To the woodshop!

For nearly 20 years, the Ardenwoods woodshop has provided residents with a space to express their interests, whether woodworking, woodturning, or staining wood. Get to know two woodshop regulars, David Zimmerman and Tal Murphy.

David, an Ardenwoods resident of eight years, has been woodworking since he was a child. Learning from his father and grandfather, he would craft toy boats and various knick-knacks. As his skills advanced, he learned to construct larger objects like tables and other types of furniture. Now, David crafts dioramas for Rail Scale Models. Rail Scale Models is an online business that sells model railroad craftsman kits and other miniature construction items. David’s dioramas are displayed on the Rail Scale Models website and exemplify what customers can build by purchasing their product. David also carves figurines such as fishermen and hillbillies.  

In 2024, with the help of Tal, David carved his first animal — a falcon, which was on display at the showing of The Maltese Falcon at the Ardenwoods New Year’s Eve celebration.

“It took us about four days off and on,” said David. “Tal had carved birds before, but this was my first.”

Like David, Tal has been woodworking since he was a boy, picking it up out of curiosity. 

“I attended woodworking classes, demonstrations, and ultimately became very involved in the woodworking community,” said Tal. “This led to me carving birds and various animals — things that took quite a long time.”

After carving birds and animals for several years, he got into woodturning. 

“I like woodturning because it does not copy nature,” said Tal. “I can do whatever comes to my mind.”

Tal was a proud American Association of Woodturners member, comprising 13,000 members and over 365 local chapters globally. Members include hobbyists, professionals, gallery owners, collectors, and tool and equipment suppliers.

He even won awards for his woodturning creations at the Florida State Fair in Tampa, including “Best of the Show.” 

Moving to Ardenwoods was quite a change for Tal and his wife, especially leaving his large home woodshop. He passed his tools down to his children, hoping they will pick up the craft. 

“The woodshop here is lovely and open to all residents,” said Tal. “There are plenty of tools, something for all!”

When Tal is not in the woodshop, he is reading a book or following the latest local and national news. He also admires the many bowls, figurines, and other items he has crafted over the years and delights in showing guests the pieces and the story behind each. 

Like the woodworking shop, Ardenwoods is delighted to offer residents spaces to explore their interests like the community garden, library, art studio, fitness center, and billiard rooms — where they can enjoy their hobbies.  

‍