Author: Dawn Cowan

  • What We Love Most About Custom Work

    What We Love Most About Custom Work

    It’s always a new adventure

    There’s something magical about being asked to create something we haven’t ever made before.

    That’s what custom craftsmanship is for us—a beautiful invitation to explore, experiment, and build a piece of functional art that exists for one person, one story, one moment in time. Whether it’s a heart-shaped dual cutting board trophy for a dog show champion, a commemorative pen to mark a graduation, or a memorial urn to honor a life well-lived, every custom woodworking project starts the same way: with a conversation.

    You tell us what you’re dreaming up, and we start figuring out how to make it real.

    Custom Trophy and Signboard Two of our custom pieces for the Heart of America Cluster dog shows – the signboard for Photos by Lennah and the heart-shaped trophy below. Thank you, Lennah, for letting us share this!

    Why Custom Craftsmanship Keeps Our Workshop Alive

    One of the biggest joys of handcrafted custom work? We get to play. New materials. Unusual shapes. Color combinations that would never work in our regular line. Giant projects that wouldn’t fit at a craft show. Tiny details that matter to just one person.

    Honestly, some of our favorite custom pieces are things we’d never be able to sell online or at art fairs. But when someone commissions exactly what they need—it gives us permission to stretch our skills and pour love into something completely unexpected.

    Take our annual custom work for the Heart of America Cluster dog shows. For several years running, we’ve crafted their Best of Breed, Best Junior Handler, and Variety Group win trophies. Each one is different, each one celebrates a specific achievement, and each one gets to be part of someone’s proudest moment.

    Sure, we’ve had our share of trial and error with custom commissions. Sometimes we put our own money into a piece to make sure it’s exactly right, even if it takes extra time or materials. That’s part of the deal when you choose artisan custom craftsmanship over mass production. You’re not just getting a product—you’re partnering with us in the creative process.

    Our Custom Woodworking Process: What to Expect

    We believe in clear communication and building trust, so here’s exactly how our custom work process works:

    1. Let’s Talk About Your Vision

    Reach out and tell us what you’re imagining. We’ll be completely honest about what we can and can’t do with custom resin and wood work. If it’s a good fit, we’ll move forward together.

    2. Materials, Colors, and Design Approval

    We’ll work with you to select specific wood types, resin colors and effects, sizes, and shapes. Rex might suggest techniques that would work better, or Dawn might have ideas for resin combinations you hadn’t considered. Once you approve the direction, we’ll ask for 50% up front to source materials and get started.

    3. Handcrafted Creation and Updates

    We’ll build your custom piece with the same care and attention we give every project. Depending on the complexity, we’ll keep you updated on progress and send photos along the way.

    4. Professional Photography and Final Payment

    When your piece is complete, you’ll receive professional photos showing every detail. Once you approve and send final payment, we’ll carefully package and ship your custom creation.

    5. Our Custom Work Guarantee

    Our warranty covers any manufacturing issues once your piece arrives safely. We stand behind every custom commission we create.

    The Real Joy: Creating What We’d Never Get to Make Otherwise

    We won’t lie—it’s not really about the money (though we do appreciate being able to pay for materials!). It’s about the pure joy of creating something you dreamed up that maybe no one else ever would have thought to request.

    The custom craftsmanship projects we love most? The ones that let us break our own patterns. The ones that push our skills in directions we didn’t know we could go. The ones that come from someone trusting us with their vision.

    We’ve made memorial pieces that helped families heal. Celebration trophies that marked life achievements. Anniversary gifts that captured decades of love. Retirement presents that honored careers well-lived. Each one taught us something new about our craft and reminded us why we do this work.

    Custom Ideas We’d Love to Explore

    Thinking about commissioning something but not sure what’s possible? Here are some custom woodworking and resin art ideas we’d love to tackle:

    • Corporate awards and recognition pieces with company colors and meaningful symbolism
    • Memorial and commemorative items that honor loved ones with dignity and beauty
    • Anniversary and milestone gifts incorporating special dates, locations, or shared memories
    • Unique serving pieces sized perfectly for your entertaining style
    • Personalized desk accessories that make your workspace feel distinctly yours
    • Trophy and award pieces for organizations, competitions, or achievements
    • Large-scale art installations for homes or businesses
    • Matched sets and collections built over time to your specifications

    Ready to Start Your Custom Project?

