Spalted maple wearable sculpture earrings A few years ago, I chain saw carved a large 8' sculpture out of a huge spalted maple log. The wood cut away was so beautiful, so I carved my wife small piece and hung it on a silver chain. She received many comments and requests about the "wearable sculpture" pendant and I started making them for family and friends, and eventually galleries. I expanded the hand carvings to earrings and rings. Because splating is a natural process; like a finger print, there are no two alike. Spalting traits can include; Blackline, Bluing, Ambrosia, Quilting and more - Let me know what you would like to have made, I most likely can make it. Spalting is the process where the wood starts to change chemically and creates blacklines in the wood, it also creates blue/green/grey/brown areas as well. Sometimes an ambrosia beetle digs into the wood and follows some of these changes in the wood and creates more chemical changes such as streaking orangish or amber colors and creates other colors and figuring. How to order: Choose a style and size you like and let us know what features and elements you prefer. Remember each piece is not replicable, as each has various wood grains, shapes, and exciting spalting characteristics which can include black lining, ambrosia, bluing, ambering, flecking and more. Please know that this process will take more time up to four weeks for us to choose and make the wearable work. If you are in a hurry check and see if we have any earrings currently available. I can provide interesting details such as book matched wood where the wood from each earring is cut across the shape from the same block and mirrors each other, or I can carve one piece and then cut the section into two creating the designs out of the same piece. In regards to the spalted wood, the more character in the wood directly relates to the cost for the earrings. Also the cost of the will vary depending on what your requirements are and how much additional time, material or skill it requires. Don't worry, as I will communicate with you in the process to make sure you are comfortable with the price and time frame. If you want a completely custom made earring, just click the "Contact Maker" button and let me know what you have in mind. If it is a group gift for a wedding, or a larger quantity we can work with you to make a specific design. I have more examples upon request. Note: Splated maple wearable sculpture earrings are finished with many layers of a hard protective clear coat to bring out the contrasts, but can wear over time, especially at the jump ring. This is normal with wood products. I will provide a description on how to refinish your piece with an easy to find product, or you can mail the piece back to me for refinishing at no additional cost besides shipping. If you are careful with your wearable sculpture it will last for many, many years. If for some reason your wearable sculpture is damaged, you can send it to me and I will do my best to repair the piece. I will charge my standard repair fees depending on what is required. If a piece breaks from a fault of mine, I will do my best to repair or replace with a similar product. I want you to be happy with your purchase for many years or generations to come.
A Maker who has been a valued part of this community for several years.
Customers say that this Maker ships promptly after completing a project.
This Maker has consistently demonstrated excellence in craftsmanship and customer service.
As an artist, I found my love of objects at an early age. I was always drawing diagrams on napkins and discussing how things were made, like my father and grandfather. They owned and operated a display manufacturing business, so I was around design and material process from the beginning. My entrepreneurial career began around the age of seven, when I asked my dad to help me cut out some wood shapes on a small jigsaw, added color and sold them on the driveway. i was hooked.
After a year playing college football and throwing javelin in Indiana, I honed my art skills especially metal fabrication and casting finishing with a BFA in sculpture at the University of Kansas. During art school my brother Brian and I designed and made alternative clothing for the skate crowd. My wife and I began selling visual merchandising products to retailers, eventually garnering major clients all over the world. We also started HAVA studios to collaborate on creative projects which led to unique and very high end work. Many times I was providing the design and project management and not having the time to work on the making. I have had to carve out time to make art and also collaborated with my wife on award winning public art.
A few years ago, after chain saw carving a large 8' sculpture out of a huge spalted maple log. The wood cut away was so beautiful, so I carved my wife small piece and hung it on a silver chain. She received many comments and requests about the "wearable sculpture" pendant and I started making them for family and friends, and eventually galleries. Because splating is a natural process; like a finger print, there are no two alike. I expanded the hand carvings to earrings and rings, and then started making other objects including small freestanding sculptures and charcuterie/cheese serving boards, while filling custom requests for furniture and lighting as well as interior design.
My work is driven by my love of shape and form. I tend to be minimal in design. I work with whatever material is the best for the project but have an affinity for wood and metal. I also work in stone, acrylic, glass, resin, foam, and many other unique materials. I take commissions while also producing my original designs. My fine artwork is available upon request.
amanda Sanchez
For Cutting boardDarin was wonderful! He took my requests and made a beautiful cutting board for my friend's wedding. It was a unique piece that I wouldn't have been able to fine anywhere, especially for the price. He worked with my budget and was very clear about all of the different options and their pricing. He was very responsive and showed me photos along the way. I highly recommend working with him:)
Joseph Losito
For Illuminated Wood Base for Glass SculptureThis project was truly one of a kind. The finished product turned out even better than we had hoped. Thanks go to Darin for taking the time to work with us on the fine points and details that really made this a special item. We met several times during the process to consult on these decisions. This was a unique design and Darin's professionalism and careful approach made the difference.
anika hubbard
For Walnut Wood Charcuterie, Cheese, Bread, Serving Or Cutting BoardDarin is an excellent communicator and will make sure he understands your needs. I got several pictures of options and he updated me throughout. The result is a beautiful, very large charcuterie board - like no other. It’s a show stopper!
Tresa Scott
For Walnut Wood Charcuterie, Cheese, Bread, Serving Or Cutting BoardI couldn't be more satisfied with the overall experience with Darin from the start all the way to the finish. Love, Love Love his work, remembering all the small details all the way to the packaging. I can't wait to start my next project, I know exactly who I will be calling. Its nothing like great customer service, and a great product.
Jesse Vierthaler
For custom wooden storage chest/benchDarin was great to work with. He is very artistic and had interesting suggestions about my project that I had not thought of and that ended up looking fantastic. He stayed in touch about how the project was going and if something would be more expensive he would let me know how it would affect the final price for me. He was professional, courteous and the finished project was absolutely gorgeous and works great as well. I highly recommend Darin and would enthusiastically recommend him to a friend as well. I will definitely be contacting him the next time I have another project in mind!
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