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Anne Briggs (she pronounces it Annie) is a true woodworker for the Internet age. She has successfully established her skills and personality as a brand—Anne of All Trades. She uses YouTube and her own website to document what she does in her shop and on her farm, as a way to inspire people. 

Eric Gorges grew up in a woodworking family in Detroit, Michigan; his grandfather was a professional cabinetmaker and his dad was a serious hobbyist. But Eric’s career path led him to a lucrative corporate job. In his twenties, he began suffering panic attacks, but the road to recovery was found by working with his hands.

Eric Gorges grew up in a woodworking family in Detroit, Michigan; his grandfather was a professional cabinetmaker and his dad was a serious hobbyist. But Eric’s career path led him to a lucrative corporate job.

West Coast furniture maker and woodworking teacher Jory Brigham has a modern take on nostalgia. He designs pieces with mid-century flair and the idea that furniture should last. And Jory believes that anyone can find their individual style. You just need to do two things: Work with your hands and don’t let adulthood erase the creativity, curiosity, and energy you have as a child.

West Coast furniture maker and woodworking teacher, Jory Brigham, has a modern take on nostalgia. He designs pieces with mid-century flair and the idea that furniture should last. And Jory believes that anyone can find their individual style.

Mira Nakashima is a mother, wife, architect, furniture maker, author, and daughter of renowned woodworker and author George Nakashima. She’s also a longtime friend and woodworking compatriot, thanks to my having worked in her dad’s finishing shop many years ago. When George died, Mira took over the business—knowing full well how challenging it would be to walk in the footsteps of her famous father. Remarkably, Mira has the same passion and reverence for wood—and fine woodworking—as her dad. I caught up with Mira recently to talk about family, wood, woodworking, and what the business has been like since her father’s passing almost 30 years ago. —Andy Rae

Mira Nakashima is a mother, wife, architect, furniture maker, author, and daughter of renowned woodworker and author George Nakashima. She’s also a longtime friend and woodworking compatriot, thanks to my having worked in her dad’s finishing shop many years ago. When George died, Mira took over the business—knowing full well how challenging it would be to walk in the footsteps of her famous father. Remarkably, Mira has the same passion and reverence for wood—and fine woodworking—as her dad. I caught up with Mira recently to talk about family, wood, woodworking, and what the business has been like since her father’s passing almost 30 years ago. —Andy Rae

John Malecki goes from gridiron to workshop.

Scott Phillips:  Still going strong after 24 seasons of hosting The American Woodshop