My passion for wood working began over 30 years ago while apprenticing with a high-end antique dealer, learning the business and restoring period and reproduction centennial furniture. This experience taught me to appreciate fine furniture design, construction, and history. Furniture speaks to me about the era, the owner and the craftsman.
As a craftsman woodturner, I turn for the love of creating useful and beautiful items. My furniture includes turned pieces whenever possible. I work in local species and prefer the spindle orientation (between centers) because of the technical demands and finesse spindle turning requires. When I design and turn a piece from timber that has special or historical origins, the piece takes on uniqueness, i.e. it has a story. Turned objects should showcase the natural beauty of the wood. I like the feel of a finely turned and finished piece in my hand. Turning is great recycling as items can be created from pieces most others throw away or burn. The wood pile holds great potential!
Christmas ornaments, goblets, custom architectural pieces for the home, ring holders, miniature bird homes, colonial mirrors, candle stands and gavels are among the many items I create. Most of my craft is one-of-a-kind. Small lidded boxes are a specialty. Pleasing to the eye and touch, they make perfect vessels for keeping our most personal treasures. Keepsake boxes become heirlooms future generations will cherish. Some boxes have a small jewel hidden inside the lid. Life holds many wonderful treasures when we take the time to explore!
Signature Wood Creations operates from my home in New Castle County, Delaware. I have donated to private school auctions, Ducks Unlimited, Hospice Festival of Trees, church functions, and garden clubs. You can also find my work in The Hotel DuPont, private collections, St. James’ Episcopal Church, as well as in homes in Delaware, California, New York, North Carolina and the eastern shore of Virginia. Memberships include American Association of Woodturners and Chesapeake Woodturners.
-Larry Heinold
“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me.’” -AAW