I had been employed by the San Diego Sheriff’s Department as a Deputy Sheriff from 1984 until 1988 when I got married to my husband and biggest supporter Maury. When we decided to have children, I quit working full time and was lucky enough to stay home with my two children.

I began my journey in to the woodworking world in the mid 1990’s as a student at Palomar College. I took many classes making furniture such as cabinets for both the kitchen and items for the house. At the time, I was staying home with my two beautiful children. While they were going to school, I had time to enjoy some time in the shop and build things.

In 1999, I decided to go back to work for the Sheriff’s Department and knew I wouldn’t have time for lengthy furniture projects. I had always wanted to try turning wood so I took a two weekend class at Palomar with my mentor Nan Bushley. I was hooked!

I have been on the board and a member of the San Diego Woodturners for many years and I assist with scheduling the professional turners we bring in to demonstrate for our club. I’ve assisted and have learned from some of the best instructors in the world of turning. I had the late Alan Batty stay with my family on several occasions and he was the one who got me started on twisting. Having such a close friend show me the “ropes” has helped me understand some of the other many ways to lay out and cut a twist.

I still enjoy some furniture making but my passion is turning. I sell my work at the Art in Wood gallery in the Carefree Buffulo Gallery in Jacksonville Oregon and at craft shows throughout California and Oregon. I have taught twisting at the San Diego Woodturners, Orange County Woodturners, Bay Area Woodturners, Utah and AAW Symposiums and most recently at a hands on retreat in Texas.

Email: kfreitas1@cox.net
Website: www.karenfreitas.com