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

Featured Project - Bob’s Club

Below are some pictures of a club I made for my Father In Law. I’ve had a lot of fun working with the timber of Hickory that I was lucky enough to salvage from the pallet stack. It is beautiful wood, turns well, and is incredibly hard.

No matter what task he puts it to, I know it will perform very well.

Enjoy, Bob!

Thanks for looking.

David J. Ulschmid

Craftsman/Designer

Wisp Woods

Arlington, SD

email ~ wispwoods@gmail.com

Find me on Etsy ~ www.wispwoods.etsy.com

Technorati Tags: Featured Project,Hickory

Ben’s Open Cabinet

Find a need, and fill it!

Kitchens are busy places these days. Trying to maximize storage and functionality in the limited amount of available space can make it feel like the walls are closing in on you. The answer for many homeowners is to rearrange.

But what happens when you put a dishwasher where a fridge used to be? A unique opportunity arises to expand and customize your storage options.

Now is the time to reach out to a custom woodworker to create a design that solves your problems and makes you life just a bit easier.

The first problem to solve is, “What would we like the new space to do?”. In this case, a location for those clumsy cookie sheets, pizza pans, and other large thin kitchen items was the most pressing need.

Next, “How will we be able to match the current cabinetry?”. For this, you really can’t beat custom work from a small shop. Asking a large shop to produce to your specifications would be like pulling wisdom teeth sized nuggets of gold from your wallet. And would be as much fun as a root canal.

Small shops like Wisp Woods also take the time to build the right way. Construction details that make this a solid unit include:

Stub Tenon Joints: The face frames are jointed with time honored Mortise and Tenon construction, which means the joints will not loosen due to seasonal changes in humidity, as a screwed joint would.

Dado Jointed and Pinned Shelves: All three shelves (top, divider, and floor) are fully dadoed into the sided, and pinned with nails. This construction detail can be found on many examples of classic cabinetry.

Solid Back Rabbeted into Sides: The cabinet becomes much stronger when the a solid multi-core ply back is rabbeted into the sides. It not only keeps the unit square, but also provides a sturdy attachment method for screwing the cabinet to the wall.

Although this was a quick build, I am very proud of the results. I thank my friends for requesting this piece to be built. It has given me a chance to promote and advance Wisp Woods in the marketplace. I just know that it will provide years of extremely useful service in their home.

David J. Ulschmid

~Wisp Woods~

Arlington, SD 572121

email ~ wispwoods@gmail.com

Announcing The Wisp Woods Etsy Shop!

Visit the newly created Wisp Woods Etsy Shop.

http://wispwoods.etsy.com

Check back often for new items.

Thanks for looking.

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

wispwoods@gmail.com
www.wispwoods.etsy.com

Featured Project - Two Step Stool

This Two Step Stool is a useful as it is sturdy. The classic design is accented with details that truly make a difference.

The solid wood construction brings life and strength to the entire piece, especially the wide steps which ensure stable footing.

The reinforced, two board wide sides have a small arc cut in the bottom.

The chamfers along the step edges prevent slintering.

The stetchers are notched into the sides, which provides great mechanical strength. I wouldn't put my trust in anything less.

This solid oak stool is covered with multiple coats of polyurethane. Grit is added to the step sections for safety.

Order your own Two Step Stool by emailing me, the cost is $100.00 plus applicable sales tax.

David J. Ulschmid
~ Wisp Woods ~

wispwoods@gmail.com

Featured Project - Home Accents

Welcome to Wisp Woods

Artisan Crafted ~ Real Wood ~ Home Accents

Below are a few images of projects I enjoy, and I know their recipients enjoy them as well.

This serving tray has finger-jointed corners and a solid 1/4" thick bottom which captured in a groove. These features combine to make is durable and long lasting. The small amount of wood above the finger cutout gives the piece a dainty feel, yet provides a firm grip.

Who wouldn't like to wake up to a stack of pancakes served up on this tray?

And what better to stir up the batter to make those flap-jacks than a solid wood spoon. The compound curves on this spoon fit your hand like a glove. The stock for this spoon was selected for its unique grain pattern which is most prominent in the tip of the handle. The oil finish is food safe, and easily to repair.

Since we are in the kitchen mood, let's talk about mushrooms. These hardwood mushrooms were turned from fallen limbs. The lichen is still intact on the bark, which gives them a natural look. No two are exactly alike, and they seem to look best in groups of at least three.

What everyone wants out of life is a place to hang their hat. Imagine coming home after a long day to be greeted by this coat rack. The finest select grade lumber provides the stunning grain pattern and strength to withstand large loads. The polished finish protects the beauty of this piece from scratches. The curve along the top edge just makes you smile.

For prices on these, and many other, individually crafted pieces, click on the Price List link in the More Information section at the left.

Send order emails to wispwoods@gmail.com

David J. Ulschmid
~ Wisp Woods ~