Craig Johnson
FURNITURE MAKER
Offering commissioned and made-to-order modern wood furniture for the home. Designed and made in our one-person woodshop in northern Minnesota.
Craig is a woodworker with a calm, sensitive approach to design. He has a deep appreciation for the process of working with properly tuned hand tools, and a reverence for the natural beauty of trees and the infinite variety of forms they can take. He honed his craft at Inside Passage School of Fine Cabinetmaking in Roberts Creek, British Columbia.
Looking for handmade furniture? Wanting something unique? We’re currently welcoming commissions for spring 2025. It’s never too early to begin planning! Let us know what’s on your mind.
"I began my woodworking experience as a youngster carving shapes and patterns into my father's workbench, and to my parents' chagrin, the family piano, too. Since that time, I've engaged in a more disciplined study of cabinetmaking at Saint Paul College in Saint Paul, Minnesota, which laid the foundation for my career as a furniture maker.
"I refined my skills at the Inside Passage School of Fine Cabinetmaking in Roberts Creek, BC, Canada, where I am a graduate of the Artisan, Craftsman and Journeyman programs. The teachings of Robert Van Norman and James Krenov resonated with me while attending Inside Passage. Robert's keen sense for guiding his students through the maze of possibilities, and JK's experience and wisdom delivered through his weekly phone lectures, allowed me to discover the profound effect a new way of working could have on my approach to this craft.
"Woodworking and furniture making challenge me to balance overall composition with close attention to the most minute details. Every shape and line has intention. Every surface and edge has been touched and cared for. I strive to let the grain of the wood speak for itself, while juxtaposing more rigid geometries of the man-made world beside the natural aspects of the wood. So in a very personal way, each piece is a quiet celebration and reminder of the intimate relationship that exists between us and nature.
"I feel that fine craft, and perhaps especially fine handmade furniture, has become an undervalued aspect of today's world. It is difficult to watch the wasteful, fast-paced world of manufactured disposable goods increasingly dominate people's lives. So, it is my ongoing desire to share my work with people in an effort to help them slow down, and take a moment to once again see, feel and appreciate the amazing connection that exists between wood, as an element of nature, and each person, as my furniture becomes an enduring part of their life.
"Properly tuned hand tools, a deep appreciation for the chosen material, and a calm, sensitive approach to design and to the making itself, all combine to set the tone for my work."
― Craig
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![River Birch Console Table Image]()
River Birch Console Table
“Working with Craig was a wonderful collaborative experience. He really listened to me and embraced the spirit of the experiment, which was to honor the river birch that had provided shade and privacy over the years. The final product is beautiful and is a lovely reminder of the tree. I am grateful that he was willing to take on this project and share all the steps along the way.”
― L. Peterson
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![Building a Mystery Buffet Cabinet]()
Building a Mystery Buffet Cabinet
Judge's comment from Northern Woods Exhibition:
"Oh, this is a showstopper. I mean, it's clearly my favorite of all the pieces here. Beautifully restrained, beautiful design, execution exquisite, first class cabinetry. I mean, I can't stop with the superlatives. Very, very, very nice."
― Judge #1
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![Jeffersonian Bookstand Image]()
Jeffersonian Bookstand
“The confluence of function, form, history, and ancestry in a single heirloom is a rare gift. An initial request for a hand-crafted addition to my library grew unexpectedly into a treasure for generations.”
― Client
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![Ancient Mystery Accent Table Image]()
Ancient Mystery Accent Table
“Craig designed and constructed an accent table for us. What a pleasure it is to work with Craig, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the finished table. It is a work of art that fits the space beautifully. The clean lines and subtle curves are just what we were looking for. We always point out the special design touches that Craig incorporated in the table and the reactions are always the same... ‘Wow, where did you get this table?’ From start to finish, Craig’s artistry and pride in fine craftsmanship are evident for all to see.”
― Client
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![The Hunter Desk Image]()
The Hunter Desk
"Working with Craig designing my George Nakishima inspired black walnut desk was akin to a meditative journey with a Zen master. Craig led me through from concept design through completion with the skills of a master craftsman and patience of a saint. Craig was able to turn my nebulous idea into a piece of art. He kept me informed and involved every step of the way. And, the project was finished as originally budgeted. I can only hope that the work that I get done on my desk is as inspired as the desk! It will be a family heirloom for many years to come."
— Louise M. Segreto
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![Serenity Wall Cabinet Image]()
Serenity Wall Cabinet
Judge's comment from Northern Woods Exhibition:
“Serenity, I could not have picked a better title for this piece. Every square inch of it is beautifully considered… Very delicate, very beautifully done in every one of its details; a piece that I would have been really proud to build myself.”
― Judge #2
