I would have to say it all started as a kid building model kits. But that wasn't enough. They had to be altered, dented, wrecked or tricked out. A car rim that didn't have a tiny valve stem was unacceptable, and of course that valve stem had to have a proper valve cap. World war 2 military dioramas followed and attention to details was top priority. I always seemed to have a need to build something.

For a couple years, when I got older, I made model replicas of peoples show cars or cars they used to own. Then came the medieval/ renaissance festival scene. I made small scale castle siege models-including fully functional 1:35th scale trebuchets, ships in bottles, battle shields, small blades, leather bracers, and such. I still do some blacksmithing and leather work and always love the chance to fire up the forge.

Later, came jewelry designs of many types and the chess set idea. My first set was a wooden abstract design that I may bring back one day. Nine years later, I designed my first bullet shell chess set. I was very happy with it from the first completed version. And that 1st set has inspired the many new designs you can see here in my etsy shop.

And now I use all of the different aspects of my prior crafting experiences with my chess set designs. Its fun to use the same weathering techniques I learned way back when I was a kid painting a model tank or jeep. But I enjoy the design stage the most- the free thought process of creating, brainstorming and thinking of new designs.

The latest creations include welded steel sculptures that usually look like some wild sci-fi bio robotic bug creatures. Its just free style art. Think as you go and see what develops at the moment. There's little planning with the creatures and ideas flow on the spot. Its fun and represents an example of true artistic freedom. It's become my latest passion with creating. I've spent 10 years collecting random metal parts and have a seemingly endless supply of material for these welded creatures. CBS purchased 22 of my welded sculptures in 2018 and they appeared on the TV show "Elementary" season 6. Kinda cool to see my creations on TV.

Many people ask how I come up with my designs or ideas. I try to explain it this way: I see an object or have a thought and somehow an idea forms. The project is then constructed in a 3 dimensional image in my mind. I build it in my mind. I see the tools used, shapes, steps, and a rough idea of a finished product. This process can happen anywhere, anytime. Then the sketching begins. (Always keep a notepad and pen in your pocket!). Often I wake up with ideas and must write them down so they are not forgotten. (Always keep a notepad and pen by the bed!). Maybe some of you understand this process. When you combine this with a knowledge of using tools and a knowledge of how to safely use tools in a way they weren't necessarily designed for, then it is inevitable that something special will come to reality by your own hand.

I want to encourage you all to follow your creative dreams. Be a free thinker, be willing to ask questions and most of all, take correction. And if its your thing... get out there and create something!

Peace to you all.