Fallen Trees Get a Second Life

Silocone, metal, wood... most of us have a favorite for cooking utensils. Wooden utensils can make a great addition to your set. They're durable and won't absorb heat like metal. 

They can also be beautiful works of art. A few of my family went to the Vashon farmers market this weekend, and stumbled across this awesome crafter, John Moore of Treen Ware, who turns out beautiful pieces like these turners and spatulas. 

Each piece is engraved with his signature and the type of wood identified. 

He makes spatulas, turners, ladles, spoons, and more. Look at this gorgeous wood pattern.

While wood is a durable, heat-resistant, and renewable material, you still don't need to use virgin lumber for pieces like this. John only uses "second chance" wood, that is, trees that have fallen naturally or need to be removed for other reasons. 

Like what you see? You can find John at the contact info below, or at the Vashon farmer's market. 

You can find similar pieces and other wood-working using fallen trees by searching: "second chance", "reclaimed", or "salvaged" wood.

While these utensils do cost a bit more than at  standard department store, you are also paying for the craftmanship.

You can also look into these businesses as an option to take away fallen trees. Seattlewoodturners.org is an example organization who will take your wood (no cost to you, and a donation receipt!) for use by their members. Compared to landscapers, waste removal, and other services, this can potentially save you hundreds $$$ while providing free raw materials to craftspeople.