The joy of wood and the care of wood items used for cooking and eating were themes of my day as a vendor at the GLAM Craft Show in Gainesville.

I really enjoyed talking with the many people who stopped by my display and wanted to learn more about the wood items I make.

We talked about the variety of woods I use and the stories behind some of the wood.

• Several beautiful Dogwood spoons were saved from a neighbor’s Dogwood tree that was being cut down for safety reasons.
• Some of my spoons were made from a Red Maple that had been cut and was going to be used as firewood.
• I sold the last of my Hackberry spoons. A local business owner knew I made wood items and asked if I’d like wood from the Hackberry tree he had cut down. You know that my answer was “Yes!”
• I showed the difference in the wood of a Florida Cherry tree versus a North Carolina Cherry tree, with different grain and color due to the difference in moisture levels and temperatures.

People held the spoons, feeling the texture of the spoon and the grip. They discussed how they might use the spoon of how they could envision a friend or relative using the spoon. “This is just the serving spoon I need” or “This will be a great tasting spoon.”

Care of wood spoons

To those who purchased my spoons, wood spreaders and serving boards, here’s a reminder of tips for caring for those special wood items.

• Don’t put them in the dishwasher.
• Rinse the wood item after use and let air dry. You may want to keep them on the counter or hanging on a peg or hook by the stove so you can enjoy them even when you aren’t cooking with them.
• To help the spoon (or spreader or cutting board) have that crisp look, you may want to wipe with mineral oil (which you can purchase from the drugstore) or with cocnut oil (which you can purchase in many grocery stores). Don’t use olive oil because it will go rancid over time.

The wood is a living thing. So the wood may curve over time, and the color of the wood may darken, especially with Cherry and Horse Chestnut.

Special atmosphere of GLAM

I enjoy the interactive nature of GLAM. This was my fourth year as a vendor. Those who attend GLAM are there not only to purchase holiday gifts (including a few items for themselves), but want to learn about how the items are made and about the artists.

Local artist Annie Pais was checking out which spoon to purchase, and suddenly a small crowd joined her to try out every spoon on my display board and some I had in my storage box.

I answered dozens of questions about my ornaments and Fanbirds. I played an impromptu duet with a beginning flute player.

Thanks to GLAM organizer Kim Kruse and her husband, Jason, for the great job of organizing this special annual event in Gainesville.