About the Maker

Let me introduce myself—my name is Jerry Decker, and standing beside me is my wife, Sherry. This summer, we will be celebrating our 48th wedding anniversary. She not only stands beside me in pictures, but also in life, and I couldn’t do this without her support.

When I retired, I knew I needed something to keep my hands busy and my mind engaged—a hobby with purpose. God had already blessed me with good common sense, a love for working with my hands, and a deep appreciation for handmade wood products. That was the beginning.

What started as a simple hobby became Over the Hill Handmade Creations.

I began by repurposing wooden pallets, creating gifts for friends and family. Before long, I discovered a local sawmill that offered beautiful hardwood slabs, and that’s when everything clicked. I look at each piece of wood and try to see what it wants to become. No two slabs are the same, and that uniqueness is what I enjoy most.

I often incorporate epoxy into my work—not to hide imperfections, but to strengthen and enhance them. Stress cracks, knots, and bug trails tell a story, and I choose to preserve that story rather than erase it. Much like life, the beauty is often found in the imperfections.

Today, I create one-of-a-kind charcuterie boards, serving trays, wall art, laser-engraved pieces, benches, small tables, and more. Every item is made one at a time using locally sourced hardwood.

I love meeting people, and I take pride in creating meaningful, handcrafted pieces meant to be used, shared, and passed down. My faith in my Lord Jesus Christ guides how I live, how I work, and how I treat others.

I like to say:
“Nothing is perfect, but everything is special.”

Why “Over the Hill”?
It’s a little humor, a little truth. Over the hill doesn’t mean worn out—it means well-seasoned. Just like the wood I work with, character and beauty come from time and experience. I like to say, “Over the hill, but not out to pasture.”