Woodcarver, Blacksmith, Stair Builder

Deep within the woods of Vashon Island, Wash., woodcarver Israel Shotridge is looking for the perfect tree...one that will capture the sprit of the forest. He works on a ceremonial mask that depicts the mythical "Fog Woman." He hand carves the western red cedar and inlays abalone shells to create this Native American legend.

Arizona Blacksmith Peter Sevin

Iron and fire, beauty and brawn...all elements that attract Phoenix, Ariz., artist Peter Sevin to the art of blacksmithing. For over 25 years, this former English major has used a strong imagination and a strong pair of arms to turn out works of understated elegance. Now he satisfies a desire to build a classic Windsor chair not out of wood but out of steel.

Vermont Stair Builder Rick Schneider

For fine woodworker Rick Schneider, his Monkton, Vt., studio is now his play area. It is here that his hands and imagination construct furniture and staircases that are inspired by both man and nature. On the show, he constructs one of his signature helix staircases. He will ultimately assemble the staircase in a client’s home, but for now, he is building components like the treads, post and stringer in his studio. He is concentrating on building a series of laminated blocks that will surround the stair’s anchoring post like a sleeve. Then he moves on the laminated stringer to prepare it for the individual treads that will rise up the center post.