"We constructed it onto the end of the house a number of years ago. It is approximately 608 square feet," he said.

Unlike many other artists, he prefers the quiet of his studio instead of music or some other entertainment playing in the background. There are, however, the occasional clatter of doggie claws and yips and yaps, particularly in the spring, his favorite season.

"I love the spring because everything is new, fresh and invigorating with all of my shop doors and windows open. The only downside to that is the occasional squirrel wanders in and gets my dogs going crazy! I have two poodles, a shitzu and lhaso apso mix dogs. They have many resting spots in my shop and are usually there while I'm turning," he said.

There really hasn't been any creation he hasn't attempted.

"Never say never! I would say that modern items are more my thing, however I occasionally do some Art Deco designs. Whimsical and just plain fun items are also fun to create," he said.

He hand-makes the tools to use on his lathe, in addition to using sandpaper, polishes and a "slightly long fingernail" that creates a major catastrophe when it breaks.

"But I would say that my most valuable 'tool' is my imagination," he said.

"My hope is that my next creation is better than my last and that I can continue to be inventive in my art work."

He has never taught a workshop and has no intention to ever do so, but believes one of the greatest learning experiences is the information sharing with other turners in the CDHM forums and at miniature events.

He sells his work from $6 and up in his CDHM Gallery, his own website and on Etsy and Ebay.

"Prices depend upon the material I use, the time spent and the selling venue that it is sold from - Ebay has become expensive so those items start a little higher, at $7.50-$9.50." he said.

In November of last year this talented artist received Fellow status in IGMA (International Guild of Miniature Artists).

His wife Carla, in addition to suggesting various miniature pieces for him to create, is the business-minded Helmer.

"She loves miniatures and is the web page designer, puts my items on Ebay, Etsy and CDHM as well as doing the bookkeeping and mailing," he said.

See more of Bill's work by visiting his CDHM gallery and find the piece you need for your collection.