That's me there, Griff Merry, founder of Helianthus Woodworks. 

 

I've been woodworking since my teens, but have been doing so professionally since 2017, leaving behind a career in school administration to work with my hands. After training for two years in a custom cabinet shop in Seattle, I moved home to the Twin Cities in 2019, opening my own shop in early 2020. In doing so, I wanted to refocus my efforts on producing bespoke work and working directly with clients to build and install custom cabinetry. Whether it's cabinets or furniture, there's nothing I love quite as much as watching a scribbly drawing turn into a real-life heirloom piece.

​

My work is heavily inspired by shaker and folk traditions, favoring a delicate balance between classic style and proportion; and sturdy, utilitarian functionality. My specialties include antique reproduction, traditional joinery, and all-wood, shaker cabinet design.