Twisted Feather Portable Fly Tying Chests

07/30/2026

Sometimes the "newest" woodworking trend is actually centuries old.

Before my trip to Japan, I thought of live-edge lumber as a modern design movement. Then I stayed in a traditional home near Shiga.

The stair banister was carved from a single natural slab. The baseboards throughout the house followed the natural edge of the tree, celebrating every knot, curve, and burl instead of hiding them.

These weren't decorative accents added during a remodel—they've been part of Japanese craftsmanship for generations. Rather than forcing wood into perfect straight lines, the builders allowed the tree's natural beauty to become part of the architecture.

As a woodworker, moments like this remind me that the best designs often come from working with the wood instead of against it.

Japan gave me a new appreciation for a very old idea.

07/20/2026

What another incredible experience in Japan! The "Bullet Train" travels at top speed of 173 MPH and you can't even hear it as it moves. Amazing!

07/20/2026

After a three hour bus ride that climbed to 7362 feet, we made it to the most popular viewing point of Mt Fuji. It is from that point that many people begin their ascent to the summit. The summertime heat creates a consistent wave of clouds in the higher elevations, but we got a short break and we were able to see the top. An incredible experience!

07/18/2026

Sunset at Haraoka Beach in Shiga. This is part of Tokyo Bay heading towards the Pacific Ocean.

07/17/2026

07/16/2026

My wife Lea is never shy about asking for a picture with her new friends. The Taiko drummers were so kind and enthusiastic!

07/16/2026

Downtown Kyoto was electric last night! The Taiko drums started the festivities with an amazing performance and played throughout the evening. Thousands of people flooded a stretch of the Gion district.

07/16/2026

The Gion Matsuri parade has been an annual tradition in Kyoto for about 1150 years. Tomorrow's event is expected to draw over 150,000 people from around the world. We were fortunate to be a part of the celebration tonight!

07/13/2026

The history of the Todai-Ji Shrine spans nearly 1300 years and houses a massive Buddah sculpture that was consecrated in 752. The wooden structure around it was last rebuilt in 1709. Nara is also well known for it's large herd of deer that will bow to visitors in exchange for a quick snack.

07/11/2026

After a long flight from Denver, it was time to enjoy some incredible Japanese food. Osaka-Namba is known for its small restaurants along the narrow downtown streets. This place seated maybe 30 people with one waitress and three cooks. We had grilled scallops, ramen and sushi. Oishii Desu means "it's delicious", and this certainly was!