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Welcome to Turning Into Baskets This is my site. Ray Brooks is my name. Turning Into Baskets is about me and my work. I have been working with wood since my dad presented me with some tools when I was about 12
years old. When my wife Bonnie and I moved from San Diego to Escondido, California in 1995 I began to seriously pursue my
woodworking education at Palomar College in San Marcos, Ca. After taking most all the woodworking classes at Palomar I was
asked to teach the 'Fine Decorative Box Making' class and an 'Advanced Furniture Lab'. I taught those classes
for two years. I am active an active member in, and have presented several
programs to, the North County Woodworking Club. I am a member of the San Diego Fine Woodworkers Assoc., The San Diego Woodturners,
and the American Association of Woodturners. I have been designing and building
furniture, jewelry boxes, and other wood items and turnings since 1995. Several of the boxes I have made were donated to the
Zoological Society of San Diego for fund raising events. Other boxes, vases, music stands, etc. have been sold in galleries
and presented as gifts. Over the years my woodworking projects have earned
me numerous awards. I received the San Diego Fine Woodworkers Palomar College Student Scholarship for my Sam Maloof reproduction
rocking chair. I received first place, best in class and best of show for a jewelry box at the San Diego County Fair as well
as many other first place awards. Being a very 'busy' person
during the day, I also wanted to keep busy at night. I wanted to combine woodworking with another medium. In pursuit of that
goal I took a class in pine needle basket weaving from noted fiber artist Nadine Spier. The combination of turning wood bases
and adding a woven basket became the medium I sought. I collect my own pine
needles, cleaning and preparing them for weaving. After turning a base a 'basket' is added at the top. Some are plain
and simple, some become wild and exotic. Some are functional and others are simply artistic pieces to be displayed. Occasionally
I add beads to a piece. In any case each is unique and no two could ever be alike. If you have an interest in this medium please check out the items at the available products tab.
Thanks for your interest and for visiting Turning Into Baskets. Ray Brooks |
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