    If you’ve got an idea brewing—or just a story in your heart that you’d love to see transformed into something tangible—we’d love to hear from you.

    Maybe it’s something completely practical, like a cutting board sized exactly for your kitchen island. Maybe it’s deeply personal, like a pen made from wood that has family significance. Maybe it’s purely celebratory, like a one-of-a-kind piece to mark a major life event.

    Whatever it is, if it involves wood, resin, craftsmanship, and care, we’re probably the right people to bring it to life.

    Ready to start the conversation? Contact us through our website or give us a call. Let’s talk about what you’re envisioning, and we’ll figure out together how to make it real.

    Interested in commissioning a custom piece? Get in touch with us to discuss your vision. From concept to completion, we’ll work with you to create something truly one-of-a-kind.

    As always, thank you for being part of our story. Your trust in our custom craftsmanship makes our work meaningful, and we’re honored every time you let us turn your ideas into something beautiful and lasting.

  • Why Collectors Say It’s Better Than Mass Produced

    There’s a soul to this stuff.

    Ever notice how something just feels different when it’s made by hand?

    You hold it, and you can tell. It’s not just that the wood is smoother or the resin swirls are mesmerizing—it’s that it has a soul. That’s not marketing fluff. It’s the truth we hear time and again from our collectors.

    So what makes handcrafted pieces like ours worth collecting, even more than their mass-produced lookalikes? Let’s talk about it.

    Handmade Means Every Piece is Truly Unique

    We don’t hit “start” on a machine and walk away.

    We work with wood that has history, resin that dances differently every time, and shapes born from scrap that no factory could predict. Even our “sets”—like our walnut and maple kitchen tools or teak desk accessories—aren’t twins. They’re more like siblings. Matching? Absolutely. Identical? Never.

    Take our resin work, for example. Each pour swirls differently. The way purple meets gold in one pen will never happen exactly the same way in another. When Rex works with reclaimed wood, every cut reveals something new—a hidden grain pattern, a story written in the rings.

    And that’s the beauty of it. Real collectors know it’s the one-of-a-kindness that makes a piece special.

    Collecting Isn’t Just for Millionaires Anymore

    Not everyone can afford 800 Warhols. (Heck, most of us can’t afford one!) But building your own collection of functional art—tools you use every day that are also beautiful and made to last—that’s something achievable. And deeply personal.

    Many of our collectors start with one piece. A pen that writes like butter. A bottle stopper that makes them smile every time they open wine. A rolling pin that makes baking feel special again.

    Then they come back. Not because they have to, but because they want more of that story. That feel. That connection to something real.

    The Real Difference: Handmade vs Factory Made

    We’re not here to bash mass production—some of it’s actually quite nice. But here’s the thing: what we make isn’t just better, it’s different in ways that matter.

    Here’s how that stacks up:

    Pen & Pencil Sets

    Ours: Honduran Mahogany & Gold – One-of-a-kind grain patterns, each pen unique in its shimmer and feel


    Theirs: Bamboo and stainless steel, laser-engraved with company logos. Every single one identical to the thousands before it.

    End Grain Cutting Boards

    Ours: Maple & Walnut Checkerboard – Thick, sturdy, heirloom-quality with hand-selected wood


    Theirs: Larger but thinner, unknown wood source, inconsistent finishing

    Rolling Pins

    Ours: Maple & Walnut with Ball Bearings – Hand-selected wood with precision movement, buttery smooth operation


    Theirs: Solid maple but quality varies—some even develop cracks before they’re sold

    Cheese Knives

    Ours: Walnut & Maple Handles with Stainless Steel – Designed to complement other pieces in your collection


    Theirs: Italian olivewood, “made by hand” in China, with advertised pieces that aren’t actually included

    Cabochons for Jewelry

    Ours: Resin Scrap Cabochons – Handcrafted from our workshop scraps, each with unique color blends and sustainable story


    Theirs: Machine-shaped plastic, completely uniform, no variation between pieces

    Each piece we make has texture, character, and story. Their counterparts? Predictable, polished, and everywhere. We are by no means perfect; but our imperfections loan a human beauty to our pieces (and if it breaks we have THE return policy for it!)

