My Story
I have always enjoyed woodworking, from small craft type projects, to large construction jobs. I have had a small woodshop in my garage for years. In late 2016, I felt the need to turn a once and a while trip to the woodshop into a part time job. For months, I had been following many spoon carvers on Instagram and Facebook. I admired all of the technique and skill that could go into turning a simple eating or cooking tool into a beautiful piece of functional art. I spent lots of time researching the finishing methods, making sure the pieces would be food safe and could withstand the abuse that repeated cooking and washing would dish out. I started out making eating spoons for myself and my family, occasionally posting pictures on my social media pages. Friends and family members were naturally my earliest customers. They pushed me to hone my skills and step out of my comfort zone on tougher designs. After the first few months, word started to spread. Shortly thereafter I started the Hilltop Spoonworks Facebook page, Instagram page, and managed to sell my first pieces to non family members. In 2018 I was finally able to take the leap and quit my day job to go full time in the woodshop. I worked the fair and show circuit locally and was even invited to be a representative of the woodworking craft for the state of Maine at the Eastern States Exposition in Massachusetts for the past three years. Sadly 2020 and the Covid-19 shutdown of shows forced me back into the ratrace, and back to making spoons only as a part time job. I love what I do, and will never stop carving no matter what life throws at me. I will always continue to learn, to carve, and to work hard to make every spoon to the highest quality possible.
Product Information
You must bear in mind that these are newly carved, sanded, and finished, solid wood utensils. They have not been seasoned through use like the ones you may currently have. The first few times you use them, they will get a fuzzy feel to them, this is a natural part of the seasoning process which goes away the more you use them. Hand wash only, with regular dish soap, and dry with a cloth or paper towel right away. Do not let them soak or sit in the sink for an extended period. The finish I use is an all natural and food safe pure Tung oil (not Tung Oil finish, because that has chemical additives that speed drying and is not food safe). If the piece will be used daily or on a somewhat regular basis, I recommend you apply a food safe oil like mineral oil monthly or at the very least every couple of months, this will keep the wood conditioned and maintain a bright finish. Any butcher block conditioner or oil will work as well. If for any reason, the piece feels overly rough or fuzzy, a light sanding with 600-800 grit sandpaper followed by butcher block conditioner/oil will make them like new again. If you follow these instructions, your utensils will serve you well for many years to come.
***I guarantee my work. Any pieces damaged through normal use will be replaced, free of charge. This does not included; dropping, mishandling and/or improper care. ***