A Little History
Originally, Barb and I did wood workings as a hobby and as gifts for family and friends. As the years went by and we made more turnings, carvings and scroll sawed art, more people got to see our work. The more people saw, the more requests we began getting for pieces available for purchase. Eventually the question was posed, why not start a website and turn it into a business? And now here we are.
About Erik
I first laid a gouge to a piece of wood many years ago, in high school – when they offered shop in school. The first pieces were a disaster. But there was something very satisfying and rewarding about placing a rough piece of wood on the lathe; in a short amount of time, and with a little work – I had a beautiful vase or bowl.
Several years ago, I returned to woodworking as a hobby; turning, carving and scroll sawing pieces for family and friends. It wasn’t long before my wife took an interest. With encouragement, we took this hobby to the next level and formed BarbErik Woodworks.
Since my wife’s passing, I have found comfort in woodworking again and hope to return to selling pieces for everyone to enjoy.
About Ashley
I’m the human in the photo and have been the web geek for BarbErik Woodworks since 2003. I designed and run BarbErikWoodworks.com and all social media. I am also the photographer and videographer of all the pieces you see. In the past I have dabbled in wood burning and inlay work and may return to it one day. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the site’s layout!
About Barb
When Barb first saw Erik beginning to woodwork as a hobby, she thought to herself, “That looks like something I would enjoy doing.” And she asked him to show her how to work a scroll saw. From the very first piece she worked she was hooked, and scroll sawing turned from a hobby she enjoyed into a job she loved. Among her two most noted pieces (below) are the Russian Forrest Clock and the Chimes of Normandy Clock she did for her colon cancer doctor. Along with scroll sawing, her greatest loves were her animals and family. She is missed beyond words.
For those of you that have been following BarbErik Woodworks from the start, you know that we disappeared from farmer’s markets and art shows back in 2015. Most of you know that Barb was diagnosed with cancer a few years prior to 2015 and fought to beat it and did, but continued to struggle with her health. Here’s what most of you don’t know:
In early 2015 my parents began having health problems. Ashley (our daughter/online tech geek) began spending her time between houses to care for them as well as her mother/my wife, Barb. In summer 2015, Barb’s colon cancer came back in her liver and was successfully removed surgically but left her low on energy. By the end of 2015, both my parents were diagnosed with lung cancer, my grandmother (whom my parents cared for) had suffered a stroke and Ashley was beginning to feel the ill effects of the stress on her health.
Barb, Ashley and I moved in with my parents and grandmother to care for them full-time. While we tried to maintain an online presence, it became increasingly difficult between health battles, being full-time caregivers and our webhost changing hands. Sadly, in 2016 we lost my father and grandmother. Two years later in 2018, my mother also passed.
If not for my family insisting I go to the ER, I may have lost my life a year later as I was found to have a 90% blockage in my anterior interventricular artery: what’s known as the widow maker.
In 2020, Ashley’s health finally began to improve, while Barb’s began to steadily decline. She had constant pain in her left hip and leg which had been present since her first round with cancer back in 2012; and as it grew worse it became difficult for her to get around. She suffered from a constant lack of energy and often struggled with her life-long asthma.
Late in 2021, doctors were confident when they told Barb she had nothing to worry about, she didn’t have cancer and that the lump on her chest was simply a cyst. But once it began to grow, they became concerned. Tests soon revealed that it was breast cancer and by 2022, we learned it had spread.
After Barb’s diagnoses our son, Brian, began suffering from leg swelling and chest pain. He was found to have blood clots that required surgery to remove. Luckily, he survived and made a full recovery. Sadly, the same could not be said for Barb. Her cancer was deemed terminal. Barb passed away March 11, 2023 surrounded by her family and animals.
The last decade has been the most difficult of our lives and running our small business just was not possible. But with the support of family and friends, I have decided I want to continue to pursue my passion of woodworking. I look forward to making beautiful creations all can enjoy and appreciate you stopping by. Check out the shop and follow me social media to see new pieces and what I’m up to next.
I hope you return again soon,
Erik