Craig Daily Press / Photo galleries / Communities at Work: Going with the grain

This edition of Communities at Work focuses on a craft one individual considers his fourth job. Along with working full-time at Colowyo Coal Co., as an equipment operator, as well as operating and maintaining a cattle ranch, and being a husband and father, Bill Herring also creates custom made wooden art and boxes. Combining his passion for the land and creative drive, Herring started Hahns Peak Aspen Works about three years ago. He considers himself somewhat “eco-friendly” by only using deadfall wood found in the forest or given to him by friends. Coming from a long line of handymen in his family, Herring believes he is following family tradition. He considers himself a man of many hats. “I really like to take nothing and make something out of it,” Herring said. Herring’s work can be seen Thursdays at the Craig Farmer’s Market at Alice Pleasant Park.

Bill Herring uses a table saw to form an Aspen tree trunk into a box July 14 in the back of his home northwest of Hamilton. Herring started his business, Hahns Peak Aspen Works, about three years ago by combining his creative passion with a love of the land.

Photo by Shawn McHugh

Bill Herring uses a drill to hollow out a wooden box July 14 at his home. Herring uses different drill bits depending on what type of wood and part of the box he’s working on.

Photo by Shawn McHugh

Bill Herring looks over wood works he has in progress July 14 in the hobby room he built above his home. There were about 75 cut pieces of nine types of wood waiting in transition to be made into boxes.

Photo by Shawn McHugh

Bill Herring wears Kevlar gloves to protect his hands while hollowing a box July 14 at his workstation. Herring’s son bought him the gloves for a birthday present about two years ago, after Herring received 18 stitches to his hand from an accident with a drill.

Photo by Shawn McHugh

Bill Herring shows off finished products at his booth during the Craig Farmer’s Market on July 8 at Alice Pleasant Park. Herring sells his crafts at markets, fairs and other events throughout the year.

Photo by Shawn McHugh

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