Meet the Artist

Welcome to Nedo Woodturning! My name is Nedo Đurđić, and I am the heart and hands behind the unique, handcrafted wooden products you see here. My journey into woodworking began as a child, inspired by my father Đuro, who worked as a furniture maker alongside his close friend Jovan. The time I spent in their workshop, surrounded by the scent of freshly cut wood and the hum of tools, planted the seeds of a lifelong passion for craftsmanship.

Turning Dreams into Craftsmanship

While furniture making initially captured my imagination, my journey into woodturning came about quite unexpectedly. After moving to Chicago, I sought to reconnect with my love for woodworking and signed up for classes at the community of Chicago School of Woodworking. When the furniture-making course was full, I was encouraged to try woodturning—a craft I knew little about at the time.

That decision changed a lot. From the very first class, I fell in love with the art of shaping wood on a lathe. Under the guidance of a talented teacher and local woodturner Andy from the Riverwoodsturner, I found myself drawn deeper into this craft. The more I learned, the more I wanted to create, transforming my initial curiosity into a lifelong passion.

Crafting Unique, Meaningful Pieces

In a world dominated by plastic and waste, I’ve dedicated myself to creating high-quality, meaningful wooden pieces that stand out for their craftsmanship and sustainability. Using wood sourced from around the globe, I see each project as a way to explore and celebrate nature’s beauty. Every grain, texture, and pattern tells a story, making each item not just functional but truly one-of-a-kind.

To me, working with wood feels like traveling the world—connecting with diverse materials and infusing them with creativity. This philosophy drives my mission: to craft pieces that bring joy, elegance, and a touch of nature into people’s lives.

Inspiration Through Community

Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to meet extraordinary people who have shaped my path. Local wood artists and woodturners like Roberto from Ferrer Studio, have inspired me to continually improve, while the Chicago Woodturners community has provided opportunities to learn and grow through their meetings and educational events. These connections have deepened my skills and reaffirmed my belief in the power of community and shared passion.

Collaboration is also at the heart of my work. I am grateful to have multi talented friends like marketing and woodturning lover Miloš from MA Team, with whom I discuss projects, brainstorm ideas, and push creative boundaries. These partnerships not only enrich my work but also fuel my desire to keep innovating.

A Craft That’s More Than a Hobby

What started as a pastime has evolved into something much greater. Scaling my business beyond a hobby has been both challenging and rewarding, and I’m thrilled to share my story with others who are considering pursuing their passions. I truly believe that each of us has a unique talent waiting to be discovered—it just takes a little courage and dedication to start.

Inspired by My Roots

Istria, a land of incredible natural beauty and deep traditions, has shaped my life and my work. Born in Rovinj, I have always felt a strong connection to the region’s heritage and its unique way of life. Famous for producing the finest olive oils in the world, Istria is a place where olive trees hold a special meaning. Their strength, timelessness, and beauty have always inspired me.

These trees resonate with my spirit, grounding me and connecting me to something larger. This bond with olive trees is what drew me to work with olive wood. Its rich grain patterns, warm tones, and lasting elegance make it a joy to craft with.

For me, each piece of olive wood tells a story—of the land, the trees, and the traditions that shaped it. Through my work, I hope to share the essence of Istria and my deep love for its culture and natural beauty.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of crafting with exotic lumber from South America, Africa, Europe, and beyond, but olive wood stands out for its warmth and character. It feels like a connection to something greater—a tradition of craftsmanship that transcends borders and celebrates the natural world. This love for olive wood inspires me to create pieces that carry the same sense of enduring beauty and history.

Why Choose Nedo Woodturning

At Nedo Woodturning, I focus on more than just craftsmanship—I aim to create pieces that evoke emotion and leave a lasting impact. Whether you’re looking for a custom charcuterie board, a personalized gift, or a distinctive home accent, my goal is to bring your vision to life.

Thank you for supporting my journey and for choosing handcrafted, sustainable art. I’m excited to craft something special for you and to continue exploring the endless possibilities of woodturning.

Let’s create something meaningful together.