Live Edge Book Matched Solid Walnut Dining Table
I love the process of working with large slabs of wood, finding the amazing character in the natural wood! It sounds simple to just highlight the beauty, and for all intensive purposes the idea is easy. Find a discarded tree, save it from being a pile of mulch or burned in a fire, or discarded in a landfill. But, the process is a seriously challenging one, one that I accept over and over again, because it pains me to see this beauty be thrown out. This walnut tree came from just off 9th Street in our college town of 100K in Lawrence, Kansas a stones throw from Kansas City (Missouri and Kansas). The dead tree was cut down and saved, brought to a mill, processed, air dried and then kiln dried. This magnificent tree was over 24" in diameter. A client from Leawood, Kansas asked for me to make a live edge book matched walnut table for them. Both the husband and the wife had different ideas of what they wanted. They came to meet with me and discuss their needs, wants, desires and we went to the mill to pick out the wood. They chose this walnut tree from 9th Street and the 11' x 2" thick slabs. You don't have to be local to go through this process. I have worked with clients all over the country and even various parts of the world. I treat each project as what it is, a custom commission to make you a beautiful designed and made work of art, an heirloom to last your family for generations. Click on the contact the maker button to have a conversation and see if I would be a good fit to make your project! Thank you, Darin M. White DMW | HAVA studios
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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.
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Troy Stewart
For Walnut Wood Charcuterie, Cheese, Bread, Serving Or Cutting Board5.0I 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.
- KA
Kathleen Anderson
For Walnut Wood Charcuterie, Cheese, Bread, Serving Or Cutting Board5.0I 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.
- JL
Joseph Losito
For Illuminated Wood Base for Glass Sculpture5.0This 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.
- JC
John Crespi
For Polenta Serving Boards4.7 - PB
Paige Bishop
For Magnetic knife rack5.0I loved the custom charcuterie board that my mother in law got me from Darin for Christmas one year so much that when I was in the market for a custom magnetic knife board I reached out to him. He had not made one before, but he was happy to help and he did a fantastic job! It was extremely easy to hang and the magnets are very secure for my knives but still allow me to easily remove them. Darin gave updates throughout the entire process and involved me in all of the decisions in this project. He is very creative and artistic and he really brought my idea to life !
- AH
anika hubbard
For Walnut Wood Charcuterie, Cheese, Bread, Serving Or Cutting Board5.0Darin 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!
- DD
Denise Dunlop
For Walnut Wood Charcuterie, Cheese, Bread, Serving Or Cutting Board4.7Darin is an artisan! He created the custom charcuterie board that I envisioned but could not find anywhere else. He cared about my project and worked to meet all of my needs. It was fun to work with Darin . . . even though we are a few states apart, I felt like I was in the workshop with him as he found that perfect board for my project and kept me up to date on the progress of the project through pictures and messages. I highly recommend Darin for your next project
- JV
Jesse Vierthaler
For custom wooden storage chest/bench5.0Darin 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!
- DA
Douglas Ander
For Walnut Wood Charcuterie, Cheese, Bread, Serving Or Cutting Board5.0Beautiful cheese board. It is well crafted and looks spectacular. Used it for the first time last night and would love to share the picture we took of a lovely cheese course. Darin was always in communication with me and make sure every step was to my liking. When I took a wrong turn because I had no clue what I was looking for him to create he nicely steered me in the right direction. This was an anniversary gift for 29 years of marriage which is furniture. A cheese board for wonderful nights of cheese and wine seemed appropriate and Darin did a great job.
- MF
Melissa Ford
For Unique Custom Serving Tray, Cheese Board, Charcuterie Or Serving Board With Copper Hammer Handles5.0Darin was absolutely incredible to work with! The finished product was unique, beautiful and absolutely lovely!! I look forward to working with Darin again!
- MR
Maxime Robillard
For Personalized Laser Engraved Serving Trays And Boards4.0Darin was amazing! Unfortunately I was hoping for a larger, thicker board with Live edge. Shipping took longer than the project. Would recommend.
