Bruin Country Woodturners

My name is Cindy Navarro. I have had several careers. I was a street artist doing leather work, an auto mechanic with my own shop, a Canon copier repairwoman, and a nurse at UCSF. I became a turner after taking a pen-making class at Woodcraft in San Carlos as a stress reliever from my job as an RN.

I turned pens for about three years, completing corporate orders. After turning hundreds of pens, I realized I could expand into other items. I started with bowls and then progressed to boxes, platters, goblets, and art pieces. I utilize texturing, pyrography, and inlay to highlight different aspects of the wood or to decorate pieces that may be nice but rather plain. I also experiment with different surface treatments.

I enjoy making functional pieces such as pepper mills, salt boxes, and various kitchen utensils without kits. I source wood from arborists, cabinet makers, Craigslist, and some exotic woods through trading with other turners or purchasing from lumber yards. I strive to use all parts of the wood, which led me to explore wood inlays and eventually incorporate other materials such as buttons, cabochons, and various metals (pewter, brass, copper, aluminum) as well as ground stones.

I prefer an oil/wax finish rather than varnish, lacquer, or shellac, as I like the natural wood grain to show through—unless I am using color, which may require a sealer.

I also do restoration turning for antique furniture, spinning wheels, looms, and similar items.

Feel free to contact me with any questions. I believe that sharing knowledge and information helps us grow as turners and as a community.