CHRIS MCDONALD

My early memories of woodworking revolve around the time my dad and I spent together in his shop on our family’s farm in Ohio. When I was around 4 years old he patiently taught me to make sailboats to float in the horse trough. I began learning finishing techniques as I helped my dad restore family antiques stored in the attic there. My first “from scratch” project was a walnut gun cabinet built for my dad as part of a high school woodworking class. That woodworking class is also where I had my first experience working on a lathe turning bowls. 

Growing up on that farm, which has been in my family for over 120 years, instilled a love in me for woodworking and creating both functional and beautiful objects.

I’ve always been a maker and have worked with various mediums throughout the years. In addition to woodwork I have spent a lot of time drawing, painting, working with leather and stained glass as well as lapidary. After I got married, my first project was building 2 chippendale chairs with needlepoint seats which are still in use. The needlepoint was a joint effort with my wife. The first chair was made from part of a beam my dad and I took out of a barn built in 1903. Our next big project as newlyweds was a live edge myrtle wood coffee table. 

After retiring I was able to spend more time in my basement workshop. I began working on projects around the house, starting with crown moldings and then making kitchen cabinets and an island for our kitchen renovation. I also made 24 solid hardwood doors and new bedroom furniture.

I have been a member of the Annapolis Woodworkers Guild for about 15 years. We hold monthly meetings and invite speakers, often members, to share knowledge on specific skills. Through the guild and a woodworking school in Annapolis, I have honed my marquetry skills and have enjoyed making themed chairs, doll furniture and serving trays. Guild members often get together to work on community projects. I personally make 150 toys every year for charity; collective efforts within the guild total about 3000 toys each year.

When it comes to turning on a lathe, I got my start in that high school woodshop class but really began to enjoy working on the lathe making pens after I retired. After mastering the skills necessary to turn and finish pens, I purchased a bigger lathe that can more easily handle large bowls. Recently I’ve been enjoying turning vases and ornaments. 

I am always learning and love to try new things. The most recent technique I am exploring is using resin with wood to fill voids and add a visual interest in charcuterie boards. I’ve also been using resin with stabilized elm and cherry burl wood chips to make one of a kind pen blanks. 

My favorite kind of wood to work with is walnut because of the color and ease of working with it. I also love quarter sawn sycamore and curly ambrosia maple because of the beautiful figure. Currently I am enjoying making ornaments because I incorporate many interesting types of wood to make them.

Thank you for taking the time to read a little bit about me. I hope to see you at one of my upcoming events.