Featured Project - Maple Spoons

It all started with a request for a spoon, and it has ended up better than I could have ever imagined it would.

I've got to thank my Aunt G for her crazy level of admiration for my work, and all the inspiration she gives me to keep developing my products.

At her request, I made a first set of spoons out of what I am currently calling American Sycamore. The wood was light colored, a bit soft, and easy to work with.

My random sketching resulted in a sweeping handle, and in one case, an out of line bowl.

After carving out the bowl, I wasn't happy with the way the wood was cutting, so I sanded the bowl smooth. I also resolved to find a new wood species for my next set of spoons.

I take pride in the fact that my projects are born out of the eco-friendly process I like to call "reversing the consumption model". The quick explanation is, I use found wood, cause it's free. The nobel explanation is, I use recycled wood to create fine and durable wooden objects as my way of conserving and recycling.

You might wonder, "What kind of wood could you get for free, from the trash?", or you might jump right to judgment and think "No good wood could come from those pallets.". The answer to both of those questions is "Perfectly Good Wood". Case in point, my newest set of spoons.

This has been one of the greatest surprises so far from my pallet lumber recovery program. I initially picked up this pallet because I couldn't identify the thick timbers, and I already had a couple in my truck, so why not get this one too. When I was searching my supply for a tight grained wood for the spoons, I decided to give this one a try. I almost didn't believe what I discovered. I tried many times to tell myself it wasn't true. Had someone really constructed a shipping pallet from Hard Maple?!??!?? This can't be?!??!?? Why would someone do that?!??!?? Who cares, that is GREAT for me!!!!

This wood is a joy to carve and shape. It holds facets very well, and gives the spoons a nice substantial feel.

They can be found for sale at http://www.wispwoods.etsy.com/

Enjoy!

And look closely, please.

David J. Ulschmid
Designer / Craftsman
~ Wisp Woods ~
Arlington, SD 57212

wispwoods@gmail.com