The shop floor

Journal

Find inspiration, advice, and the occasional bits of sawdust in our latest posts, stories from the workshop, behind-the-scenes looks, and the sparks that keep us building.

Gimme Shelter olive wood magnetic knife rack mounted on a kitchen wall with chef’s knives and brass screw details.

Magnetic Knife Strips, Racks & Bars: How to Choose

A good magnetic knife rack does more than hold knives. Asha shares what we've learned about magnet placement, hardwood, blade protection, safety, and choosing a...

Asha
Handmade walnut knife block and solid wood cutting board, thoughtful kitchen gifts that get used every day

Best Kitchen Gifts For Home Cooks That Get Used Every Day

Stop giving kitchen gifts that get forgotten. These are the ones home cooks reach for every day. ...

Richard
a neo deco console table

Neo Deco: A Modern Take on Art Deco Design

Neo Deco reinterprets Art Deco through modern craftsmanship, natural materials, and thoughtful restraint. This article explores why the style’s focus on form, function, and material...

Richard
A photo of a beautiful knife block from a piece of crotch walnut

The Ultimate Guide to Knife Blocks: Styles, Woods & Options

“I am always looking at ordinary things and wondering if they could be made a little better, a little simpler, and a lot nicer to...

Asha
Mid-century modern cherry record player stand holding a turntable, headphones, and a collection of vinyl records with Frank Sinatra’s “Cycles” album in front.

Mid Century Modern Record Player Stand: Built for Music Lovers

A closer look at how mid-century modern record player stands balance form, function, and vinyl storage for music lovers. ...

Richard
a Rosewood propagation vase on a bookshelf

Gifts for Plant Lovers – Handmade Propagation Stations & Thoughtful Finds

Handmade gifts for plant lovers who value beauty, intention, and everyday joy, from minimalist propagation vases to small-batch designs with soul. ...

Asha
A group of handmade modern menorahs in walnut, maple, and mappa burl, shown with brass and copper candle cups

Best Menorahs for Hanukkah (2026 Update)

A curated guide to the best menorahs for Hanukkah, featuring modern, handmade, and luxury designs. Updated annually with expert picks and buying guidance. ...

Asha
A modern walnut menorah with brass candle cups sits on a white surface, flanked by red, yellow, and cream flowers, blending sculptural form with handcrafted warmth.

Modern Menorah Design: Exploring Form, Function, and Meaning

TL;DR Modern menorah design blends tradition with innovation—reimagining the Hanukkah menorah, the seven-branched menorah of the Temple, and other Judaica through fresh forms and natural...

Asha
Asha Louise assembling solid wood components for a handmade knife block

What Makes a Good Knife Block? Materials, Construction, and Design Explained from the Bench

A thoughtful look at what actually makes a good knife block, from material choice and weight to design decisions that matter in everyday cooking explained...

Asha
Conditioning a wooden cutting board with clear mineral oil to prevent drying and splitting

How to Care for a Wooden Cutting Board (Prevent Cracking, Warping, and Mold)

A furniture maker’s simple, practical guide to keeping wooden cutting boards beautiful, stable, and crack-free for decades. ...

Richard
A display of handcrafted wooden menorahs in various shapes and wood types, featuring brass candle cups and natural burl grain

How to Choose a Menorah: A Buyer's Guide to Materials, Tradition, and Price

What to look for when choosing a menorah, from a family workshop that makes them one at a time. Materials, tradition, design, and price explained....

Asha
Autumn Leaves rustic kitchen island shown at an angle—reclaimed heart pine top, black distressed pine base with two drawers and an open shelf.

Rustic Kitchen Islands | Custom Solid Wood & Distressed Options

Warmth, storage, and flow—custom rustic kitchen islands from our small family workshop. Introduction if you’re exploring rustic kitchen islands , you’re probably weighing real-world function...

Richard
Makeover comparison: reclaimed basketball court boards vs. the finished “Rebound” dining table with colorful stripe details.

Reclaimed Gym Floor Tables: A Story of Sustainability

Dovetails & Stitches turns reclaimed gym flooring—mostly hard maple—into made-to-order coffee, dining tables, and more, that keep history in play. We fully resurface the reclaimed...

Richard
upcycled propagation vases from maple and walnut

Propagation Vases: Handcrafted Beauty for Plant Lovers

Handcrafted propagation vases made from reclaimed hardwoods are perfect for plant lovers and sustainable decor. Learn how Asha turns wood scraps into art for your...

Richard
Asha holding a mappa burl menorah

Menorah Gift Guide: The Ultimate Guide for Gifting a Menorah

Not sure what to give for Hanukkah, a wedding, or a Jewish milestone? Our Menorah Gift Guide walks you through the art of thoughtful gifting,...

Asha
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