Michael R Walters Woodworking And Design

09/16/2026

**~ RETIRED ~**

Today I finished my last job of my career—a simple set of built-ins for a very happy client.

As I look back over the past 40+ years, I realize I’ve accumulated far more than just a collection of completed projects. I’ve been fortunate to have built lasting relationships with so many wonderful clients, created pieces that I’m proud to leave behind, and collected a lifetime of memories along the way.

Being a one-man shop for all these years has been a journey I’m incredibly grateful for. Every project, every challenge, and every client has been a part of that journey.

Now it’s time to close the shop, turn the page, and start navigating the new adventures that await in this next chapter of my life.

To all of my customers over the years—thank you. Thank you for trusting me with your ideas, your homes, and your visions, and for giving me the opportunity to turn them into something you could be proud of.

After 40+ years, I can finally say it…

I’m retired. And I’m looking forward to seeing where the road takes me next.

— Michael Walters
Walters Woodworking & Design

08/19/2026

I’ve planed flowers outside my shop door. Sitting next to them with my morning coffee watching the bees ❤️!!

08/18/2026

08/17/2026

~ Today in the Studio~
I have been commissioned to frame several personal paintings from the legendary American illustrator Mike Ludlow (1921–2010)
This is the third.

For this beautiful painting, I have crafted a custom frame using gorgeous pieces of birch bark and reclaimed chestnut. I chose Birch bark as an accent for this frame for color,texture and felt it was appropriate since it was a material used by indigenous people.

Here is a quick look at the artist behind the canvas.
Who Was Mike Ludlow?The Golden Age King: In the 1950s and 60s, Ludlow was at the absolute top of the American commercial art world.The Esquire Girls: His claim to fame was illustrating all 12 months of the iconic 1957 Esquire Magazine calendar.A Household Name: His art covered America’s biggest magazines, including The Saturday Evening Post, Cosmopolitan, and Good Housekeeping.Music Masterpieces: He also painted dozens of famous album covers for RCA Records. A Change of SceneryLater in life, Ludlow walked away from the high-glam commercial world to paint what he loved: horses, landscapes, and Western fine art. This painting perfectly captures that later era, featuring his trademark bold, energetic brushstrokes and beautiful lighting. This rustic frame transforms and highlights this incredible piece of American art history.

08/17/2026

08/10/2026

Morning inspiration.

08/01/2026

~ Today in the Studio~
I have been commissioned to frame several paintings from the legendary American illustrator Mike Ludlow (1921–2010)

For this beautiful painting, I have crafted a custom frame using this gorgeous, reclaimed chestnut. It’s a simple design, I lightly distressed all the edges. Between the distressing and with the existing wormholes, this frames character matches the barn scene within the painting. What better material to use than reclaimed chestnut from a barn to frame this painting.

Here is a quick look at the artist behind the canvas.
Who Was Mike Ludlow?The Golden Age King: In the 1950s and 60s, Ludlow was at the absolute top of the American commercial art world.The Esquire Girls: His claim to fame was illustrating all 12 months of the iconic 1957 Esquire Magazine calendar.A Household Name: His art covered America’s biggest magazines, including The Saturday Evening Post, Cosmopolitan, and Good Housekeeping.Music Masterpieces: He also painted dozens of famous album covers for RCA Records. A Change of SceneryLater in life, Ludlow walked away from the high-glam commercial world to paint what he loved: horses, landscapes, and Western fine art. This painting perfectly captures that later era, featuring his trademark bold, energetic brushstrokes and beautiful lighting. This rustic frame transforms and highlights this incredible piece of American art history.