Pittsburg couple transforms wood into works of art
Stripes, curves, a check here or there – no matter the pattern, Sawdust Memories transforms blocks of wood into artwork with each of its custom cutting boards.
Owners Joshua and Nikki Wiltse of Pittsburg craft each board by hand using natural woods to form contrasting colors.
Finished boards are available now inside Sisters Reclaimed at 107 Jefferson St. in downtown Pittsburg. Each cutting board, whether sized larger for meat or smaller for cheese, can be customized to any personality.
Joshua said he learned woodworking at his grandfather’s feet and he and Nikki also build and restore furniture in addition to the cutting boards.
“We’ve been doing this for a long time. We just thought they were neat and pretty,” Joshua said of the cutting boards. “I like the different curves and patterns.”
Nikki said the creative process is rewarding and she loves watching a piece of wood become something useful as well as beautiful.
“It’s nice seeing what you create come alive,” she said. “It’s sometimes hit or miss, like, let’s see if this will work.”
The couple uses a variety of wood to create the customized look of each piece. Maple, walnut, purple heart and cherry are favorites.
“We’ve got your perfect Christmas gift,” Joshua said. “I do like that we’re local and able to partner up with Melanie (Mrs. Bass owns Sisters Reclaimed).”
Cheese boards are $50, larger boards range from $80 to $100 and thick butcher block boards are $200.
“They’ll last,” Joshua said. “You’ll be able to pass these on to your grandchildren.”
The couple is also able to customize each board with wood burned initials, Bible verses, names and more.
“If it’s a custom job from beginning to end, we could do as much writing on it as we could,” he said. “We wood burn by hand.”
By Tori Lyle, news@campcountynow.com -
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