After doing six months of experimentation with Turquoise Inlay methods, we decided to make a Black Walnut Live Edge Bench with Turquoise Inlay for our entry way. It turned out very nice!
Our next project was a Live Edge Mesquite Fireplace Mantel for our Art Studio. We decided that it was art, and it brought a smile to our face. We should do this more! Create More Smiles!
Next was Turquoise Inlay of wooden utensils for every day use- “Usable Art.” We decorated utensil sets in Teak & Olive Wood. When our kids and grandkids came to visit, most of what we made disappeared. Our granddaughters had such fun organizing, displaying, & photographing the utensil sets. They matched the utensil sets with the hangers. Those conversations developed into the “Wood Whisperers” and creating a website.
This website was started by our oldest granddaughter, Kelly, more than a year ago. She kept pushing forward while Greg & Maggie continued creating Usable Art, never losing sight of the thought of creating one more smile and focusing on Usable Art. One common theme is visible a lot- Live Edge Hard Woods with Turquoise Inlay.
While visiting family for Thanksgiving we stopped by a Mesquite Sawmill in Kingsville, Texas. The husband & wife owners were very focused on cutting Mesquite for art, not for lumber. Mesquite has such irregular live edge & beautiful grain patterns we started creating Usable Art, focusing on the kitchen, the gathering place of most homes. A place where one smile a day can happen. It is amazing what happens during the course of a day when it starts with a smile!
After many hours and days staring at the beautiful grain patterns in the Olive Wood and Mesquite Wood it became ever clearer that those grains represented a year of growth, and should be highlighted & enhanced to showcase their beauty. Such varying colors and patterns should continue to live in the gathering places for all to enjoy daily.
Wood utensils are being use more and more, with non-stick pans being prevalent. When Granny Gee got her set of wooden cooking utensils inlayed with Turquoise she said, “I need a place to display these, not put them in a drawer.” So next came inlayed utensil hangers and holders in Teak & Olive Wood. These are for everyday use, not just to look at every once in a while. All utensils, hangers, & holders are beautifully finished in food grade oil.
Looking around the kitchen magnetic knife holders would be next. It took several months to perfect the knife holders. We have beautiful sets of knives that should be displayed and not cluttered in our drawers. These were made with Live Edge Pecan & Mesquite.
We were first introduced to Charcuterie Boards by our daughter-in-law as she served appetizers & snacks. We made Live Edge Charcuterie Boards in Pecan & Olive Wood, & later in Mesquite. The grains in those woods are amazing. As we finish each piece we smile & say to ourselves: “This is the best one yet!”
To complement the Charcuterie Boards we started decorating small Olive Wood Bowls and Spoons for condiments. They go so well together! Then Wine Holders in Olive Wood. Looking around the kitchen we have 10 reasons to smile every day! We need to be sharing this with more than just our family.
Born: Placita Dorada Artesanos
Live Hard Woods with Turquoise Inlay
As our neighbors became curious as to what we were doing they had ideas for Usable Art at their houses. Next came Coat Racks & Centerpieces. Then a twist on Charcuterie Boards and Centerpieces. A Centerpiece that is a Charcuterie Board. A place for gathering with Smiles!
On to bigger pieces- End Tables & Coffee Tables- again with Live Edge Hard Woods- Mesquite, Pecan, & Black Walnut. Then decorative Crosses & Sculptures. And back to Usable Art with Lazy Susans. Then on to Collaborative Pieces such as beautiful Mesquite Bowls. Each piece is one-of-a-kind unique with a focus on Live Edge Hard Woods with Turquoise Inlay & beautiful oil finishes. SMILE!
After trees like Olive Wood, Pecan, & Walnut quite bearing fruit, they begin whispering in the wind, now bearing smiles. All conversations have two parts- speaking & listening. Let them live on & whisper!
LISTEN & SMILE!
Many thanx to the family members and friends that gave us feedback, tools, & smiles. Family is at the top of our list.
THANX TO THE GIVING, THANX TO THE LIVING, THANX TO THE PAST.