I started carving in 1992. My mother had been a woodcarver for many years and always encouraged me to try it but I was always too busy with another hobby. In my early 40s, I finally did and was immediately hooked.

The first year I took carving classes, my teacher decided a Santa figure would be appropriate for the season. He passed out blanks (pieces of wood cut out to the outline of the piece, usually basswood) to the students. He placed a finished piece at the front of the class for us to look at while we worked. I had been a collector of Father Christmas pieces for years but suddenly, I realized I could create them instead of collect them!

My first figure was crude but we all have to start somewhere.

After the first one, all I could think about was carving more of them in every size, shape and color I could imagine. My teachers included Bob Jahrling and Frank Russell. 

Although I carve some patterns and styles over and over, no two carvings are identical. Small changes in facial expressions and new ideas for details that the last piece didn't have always make each piece an original. Most of the pieces displayed in this website are sold, unless otherwise noted. My work is available at Reasons to Believe.

I also accept order requests but am not set up for credit card sales and will only ship carvings inside the continental USA.