taught. I began by closely studying the construction and style of pieces that I saw in museums and antique stores as I
traveledaround the country. I read books from the 19th century related to military history and regulations, several books
written for settlers heading west during the mid-19th century and as many books as I could find with pictures of that era.
These observations led to a great deal of practice and experimentation, and eventually, to the construction methods that
I use today.
As for the punchwork that adorns many of my pieces, I have no explanation of how I came to use that technique other
than pure inspiration. A great deal of experimentation has led to my use of a particular awl and rawhide mallet (which
belonged to my great-grandfather, also a woodworker) to ensure consistent depth, size and spacing of each punch.
Over the past several of years, a number of antique furniture dealers and period historians have told me that punchwork
similar to mine has been used by artisans around the world for centuries. Recent research has led me to several examples
and photographs. The photo below is of an early 18th century Welsh cabinet, with exquisite punchwork in the wooden
door panels.
traveledaround the country. I read books from the 19th century related to military history and regulations, several books
written for settlers heading west during the mid-19th century and as many books as I could find with pictures of that era.
These observations led to a great deal of practice and experimentation, and eventually, to the construction methods that
I use today.
As for the punchwork that adorns many of my pieces, I have no explanation of how I came to use that technique other
than pure inspiration. A great deal of experimentation has led to my use of a particular awl and rawhide mallet (which
belonged to my great-grandfather, also a woodworker) to ensure consistent depth, size and spacing of each punch.
Over the past several of years, a number of antique furniture dealers and period historians have told me that punchwork
similar to mine has been used by artisans around the world for centuries. Recent research has led me to several examples
and photographs. The photo below is of an early 18th century Welsh cabinet, with exquisite punchwork in the wooden
door panels.
When first becoming active in living history / reenacting as a hobby over a
decade ago, I quickly saw a need for well made, historically accurate boxes
and furniture pieces to complement my impression. The first pieces were
fairly simple, utilitarian boxes, although they were constructed without
the use of any modern nails or fasteners. Most of my early customers
were fellow reenactors who saw my work at living history events, liked
what they saw and asked if I could make something similar for them.
After a time, these same people began to ask for a variety of other types
of pieces, and business began to grow entirely by word of mouth.
At about that same time, I met a fellow artisan, Nancy Lou Webster, who
owns a store in my home town of Elgin, Texas. She had seen one of the
pieces I had made as a gift for a friend, and suggested that I consider
putting some pieces in her store, W W Treenware. I have had items on
display and for sale there for the past seven years. I am completely self-
decade ago, I quickly saw a need for well made, historically accurate boxes
and furniture pieces to complement my impression. The first pieces were
fairly simple, utilitarian boxes, although they were constructed without
the use of any modern nails or fasteners. Most of my early customers
were fellow reenactors who saw my work at living history events, liked
what they saw and asked if I could make something similar for them.
After a time, these same people began to ask for a variety of other types
of pieces, and business began to grow entirely by word of mouth.
At about that same time, I met a fellow artisan, Nancy Lou Webster, who
owns a store in my home town of Elgin, Texas. She had seen one of the
pieces I had made as a gift for a friend, and suggested that I consider
putting some pieces in her store, W W Treenware. I have had items on
display and for sale there for the past seven years. I am completely self-
| Welsh panelled wall-hanging cupboard of unusual design and decorated with punchwork and pierced geometric designs, the cornice with broken dentil embellishment above a pair of central doors flanked by panels, c.1700 46" wide, 33" high, 10" deep |
| ABOUT THE ARTIST |
| Unique, Hand-Crafted Reproductions and Gifts Made in Texas |
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