We have come to the end of our question and answer series! We hope that you have learned a lot and it has been beneficial for you.
We will be taking a short break at this point as there are some big changes happening within the family and business. If you want to follow along with our adventure, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram where we’ll be sharing updates and sneak-peeks into our changes.
This final part primarily covers questions related to Shaun’s part in the business: spoon carving.
- What does the overall process look like that goes into making one of your spoons? From the design that you chose, to picking the wood type, engraving it.
- How much do you sell pendants for?
- How many coffee scoops have you made so far?
- What do you like best about ash wood?
- What do you use to finish your spoons?
- Do you carve your scoops a specific size or just go where the wood takes you?
- Do you use raw wood for your products?
- Do your products last, and how do I keep the wood from spoiling?
- Have you ever carved honey dippers?
- What are book nooks and how are they used?
- Is wood more hygienic?
- What types of wood have you used/do you use?
- What’s different about wooden cutlery and silver one?
- Will the notches create a future splitting point?
- Your work is beautiful…are they hand carved?
What does the overall process look like that goes into making one of your spoons? From the design that you chose, to picking the wood type, engraving it.
Shaun – Firstly, I either use a template of a spoon design I like the look of and trace that onto the wood I am using. Or sometimes I just carve and let the wood direct how it will be carved. As for the wood I use, I tend to carve greenwood (freshly cut wood) and I use non-evergreen wood (pine or cedar for example), I also stay away from oak. Any other wood is what I use, whether it be Cherry wood or Birch. Once I have finished the carving and it is a product that we decide to burn, I hand it to Elisabeth…
Elisabeth – When Shaun gives me a product to burn, I take a good look at the design. I evaluate how much room I have to burn, where I would want to burn the design, and what type of product it is. I usually take some time to think of a design and will usually rummage around Pinterest for an idea to use. Once I have a general idea for the design, I grab a pencil and sketch the design onto the product. When I’m happy with my sketch I start the burning process. After I finish, I erase any leftover pencil marks, do a light sanding over the design to give it a smooth ingrained feel, and finally wash it with water to prepare for the final sanding process that Shaun does.
How much do you sell pendants for?
Depending on the size, design, and wood; anything from $10 to $25.
How many coffee scoops have you made so far?
What do you like best about ash wood?
I find the grain is very consistent. Meaning it doesn’t keep changing direction and doesn’t warp when it dries, it also leaves a lovely pattern when carved right.
What do you use to finish your spoons?
They are finished and sealed using a mixture of Beeswax and Mineral Oil. This may change soon though, we are researching what finish is best to use. We want to make the best products possible, including the finishing oils used.
Do you carve your scoops a specific size or just go where the wood takes you?
I aim to carve to a specific shape and size but I do leave room for the wood to shape itself, sometimes knots in the wood or a nice coloring in the grain can change my original design.
Do you use raw wood for your products?
Yes, greenwood carves a lot nicer than seasoned wood.
Do your products last, and how do I keep the wood from spoiling?
All our kitchen products come pre-treated and food safe and should last if taken care of. Do not put them in the dishwasher. Also, if the condition does start to worsen, another coat of any food safe oil is all you need to bring them back to life.
Have you ever carved honey dippers?
I haven’t. This sounds like a challenge I’ll gladly accept.
What are book nooks and how are they used?
They are a “Handy” (pun intended) gadget to aid you whilst reading. Place them on your thumb and use your thumb to hold them in the center of the book, keeping the book open with minimal effort.
Is wood more hygienic?
Using wood has many benefits, hygiene being one of them. Wood has many cleaning properties in it which will keep the product fresh and safe to use, it almost washes itself…but you should still clean our kitchen ware after every use.
What types of wood have you used/do you use?
All fruit woods, Birch, Ash, Beech…any wood I can get my excited hands on…other than evergreens and Oak.
What’s different about wooden cutlery and silver one?
Wooden cutlery feels nicer to use, its organic and hygienic. It’s just better!
Will the notches create a future splitting point?
The notches carved into our work (say for a spoon) won’t weaken our products as the notch doesn’t flow with the grain but across it where it’s stronger.
Your work is beautiful…are they hand carved?
Yes, everything is made by hand.
Read all previous questions and answers:
Business Edition, Part 1
Business Edition, Part 2
Marketing Edition, Part 1
Marketing Edition, Part 2
Products & Processes, Part 1
