Etsy Shop for artisansworkbench

Drop Spindle

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 01:21:37 -0500

$12.50

I developed these economy drop spindles for an instructor of spinning, weaving, and tapestry making. According to her they are quite good; well balanced and not too heavy.

They are made from unfinished hardwood (usually ash whorl and birch shaft) and wieght around 1.0 oz. The whorl is around 2.5" in diameter and the shaft is 12" long. It is shipped unassembled and comes with instructions to put it together as a "top" or a "bottom" drop spindle.

For those who perfer different dimensions and weights please email me and I will customize yours. Also, for those who want a high-end spindle made from exquisite hardwoods and polished until it gleams, I also make those. Again, email me and we will work it out.

Please note - the instructions do NOT show you have to use them - just how to assemble them. Maybe in my next life I will have time to try all the things that interest me :-)

Honey Dipper

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:14:26 -0400

$7.50
This honey dipper is handmade from Western Big-leaf Maple and is 7" long with a 3/4" x 1" head. I leave the wood completely natural - no finish to get between you and your honey. Just dip it into the pot and stir it into your tea (or coffee) to get just the right amount of sweetness.

To clean it just rinse in running water and air dry but please don't put it in the dish washer - it wrecks the wood.

Marvelous Muddler for Making Mouthwatering Mixtures

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 21:33:18 -0400

$20.00
Cocktails are all the rage these days and every well-appointed bar needs a muddler - a sticky-pokey thing used to mush up (actually muddle up) olives, onions, limes, lemons, mint, or whatever in many a modern cocktail.

This hefty number is made from ash so it is strong enough to really lean on but with a comfortable handle and a sure-grip bottom that holds the stuff in place AND adds to the actual crushing. A terrific way to release the flavours and essential oils of whatever your working on.

The wood is treated so that it will withstand hand washing but don't leave this little lovely floating in the dish water. No matter what finish is on wood it will eventually suck up water and wreck the finish. Best just to rinse it well and let it drip dry.

Please note: This listing is for only one (1) muddler. Yours will look very similar to those shown but will not be exactly the same. Wood is like that - no two pieces are exactly the same.

Hardwood Tapestry Bobbins

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 02:06:10 -0400

$9.00
A few years ago I was approached by a Arts University professor to develop a tapestry bobbin that would not break. These hardwood, straight-grain bobbins are the result. Not only do I select the wood carefully and orient the grain for maximum stength but I treat each one with my own hardening process. The result - with hundreds in service I have never had to replace a broken bobbin.

The bobbins shown here have a "thistle" end. I also do ball or ball-and-post designs for those who prefer a tie-off on the end. The wood varies but is always a strong hardwood such as Satine (red), Purpleheart (purple, dah), Verawood (green), and so on. These bobbins are 7" long by 1/2" wide with a 4" point and the post is 3/16" by 2 1/2". If you would prefer a modified design please let me know.

This listing is for one (1) bobbin. Please indicate your choice when ordering. Quantity orders are also taken (and appreciated).

Oh, and you lace makers - I also make lace bobbins.

Put A Cork In It

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 02:05:51 -0400

$20.00
These fun and functional cork bottle stoppers are made from various woods glued together into a turning blank. Woods include purpleheart, walnut, maple, paduk, ash, and others. They are made even more fun by the variety of shapes that can be used. The natural cork is firmly attached with a sturdy dowel.

Measurements: approximately 3 1/2 - 4"

This listing is for one bottle stopper.

Currently all those shown are available . Please specify which one(s) you wish when you check out.

Green-Rim Platter

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 01:23:40 -0400

$400.00
This large platter (15"w x 2.5"h) is made from Maple burl - a rare growth that is found on very few Maple trees. When it is properly cut and dried it yields the wonderful patterns and colors you see here. The rim is dyed on both the top and bottom and accented with black bands. The whole surface has been sealed with a water-resistant finish to make it food safe and easy to keep clean.

This piece is both functional and beautiful. It can be displayed on a stand or hung on the wall and then taken down to add a dramatic server on a buffet or table.

Who said functional can't be beautiful?

Spiral Vessel

Sat, 01 Aug 2009 18:39:10 -0400

$285.00
This unique vessel was turned from Pacific Arbutus (madrone) while the wood was fresh. As it dried the body warped giving it a lovely oval shape. I then carved and coloured it with various inks and dyes and then added washes of metallic and iridescentpaints. Finally I added the top which featured a hand-turned aluminium handle.

This is a wonderful piece both to look at and to handle.

6"w x 5"d x 7.5"h

Little Mosque on the Bedstand

Sat, 01 Aug 2009 18:39:10 -0400

$45.00
This lovely little Cocobolo box (2"h x 1.5"w)features a classic onion-dome shape. The lid is threaded with hand-chased threads. Great as a decorative accent or for storing jewelry.

To see some wonderful silver work that could go into this box check out my wife's ETSY site:

www.wearthou.etsy.com