I have been making and collecting walking sticks, canes, and staves for twenty years now. People have seen them mostly here in the States but as far away as South America and Europe. They started out as gifts but interest grew outside the circumference of my friends and family, and since that time I have been making them for others: husbands, wives, lovers, grandparents, friends, preachers, Sunday school teachers, and children.
Each piece is different, no two alike, though they have some similiarities in the design and the fact that each contains a quotation. Bible verses, prayers, songs, children's stories, family geneologies, poems, selections from classical and modern literature, all have found their way onto a walkingstick, cane, or staff at one time or another. The client chooses the type of stick and what they want the quotation to be. Sometimes a secret message is incorporated into the design for a more personal feel. Recently, I've started making walking sticks specifically focused on Freemasonry.
Each piece is named and the season and year of completion are found at the top of the stick. Handpicked poplar or birch saplings are used. The designs are wood burned on the stick, painted, and then three coats of finish are added to keep the gift from scratching and paint from chipping.
It would be my honor to make one for you or work with you to design a walking stick for a yourself or a loved one.
JFC
