Meet Our Members: BuckBoardWoodWorks

It's Monday, so that means it's time to meet another great team member. This week, I'm interviewing the one and only Frank of BuckBoardWoodWorks! He is a relatively new arrival to the team, but we've been so happy to have him and his sense of humor join us. Let's learn some more about the carving king.

1. Introduce yourself.
My name is Frank Shedden. I am in Mustang, Oklahoma and my Etsy store is Buckboard Woodworks.

2. Tell us about what you make. When did you start making it and why?
In 2007 my wife came home with a woodcarving magazine for me to read. I read it and said to self, “Self, ya’ know I think you can do some of that stuff.” So, I gathered up a pocket knife and honed it to what I thought was sharp and had a go at it. I still have a long way to go with this craft as I am just scratching the surface of what one may do.

I don’t think there is really anything astoundingly unique about what I do. However, in many ways it is becoming a lost art. Whittling or carving in my view is sculpting with wood. It is predominately a subtractive process that has little room for oops. Some oops’ can become pleasant design modifications, but just as many are fatal to the process. In essence for every piece I create, I have created lots of mulch for my trees or kindling for the occasional patio fire.

Blue Wizard Earrings

3. How long have you been crafting? When did you decide to start selling your handmade goods?
I have been crafty or creative since an early age. Doodling, drawing, painting, counted cross-stitch, leather craft, photography and woodworking. I started selling handmade if you will, in 1997 when I ran my own construction company. Granted it is handmade on a much larger scale, but I think it counts.

Late last summer I was conversing with a lady in California who is a carver and had an Etsy site to sell her goods. After some discussion and contemplation Buckboard Woodworks was born.

Not Forgotten

4. Other than what you sell, what's your favorite thing to craft?
I don’t know that I have a favorite, there are just some things I do better than others. I have recently renewed my interest in drawing, and painting is sure to follow. I have been a photography addict since High School and it is still an integral part of my expression. I also make chainmail. No, not the silly letters and junk we get in the mail. I am talking about weaving tiny rings of wire or steel together to make armor, garments, jewelry, and other accessories.

5. What do you love best about Etsy?
The thing I like best about Etsy is the ease in which you can sell your items. I think with my craft it is not usually an impulse purchase. It was one that has caused you to think or give pause before buying. I don’t think I have sold a carved item yet that someone didn’t come back and look at it a few times before deciding to buy. At times on the other sites you don’t have the time available before the listing expires.

6. What's your favorite thing about Oklahoma?
I am originally from Wyoming so I guess the singular best thing I like about Oklahoma is that the winters are much, much milder here. I have lived in other states and been stationed overseas with the Army and Oklahoma is not a bad place to be, not bad at all.

Decorative Cedar Spoon

7. Do you sell anywhere else or have a blog, Twitter, MySpace, etc.?
My selling focus is on Etsy. My blog needs some serious attention to make a sales platform and I have been checking some of the Etsy team blogs for ideas. Alas, you can find me at the following as well:
http://www.myspace.com/buckskinok
http://buckboardwoodworks.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/buckskin

Thanks for answering my questions, Frank. We're so glad to have you on the team!