Heeeere's Garrett

Hey, my name is Garrett and I guess you could say I’m the brawn of this adventure – as in most things Cindy is more the brains and has all the beauty (she did not edit that in, but she also didn't edit it out). I am a maker at heart – I love to use my hands, problem solve, fix, research, strategize…do it myself. But I also enjoy engaging with other people, sharing a common bond, teaching and talking.

According to the tests, I am an ENTP and a 7. But people would describe me as goofy. I am a glass half-full type of person, but fully understand that we've all got problems in a problematic world. But I do believe in a Creator who takes care of His creation and that there is a universal, specific truth - and that truth isn't defined by us individually or wholly (which is good, because we got problems). We try to keep up with the spin of the earth (which is 1,000 miles/hr) and that leads to trading sit down meals with fast-food, social media over being social and baby sitting over sitting with our babies. I think we need to slow down...but that's just my perspective.

I have always loved to build and DIY. I got into “woodworking” about 3 years ago because I finally got a tool. I say woodworking loosely because usually the wood works me; I am still learning, it isn’t anything that comes easily to me - I think and figure out more than I cut and assemble. But gosh it’s fun. I’ve had the pleasure to work with pine, poplar, maple, walnut and cherry…I can’t wait to get my hands on some quarter sawn oak. Working with wood seems only natural. We live in a world full of plastic, particleboard, IKEA and the mighty dollar being the bottom line. Wood is real, living, strong, unpredictable, pliable yet stable, sustains yet to be subdued. Wood is unique, each species has it’s own color, scent, texture and feel that can’t be factory made. I look forward to working with it for the rest of my life.

I do not have a set style I am most in love with. I enjoy mostly contemporary colors and design schemes, have a deep appreciation for the simplicity of shaker style furniture, but love the detail and richness found in more grand, traditional pieces. I’ve only made furniture-style cabinets, counter tops, bunk bed and gift items – cutting boards, charcuterie boards, picture frames and the like. I am currently working on some wine shelves for a local restaurant and have a nursery set and outdoor grill cabinets in the wings. I can’t wait to build some actual furniture for our house, starting with a media credenza sometime this spring.

Overall, woodworking has been a hobby born out of necessity and a desire to do it myself. But I hope to become more skilled, provide high-quality products and maybe even teach others the joy and intricacies of woodworking. I look forward to seeing how all this unfolds, and am excited to have you along for the ride.

From my heart and home to yours…Garrett

P.S. From Cindy - I feel like you should know these things about Garrett. He is seriously goofy. He loves The Office, Parks and Rec, and Cheers. He loves football - particularly MSU and the Saints. He loves our family so much. I never have a doubt in my mind about his love for us. By no means am I saying that he is perfect, but I can rest in his love and that is such a comfort. hmm...He is seriously a goofball. :) I am so thankful to have married someone so handy and handsome!