Though self taught we have had the wonderful opportunity to have taken workshops with folks like Jimmy Clewes, Judy Ditmer, Lyle Jamison, Mark St. Ledger, Stuart Mortimer and Rolly Munro. These workshops have been incredible learning experiences and have allowed us to bring a lot of valuable knowledge and skills to our craft.
We create almost all of our art using trees that have been felled due to storms, illness or construction. When we do use kiln dried wood it is usually wood indigenous to our area. In cases that we use exotic wood, we try to ensure that it is from a sustainable source. It is our hope that the wood from these trees will be admired for their beauty and that in some small way, they live on through our art... We try to use every part of the log or wood. Shavings make great starter for the fireplace and cut-offs can be used for miniature turnings.
When you purchase your handmade art piece from the Debs, know that you are supporting works from local American artisans who are also aligned with turning sustainable woods and donating a portion of their profits to charities that support the endangered animals and the environment. In addition to contributing monetarily, over the years we have contributed many of our works for donation to fundraising events and continue to do so. Also know that a portion of ALL of our proceeds since 2006 have gone to Charitable Organizations to benefit Animals, People and the Environment. We regularly use www.CharityNavigator.org to research organizations with a 4 star rating before donating. If you purchase something from us and wish to have a portion of those proceeds donated - you need only to mention that 4 star organization when making your purchase..
We create almost all of our art using trees that have been felled due to storms, illness or construction. When we do use kiln dried wood it is usually wood indigenous to our area. In cases that we use exotic wood, we try to ensure that it is from a sustainable source. It is our hope that the wood from these trees will be admired for their beauty and that in some small way, they live on through our art... We try to use every part of the log or wood. Shavings make great starter for the fireplace and cut-offs can be used for miniature turnings.
When you purchase your handmade art piece from the Debs, know that you are supporting works from local American artisans who are also aligned with turning sustainable woods and donating a portion of their profits to charities that support the endangered animals and the environment. In addition to contributing monetarily, over the years we have contributed many of our works for donation to fundraising events and continue to do so. Also know that a portion of ALL of our proceeds since 2006 have gone to Charitable Organizations to benefit Animals, People and the Environment. We regularly use www.CharityNavigator.org to research organizations with a 4 star rating before donating. If you purchase something from us and wish to have a portion of those proceeds donated - you need only to mention that 4 star organization when making your purchase..
Debbie Woods
I've worked in the technical sector for almost 30 years. A native Floridian and FSU Alumni, I've lived in Northern Virginia for 20 years.
I love wood. Plain and simple. If I see a tree that has fallen in a storm or intentionally cut for development, I will rescue a piece of it more times than not. I enjoy helping preserve a piece of a fallen tree to keep its memory alive. No two pieces of wood are ever the same and each piece when given the time, can communicate what it's desire is to become.
My specialty is small items with bark inclusions or natural edges. They are by far, my favorite things to turn. Vases, bowls, and little boxes especially.
Another of my turning specialties is endgrain turning. I find the challenge worth the reward when the final piece has the lovely light sapwood contrasted by a dark heartwood. AAW member since 2004.
Debbie on Facebook
I've worked in the technical sector for almost 30 years. A native Floridian and FSU Alumni, I've lived in Northern Virginia for 20 years.
I love wood. Plain and simple. If I see a tree that has fallen in a storm or intentionally cut for development, I will rescue a piece of it more times than not. I enjoy helping preserve a piece of a fallen tree to keep its memory alive. No two pieces of wood are ever the same and each piece when given the time, can communicate what it's desire is to become.
My specialty is small items with bark inclusions or natural edges. They are by far, my favorite things to turn. Vases, bowls, and little boxes especially.
Another of my turning specialties is endgrain turning. I find the challenge worth the reward when the final piece has the lovely light sapwood contrasted by a dark heartwood. AAW member since 2004.
Debbie on Facebook
Debra Breton
The feel, the warmth and the natural beauty of wood, are what first attracted me to this medium. After moving to Virginia from Saint Petersburg, Florida in 1999, what began as a hobby turned into a fulltime woodturning obsession in early 2002. Have always enjoyed creating & working with my hands and after 20+ years in the graphics/design industry, it was time to get out from behind the desk and try something new! My natural obsession with wood and tools (argh, argh, argh), made wood turning the ideal form of artistic expression.
I try to bring my love and reverence for nature and all living things, "through" in my art. Many times I'll have an idea in mind as to what to create, but ultimately it is the wood that decides what it wants to be and it's merely my job to accommodate. I believe it is nature that is the distinguished artist, while often times I'm just the tool. Am grateful to be doing what I love. AAW member since 2002.
Debra on Facebook
The feel, the warmth and the natural beauty of wood, are what first attracted me to this medium. After moving to Virginia from Saint Petersburg, Florida in 1999, what began as a hobby turned into a fulltime woodturning obsession in early 2002. Have always enjoyed creating & working with my hands and after 20+ years in the graphics/design industry, it was time to get out from behind the desk and try something new! My natural obsession with wood and tools (argh, argh, argh), made wood turning the ideal form of artistic expression.
I try to bring my love and reverence for nature and all living things, "through" in my art. Many times I'll have an idea in mind as to what to create, but ultimately it is the wood that decides what it wants to be and it's merely my job to accommodate. I believe it is nature that is the distinguished artist, while often times I'm just the tool. Am grateful to be doing what I love. AAW member since 2002.
Debra on Facebook
All of our art is created with intention, each piece imbued with loving, positive, creative energy. If there is a day that we are not inspired (in spirit), then we choose not to create. You can be sure that your art was made with this loving intention, and carries with it this positive energy. We invite you to Experience Art Made With Intention!
About Us
The place to begin to improve the world is in your own heart, head and hands. Have concern for others, respect their rights and freedoms, and let them be themselves. Do this and you will enjoy peace. Most people are not against you - they are merely for themselves. Let differing ideas clash, but not those of the heart. PEACE comes to you when you live and act in the spirit of love... Mitakuye Oyasin
We are participating in the Loudoun County Bird Atlas Project. We collect data on the occurrence and distribution of birds throughout Loudoun County, which is then reported to the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. To find out more: Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy
When we're not in the studio turning wood, we can usually be found working in the organic garden, fulfilling OOP DVD orders for LAWKIDVD, or out at the crack of dawn, taking photos of birds and wildlife while adding more birds to our life lists!
Our quality pieces are made from the heart and made to last. They have the possibility of becoming cherished family heirlooms for future generations to enjoy. A well turned piece, cared for properly, can easily be around for hundreds of years!