I am originally from Central Florida but recently relocated to Upstate South Carolina. I started woodworking as a student in middle and high school. I was introduced to turning by a co-worker who gifted me an old tube bed-style lathe and I was off to the races. I love creating beautiful objects from found or discarded materials, giving new life to rough and unwanted materials. I really enjoy turning small objects such as ornaments and boxes, making excellent use of small pieces of wood. I also enjoy making hollow forms, from useful items like urns to art pieces from problem wood.
I have been a member of the American Association of Woodturners for many years. I genuinely enjoy teaching and sharing this craft with others. I have demonstrated for clubs around the country, both remotely and in person. I have taught classes in my own shop as well as in several woodworking stores. I have worked as a brand ambassador for several companies including Nova Teknatool and Easy Wood Tools, traveling the world demonstrating tools and techniques. I am currently one of two National Demonstrators for Robert Sorby.
My social media brand is Dread Knot Woodshop and it is focused on encouraging others to get out there and start making art regardless of “limitations”. Hence my tagline, Dread Knot and Make Something.
Website: https://www.instagram.com/dreadknotwoodshop/
Demonstrations:
Hollow form Ornament with Finial.
I will be turning an ornament featuring a hollowed globe, finial, and integrated hanger. This ornament will demonstrate what can be done with small pieces of wood. There will also be several tips on tool selection, working with small hollow forms, CA glue tips, and more.
Acorn Lidded Box.
In this demo, I will be turning an acorn-themed lidded box. I will demonstrate how to hollow the lid (creating a mortice), fit the body (creating a tenon), hollow the body, and finally jam-chucking the body to turn a point on the bottom. There will be several tips useful to turners of all experience levels.
Multi-axis Square Turned Box.
I will be demonstrating how to turn a square-lidded box. I will go over the layout and mounting of the blank on the lathe. I will also cover safety, tips, and order of operations to ensure a successful project.
