Dennis Weber has always been passionate about wood working. In middle school and high school shop classes, he would look at a picture, and figure out how to create a similar piece.
Dennis honed his skills, making individual pieces for friends, and eventually, realized his hobby, and his love for creating could be a viable business. In 2010, he took the plunge. Since going full time, his company has grown steadily every year.
For more than twenty years, he’s been creating finely-crafted furniture, plaques, custom kitchen cabinets, clocks, flooring, and much more, including the lovely steamer trunks featured on Handcrafted America. He’s often assisted by his wife, Teresa, who shares his dedication to the craft.
Together they work as a team. Dennis draws his designs, calculates how much wood he’ll need, how he’ll approach the construction, and the time he’ll need to bring his vision to life. When the piece is complete, they work together to finish it, presenting clients with exquisite objects of functional art.
Dennis and Teresa have lived most of their lives in Michigan. They have four children, three girls and a boy, who, at their young ages, are already learning the fine art of woodworking.
Being able to work the wood with saws and other tools to shape the desired outcome. Than once you start to put a finish on it each board shows its true character. That is something that man cannot duplicate.
I like working on the challenges of each project. Being able to build something and make it strong to stand the test of time. I most enjoy that every project is different from all the others. Being able to work with each customer on the design, build and finish of their personal piece is great. Than once it is done and I share pictures with them. It is great to hear their reactions to the finished product.
Being able to do things your self is greatly rewarding. Being able to say that you made something and have it turn out good makes you appreciate things more. You take pride in your work.
They have a part of each maker in them. Someone has spent their time and knowledge on each piece to make it the best that they can. Each piece is personal and the maker remembers each piece and the story of creating it.
I believe the future holds more furniture made for quality. People are going to realize that stuff you buy in a lot of big stores is just cheaply made and does not last long. Why not buy a piece once and keep it for a lifetime, instead of buying the same thing over and over through your life. It may cost more in the beginning but it will be the only time you have to buy it.