Name: Mathew Sletten
Gig: Project Manager at RHDG and Woodworking Hobbyist

What do you really love about working with wood?
"The best thing about woodworking or building is having an idea in mind, but then looking for materials and letting what you can find reshape what you initially designed. Then of course, turning on some music and getting dusty as it all comes together...there is nothing like that."

What are some recent projects you've done?
"I built a record credenza for my girlfriend, which has an old window that flips into a record sleep holder using naturally pickled wood, some shelving, a picture frame/holder from an old wine crate, and a giant wooden letter cube that unfolds."

Anything coming up that you're excited about?
"I met a distiller from St. George this week that I'm going to connect with to make a diffused light lamp from a bourbon barrel. I'm also making a record cart with recycled casters and tipped shelving, an end table from a piece of burl and straight-grain reclaimed redwood, and some candle holders."

What are the hardest aspects of working with wood?
"Remembering to consider the grain when doing joints. Sometimes wood can be flaky, and with joints you only have one chance to get it right, especially angled joints."