- PC
Paul Cugno
For Natural Burl Wood Charcuterie Or Serving Board5.0When I received this board I was sceptical that I would not be fully satisfied for as an art collector for 40 years I have become very demanding. Well to my incredulous view of this final product was without any doubt absolutely stunning. Darin White is an accomplished artist let alone a true professional who follows his client from beginning to final shipment. I truly hope that craftsmen of this caliber stay in business for a long time. Thanks again Darin and best of luck.
LGLeslie Galbraith
For Live Edge Charcuterie, Cheese, Bread Serving / Cutting Board / Tray5.0I started talking with Darin about a charcuterie board in late 2019. I had something in my mind's eye and Darin patiently continued a dialogue with me for months to realize something really beautiful (thanks Darin, the board arrived today). From showing me previous commissions, finished boards currently available in his store, to rough, unworked raw material in his workshop, we eventually decided on a path forward. From there Darin consulted me about dimensions, finish and options for fill. Honestly, once the wood was selected for the work, I deferred to him for most decisions because, after all, he is the expert and I obviously share many of his preferences, or I wouldn't have landed on his site in the first place. The board is stunning and the wood's natural quirks and details shine.
- PE
Paul Edgar
For Walnut Wood Charcuterie, Cheese, Bread, Serving Or Cutting Board5.0Darin White does terrific work. Moreover, he communicates better than almost any other craftsman that I've worked with on a wide variety of custom projects. Definitely in the top 1%. Thanks, Darin!
- BB
bob boensch
For Personalized Branded Or Engraved Serving Board5.0Darin was easy to work with and very responsive especially considering the Xmas rush. The product turned out well and a one of a kind unique product. I would use Darin again.
- CB
Christina Bishop
For Large Carved Handle Live Or Natural Edge Serving Boards5.0Darin did an amazing job on all 4 of my charcuterie boards. He shipped them as planned and made my holiday delivery Would highly recommend Darin and will definitely use his again.
- KE
Kim einhorn
For Unique Custom Serving Tray, Cheese Board, Charcuterie Or Serving Board5.0True love this piece that Darin has made for me. So happy to have this right in time for the holidays.
- MH
Michael Heather
For Walnut Wood Charcuterie, Cheese, Bread, Serving Or Cutting Board5.0It was so much fun collaborating with Darin on a custom made charcuterie board. The final product, a large burl elm board, was amazing. Darin worked with me to select the desired wood and size for my board. He provided updates throughout the creation process. If I have another wood board project I will use Darin.
- BP
Benjamin Power
For Walnut Wood Charcuterie, Cheese, Bread, Serving Or Cutting Board5.0Wanted something extra special and custom made for my brother's wedding gift - Darin was outstanding to work with. While I had a basic concept of what I wanted the final product to be, he offered his guidance throughout the process and I couldn't have been happier with the end result. Definitely worth the money and the constant communication from Darin was reassuring - couldn't recommend him more!
- RF
Robert Fogliasso
For Walnut Wood Charcuterie, Cheese, Bread, Serving Or Cutting Board4.8 - ML
Mike Lipsitz
For Walnut Wood Charcuterie, Cheese, Bread, Serving Or Cutting Board4.8Darin 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!
- DM
David Morrison
For Live Edge Walnut Cutting Board And Serving Boards. Limited Inventory! Please See Other Listings.4.8Darin was fantastic to work with. He gave us many options to choose from, he was excellent at communication, and the end product was exactly what we were looking for. Darin is a true artist and was able to mold a piece of wood into a gorgeous charcuterie board that served as the center piece for our 50th birthday party. Everyone loved the piece. I highly recommend using Darin for any wood-working,
DWDiane Walden
For QUICK walnut charcuterie board5.0Was looking for a special gift and found Darin. I ordered a walnut charcuterie board. Darin worked closely with me to provide a high quality, unique and beautiful board that will last a lifetime! Love working with him. Highly recommended!
- DW
Diane Walden
For QUICK walnut charcuterie board (second)5.0I ordered a walnut charcuterie board to give as a gift and was so impressed with the quality of the board that I immediately ordered another one. The recipients love them. Darin is amazing to work with - professional and talented. He keeps you updated on the project and is so easy to communicate with - boards were carefully packaged and shipped on time. Will order again from Darin.
SMScott McCracken
For Walnut Wood Charcuterie, Cheese, Bread, Serving Or Cutting Board4.8Darin 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
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