Twelve years ago, Winston Robertson was busy facing &uot;snow, rain and gloom of night&uot; working for the postal service. But when he wasn’t making the rounds and facing the elements, Robertson found he enjoyed the challenges of woodcraft and that he could also do that well. From that time on he was &uot;totally hooked,&uot; said his wife, Phyllis. Investing in tools, he became, she said, &uot;a typical Tim ‘the Tool Man’ Taylor.’&uot;

After the success of making a basket, Robertson went on to do other items in wood and began to sell the works. Robertson and his wife then decided to do craft shows together; she sells other types of items while he markets bookcases, birdfeeders, wooden baskets, and other large wood items.

He sells from a display set up from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays across from Whaleyville United Methodist Church on Whaleyville Boulevard, and over the years they have done shows in Chesapeake, Franklin and Edenton, N.C.

Robertson uses cedar for birdhouses, feeders and chests, pine for &uot;tater boxes,&uot; trashcan holders and jelly cupboards. Special orders are available on request, he said. Robertson took no classes to learn woodworking. If given the measurements, and an idea of what is desired, he can make it, he said.

&uot;I don’t use nails; I use screws and glue everything together.&uot;

He explained that this method makes the product more sturdy then using nails. There are some items that are made using the dowel-plug technique, which gives a wonderful finished look.

The woodwork has his name branded into it because he takes pride in his work. Each piece is finished in Minwax stain. Robertson can be reached at home during business hours; 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 986-4449, or contact him by e-mail at wwrpwr@exis.net. Better yet, come and see his display this weekend.