I’ve always loved working with my hands; from building forts in the woods of the Pacific NW, to massive Lego creations on the living floor, my childhood memories are filled with creations of all sorts. My first memory of actual woodworking was making a Pinewood Derby race car with my dad while in Boy Scouts. He helped design the form that was in my imagination and then showed me how to shape the wooden blank, bringing that form into reality. Then, in eighth grade I took my first shop class with Mr. Tom Nelson at Leota Jr High and I was instantly hooked on woodworking. The act of designing something and bringing it to life with my hands was magical and I never forgot how it felt to build something that brought joy to others.

 

            Fast forward nearly 30 years, and after a successful career in the Army, I finally found myself in a position where I could fully follow my passion for woodworking. After retiring in 2016, I was fortunate enough to attend the prestigious North Bennet Street School in Boston, MA, taking part in their Cabinet and Furniture Making program. The program focuses on traditional woodworking skills with an emphasis on building quality, hand crafted furniture. Using joinery and construction techniques from the 18th and early 19th century as a foundation, the course provided me with the fundamental hand skills necessary to build a wide variety of furniture.

 

            In the spring of 2020 I made what will hopefully be my final move, this time back to the PNW! Now living near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, I build bespoke furniture, custom built-ins, and architectural details for discerning clients around the country. It would be my privilege to work with you on designing and creating that special wooden masterpiece that will grace your home for generations.

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Rob Shefner