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I'm Karl and I'm a disabled Veteran that was told to take the stress out of my life or die. So I chose to live and started working with wood. My love for wood started way back in junior high school where I took my first shop class, woodworking. So when I was given a mini lathe and turned my first small bowl, I was hooked on how good it felt to be "working" with wood again.
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Living In the Pacific Northwest, there was ample wood to choose from, and after one really "good" wind storm, while walking through some of the forest behind my house I "discovered" my first Burl. I literally tripped over it! Started to look to see where it came from, and discovered the trees in the forest. Western Big Leaf Maple. So I went out and bought some "real" tools and a larger lathe, a couple of chain saws and well, as they say, the rest is history.
I only harvest wind falls, stumps and dead falls, or trees that are being removed for safety reasons. Soon I had given enough bowls to friends and family that I felt confident to try a couple of farmers markets. I found out people would pay for my work! That meant I could get more tools! Next I entered in to an Art competition by the Veterans Administration. I took first place! and was on to the Nationals. Well I didn't place in the top 3, but what a great boost to my confidence.
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