The Green Woodworker Podcast

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TGWP 055: Taylor Hubbell- Hubbell Woodshop

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On this weeks episode I have a chance to chat with Taylor Hubbell from Hubbell Woodshop. Taylor is a true green woodworker. He’s only been at it for a year or so. For Taylor; a full time husband, father, and employee, finding a few hours a week in the shop has been a challenge but has proven his desire to learn woodworking. If you look at his Instagram feed, you’ll see what I mean. He definitely has a plan to make his hobby a full time business in the future. His attention to detail and willingness to learn will propel him in his craft. Taylor’s advice to anyone wanting to start in this or any other hobby is to “step out of your comfort zone.” I completely agree with this and try to step out myself as often as possible. It’s the things that scare us most that will make us stronger. Never give up, never give in. That’s how I try and live my life.

Be sure to visit Taylor on Instagram and at HubbellWoodshop.com

*Be sure to comment below for you chance to win a very sweet Hubbell Woodshop cap. For a second entry, leave a review at iTunes.

 

TGWP 054: Alec Steele- Blacksmith- YouTuber

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As a maker, builder, and all around do whatever guy, I find myself fascinated by any type of building or assembly of wood and metal structures. If I see a house being built, I usually find a place to park and watch. Even if for a minute or two. If I ride past our local iron worker making gates or fence. I’ll stop and check things out. I’m not sure if it’s the design of things or the act of putting things together, but something gets me every time.

As with many things in my life, I taught myself to weld many years ago from pure necessity. Yea, I was around a few people that helped me understand the process, but it was pretty much grab a welding rod and get after it. There was no YouTube when I was growing up. When we needed to learn things, we basically tried it until it worked.  That’s why it’s so awesome to see people like this weeks guest, Alec Steele so passionate about what he does. He saw a blacksmith when he was very young and decided to give it a try at 11 years old. Eleven years old…how crazy is that? Could you imagine your parents allowing you to play with fire and hot metal at 11? I’m sure glad Alec’s did. Since that time Alec had some schooling in the art, but for the most part, it was the school of hard knocks for him.

He realized after a short time that sharing his passion with the world through video was a great way to connect with the world. A world of people that join him daily on his channel to see what crazy knife or damascus piece he’s working on that day. Trust me when I say you don’t want to miss a single thing Alec does. His fire is lit in more than one way!

Be sure to check Alec out on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and AlecSteeleBlacksmith.com

*Don’t forget to leave a comment below for a chance to win an Alec Steel tee and a review on iTunes will give you a second entry!*

TGWP 053: Ramon Valdez Fine Furniture

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When I first started using Instagram, like most people I was overwhelmed and just plain shocked by all the cool projects and pieces of art I was able to see with just a swipe of my iPhone. I remember swiping one day about a year ago in the explore tab and there was @ramonartful. He was just starting some marquetry for a few chairs. I went to his feed and was absolutely blown away by the work that was there. I thought to myself, “this guys pretty freaking awesome!” Since then, I’ve followed pretty much every move Ramon has made on Instagram. Which btw, seems to be where he posts most things. I also went to his website, RamonValdezFineFurniture.com, where there’s a ton more info on this furniture making master. In recent months, Ramon has started making tip videos on Instagram and they are just as good as the furniture he builds. Simple, easy tricks and tips that have you wondering why you didn’t think of them first. In my most humble opinion, Ramon is a true artist. His passion to teach, attention to detail, and his desire to learn is what makes him someone I definitely look up to.

Ramon has been featured in several publications and his work can be seen in Shidoni Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico as well as Artifacts Gallery and Nicole’s, both in Farmington, New Mexico. He’s studied under some of the countries top furniture builders and marquetry experts like Craig Vandall Stevens and Michael C. Fortune at Anderson Ranch in Aspen, Colorado.

All I can say is this, if you’re looking for an example of fine craftsmanship, a deep desire to improve, and a cool guy with a crazy work ethic, then look no further than Ramon Valdez!

Please take the time to follow Ramon on Instagram and check out his website too. You won’t be disappointed.

I look forward to your comments and feedback from this episode! Thanks!

-Donny