I wanted to make a charcuterie board for my wife for Christmas and I had some live edge walnut and other rough cut walnut in my wood stock, so I started to play with ideas that met with the shape of the wood and the concept. I truly enjoyed the process of design, carving, sanding, and finishing this piece and decided to make more to share. I love how the form follows function, the live edges, and the details of the grain. Each board that I make is different as I am responding to the materials. Personally I appreciate the beauty of the natural wood. Natural knots, slight cracks and imperfections are rustic qualities. Some prefer a more finished look. Just let me know how rustic/refined you are looking for and we can find a balance. You could use these as cutting boards, but I would recommend that they be used as an aesthetically but functional unique serving board (or flip it over and use the back as a cutting board). All boards are finished with a food safe mineral oil. If you would like to have your board made to different specifications than a pull down, just choose "Contact Maker" and let me know what you would like. I'll do my best to meet your needs. I can also make these boards in other woods. The live edge option is easier to accommodate in some species of wood than others. Other great options could be maple, hickory, spalted maple, elm, ash, oak. If you have a specific species in mind, let me know. I am flexible. How to order: Choose from the pull down options, or if you don't see the options you like, or want to just make something crazy fun, let me know by clicking on the "Contact Maker" button and describing your idea the best you can. We can collaborate on your next serving board together! My normal time frame to make these is around 4 weeks +/-. If you need something quickly and just need me to send you a board I may have in the studio, let me know what you desire below and that you need it quickly and If available I will choose something nice, snap a pic and once you approve, send it out to you!
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.
Kim einhorn
For Unique Custom Serving Tray, Cheese Board, Charcuterie Or Serving BoardTrue love this piece that Darin has made for me. So happy to have this right in time for the holidays.
Troy Stewart
For Walnut Wood Charcuterie, Cheese, Bread, Serving Or Cutting BoardI curated Darin to create a piece for an employee who recently purchased their dream home. Darin's communication, attention to detail and professionalism is second to none. Thank you for an excellent piece that my employee will enjoy for many years.
Scott McCracken
For Walnut Wood Charcuterie, Cheese, Bread, Serving Or Cutting BoardDarin was wonderful to work with. From the initial conversation to the end, the project went very smoothly and finished ahead of schedule. He was very patient with my numerous questions and even sent photos of rough wood for me to choose my exact piece, lending a custom feeling to the finished Charcuterie Board. It came out beautifully and I will definitely use Darin again for a project like this. Thank you Darin
Kathleen Anderson
For Walnut Wood Charcuterie, Cheese, Bread, Serving Or Cutting BoardI was desperately searching for a specific charcuterie board for a family weekend when I came across Darin’s website. While he had a few finished boards available, I wanted a little different shape. I asked Darin if he could create a board for me and have it shipped to arrive within 10 days. A bit unreasonable, yes! But Darin was so willing to work with me to create a board for my event. He sent me pictures of different woods and we finally settled on a red wood elm with a bark edge. Not only did it arrive on time but it was early. It was perfect. Just beautiful. I have received so many compliments from my friends and family. I keep it out in the kitchen as decor because it is a unique piece of art that cannot be kept in a cabinet. Darin was so wonderful to work with. He was professional, great with communication and so kind to work with me under such a crazy timeline. I highly recommend Darin and would buy from him again.
Mike Lipsitz
For Walnut Wood Charcuterie, Cheese, Bread, Serving Or Cutting BoardDarin made us a fantastic cheese board, custom engraved with details for our anniversary. He was responsive and turned the order around very quickly for us, including some extra steps required to obtain the board itself. Thanks, Darin!
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