmey
Andrew is from Toledo, Ohio, and primarily focuses on woodturning, although he enjoys other types of woodworking as well. He became a woodworker to be able to turn yarn-spinning tools called spindles (not what turners would automatically think of as spindles), and the turning bloomed from there and branched into other areas of woodworking. His favorite things to turn are spinning spindles, bowls, pens, bottle stoppers, chopsticks, hairpins, shawl pins, lidded boxes, rolling pins, tops, yo-yo’s, and beads for jewelry, among other things. To learn more visit www.etsy.com/shop/andrewkfiberarts
MAKER WORKS
Located in Ann Arbor, Maker Works was established in 2011 to bring a focus back to making things. In their 14,000 square foot building, you'll find a great selection of tools for wood, metal, textiles, plastic, jewelry, and electronics, instruction on the safe and efficient use of these tools, space to make things, and a welcoming community of interesting, creative people making things.
Whether you're an artist, engineer, inventor, student, fabricator, entrepreneur, hobbyist, or all of the above, this is a place to actively make your future. Visit them for a free tour whenever they are open—we're just north of Costco on the south side of Ann Arbor. Take safety classes on the tools you need. Start your membership for a day, month, quarter, or year. For more information visit www.maker-works.com
WOODCUT PRINTMAKING
Gregorio Perez & Debi Bailey
Gregorio Perez and Debi Bailey are Quiet Heron Studios based in Tecumseh, Michigan. Gregorio Perez is a Michigan native and multi-media artist working in relief printmaking, pottery, drawing, painting, photography, wood, and concrete. Debi Bailey is Michigan native who spent much her childhood climbing trees in the woods, catching frogs in the creek, or building forts in the ferns. She has backgrounds in photography, painting, jewelry making, science, baking, heritage home arts, and Montessori secondary education.
Quiet Heron Studio will be displaying and demonstrating woodcut printmaking at the festival. Woodcut printmaking is a technique where the image is carved into the surface of a block of wood leaving the printing parts level with the surface while removing the non-printing parts. Areas that the artist cuts away carry no ink, while characters or images at surface level carry the ink to produce the print. The block is cut along the wood grain (unlike wood engraving, where the block is cut in the end-grain).
For more information, visit https://quietheronstudio.com/
