Len is originally from Chicago, Illinois.  He moved to Iowa in 1978 and has worked for the cities of Council Bluffs, Iowa and Omaha, Nebraska.  Len started scroll sawing as a hobby many years ago making gifts for family and friends.  Now retired and residing in Dillon, Colorado; Len has started to share his skills with others.  Len enjoys creating detailed pieces of art that draw the eye and imagination.  Each piece is carefully cut by hand with the use of a scroll saw.  Len does not use a laser or CNC machine at any time.  

Most of Len’s creations are cut from 1/4 inch or 1/8 inch Baltic Birch plywood.  This type of plywood is specifically produced without any internal voids which can be present in regularly produced plywood.  Other dimensional woods used are oak, beetle kill pine, walnut, cherry, and a variety of exotic hard woods.  Except for a few 3-D scenes the natural beauty of the wood is utilized without any staining or coloring.  Most pieces will be finished with polyurethane to protect them from staining or warping. 

The 3-D ornaments are created by taking a square block of exotic hard wood and placing a pattern on two sides.  The pattern is then cut, inside and outside, on the first side. Now the entire piece is taped together so that the original block of wood can be rotated 90 degrees.  Then the pattern is again cut, inside and outside, on the second side.  After the cutting is complete the block is taken apart and the delicate ornament is exposed from the interior of the original block.  This process takes several hours of cutting because of the fine blade that has to be used, the thickness of the wood, and the wood density. 

With the conception of Cutting Arts & Recreation Len creates custom hand sawn works of art based upon an individual’s hobbies, sports, crafts, or interests.  Len’s motto is “Your passion in art”.  Give him an idea and he will come up with a pattern that will certainly please you.