Kitchy Boards

This is a teaser for what is to come. Introducing Kitchy Boards, handmade with love my two fine young urban farmers and woodworkers in Santa Cruz, California. It all started when I began to brainstorm Do It Yourself  wedding gifts. Then came the Pinterest post of a beautiful cutting board. It clicked as I had flashbacks to woodworking classes in 7th grade, where we had made cutting boards as one of the assigned projects. Not long after these thoughts all messed together, I found myself sander in hand creating, cutting, sanding, and oiling a few of the most beautiful cutting boards I had personally ever seen.

We used Brazilian Cherry, the darker boards, because it is a very hard wood, resistant to cut marks and potential for contamination and mold growth. They sanded so smoothly a reflection could nearly me made out when looking in them. The lighter board is made of Maple, which is a wood naturally antimicrobial due to a compound found in the sap of the wood. Although the lighter look is nice and I was able to find a cool knot, it did not sand as smoothly nor will it hold up to knife marks like the harder woods will. The recycled leather strap was definitely key, maybe the addition of glass beads to personalize and spice them up?

We were able to personalize the boards using a dremmel to etch initials, and shapes. I did a simple heart on the handle of the Maple Board. The recycled leather strap was definitely key, maybe the addition of glass beads to personalize and spice them up? Stay tuned because we have plans to increase production of Kitchy Boards. I may venture out to see what Etsy has to offer, but at the very least these bad boards will be out for sale soon!

Redwood Bookshelf

 A large do it yourself project ended up more than rewarding. I purchaced redwood from a local lunber yard, cut, sanded and screwed together this bad boy. Stained with a simple linseed oil for a shine. Fits perfectly at the end of my bed and hold every single book I own!

Reclaimed Wooden Frame

 My father was given 3 daughters. Although he loves us all, I often feel it to be my duty to pretend to be his 'son for the day'. This past weekend we sorted though old wood in the backyard and ended up finding some wood perfect for some frames. My father taught me how to use an electric saw, sander and drill. The sander was definitely my favorite. By the end of the afternoon, we had put together a Shabby Chic/Beachy style earring and necklace hanger in my bedroom. I used some left over wire mest and spray painted it gold. It was easily stapled to the back of the frame. I couldn't believe how beautiful the weathered wood looked after being sanded. Material cost was $0.00! It ended up being a fun day, with not only a more organized display of jewelry but it felt rewarding to turn old wood into something beautiful!