The man in the photo above is my grandfather, Earl Reves. I grew up listening and learning from him as he spoke about his experiences working with wood as a lifelong professional in the trade. His description of the many tools and various types of wood impressed me with the extent of his detailed knowledge that developed from his years of hands-on experience.
He had limitless stories of the many projects he worked on. Even as a kid, I noticed the excitement and pride he took in those projects he created with his hands. I understand now the reason for that pride was he took something in raw form, adapted an idea into a design, utilized his skill with tools, and shaped that raw material into something to fulfill a specific purpose.
As I became older and started my own journey into woodworking, I began to understand that same feeling of pride of creating something physical with my own hands. It’s a feeling that lasts a lifetime.
My grandfather was a woodworker out of necessity, needing to work with his hands to provide for his family. For me, I had a different career but always had a passion for woodworking. I am grateful to have this opportunity now to design and create something for you or your child from my modest shop here in Leende, the Netherlands. Just as I use some of my grandfather’s tools and techniques that he used decades ago, I also put the same passion and eye for detail into my craft. The result is a wooden toy that your child will enjoy and pass on to their children.