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My passion for woodworking began at the age of twelve in 1979 in Redlands, CA when my father introduced me to the craft.  He started a woodshop program located at the Redlands Boys Club.  We spent many hours in that shop making wooden toys for disadvantaged kids and it provided a foundation of what would become a lifelong hobby and passion.  This passion carried me through six years of woodshop classes in my junior and high school years .

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Over the years woodworking was a part time hobby. During this time I collected hand tools and machines to expand my woodworking endeavors.  I designed and built various pieces of furniture and other projects for family and friends. Eventually I established a dedicated home based woodshop.

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In 2014 I designed and crafted a mantel clock for my home.  Little did I know that this would become my niche in the vast array of woodworking pursuits.  I also started working with copper at this time and through lots of practice, and trial, and error, I have found methods to produce clock dials and pendulums that enhance each piece.

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 I started Heirlooms Etc. as a means of giving my work a "face" and a "name."  I offer customers with a taste for heirloom quality pieces an opportunity to invest in a handcrafted item that will be cherished for generations to come.

 

Although this started as a part time endeavor, it has become a full time venture as I am now retired after proudly serving in law enforcement for 25 years. My wife and I enjoy traveling and participating in art festivals across the western United States.  I sell my pieces online, at various juried art shows, and select art galleries and county fairs.  

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We also stay active with our church and enjoy spending time with our many children and grandchildren.  

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I hope that you enjoy my pieces as much as I enjoyed creating them!

 

 

                                                                                            -David Ortega