Do I have to be a Pro?

Nope! Our group is made up of all kinds of woodworkers, even some members who aren't specifically woodworkers, though they do something related to wood (tool sharpening, retail power tool sales, hardwood sales, hardware, etc.)

Some of our members -- young and young-at-heart, are hobby woodworkers, or folks who have come to the craft late in life, say ... after they have retired from a desk job. Other members have been earning a living crafting fine furniture or custom cabinetry, for many years, most for a lifetime. Some work with wood for relaxation and fun, others do it for all those reasons and to make a living. Some of us are self-taught. Others have apprenticed with older craftsmen, learned from a relativ or taken courses in college.

Our mix of inexperienced or beginning woodcrafters, associated business owners, and seasoned professional furniture makers, keeps the Guild meetings fun, interesting and challenging. We like to share our questions, wonderings, musings and knowledge freely amongst our members. It really is a great group.

What if I'm just a hobby woodworker?

We welcome anyone to join the Helena Woodworkers' Guild -- if you have an interest in woodworking and in increasing your skills, whether you have a lifetime of experience or are just getting starting in a woodworking hobby, we would like to have you as a member of our Guild.

If you are a seasoned woodworker, consider joining to share your knowledge with younger or more inexperienced woodworkers. There's really something to the idea of passing on your knowledge to younger generations.

If you are new to woodworking, or even just thinking about (or wishing about) getting into woodworking, we have many members who are willing to share stories and tips with you.

Rather than competing with each other for what some might perceive as a finite (aka scarce) market for our services, we prefer to build local demand for fine, custom, handcrafted furniture, cabinetry and art objects of wood, through cooperation with each other, education of the general public about the benefits of fine woodworking, and promotion of the craft of custom woodworking, in general.

If you feel the same, please give us a look: attend one of our meetings as our guest and after you've enjoyed the comraderie and fun, consider joining the Guild.