Stine Woodworking Profile:

Years of Experience: 

I have over 20 years of woodworking experience.

Where did you learn your skills?

I grew up on a farm where I learned furniture making and woodworking from my grandfather and father. I opened my business when I moved to Washington, D.C. to attend law school. Being a lawyer didn't last, because crafting furniture was my passion.

Where do you get your ideas and inspiration from?

I fell my own trees and mill my own boards, and I draw inspiration from the woods and the trees themselves, from how and where they grew, from their stature, their perfections and imperfections. As the boards come off the mill, I often see what I will build. My designs are always geared to showcasing the natural beauty of the wood, knots, edges and all.

What furniture styles or periods do you typically work in?

My designs are modern, contemporary and organic, and feature large, single boards and live edges. There may be a Japanese sensibility to a certain bed frame, or a Mission-style joint on a table, but by and large my work is contemporary.

What differentiates your work?

I use only local and native hard woods that I have sourced myself from my family's forests here in west-central Illinois. I cull dead and dying trees to ensure responsible sustainability. I do not use exotic or rare species or veneers of any kind. The hardwoods I use are all native to this area: Cherry, Black Walnut, Tulip, White and Black Oak, Sycamore, Honey Locust, etc. I mill all my own boards and craft every piece by hand. I use only environmentally-friendly finishes like linseed oil or finishes of my own creation, like Black Walnut hulls soaked in vinegar. Sustainability, responsibility and traditional methods of craftsmanship are the foundations of my work.

Areas Served:  The entire USA