    Why This Matters

    Our pieces don’t come off an assembly line. They come from a workshop filled with sawdust, resin drips, coffee cups, and the kind of focused energy that only happens when someone truly cares about what they’re making.

    Rex brings 40+ years of woodworking experience to every piece. Dawn’s resin artistry turns our scraps into something magical. And when you buy from us, you’re not just getting an object—you’re getting a piece of that story.

    Starting Your Own Collection

    Here’s what we’ve learned from our collectors: start with something that makes you smile every time you use it. Maybe it’s a pen that feels perfect in your hand. A cutting board that makes cooking feel special. A bottle stopper that turns opening wine into a small ceremony.

    Then build from there. Match your kitchen pieces. Add to your desk setup. Create your own cohesive collection of beautiful, functional art.

    Want something similar to a piece you already own? Rex takes custom orders, and we’re always happy to work with you to create exactly what you’re envisioning. After all, the best collections tell a story—and we’d love to help you write yours.

    Ready to start your collection? Browse our complete selection of handcrafted desk tools, kitchen essentials, and functional art. Each piece is made to order with care, attention, and the kind of soul you just can’t get from a factory.

    As always, we’re here if you have questions or just want to chat about wood, resin, or what makes something truly special. Thanks for being part of our story.

  • Bar Tool Pairings That Impress at Every Party

    Bar Tool Pairings That Impress at Every Party

    Level up your cocktail hour with handcrafted artisan barware

    Ever thrown a party where everyone actually mingled, laughed, and went home raving about the vibe? If not, it’s probably not your guest list—it might just be your bar setup.

    If you’re anything like us, the idea of going out has lost some of its sparkle lately. But inviting friends over for cocktails, mocktails, and good conversation? That’s where the real magic happens. Here’s our favorite party trick: tell everyone to bring a friend you don’t know. It’s like a potluck of people, and you just might walk away with a new favorite drink recipe and a genuine new friendship.

    But let’s talk about what really makes or breaks cocktail hour—having the right artisan bar tools.

    The Handcrafted Essentials for a Legendary Home Bar

    Muddling with Magic

    Our Enchanted Mortar & Pestle Set isn’t just another muddler—it’s your gateway to herbal infusions, perfectly crushed mint mojitos, and that secret ingredient that transforms a good drink into something unforgettable. Rex crafted this piece from reclaimed hardwood, and honestly? Watching people discover what fresh herbs can do to their cocktails never gets old.

    Bottle Service with Personality

    You’ll want your spirits to stay fresh and your bar to look intentional. That’s where our Decorative Bottle Stoppers come in—each one hand-turned and designed to keep things classy long after the original cork is gone.

    Pro tip: Every beautiful bottle stopper deserves an equally beautiful bottle. We’re big fans of pairing ours with selections from Ink & Oak Wines—because presentation and flavor should go hand in hand.

    Pop a Top in Style

    Whether you’re opening craft beer or sparkling water, our Reclaimed Wood & Resin Bottle Openers are built to last generations and always spark conversations. Each one tells the story of the wood Rex rescued and transformed—perfect for those moments when someone asks, “Where did you get this?”

    Serving Pieces That Steal the Show

    No home bar setup is complete without somewhere beautiful to arrange your appetizers. Our Handcrafted Cheese & Cracker Boards do double duty as functional art and grazing central. Because honestly, your bar tools should be as gorgeous as they are useful.

    The Complete Experience

    Want the full artisan barware experience? Our Exquisite Padauk Wood Gift Set pairs stunning glassware with handcrafted serving pieces. It’s the kind of set that turns your kitchen counter into a showstopper bar setup.

    What We’re Working on Next: Thrift Store Alchemy

    Here’s something we’re excited about—we’ve been haunting our favorite thrift stores for vintage crystal tumblers and old-school bar tools. With some careful sanding, resin work, and Rex’s woodworking magic, we’re giving them new life with custom wooden handles or using them as templates for solid wood versions.

    It’s part of what we love about this work: every piece gets to tell multiple stories—the original craftsperson, the decades of use, and now the new chapter we’re writing together.

    Bonus: Elevate Your Snack Game

    While you’re mixing up something delicious, don’t forget the munchies! Our friends at This Girl Mixers & Snacks know how to complement a great drink with equally great bites. We’re big believers in supporting local artisans—whether that’s in your glass or on your serving board.

