Chief Bad Axe The Speaking Tree

Mike Yaker has been a professional carpenter, woodworker, and timber framer for over thirty years. He is an artist, writer, poet, and sculptor who brings his passion, talents, and vision to teach and inspire the application of creativity and skill with imagination to Craft through Chop Wood Make Stuff Know Tree. 

In business for 25 years as Wood Joiners Mike honed his craft first as a finish Carpenter before moving his focus to Timber Framing and Barn Builder, restoring old barns, raising new barns and unique Timber Frame Structures thru out Wisconsin and beyond. Attention to detail in restoration techniques led him to hewing with an Axe. A natural and efficient method for processing logs into workable timbers and objects of rhythm texture and beauty. It quickly became an addictive passion changing the trajectory of Method and Materials on the creative path.

Mike’s transformation from Timber Framer Yaker the Maker into Chief Bad Axe The Speaking Tree. 

A Story Sharp as Axe My Jail Bail Whale Tale. It is a deep dive in shallow waters. 

A Seventh Generation Manifestation of Creation and Speaker for the more than human world.  

My purpose is to share my enthusiasm and passion for the craft of woodworking and the joy of making. My goal is to inspire people to Chop Wood Make Stuff and Know Tree.