Bill Bolstad

Woodworker

The natural beauty of figured wood is highlighted in each piece designed by Bill and Nan Bolstad. They specialize in using Maple Burl and other unusual pieces of wood.

They hope each box or table becomes a family heirloom, reflecting the passing of time with continuous use. The hallmark of their work is the use of highly figured wood grain and burl wood. Each piece is carefully chosen to feature its natural characteristics.

Bill has been making and selling his wooden designs for 50 years. He grew up in northwestern Montana, and at the age of 7 made a woodcarving as a gift for his grandmother that is now a family heirloom. Through high school and college he continued to make wood projects, and spent summers working for his father as a carpenter. He pursued a degree in industrial arts with an emphasis in wood from Montana State University then went on to receive a M.S. in Industrial Education from Iowa State University. He taught school for nine years before turning to woodworking full time.

 Bill and Nan Bolstad are known for the fine craftsmanship displayed in each piece as well as the sophisticated shapes of the boxes and tables they design. Each piece is designed to be functional as well as beautiful, with tight fitting joints, finely surface sanded, and hand finished and polished.

The Bolstad’s home and studio is located in the heart of the Willamette Valley, in Talbot, Oregon.