Craig Courter

Artisan Woodworker

U.S. Navy Veteran

With over 45 years of woodworking experience, training as a mathematician, and a rich background in diverse professional roles, my journey has been shaped by a multitude of experiences and encounters with different cultures. I have had the privilege of traveling extensively, immersing myself in the rich heritage and wood designs of various countries around the world. These journeys allowed me to witness the remarkable craftsmanship and distinctive woodworking traditions that have flourished throughout history. From the intricately carved wooden temples of Southeast Asia to the elegant marquetry of European furniture, each destination exposed me to the unique techniques, styles, and cultural narratives woven into woodwork. These global influences, combined with my unwavering passion for woodworking, have deeply influenced my creative approach.

As a result, my design style is a fusion of classic Shaker simplicity with a surprise, I call it Shaker+. I am drawn to the timeless appeal of square corners and clean lines, a hallmark of Shaker design. However, I borrow from other eras and cultures and infuse my creations with a touch of extravagance, using bold wood choices, as well as subtle yet distinctive flourishes that set my work apart.

Related Training

Northwest Woodworking School

  • Online Mastery Program (2 year course) Taught by Nationally renown woodworker Gary Rogowski, author of the leading book on joinery, titled “The Complete Illustrated Guide to Joinery”.

Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute

  • Introduction to Woodturning

  • Molding Planes, taught by Mathew Bickford, who wrote the leading book on the subject titled “Mouldings in Practice”

  • Windsor Continuous Arm Chair, taught by internationally renown chairmaker, Luke Barnett

  • Woodshop Safety (Certificate Awarded)

  • Advanced Wood Carving, taught by Alexander Grabovetskiy, a Russian-American Master wood carver recognized as the 2012 International Wood Carver of the year

Rob Cosman Rob in an internationally recognized expert on hand tools and teaching hand tool joinery. Rob also leads a charitable organization called the “Purple Heart Project” that brings combat wounded veterans to his shop in New Brunswick, Canada, and teaches them to use hand tools.

  • Training The Hand

Private Lessons

  • Advanced Bowl and Box Turning

  • Advanced Vase Turning

Woodworking for Warriors

Woodworking for Warriors is a 501c3 charitable organization dedicated to providing a supportive environment for Veterans, fostering personal development and fellowship through woodworking. Over the past year and a half we have obtained the use of two barns in Tipton, Michigan, and have set them up for woodworking. This is free to veterans and is supported by donations from the local community and other donors across the county.

I was the Vice President, Operations when we first obtained the use of the barns. In 2024 and 2025 I was the Treasurer. I am now the Corporate Secretary. I regularly lead woodworking classes and workshops, including:

  • Woodshop Safety

  • Making:

    • Wooden Hinge Boxes

    • Ribbon Boxes

    • Garden Signs on the CNC

    • Halloween Zombies on the CNC

    • Boat Shelves

    • Stools

    • Hall Tables with Piston Fit Drawers

Team Rubicon

Team Rubicon is a veteran lead volunteer organization that provides disaster relief services to homeowners, at no cost to the homeowner. These services include mucking out flooded houses, removing dangerous, dead and blown down trees and limbs, and tarping roofs. In some instances Team Rubicon also provides medical support.

I have the honor of being a qualified Advanced Sawyer (AS1) in Team Rubicon and have been deployed several times to assist people in need, including:

  • October / November 2024 - Greenwood County, South Carolina: Removed trees and other debris from homeowner’s properties as a result of Hurricane Helene

  • April 2025 - Richmond County South Carolina: Removed trees and other debris from homeowner’s properties as a result of Hurricane Helene

  • April 2025 - Alpena, Michigan: Felled and removed downed trees and limbs from homeowner’s properties as a result of a severe ice storm.

  • May 2025 - Twin lakes, Michigan: Felled and removed dead trees from a Boy Scout reservation for fire mitigation purposes.

  • November, 2025 - Warrick County Service Project, Newburg, Indiana. Removed dead and damaged trees from a house that was not able to obtain services after a recent tornado.

  • November, 2025 - Habitat For Humanity Service Project, Detroit, Michigan. Removed trees and other vegetation on 14 lots in Detroit that Habitat will be building houses on.

  • February 2026 - Flying Horse Farms Pro Cut, Mount Gilead, Ohio. Removed trees (standing and blown down) that were damaged in a tornado to open up an access road and increase safety. Flying Horse Farms is a charitable organization that makes it possible for children with serious illnesses to heal, grow, and thrive.

I am currently working on becoming qualified as a Chainsaw Instructor.