As a cash strapped teenager, making a wooden box as a gift for his mother started Steven Der-Garabedian on a lifelong journey of working wood. While that first box had more screws, nails, and glue than wood, he slowly picked up skills by reading books, magazines, and watching Norm Abram on “The New Yankee Workshop.” Later inspired by one of James Krenov’s books, he found his way to Rosewood Studio and discovered several key points. The first was learning what sharp really meant and the second was that veneering and bending wood opened up almost endless possibilities. It was also during his time at Rosewood that Steve was bitten by the teaching bug and its many rewards. Today he writes, teaches and takes on a few commissions all through his own Black Walnut Studio.