CREATING BEAUTY FOR EVERYDAY LIFE
We believe that the objects in our lives are talismans of beauty. These objects ground us, create space for clear thoughts, and help us connect with ourselves and the world around us—past, present, and future.
Beauty is found in the texture of natural materials, the simple forms and lines of everyday objects, the marks left by the hand, and in the creative process born of utilitarian needs. Handmade objects have the ability to bring comfort and well-being into our lives and homes.
Inspired by craft traditions from around the world, we are dedicated to designing and producing beautiful objects for daily use.
What we do
Woodspirit HANDCRAFT is a small operation consisting of Jarrod, Jazmin, and an assistant. Find out more about us here. Goods are made in small batches and finished by hand in our workshop in Ashland, Wisconsin. We use locally sourced wood, non-toxic, food grade oils/waxes, pigments, & milk paint. Urushi lacquer and Hassui Ceramic glass coating is imported from Asia.
We want to increase appreciation for the handmade as well as encourage the use of woodenware in daily life—for its beauty, durability, and because it connects us to the natural world.
Bowls, Plates, cups & woodenware
Bowls, plates, cups and other woodenware are made using a Japanese electric lathe, Western electric lathe, and a foot-powered lathe for handled pieces. Careful consideration goes into the proportions, shape and texture of each piece. Fresh, green, locally harvested wood is used to create these objects. As the wood dries the piece bends and moves, shaped and influenced by the nature of the wood. This movement enhances the beauty and organic shape of the pieces. Axe marks, wood grain, and tool texture add additional personality to each piece.
Eating spoons, Spatulas, & kitchen utensils
The wooden spoon is an ancient and iconic object. It is a small handheld sculpture bound to utilitarian function. It is also where that function meets the balance of proportions, shape, and texture. Our spoon designs are inspired by traditional forms from all over the world, but predominantly from Sweden and Japan. They are made using a variety of techniques and finished with a knife. Our wood is sourced locally and worked green or fresh whenever possible.
Handwoven textiles & Shibori
Napkins, handkerchiefs, and other textiles are woven in small batches on a floor loom with natural fibers like linen, cotton, and wool. Some fibers are also grown, processed, hand-spun, and hand-dyed with indigo and other natural dyes. Traditional and historical patterns and colors are a primary source of inspiration for the designs. Shibori resist dyed scarves, bandannas and other cloth is done on imported fabrics in a natural fermentation vat with indigo sourced from El Salvador, “Living Blue” from India, and Stoney Creek Colors from Tennessee.
Birch Bark goods
Birch bark has a rich tradition around the Northern hemisphere. Its qualities are often compared to leather. It’s flexible and resistant to rot, so it is well suited for weaving baskets and forming into boxes and containers. Because of the limited supply of locally harvested quality bark, we offer small quantities of canisters and other woven baskets, knife sheaths, and ornaments throughout the year. We also source birch bark that is sustainably harvested in Russia.
Photo: Raphael Berrios
Pole Lathe: Build, Forge, Turn at Port Townsend School of Woodworking
teaching, writing, & Travel
Jarrod enjoys teaching and sharing his experience with others, especially younger people who have an interest in incorporating craft into their life. He teaches classes on spoon carving, green woodworking, wood turning on a foot-powered lathe, and birch bark craft. Courses last from 2 days to 2 weeks.
His desire to train future craftspeople has resulted in hosting several apprenticeships and mentoring. Currently, he employs an assistant to help with production and as a way of exploring how to teach in-depth skills over a longer term.
Jarrod has been an active blogger, sharing the thoughts, ideas, and experiences of his 25 plus years as a professional woodworker and former homesteader in Northern Wisconsin. His YouTube channel includes videos of Jarrod discussing and making a wide variety of craft objects. He also writes articles for magazines and has a forthcoming book on pole-lathe turning.
He travels to teach handcraft, to study in museums, to collaborate with and to learn from other makers. He works to promote community between craftspeople across borders.
Jarrod teaching Pole Lathe Turning at Woodspirit School of Traditional Craft Ashland, WI
Jarrod teaching at Gifu Forest Academy, Japan