RED WOOD 45

05/28/2026

Nobody ever really talks about the kind of heartbreak that can almost destroy a person. The kind where getting out of bed feels incredibly hard, where there is only enough energy for the essentials, and the extra fun things once loved simply sit untouched.

Luckily, I love my job, it has kept me moving, allowing me to forget everything else during the day. Luckily, friends and family have been amazing. And truly, kid has been incredible, truly blessed for that.

My woodworking tools have been sitting for months. My new laser has not even been unpacked. Most days, I even forget to eat.

A friend told me a couple of days ago, “Even the strongest people need to be gentle with themselves too.”

That stayed with me.

It has been long months, but today I realized something, the same thing that pushed me to accomplish so much in the past. Like Mel Robbins says, “No one is coming to save you.” Her theory is simple but powerful: nobody is coming to change life for us, fix things for us, heal us for us, or pull us out of the darkness for us. At some point, we have to slowly force ourselves to stand back up, even if it is only one small step at a time, and simply do it.

So today, I made the decision to be different.
Today will be about creating again.
Today will be about crafting again.
And today, I will be gentle with myself while still doing it.

Cheers to my fellow strong ones carrying silent battles. Give yourselves grace too, and keep going, even if it is only one small step at a time ❤️

12/07/2025

Historic Folsom Christmas Fair today! 🎄Come see us, next to Scott’s Seafood.

With custom horse designs and embossing coming to life, this new batch of boot jacks is here. Who’s getting a head start on Christmas shopping this year? 🎁👢

12/01/2025

My woodworking projects always start the same way: “How hard could it possibly be?” Then comes the measuring, the problem-solving, the sawdust everywhere, and eventually the happy moments when it all comes together and the project is finally done.
And yes, the ROI on this one is probably about 124 years, so no, this was not a project to save on egg prices.

11/08/2025

10/18/2025

Started last year, adding more leather now and love how they’re turning out! Yes, more boot jacks coming 🤩

10/14/2025

Every project starts with a story, and this one began over 30 years ago with my love of horses. 🐎
With custom horse designs and embossing coming to life, this new batch of boot jacks is here. Fresh off the workbench, two ready to go and more coming soon. Who’s getting a head start on Christmas shopping this year? 🎁👢

09/06/2025

Little PSA for shelling friends: chlorine water does exactly what it is supposed to do, clean everything, but not so kind on colors. So had to reach for something I actually know, Odie's Oil my favorite wood finish for over five years. 24 hours later and these Sanibel & Captiva Island whelks are looking better than ever. So yes, little oil goes a long way.

03/09/2025

Every project has a story... and sometimes, that story starts with a little break! Stepping away from the woodshop for some fun — because even a woodworker needs a reset before the next creation begins

01/22/2025

Help me win! 🎉 RED WOOD 45, has been nominated for Best of Orangevale!
The rules say you need to vote for at least THREE businesses, so here’s the game plan:
1. Vote for RED WOOD 45 (of course!)
2. Show some love to Savvy Socks (because our awesome friend needs votes).
3. And remember PS Apparel (such an amazing friend too).
Here’s the link to vote: https://www.bestoforangevale.com/category/5567/best-home-business-direct-sales/4923/red-wood-45
THANK YOU for your support—it means the world to me! 💛