Today we’d like to introduce you to Carl Almgren.
Carl, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I feel I was gifted by our creator to create with my hands.
I got my start at age 14.
A neighbor took me under his wing shortly after my father died and encouraged me to do woodworking. I then apprenticed with some old world European cabinet makers who further honed my skills.
I have been a cabinet maker for over 30 years but have drifted away from that work to pursue creating furniture. I am most happy making forms of functional art. My work has a wide variety of styles, from very traditional pieces showcasing my early training to Asian inspired styles to more organic live edge pieces. Each piece has my heart poured over it and is truly a “one of a kind” but can be customized to suit a client’s space and meet their needs.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think the biggest challenge would be that people have to wait for my pieces.
I understand that our society is all about instant gratification, but I create each piece the true craftsman way, that takes time. The end result is a beautiful heirloom piece of furniture.
Moonlight Woodworking – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I started Moonlight Woodworking in 1991 working for designers doing custom cabinets and furniture.
It was not giving me what I needed out of life by building custom cabinets and furniture from their designs. Yes, it paid the bills but the passion for my unique designs was being wasted. So, I started Elemental Furniture Design. I take pride in picking each piece of wood for my live edge pieces from sustainable resources, and hand carve the legs on my burnt leg tables and benches.
My heart and soul goes into each piece, and it shows.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I believe success comes within. Being a business owner, I would have to say that it would be that people would want your product. In my case my functional art.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5409 Craftwell Dr.,
Unit D, Ringwood, IL 60072 - Website: Moonlightwoodworkinginc.com
- Phone: 815-728-9121
- Email: carl.mw91@gmail.com
- Facebook: Moonlight Woodworking (Ringwood)
- Yelp: Moonlight Woodworking
- Other: Youtube at EFD/Carl Almgren
Image Credit:
A special thanks to my wife for her support.
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
