I try to source lumber as locally as possible—both through lumber yards, and other random means. (The stuff literally grows on trees!) In addition to the classics (walnut, cherry, red & white oak), I have used hickory, mulberry, persimmon, black locust, silver maple, hornbeam, and others. I stay away from exotic imports, plywood, and most other materials that were not once growing around the midwest. 

My go-to finish is a linseed oil + beeswax mix that is safe for my shop and your house and the beings in it. It gives wood a warm ambered look, ages beautifully, and is easily repairable. I have a few other options—soap is a fun one for the Scandanaviaphiles—but generally avoid finishes with toxic warning labels.

For a variety of reasons—cleanliness, safety, noise level, enjoyment—I use a lot of hand tools. This also allows for some different textures on finished pieces. I like working on the lathe, so turned pieces are often part of what I build.

Woodworking has a deep historical record to draw on. I try my best to use joinery and designs that are proven to work, and adapted to contemporary uses or aesthetics as needed.