"Working with wood from Latvia's forests isn't just a craft—it's a conversation with the land. Every piece tells a story about the season it grew, the forest it came from, and the hands that shaped it. That's what I try to pass on."
About
Artūrs grew up in Vidzeme, where his grandfather taught him that good woodcraft starts with understanding the forest. That early lesson shaped everything he's done since—16 years of hands-on experience working with Latvian wood, learning from the land, and now teaching others to do the same.
After finishing his forestry diploma at Latvia University of Life Sciences, he spent eight years with the Latvian Forest Service. That wasn't just a job—it was an education in what sustainable actually means. He learned which trees to harvest, when to harvest them, and how to work with materials in ways that respect the forest. It's the foundation for everything he teaches now.
The shift to creating educational content came when he realized how little existed about traditional Baltic woodcraft techniques. Young people weren't learning these skills. The methods were disappearing. So he started documenting them, creating guides, and building projects that anyone could follow—whether you're carving your first walking stick or building a birdhouse for your garden.
What matters to Artūrs is the connection. When you learn to work with natural materials, you start to understand forests differently. You respect them more. That's the real goal—not just teaching woodcraft, but building that respect through your hands.
Areas of Expertise
What Artūrs specializes in and teaches
Building Birdhouses
From basic designs for songbirds to specialized structures for owls and woodpeckers. Each project teaches joinery, wood selection, and understanding bird behavior. You'll learn how wood grain affects durability and why placement matters as much as construction.
Garden Planters & Containers
Building raised beds, wooden planters, and decorative containers that actually last. Artūrs teaches wood treatment methods that protect against rot without harsh chemicals, plus designs that work with the seasons and weather patterns of Baltic climates.
Walking Stick Crafting
Selecting, seasoning, and shaping wood into functional walking sticks that become personal possessions. This involves understanding wood grain direction, balance, and how different forest materials respond to carving. Every stick is unique because the wood is unique.
Whittling & Carving Basics
Learning to work with hand tools safely and effectively. Covers knife selection, technique fundamentals, and how to "read" the wood while you're carving. Includes seasonal projects using foraged Baltic materials—birch, aspen, and softwoods that respond well to hand carving.
Seasonal Outdoor Projects
Timing projects with the forest calendar. Spring harvesting, summer finishing work, autumn preparation, and winter design planning. Understanding seasonality isn't just traditional—it's practical. Different times of year offer different materials and different working conditions.
Sustainable Material Sourcing
How to find, harvest, and work with materials ethically. This covers identifying dead wood, understanding protected species, and knowing when and where you can forage materials. Sustainable practice isn't an add-on—it's built into how Artūrs approaches every project.
Professional Journey
From forest work to teaching craft
Forest Management Studies
Completed diploma at Latvia University of Life Sciences in Jelgava. Focused on sustainable forestry, wood properties, and forest ecosystem management. This foundation shaped everything that followed.
Latvian Forest Service
Eight years working across Latvia's diverse woodland regions. Managed sustainable harvesting, documented forestry practices, and developed deep knowledge of regional wood types. This wasn't office work—it was hands-on forest management.
Independent Woodcraft Projects
Started documenting traditional techniques and teaching woodcraft skills. Began with small groups and local workshops. Realized how few resources existed for learning Baltic woodcraft methods, so started creating detailed guides.
glassbolt SIA
Now Senior Woodcraft Expert, creating comprehensive educational content on outdoor woodcraft, birdhouse building, walking stick crafting, and seasonal projects. Combines technical accuracy with accessible instruction for learners at all levels.
Featured Articles
Educational guides on outdoor woodcraft and DIY projects
Building Your First Birdhouse
Step-by-step guide to constructing a functional birdhouse. Learn wood selection, joinery basics, and how to design for different bird species.
Read Article →Crafting Garden Planters
Building raised beds and containers from local wood. Covers wood treatment, weather-resistant finishes, and designs suited to Baltic climates.
Read Article →Carving Walking Sticks from Latvian Forests
Selecting and shaping wood into personal walking sticks. Learn about grain direction, balance, and how forest materials respond to hand carving.
Read Article →Whittling Basics & Seasonal Projects
Fundamental techniques for hand carving. Includes seasonal projects using foraged Baltic materials and safety practices for working with tools.
Read Article →Want to Learn More?
Explore detailed guides on outdoor woodcraft, or get in touch to discuss custom projects and specialized instruction.