    The truth is, we’re not just making bar tools at Sarkanys Rising. We’re creating the pieces that become part of your favorite stories—the mortar and pestle that made that perfect mint julep, the bottle opener that everyone always asks to borrow, the serving board that’s been the centerpiece of countless gatherings.

    As always, we’re here if you have questions or just want to chat about wood (or cocktails)! If you try any of these pieces at your next party, we’d love to see photos. Tag us on your social media or email. There’s nothing that makes us happier than seeing our work become part of your celebrations.

    Until next time, keep making beautiful moments in your everyday life.

    Ready to upgrade your home bar? Browse our complete collection of artisan barware and serving pieces – each piece handcrafted with care and built to become part of your family’s story.

  • When Someone Says “Too Expensive” — We Smile. Because We Know.

    It happens now and then — someone picks up a piece, runs their fingers over the polished wood, sees the shimmer of resin, and softly mutters, “Too expensive.”

    We smile. Not because we’re dismissing them, but because we know what goes into it.

    See, we price every piece at Sarkanys Rising to be as fair as possible — not inflated, not mass-marketed, just honest. But “honest” includes more than what most people realize when it comes to the value of handmade artisan work.

    That bowl? It started with a chunk of reclaimed wood that once lived as a tree in someone’s Arizona yard. The resin that brings out the beauty in the grain? Dawn (that’s me) uses polyurethane for most pours, unless we’re using stabilized bone or wood scraps — then it’s epoxy. Stabilizing means vacuum chambers, pressure pots, and sometimes an oven I cannot use for food anymore.

    There’s also mica, pigments, pen kits, lamp bases, jewelry findings, shipping charges, taxes, and tools. Oh, the tools. Rex’s shop looks like a mad scientist’s lab with a 3D printer and laser cutter tucked among the chisels and lathes.

    But what we never charge for — and couldn’t, even if we tried — is the time.

    Rex will spend days refining a single piece. Sometimes, weeks go by just conceptualizing a design. And sometimes, after all that, we scrap it entirely because it doesn’t feel right. (Art is like that — it doesn’t always behave.) This artisan mindset understands that true craftsmanship can’t be rushed.

    Me? I wrestle with resin for hours, then wrangle paperwork for days. That’s not hyperbole. It’s just what it takes when you’re committed to creating handcrafted art that stands apart from mass-produced alternatives.

    And in the end, what you receive is something real. Human. Not perfect, because we aren’t machines — but filled with love, laughter, and a little bit of stubbornness. (Especially from Rex, who I’ve been known to gently wrestle the finished piece away from because he’s never quite sure it’s done.)

    The difference between handmade vs mass-produced isn’t just in the process — it’s in the soul of each piece. When you choose one of our reclaimed wood gifts, you’re not just getting functional art; you’re getting a story, a commitment to sustainable gifts, and decades of woodworking stories embedded in every grain.

    So when someone says, “Too expensive,” we don’t get defensive. We just nod and think: you’re not our person — not yet.

    Because the ones who do get it — they see more than just a bowl or a pen. They see the story, the soul, the hours behind it. They’re not just buying something. They’re joining a journey with Sarkanys Rising.

    And to those folks? Welcome home.

  • What Makes a “Wow” Unboxing?

    (It’s more than just tissue paper — though we love that too.)

    There’s something magic about gift giving. And it’s not just the squeal someone makes when they open your present — though that’s pretty great too. For us, it’s the whole experience. From choosing the perfect piece (you know the one that practically has their name on it) to the way it’s presented, gift giving is one big love letter wrapped in shredded craft paper.

    Hi, I’m Dawn — and while I’m no Martha Stewart when it comes to gift wrapping (honestly, Rex would agree), I do personally pack and ship every single item that leaves our shop. Every. Single. One. Rex, for all his woodworking wizardry, is a little less enthused about boxing things up. 😂 So, if you’ve ever gotten one of our lovingly packed packages, that’s me in every fold and flourish.

    What Makes an Unboxing Feel Magical?

    When you’re gifting something handmade — especially a one-of-a-kind piece like we make — the wrapping should reflect that same care. Whether it’s a handcrafted pen, a cutting board, or something whimsically carved that defies categorization, here’s how we make it special (and how you can too).

