A month ago, I was invited to make a series of soup spoons for a small press gathering held by Aesop. A month later, I’m still processing what a wonderful opportunity it’s been to create wooden wares for their Christmas gift kits aptly named The Guild of Artisans.
Whenever I step into an Aesop store, what draws me in is their tasteful use of natural materials like ceramics, leather, stone and (yes!) timber. With this event, they too envisioned an experience where people would be sensitive to the lasting and unique character of each material.
So here’s a throwback to what happened a week again: Preparing and oiling each spoon before it’s ready for use. Here, I went a little off tangent and had a bit of fun with the oil. Of course, each one eventually ended up fully doused in a natural oil coating. Golden brown and grains galore!
(I like documenting each one before sending them off into the great abyss.)
With any craft, tools play an essential part. I shared what I could about the process and background behind Everyday Canoe and I guess its very humble beginnings and aspirations. I’m just a girl who simply wants to carve wood into honest functional objects for the home.
Public speaking makes me super nervous but everyone was really nice and patience as I took them through the steps and journey of how a spoon becomes a spoon.
Mud Rock Ceramicsled a fantastic hands-on session for the guests to form vessels on the potter’s wheels. Based on the cooking technique behind Beggar’s Chicken, the pulled vessels were lined with paper holding stew, fired for a few minutes and once Chef Jeremy from Preparazzisaw that the bowls were done, he would also know that the food was ready to be served! This concept was first brought to light at Creatory a few months ago, where Mud Rock and Preparazzi collaborated to serve people this unique dish.
Before they tucked in, the guests got to choose a wooden soup spoon from the series to use for lunch and to bring home with them. From bowl, to food, to tableware, we each brought something to the meal. I hope the guests enjoyed their time with Aesop and us as much as we did.
22 spoons and a month later, I’m sitting here writing this with a big smile on my face. It was my first time making so many spoons at one shot, but it was a great experience that taught me how to lean and rest on God’s grace and strength when mine wears thin.
Here’s to more exciting collaborations ahead!