Master Craftsman & Educator
18 years of hands-on woodworking experience. Now teaching hobbyists across Šiauliai how to design and craft furniture that actually lasts.
The Beginning
I was 16 when my grandfather showed me how to read wood. Not just look at it — actually understand what it wanted to become. We'd spend afternoons in his Kaunas workshop, and he'd run his hand across a plank and say, "This one's got movement. You'll need to account for that." That simple lesson changed everything.
After working with him for three years, I knew this wasn't just a hobby. It was the only thing that made sense. So I applied to Vilnius Academy of Arts' Furniture Design program. Formal training taught me the "why" behind what Grandpa showed me — materials science, structural engineering, sustainable design principles. But the real education? That came later, in the workshop.
For the first decade, I built custom pieces for clients across Lithuania. High-end dining tables, bedroom sets, architectural installations. The work was good. But somewhere around year 12, I noticed something. People weren't just hiring me for the finished product — they wanted to understand how it was made. They'd ask questions during installation. Some wanted to try building themselves. That's when I realized I was happier teaching than producing.
Now at floridaherbdepot Services UAB, I'm doing exactly that. Writing guides, creating content, mentoring hobbyists in Šiauliai who want to build something real with their hands. Shelves, storage solutions, small furniture pieces — the kind of work that teaches you the fundamentals while creating something genuinely useful. It's not as flashy as a commissioned heirloom dining table. But it's more rewarding because you're helping someone discover they can actually do this.
What I Know
Floating shelves, bracketed systems, built-in shelving. I've designed over 120 custom shelf installations that handle real weight while looking intentional. Structural integrity isn't optional — it's foundational.
Dovetails, mortise and tenon, box joints, pocket holes — I know which technique fits which project. Understanding joinery is understanding how furniture actually holds together without glue or fasteners doing all the work.
Sourcing locally in Lithuania, understanding wood movement, proper drying and storage. I work with reclaimed wood, hardwoods, and sustainably harvested materials. The wood you choose determines your success before you ever pick up a tool.
Oil finishes, varnish, wax, stains that actually enhance grain. A finish isn't cosmetic — it's protection. I teach methods that give furniture real longevity while keeping maintenance manageable for home makers.
Proportions, visual balance, scale, aesthetic harmony. Good furniture design isn't about trends — it's about understanding why something looks right and feels right in a space. These principles don't change.
What tools you actually need vs. what's nice to have. I help hobbyists build an efficient workshop on realistic budgets. You don't need $50,000 in equipment to create beautiful, functional work.
My Approach
You don't need museum-quality joints on a bookshelf for your living room. But you do need solid construction that'll hold books safely for decades. I teach the techniques that matter for real homes, not showpieces. There's dignity in functional furniture.
Wood's been around longer than any of us. It moves, it shifts, it has grain and character. Fighting those properties is exhausting. Working with them makes the whole process easier and the results better. Respecting material isn't sentimental — it's smart.
I'm still testing new finishes. Still experimenting with joinery variations. Still learning from other makers in the community. The day you think you know everything is the day you stop improving. That's not a place I want to be.
Woodworking shouldn't be gatekept by expensive equipment or exclusive knowledge. I write for the hobbyist with a small apartment workshop and a budget. For the person who's never held a chisel. Because that's where the real passion lives.
Background
Formal training in sustainable design, materials science, structural engineering, and design history. Combined traditional craft knowledge with contemporary design principles.
Designed and built 300+ custom furniture pieces for residential and commercial clients across Lithuania. Specialized in architectural installations and high-end dining furniture.
Transitioned to mentoring and workshop education. Built 200+ additional custom pieces while teaching apprentices and hobbyists. Developed specialized curriculum for shelf building and furniture fundamentals.
Leading content creation for hobbyist woodworkers. Writing practical guides, testing techniques, and consulting with local makers in Šiauliai. Combining 18 years of workshop experience with digital education.
Featured Writing
Practical guides and techniques I'm currently focused on. Everything's tested in my workshop before it gets published.
Floating shelves look simple but require solid engineering. I walk through materials selection, finding studs, weight calculations, and installation so your shelf doesn't end up on the floor.
Read the guideFinish isn't decoration — it's protection. I compare oil, varnish, and wax finishes, when to use each, and how to maintain them so your work stays beautiful for decades.
Read the guideThree different joinery methods for drawer boxes. I break down the strengths of each, which tools you need, skill level required, and when each method makes sense for your project.
Read the guideReclaimed wood adds character and sustainability. I share where to find quality reclaimed wood in Lithuania, what to watch for, and how to safely prepare it for your project.
Read the guideLooking for more? Browse all guides and articles about woodworking and furniture building.
View all articlesWhether you're just starting out or hitting a wall on a project, I'm here to help. Got questions about a technique? Stuck on design decisions? Need advice on tool setup? Reach out.
