Nickolas Ruffcorn

Handcarfted Items

About Me

Nickolas using a hand plane, to plane a piece of woodMy journey into woodworking began on my grandparents' farm, where the philosophy was always to build rather than buy, and to fix things that were broken. Watching my father craft projects for our acreage, I developed a deep appreciation for the art of creating with my hands. High school shop class further fueled my passion, providing me with foundational skills in woodworking and wood turning, which have only grown stronger over the years.

Since then, I've dedicated myself to continuously improving my craft. From reading books and magazine articles to immersing myself in countless YouTube tutorials, I've always sought to expand my knowledge and refine my techniques. In 2016, after returning from a mission trip to Oklahoma, I bought my first wood lathe. I had brought back a log, envisioning it as a beautiful bowl, though it split during drying. That experience taught me the patience and resilience needed in this craft, and it fueled my determination to keep creating.

Spalted Maple with Purpleheart Lid UrnOne of my most meaningful projects was an urn I crafted for a friend's ashes, which I gave to her sister. This was the first piece I made that wasn't for myself or my family, and it deepened my commitment to woodworking. For me, there's something incredibly rewarding about taking raw wood and transforming it into something beautiful and functional. I take great pride in every project, treating each one as if it were destined for my own home. Though woodworking is currently a side hustle, it's a passion I hope to turn into a full-time endeavor in retirement.