Once in a while we like to take a moment to help you get to know some of our amazingly talented Canadian Artists and Crafters.  It is a fun way to learn more about what makes these creative folks tick, and how they feel about the work that they do.  When I first saw the incredible wooden models by Tom McAllister (aka The Woodman), I was absolutely blown away.  I knew right away that I needed to share his wonderful work with you, our dear C+H readers.

I also asked Tom to share some of his thoughts on inspiration, being Canadian, and how he likes to work.   Meet The Woodman, in his own words:

I have been designing and building thing for most of my 65 years, mostly in wood but I have done things in plastic, (acrylic) and paper mache too.

Where the ideas come from is as much a mystery to me as anybody.A word, a song, a sight, may get me going on something that for the most part has nothing to do with what I heard or seen. I don’t think I look for inspiration, I’m pretty sure it seeks me out.

The vast majority of what I do is not preplanned, I have a cursory idea in my head and I just run with it.That for me is much more satisfying then following a plan even if the plan was mine.

The favorite thing I ever did is usually the last thing I did. I am proud of the detail I try to put into the models I do, and often finish them and can’t believe I did them.

Tom also makes fantastic outdoor rocking chairs, perfect for the deck or fireside at the cottage!

Any one that has seen my business card or web site has to be well aware I am Canadian top to bottom side to side, couldn’t imagine being any thing else and would have no interest living any where but here.

Be sure to visit his website to see all the intricate and lovely models, or to request a custom item.

Thanks for sharing with us Tom!

~Jennifer