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FATHER-DAUGHTER DUO HONES WOODWORKING SKILLS TO SPEND TIME AND CREATE A SIDE HUSTLE

written by JULIE LOVELL photography by DANIEL SULLIVAN & MICHELE PEDERSEN

AFTER MICHELE PEDERSEN retired from the banking industry last winter, she started investing more time in something extra special — learning the art of woodworking from her 92-year-old dad. For father and daughter, it’s a passion with a nice payoff. They’ve crafted a little side hustle. Their creations are popular and the time spent working together is priceless.

“It’s a blessing,” says Michele. “Dad is a great teacher.”

“She catches on quick, so I can show her something and I don’t have to say it twice,” says her dad, Bill Brinkel. “That’s fun.”

You can usually find the two working on different projects in Bill’s large workshop west of Billings. Michele specializes in using epoxy to create unique and colorful items like charcuterie boards, vases, candle holders and coffee tables.

“I like it because every piece is different,” Michele says. “The wood and the epoxy flow where they want to flow."

Bill creates a variety of pieces, including trivets and bookmarks. He also uses his skill turning a lathe to fashion smaller items like salt and pepper shakers and toothpick holders.

“Dad’s uses all hand tools for the turning lathe,” Michele says. “It’s all by touch, feel. So, it’s an art. I haven’t gotten there yet.”

The workshop is filled with woodworking equipment that Bill has trained Michele to use.

“I’ve learned how to use almost every tool, I think,” Michele says. “Now he doesn’t worry about me because I can use the table saw, the chop saw, the drill press, the band saw, the router—that used to scare me.”

“She won’t use the turning lathe, but I’m gonna get her there yet,” Bill says.

“There are not a lot of women in the woodworking field, and I think it’s a skill that every woman should know,” Michele says. “That way you can build things or fix things or just be more independent.”

Bill’s love for woodworking stretches back more than 30 years. He spent much of his life working on the family’s farm west of Broadview and turned to woodworking for a fun hobby. He says

THERE ARE NOT A LOT OF WOMEN IN THE WOODWORKING FIELD, AND I THINK IT’S A SKILL THAT EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW. THAT WAY YOU CAN BUILD THINGS OR FIX THINGS OR JUST BE MORE INDEPENDENT.

— Michele Pedersen

SHE CATCHES ON QUICK, SO I CAN SHOW HER SOMETHING AND I DON’T HAVE TO SAY IT TWICE. THAT’S FUN.

— Bill Brinkle

both woodworking and farming call for creativity.

“Well, everything’s creative on the farm,” Bill says with a smile.

Michele says she learned creativity not only from her dad, but from her mom, who was a seamstress on the farm. Another thing she learned from dad: don’t waste wood.

“Every little piece of wood can go somewhere,” says Michele. “That’s the era he lived in. You don’t throw anything away. You can always jimmy rig or MacGyver it for something.”

The two use a variety of woods, but they rarely have to buy any because people give them wood that would have otherwise ended up in the trash. For many projects, Michele works with wood from Russian olive trees.

“The ironic part is that she’s using the Russian olive, which is a weed tree,” says Bill. “Nobody likes it. And look how pretty they are.”

Although the two usually work separately on projects, they often team up, swapping ideas, encouraging and helping each other however they can.

“I can get down on the ground and get the things that fall,” Michele says.

“I can get down, but I can’t get back up,” Bill says with a laugh. “Oh, I can, but it’s a struggle.” setting their own hours. The sign on the workshop’s wall says it all: “OFFICE HOURS: Open most days about 9 or 10. Occasionally as early as 7, but some days as late as 12 or 1.”

The hours may be iffy, but they’re always thinking about their next projects and keeping an eye out for the perfect pieces of wood.

“I’ll be driving along with my husband, Greg, somewhere and I’ll be looking at wood over there, and he’ll say, ‘Stop. Stop looking at that, because you can’t bring it home,” laughs Michele. “I’m starting to be just like Dad.”

Michele is also a talented photographer and has a thriving photography business. She uses the money she earns from her hobbies to help fund another great retirement pastime — traveling with Greg.

