A collection of things made along the way
Woodworking, furniture, and other projects that catch our interest.
This is a place to share what we’ve been making, trying, and learning as we go.
Turned Bowl in Ambrosia Maple
This handcrafted wooden bowl showcases the natural beauty and distinctive character of Ambrosia Maple. Warm golden and amber tones are accented by dramatic dark streaks, intricate grain patterns, and natural variations within the wood itself. Hand-turned on a lathe, the bowl features gently flared sides and a softly rounded rim, giving it an organic, sculptural profile.
Carefully shaped to highlight the wood’s unique figure, the bowl celebrates the natural irregularities that make every piece of wood one of a kind. Both the interior and exterior reveal striking grain patterns, making this a distinctive example of functional woodworking that allows the material to take center stage.
Ambrosia Maple is not a distinct species of tree, but rather a term used to describe maple wood marked by the activity of the ambrosia beetle. As the beetle burrows into the tree, it introduces an associated fungus that produces the characteristic gray, blue, brown, and occasionally pink streaks found in the wood. Small holes left by the beetle may also remain visible throughout the finished piece, adding to its distinctive character. These natural features are part of what makes Ambrosia Maple so visually appealing, and when properly assessed and worked, they need not compromise the wood’s structural integrity.
Striped Black Walnut Console Table
This handcrafted console table showcases the rich tones and natural grain variations of black walnut, arranged in a butcher-block-style laminated top made from smaller pieces of wood. The carefully assembled strips create a distinctive linear pattern, with contrasting shades of chocolate brown, warm amber, and golden brown accentuating the character of the walnut. The result is a tabletop with depth, visual rhythm, and a character all its own.
The solid wood top is paired with slender black metal hairpin legs, whose minimalist design provides a clean, understated contrast to the warmth and visual texture of the walnut. The combination of the striped tabletop and tapered metal legs gives the piece a mid-century modern influence while maintaining a simple, contemporary aesthetic.
Built to celebrate the beauty of natural materials, this console table combines thoughtful woodworking with a functional, space-conscious design.
Blue Denim Canvas Guitar Strap
A guitar strap featuring blue denim-patterned canvas with contrasting cream stitching and distressed detailing. Brown leather end tabs, antique brass rivets, and matching metal adjustment hardware complete the design, combining rugged materials with vintage-inspired style. The denim and leather elements give this strap a casual, well-worn aesthetic.
Wood Chisel Storage Box
This custom chisel storage box was designed and handcrafted from maple and black walnut, combining traditional woodworking with modern fabrication techniques. A tung-oil finish enhances the natural grain and contrast of the wood while providing a warm, understated appearance.
The lid features a diamond-shaped wood inlay, accented by a laser-etched rendition of the Calico Guitarworks cat logo. A magnetic closure and integrated finger notches provide a clean, functional opening mechanism, while custom laser-cut acrylic brackets organize and secure the chisels inside.
This project explores the intersection of craftsmanship, material contrast, and functional design, with each detail serving both an aesthetic and practical purpose.
End-Grain Cutting Board
This end-grain cutting board is crafted from maple and black walnut, arranged in a classic checkerboard pattern. It is finished with food-safe mineral oil to enhance the natural beauty of the wood.
End-grain cutting boards are prized for their knife-friendly surface. The vertically oriented wood fibers allow knife blades to slip between them rather than cut across them, helping to preserve the sharpness of kitchen knives. The fibers also tend to spring back into place after cutting, helping the board resist deep grooves and minimize the appearance of knife marks.
Care and Maintenance
Cleaning: Hand-wash with warm water and mild dish soap. Rinse and dry immediately with a clean towel.
Avoid soaking: Never submerge the board or leave it standing in water, as prolonged moisture exposure can cause warping or cracking.
No dishwasher: Excessive heat and moisture can damage the wood and compromise the board’s construction.
Drying: Allow the board to air-dry completely in an upright position, with adequate airflow on both sides.
Conditioning: Periodically apply a food-safe mineral oil to help prevent the wood from drying out. For additional protection, follow with a food-safe board wax or conditioner.
Storage: Keep the board in a cool, dry location away from direct heat and prolonged sunlight.
With proper care and regular conditioning, this cutting board will provide years of dependable use.
