About My Work
Each piece is individually handcrafted by me with great care and attention to highlight the natural beauty and character of the wood. As with all natural wood products there will be variation in color and grain patterns. This variation is caused by the underlying wood tones, creating a truly unique, one-of-a-kind, functional work of art. These pieces will truly transform your home.
After every piece is carved, it then goes through an extensive sanding and finishing process that accounts for about half of the time that I spend creating each piece. The wood is sanded until it actually shines, as it is only in the last stages of sanding that the grain in the wood starts to glow from within. Then the wood is wiped down with water, allowed to dry overnight, and sanded again. This very important step, often overlooked by others, is combined with the application of eight coats of a hardening, FDA-approved, boiled flax seed oil. This is what keeps my work looking and feeling smooth for long periods of time between touchups. "Tried and True" is a hardening oil available from Lee Valley Tools. Many other makers of kitchen tools will simply apply one coat of mineral oil, nut oil, or a combination of mineral oil and beeswax to their pieces, which wash away with soap and water; meaning that to keep these other tools looking new, you would have to reapply oil every time you use them.
To care for the pieces, hand wash with soapy water and towel dry. Do not soak or wash them in the dishwasher. You may touch up your pieces with whatever woodenware oil you choose, but remember that if it is not a hardening oil, it washes away, meaning more maintenance for you.
After every piece is carved, it then goes through an extensive sanding and finishing process that accounts for about half of the time that I spend creating each piece. The wood is sanded until it actually shines, as it is only in the last stages of sanding that the grain in the wood starts to glow from within. Then the wood is wiped down with water, allowed to dry overnight, and sanded again. This very important step, often overlooked by others, is combined with the application of eight coats of a hardening, FDA-approved, boiled flax seed oil. This is what keeps my work looking and feeling smooth for long periods of time between touchups. "Tried and True" is a hardening oil available from Lee Valley Tools. Many other makers of kitchen tools will simply apply one coat of mineral oil, nut oil, or a combination of mineral oil and beeswax to their pieces, which wash away with soap and water; meaning that to keep these other tools looking new, you would have to reapply oil every time you use them.
To care for the pieces, hand wash with soapy water and towel dry. Do not soak or wash them in the dishwasher. You may touch up your pieces with whatever woodenware oil you choose, but remember that if it is not a hardening oil, it washes away, meaning more maintenance for you.
About Studio Niche
My studio is located in Springfield, VA, where I work with my trusty shop dog, Monty. I source my lumber from the region, mainly from southern Pennsylvania, western Maryland, and northern Virginia.
I live by the philosophy of "surround yourself with things you find beautiful and use them every day." Raised in rural Garrett County, Maryland, I gained an appreciation for hard work and spend most of my days creating in the studio. I am inspired by the beauty of nature and my work highlights the personality of each piece of wood. Over the past 25 years, I have built pool cues, canoe paddles, guitars, custom millwork, and commercial office fixtures. I am now exclusively focused on functional home utensils, such as the spoons and spatulas you see on this website as well as hand-turned bowls.
If you would like to meet me or see my work in person, I am at the Old Town Farmer's Market in Alexandria, VA on most Saturday mornings from March through December.
Thank you for visiting the Studio Niche website!
I live by the philosophy of "surround yourself with things you find beautiful and use them every day." Raised in rural Garrett County, Maryland, I gained an appreciation for hard work and spend most of my days creating in the studio. I am inspired by the beauty of nature and my work highlights the personality of each piece of wood. Over the past 25 years, I have built pool cues, canoe paddles, guitars, custom millwork, and commercial office fixtures. I am now exclusively focused on functional home utensils, such as the spoons and spatulas you see on this website as well as hand-turned bowls.
If you would like to meet me or see my work in person, I am at the Old Town Farmer's Market in Alexandria, VA on most Saturday mornings from March through December.
Thank you for visiting the Studio Niche website!
