Impala Jewelry Box
We’re interviewing makers from all 50 states. Today we’re featuring Milton Mizell, a box builder from Florida.
How did you get started woodworking? Who were your mentors?
Growing up, I watched my super handy Dad build all sorts of things with his hands. He was a “tool junkie” and a jack-of-all-trades. I marveled at his abilities! Time and time again I watched him complete projects and aspired to follow his example.
My first instructional woodworking experience was in my high school woodshop class making cutting boards and toys. When I entered college and studied fine arts for two years, the course requirements included a semester of woodshop, which gave me easy access to the art department’s workshop. It was there that I met Scott, the instructor, who introduced me to tools and techniques that expanded my woodworking skills. I eventually changed my major to graphic design, but by then it was clear to me that I had inherited my father’s fascination w