Each item is handcrafted one at a time; no templates are used.  The blocks of wood vary in size, depending on the item being crafted – a pepper mill takes a “blank” that starts out 3” x 3” x 12” and a wine bottle stopper starts at 2” x 2” x 3”. 

 

The turning process starts with just making the blank round, and then shaping it to the idea in my head.  After turning, the piece is sanded (up to 600 grit paper) and finished with a food-safe product, followed by polishing with carnauba wax.