How it all started…

What started as a simple elective in Year 7 quickly became something I genuinely loved. Woodworking was the class I looked forward to most, and from the very beginning, I wanted to do well at it. My industrial arts teacher, Mr Raulston, recognised that passion early on and pushed me to be better. He was rough and tough, but he had a heart of gold. He cared deeply about his students and wanted us to succeed.

From that point on, I chose woodworking every year throughout high school — except for Year 9, when I briefly gave metalwork a try. In Year 12, my major project was building my own bed, which I continued sleeping on until I got married. Woodworking had become more than a school subject to me. It was something that brought me peace, purpose, and satisfaction.

a handmade chopping board pictured next to a bandsaw in a workshop
A wooden clock with Roman numerals hangs on a brick wall above a small shelf with books, a red first aid kit, and religious and decorative items.

After high school, life moved on. University came, and with it, a lack of tools, space, and time. Slowly, I neglected that passion and drifted away from woodworking for many years. But the desire for it never truly left. Deep down, there was always a longing to return to it.

Several years later, that longing became impossible to ignore. I felt this strong yearning to put metal to wood again — specifically, to make a cross. I began researching, watching videos, and eventually discovered whittling. Before long, I found a local shop, bought a few basic whittling knives, and started carving.

The very first cross I made was the crucifix you see pictured with the broken arm — carved entirely from a single piece of timber. I remember sitting there for hours, slowly whittling away, completely content. There was something deeply meaningful about creating a cross with my own hands.

A wooden table with a book titled 'Whittler's Kit' and a pair of bone-handled carving tools resting on it.
A wooden table with a book titled 'Whittler's Kit' and a pair of bone-handled carving tools resting on it.
A small wooden figure resembling a person, held between a person's thumb and fingers, with a simple, rough crafted appearance.
A small wooden figure resembling a person, held between a person's thumb and fingers, with a simple, rough crafted appearance.

That small beginning reignited something in me.

As my love for woodworking grew again, so did my desire to learn more and create more. I eventually purchased a small bandsaw, drill press, and belt sander. Simple tools, but tools that opened the door to so much growth. Many of the crosses you now see in the gallery were made during that season — each one carrying its own story, lessons learned, mistakes made, and moments of joy.

I began making crosses for family and friends, and occasionally selling one here and there. But the dream of turning this into full-time work always felt just out of reach. Self-doubt, excuses, and the busyness of life kept me from fully stepping into it.

Until now.

A series of events eventually forced me to confront those excuses and make a decision that did not come lightly: to step out in faith, trust God instead of myself, and pursue woodworking full-time.

This is now more than a hobby. It is the dream, the passion, and the calling — to provide for my family through the work I love, and to create real, solid, beautiful wooden crosses for the sons and daughters of Christ.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Whether you purchase a cross or not, I pray you leave here encouraged to pursue the gifts and talents God has placed within you for His glory.

Now is the time. Tomorrow is not promised.