“Woodworking is not a huge moneymaker, but we use it for our travel money,” says Michele, who recently took a bucket list trip with Greg to Ireland.

Closer to home, Michele and her dad sell their work at area craft shows and even take special orders now and then. Both say they’re satisfied and proud when customers appreciate their work. They love finding ways to use the wood that would otherwise go to waste. One thing’s for sure. The time they spend together is never wasted.

“It’s so special,” Michele says, “because I treasure the days I have with him.” ✻

Colorunder the sun2ColorColorevery7

WHEN IT COMES TO SUMMER FASHION, BRIGHT HUES RULE

WHILE NEUTRALS STILL REIGN in the fashion

world right now, bright shades are moving in for a summer cameo. Electric colors mixed with staples like denim give a nod to the early ’90s. Hot pink and royal blue would love to play a supporting role in your outfit’s story, standing out on neutral backdrops. So, turn some heads one accessory at a time and put your summer fashion on the bright side with these colorful additions. ✻

coming in clutch

Beaded bags keep coming back around and each season we tend to see a fresh new twist. If you’re looking to add a pop of color, small handbags like this handheld pouch with bold colors and the timeless word “loved” could be the perfect addition. It’s just the right accessory for your little black dress or the right amount of bling to dress up your denim for cocktails on the patio.

get the look7 Loved Moyna pouch, $119, from RocHouse.

FLOWER POWER

Florals always pack a punch, but when they are in the boldest hues, they really grab your attention. Pick from an array of floralinspired accessories like an anklets, studs or large statement earrings to add a bit of playfulness to your everyday summer apparel. Anklets are coming back in full force and we welcome them with our ultra-low sneakers or casual sandals. Why not go bolder than a standard gold chain and slip on one adorned with colorful beads and a daisy?

get the look7 Melody Anklets, $15; 3-pack earrings, $20; Square floral earrings, $15. All can be found at Neecee’s.

TOTAL THROWBACK

The hair clip is an accessory that fits any hair style. Rock a pixy cut and you can still add layers of barrettes for a sweet look. Or maybe your tresses need some taming and the trendy claw clips can help wrangle your mane. While these clips have been around for decades, the bold colors and throwback patterns make this flashback all the rage right now.

get the look Wild fable hair claw, $5; Wild Fable smiley barrettes, $5; Wild Fable clips, $5. All can be found at Target.

SHOP WITH US FOR EVERY OCCASION.

— Owner Courtney Burton and the RocHouse Team

A symbol of optimism, pink promises to boost your mood. Hot pink heels are sure to liven up any outfit whether it’s the denimon-denim vibe or the demure white dress. If pink isn’t your thing, rest assured, this summer you’ll find heels in every color of the rainbow to add to your wardrobe.

get the look7 Sam Edelman Block Strappy Heel in Carmine Rose, $139, can be found at RocHouse.

KALEIDOSCOPE OF COLOR

Wearing gemstone jewelry is elegant and timeless. This necklace kicks it up a notch by adding a kaleidoscope of color. This little beauty will remain relevant not only in summer with spaghetti strapped dresses but for fall days paired with plaids. It’s a subtle way to unleash bold color in small doses.

get the look2 Baguette necklace, $61, can be found at

Something Chic.

CROWING MOMENT

Montanans are known to have a hat or two hanging around in their closets. Whether it is felt or straw, you can add layers of bright colorful hatbands to give your hat a fresh look. The best part about a hatband is the ability to mix textures. Put a delicately beaded band with silky fabrics or even leather braids. Whatever your aesthetic, you can find the right hat jewelry to add more color to your summer looks. get the look2 Zephyr Rancher Gigi Pip, $112; Fabric band, $18; Neta’s hatband, $48. All can be found at Joy of Living.

VICKI-LYNN TERPSTRA, writer

With nearly a decade long career in retail, Vicki-Lynn has cultivated a true passion for fashion. Even though her day job involves event planning and social media for the largest insurance agency in the Northwest, she uses her style and industry know-how to help keep women in the Yellowstone Valley looking their best. 2818 2nd Ave N | Billings, MT 59101 | somethingchicclothing.com

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