walnut slab trays
walnut slab trays
4 available, (2) large, (1) medium, (1) small
$79-99 each
I bought these 4 slabs of walnut wood from a sawmill in the middle of nowhere in Ohio. These were leftover pieces after the walnut tree had been processed and sawn into usable lumber. These leftovers had the bark on them and they were covered in dirt from laying on the ground at the mill and being stepped on.
Back at my shop, it required a lot of work to get these slabs flat and even. I planed them over and over. When I removed the bark, I found the trails and tunnels of the previous inhabitants. This tree had been home to many creatures, who put a lot of effort into it. To honor their hard work, I preserved these unique patterns along the edges of the tray.
As I worked these slabs, they began to reward me for my faith. The rainbow of beautiful colors and grain patters in these pieces of wood was amazing and beautiful.
I scoured the internet for metal tray handles that would be fitting for these trays. Nothing I found seemed quite right. Everything I could add seemed like a detraction from the beauty that was emerging. I let the project ruminate for a week. Eventually I realized that the best handles would be invisible and integrated into the wood. I cut handles into the underside of each tray. They feel great in your hands when carrying them to a loved one.
