The design of this website is based upon a belief that fancy scripts and all the new-fangled, whiz-bang elements that can be imbedded in web pages are not necessary to present my work.  From the very beginning, I wanted a clean looking site that would focus on the quality of my work and representative images.   In my mind, it is extremely difficult to accurately capture the warmth and beauty of wood with pictures, so for the time being, I am going to forego fancy design and keep things clean and simple.  After all, I am a woodworker, not a highly skilled web designer.  Hopefully the amateurish design of these pages will give way to an appreciation for relevant content, while presenting realistic representations of my work - Beautiful Wooden Gifts and Accessories for your Home.

Lee in the shop trimming a chessboard

Lee Chesson grew up in Goldsboro, North Carolina.  He inherited a love of wood from his father, who specialized in making rustic pine furniture.  Lee's education and work experience in the areas of electrical and mechanical engineering developed his eye for precise fit and finish.  Today he specializes in  laminated wooden accessories  for the home.

Lee began working with pine in the late 70's, building various small furniture, bookcases, shadow boxes and small craft items, and eventually moved on to native and domestic hardwoods.  "I had a difficult time finding satisfaction  working with pine", Lee states, "my interest in technical hands-on,  detailed work,  caused me to seek a similar level of expertise when working with wood."  Clearly, the fit and finish of his work reflects a high level of technical ability and his desire to produce a superior product.  "I took my dad's love for functional wood and applied my passion for detailed fit and finish to create functional items with clean, crisp lines.  And I love the artistic expression that colorful exotic woods add to my product line", Lee says.

What began as a woodworking hobby eventually became Lee's full time work.  In 1999 he was invited to participate in a pottery show as one of a limited number of craftsmen.  He says, "the success of the pottery show really fueled my desire to create with wood.  For a long time I had wanted to sell my work and I've been busy designing and selling wood products ever since."   Artists and craftsmen enjoy a grueling lifestyle and work schedule.  Lee and his wife Gwyn, who also produces various items with a  lathe, travel across 3 states and sell their work at art and craft shows.   "This is the most difficult work I've ever done, but it is also the most satisfying.  Anyone that discovers a natural ability, and has the privilege to use that gift in their life's work,  is truly blessed."