Collection: Lester Dumm: Custom Woodworking

Trinket Boxes,Turkey Calls, Long Bows, Bird Houses, Candle Lanterns

Making wood longbows is a passion of mine. These bows may be made from all sorts of woods that were used by native Americans or bow makers of the 12th Century. Some longbows are more primitive than others. They all are made not only to admire, but to hunt with. My candle lanterns are authentic of the 18th century as is my Turkey Box calls. These calls are all custom made and sound like hen and/or gobbler turkeys talking in the wild. From making box calls, I developed the design of my mantle /gift/keepsake boxes that are each a one of a kind. The bird boxes I make, just kind of fell into the category of becoming interested in watching birds while hiking with my wife Robyn. The bird boxes are made to house different songbirds and may also have the inhabitant's picture painted on the front.

Handcrafted trinket boxes

Robyn thought that this would be a unique addition to the projects and be pleasing to the eye. She has proven to be correct. All of my woodwork is branded with the "Crying Mouse". 

I am a retired Air force Veteran. My specialty was in training and education. My Dad was an artist and taught me drawing, painting and outdoor skills. My woodworking started with making archery longbows for youth at risk at a ranch where I worked as youth ranch manager, cowboying for 7 years in northern Wyoming. My art reflects a cross of Western and Ohio heritage in the Appalachian Mountains. As a Survival Instructor my dad taught me many skills of living in the outdoors. Those skills are reflected in many of the projects I make. I am married to my lovely wife, Robyn for over 50 years. I have two married children, Natalie and Nathan, with 6 Grandchildren. 

Custom made bird house with porch

Lester is a retired Air force Veteran. His dad was an artist and taught him drawing, painting and outdoor skills. Lester’s woodworking started with making archery longbows for youth at a ranch where he worked as youth ranch manager, cowboying for 7 years in northern Wyoming. His art reflects a cross of Western and Ohio heritage in the Appalachian Mountains. As a Survival Instructor Lester’s dad taught him many skills of living in the outdoors. Those skills are reflected in many of the projects he makes. Lester has been married to Robyn for over 50 years. He has two married children, Natalie and Nathan, with 6 Grandchildren. He feels that his art form is unique and makes people happy to use them as well as using a part of something that was common over 100 years ago and hard to find now.