Chopping Block

When we first moved into this house, I greatly desired a chopping block. My father, a wood-worker, helped me figure out what kind of block I would need - he suggested an edge-grain and said that when I cut on it, it will push itself back together. If he were here in America, I feel sure he'd make one for me, but, alas, he is not. Once I started pricing them, however, I realized it was beyond my reach.

Then I had the opportunity to participate in a free blogger giveaway that my fellow blogger Nan posted on her blog (sadly, I didn't win). Her friend Melissa and her husband (also friends of my brother, Adam, from college) had recently started their own business. When I saw that Randy had made a farmer's table that was really beautiful, I thought maybe he could make me a chopping block.

I contacted them, and sure enough, he could...and did! For a fraction of the cost, but the workmanship is excellent. I told him everything I wanted/desired in a chopping block, including edge-grain, and a drawer, along with slats at the bottom. He designed it himself, with my desires in mind, and I finally picked it up yesterday in Greensboro.

With no further ado, I present my brand new chopping block, hand-crafted by Randy Lewkowicz.

Melissa also does jewelry, bags and other hand-crafted items. Just from looking around their house I could tell they are extremely talented.

Here's my chopping block in its new home - the middle of my kitchen. I can tell Bill isn't completely on board with it being in his way yet, but I'll use it to make a few pies and cut some veggies and I'm sure I can win him over.

It is almost too nice - I can tell I need to redo my kitchen now that there's something with such good workmanship in it! Pay no attention to the ancient cabinets and handles.

If you would like to see what else they have available or to contact them about something you have in mind to make, check out their website and write them an email! They are definitely great folks and I wholeheartedly recommend them for any project you've got in mind.