Les Witherel’s Sleeping Bear Woodworks is a hidden gem nestled on a serene hilltop in the picturesque foothills of New York State’s Catskill Mountains. The tranquility of nature and the unmistakable aroma of freshly hewn wood greet you as you step onto this unique property.
Les Witherel is a master craftsman renowned for his meticulously handcrafted hardwood cutting and serving boards, trays, and exquisite tapered rolling pins. Each piece is a unique, heirloom-quality creation combining functionality and timeless aesthetic appeal.
In addition to his signature cutting boards, Les showcases his skill in crafting hand-turned, natural bark, ash, and birch “nut bowls” that exude rustic charm. The artistry extends to a delightful array of decorative birdhouses, turned ornaments, and elegant ring holders, all bearing the hallmark of Les’s unwavering dedication to his craft.
Every creation that emerges from Les’s workshop is a testament to his discerning eye for the finest raw materials. He meticulously handpicked wood with captivating colors, rare grain patterns, and exquisite figures that are a testament to the beauty of the natural world.
Les’s unwavering commitment to perfection is evident in every detail of his work. Each board and rolling pin undergoes a laborious process, beginning with meticulous sanding to achieve a satin-smooth finish. The wood is then hand-oiled and treated with a specially formulated beeswax finish, carefully sourced from the woodworker’s own apiary.
Les Witherel’s creations transcend mere kitchen utensils; they are functional works of art that elevate the ambiance of any home. They embody utilitarian elegance, designed to be cherished and passed down through generations. Each piece that bears Les’s signature is not merely a purchase but an investment in enduring craftsmanship and a “gift for a lifetime.
Advertisement
Products From Sleeping Bear Woodworks:
Cutting/Serving Boards and Trays
These are different from your typical cutting boards and serving trays, usually tucked away in cabinets or drawers. They are handmade pieces crafted from highly figured birdseye and curly maple, designed to be displayed on counters, servers, sideboards, or walls. Most of these boards are made from a single piece of wood instead of narrow glued-up strips. They can also be adorned with accents of cherry, walnut, cardinalwood, yellowheart, purpleheart, bubinga, or padauk, like the “paws” design, which features up to 40 walnut or cherry pegs.
Tapered Rolling Pins
Grandma’s rolling pin with a whole new look! Why settle for an ordinary rolling pin when you can have a beautiful and functional one? These rolling pins make it easy to roll out perfect circles without stretching or tearing the dough. They swivel easily, allowing you to roll out thin crusts for pastries, cookies, and even pizza. Plus, they are great for self-defense in a pinch! These rolling pins are made from various domestic and exotic hardwoods. They feature unique designs created from strips of contrasting woods or doweled in pegs, making them unmistakably Sleeping Bear Woodworks products.
Bird House Ornaments
These whimsical miniature dwellings range in size from approximately 5 to 11 inches in height. The bodies are crafted from native hardwoods such as white, black, and yellow birch and ash. The roofs are turned from various wood species including pine, cedar and cherry.
Catskill Mountain Nut Bowls
No mass production here! Each log section from the woods to prevent damage to the bark. The logs are air dried for about one year and then are cut into “bowl blanks”, rough turned and set aside to dry for another six months. These bowls are chunky and rustic in appearance. They are great for nuts, fruit, dried flowers, and potpourri. Fill with pinecones or holiday ornaments. Not for use with wet foods.
Share this!
081924