I started my shop experience with wood. I've made furniture, functional pieces, and some decorative items. So, I am familiar with wood generally. I am no over-the-top craftsman, however. I feel as though my skills are basic and informed by practice and discovery of what works. When I got into rock cutting and polishing I always wanted to blend these two disciplines somehow. Early on I thought of making boxes with rock tops. Not until I learned more about rock cutting, shaping and polishing did I find a way to make that happen.