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
Online Mastery Program (2 year course)
Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute
Introduction to Woodturning
Molding Planes
Windsor Continuous Arm Chair
Woodshop Safety (Certificate Awarded)
Advanced Wood Carving, taught by Alexander Grabovetskiy
Training The Hand
Private Lessons
Advanced Bowl and Box Turning
Advanced Vase Turning
Volunteer Work
Woodworking 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 and I am now the the Treasurer. I am an active member and regularly lead woodworking classes and workshops.
Team Rubicon
Team Rubicon is a veteran lead organization that provides disaster relief services to homeowners, at no cost to the homeowner. These services include mucking out flooded houses, removing dead and blown down trees and limbs, and tarping roofs.
I have the honor of being a qualified sawyer (Saw 1) 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.
I am currently working on becoming qualified as a Advanced Sawyer 1, with a long term goal of becoming a Chainsaw Instructor.