Introducing Steve and Janine from JS Wood Designs. Where every item is handmade!! From their home in Redland Bay, Queensland, they create amazing wood-turned homewares.
Find out why Steve and Janine started creating and why they are so passionate about the value of handmade.
Tell us about your creations and your handmade process.
JS Wood Designs evolved out of a passion for creating unique one-of-a-kind handmade wood items. What started as a hobby in a garage has now grown into a small business.
We embrace the natural beauty and features of wood, transforming salvaged timber into unique household pieces such as bowls, vases, coffee tables, serving boards, tea-light holders, coasters, kitchenware, and other home-decor items. We often blend traditional woodworking methods with modern resin techniques. As our love of wood continues to evolve, so does our interest in resin.
Tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a handmade artist.
We have always loved wood as a medium for creative ideas. Steve began wood turning 30 years ago and Janine 5 years ago. Other wood working techniques have been self-taught as the need arises. We like to source exotic/interesting timbers whenever we can, from wherever we can.
It is not uncommon for us to pull over if we see a fallen tree and salvage what we can.
Often we will collect unique pieces without having a plan for what they will become. We use simple designs, and allow the grain structure of the wood to 'do the talking'. Our workspace has grown from a small area within our garage, to a purpose-built workshop (which we are now out-growing!). We love spending time together in the workshop.
Some days we will have a plan; other days we let the wood dictate what is produced. We both find working with timber cathartic. We began our craft just for fun, but there's only so many items you can give away as presents, so JS Wood Designs was born.
What is your inspiration or where do you find inspiration?
Our inspiration comes from many places. Sometimes we just create a piece by placing the raw wood on the lathe and seeing what comes of it. Other times, we will see a need for an item, and create something to suit. Janine is always on the lookout for items which could be made by us, from wood. We have also made commission pieces for people who have a specific design in mind.
Where did you learn your craft?
We both learned wood turning in Canberra, as members of the ACT Woodcraft Guild.
Why is handmade artistry so important to you?
We love to see the reactions of people who see our products and appreciate the one-of-a-kind uniqueness of hand-made. There are no two pieces of ours which are exactly the same.
Steve and Janine are much loved members of the MadeIt Collective, posting regularly in our Facebook Group ~ MadeIt: Handmade not Massmade Australia ~ and sharing their new creations as they are released. If you haven't connected with JS Wood Designs make sure you join our FB Group and say hi !
