My latest piece isn't for sale

...but, you could order one

I have now carved a couple of commissioned pieces. The client tells me what they want and I try to make that item for them, with a bit extra in terms of design and functionality... once you have carved a lot of culinary utensils and such, you begin to notice little improvements that most people would not think of. Last week, I was talking with a friend in a local shop about my spoons. A lady who worked there asked, “Could you make a wooden salt bowl for me?” We discussed it, and I quickly realized she did not want a plain salt cellar. She wanted a Swedish style bird bowl. Well, I thought that would be fun to try so I quoted her a very low price for the work involved. I had some eastern cottonwood on hand that had grown in difficult conditions and had a finer grain that that wood is generally known for. I wanted to see what I could do with just a hand saw, an axe and a couple of knives and gouges.

Here is the little bird bowl. It fits perfectly in my hand. The grain is beautiful, and the wood has a somewhat golden-brown color. I sealed it with walnut oil, which really brings out the beauty of the wood!

Then, I looked at the bowl and decided it needed a little 1/2 teaspoon to scoop the salt. So, I grabbed a piece of American holly and carved out a delicate but strong salt spoon.

I really enjoyed carving this piece and I am sure my client will love it. She is planning to decorate a rustic cabin in the mountains of TN, and this will be perfect on the table. But, the point of this note is that if y’all would like to order one, or if you have an idea and would like to commission me to carve something specific for your home, just email me at judson@judsoncarroll.com

I have around 500lbs of cottonwood like this, an entire wild cherry tree, two tulip poplars, more holly and some oak to carve….. and a huge white pine that will season next year. What do you want - spoons, forks, butterknives and jam spreaders, salt bowls, eating bowls, big centerpiece or dough bowls, bread boards, charcuterie boards, a kuksa/Viking cup, chargers/plates, a mortise and pestle, a duck decoy…. or something else? I love to be in the woods and I love to carve wood on my porch. Tell me your dream of woodenware and I can probably make something specifically for you.