    1. The Box: Form Meets Function

    Our handcrafted pen boxes are an absolute favorite for gifting — sturdy, beautiful, and customizable to match the pen inside. Beyond that, we use good ol’ corrugated cardboard boxes for most items because they hold up like champs under trees and on gift tables. Don’t have one handy? Cake and muffin boxes work great too — just make sure what you’re wrapping won’t wiggle too much.

    2. The Filling: Keep It Green, Keep It Gorgeous

    We’re all about sustainable gift wrapping, so we use recycled kraft paper or even shredded scraps from our own projects to cushion the goods. Fill the box only halfway — you want your gift to nestle in cozily, not disappear in a paper avalanche. If you want to throw in some tissue paper for color or flair, go for it. (Bonus points for a sticker or stamp to seal it up.)

    3. Add the Love Note

    This is your moment. A little card tucked inside, filled with words that only the recipient gets to read? Chef’s kiss. Make it sappy. Make it silly. Make it yours. This small gesture is what elevates a thoughtful gift from nice to unforgettable.

    4. Decorate with Intention

    Are you wrapping this or decorating it? Because with kraft paper boxes, it’s your call. Add ribbon, a stamp, a pressed flower — go full Pinterest if that’s your vibe. Or keep it simple with twine and a handwritten tag. Either way, it’s going to be beautiful, because it’s personal.

    At the end of the day, gifting handmade pieces is about more than the “thing” — it’s the feeling that comes with it. So give beautifully. Give thoughtfully. And if that includes something made by us here at Sarkanys Rising, just know a whole lot of heart went into it.

    As always, we’re here if you have questions, want to chat about gift wrapping ideas, or need a pen box to match your masterpiece.

    Until next time, keep making moments that matter — and wrapping them like you mean it.

    Warmly,
    Dawn (and Rex, who still refuses to wrap anything)

  • 🪵 Why We Encourage Festival Shipping

    Save your arms for funnel cake.

    Let’s be honest: the only heavy lifting you should be doing at a festival is hauling a turkey leg the size of your forearm. And maybe a flower crown or two. But one of our handcrafted walnut charcuterie boards that tells its own story? That doesn’t belong slung over your shoulder as you wander between the falconer and the kettle corn stand.

    That’s why we offer festival shipping — and here’s the sweet part: orders over $10 ship absolutely free. Because you deserve convenience, comfort, and maybe even a second funnel cake (we’re not judging).

    Why We Do It (And Why Our Customers Love It)

    At Sarkanys Rising, our mission is simple: nothing will ever be the same, and our pieces are as distinctive as our customers. When you’re browsing our festival booth, you’re not just shopping — you’re discovering handcrafted utilitarian art that’s been shaped by our hands and hearts.

    Maybe you spot one of our signature hybrid-resin rolling pins that sparks kitchen daydreams. Or perhaps it’s a hand-carved keepsake box that feels like it already belongs in your home. Each piece is unique, just like the moment you fall in love with it.

    But then reality hits: “How am I going to carry this around all day?”

    We’ve been there. And we’ve watched too many people pass up their dream piece because they didn’t want to babysit it while sipping mead in the sun. That’s why we make it ridiculously easy: buy at the booth, and with our free shipping on orders over $10 (which, let’s face it, is basically everything we make), your treasure arrives at your door — safe, sound, and packed with care, wood shavings, and good wishes.

    Festival Convenience That Just Makes Sense

    Here’s what festival shipping means for you:

    • No splinters in your shoulder bag (save those for our workshop stories!)
    • No worrying about dropping your one-of-a-kind peppermill during a joust
    • No explaining to your spouse why you can’t help carry the snacks
    • Free shipping over $10 — because handcrafted joy shouldn’t cost extra to get home

    And the best part? When your piece arrives, it’s like getting a surprise twice — once when you discovered it at the festival, and again when it shows up at your door, ready to become part of your daily life.

    What Makes Us Different

    Every piece we create is handmade in the truest sense — guided by our hands and minds through the entire process. We use both hand and power tools, but it’s the human touch that makes each piece as distinctive as the person who takes it home.

    Whether you’re eyeing our:

    • Charcuterie boards perfect for entertaining
    • Rolling pins that make baking an art form
    • Keepsake boxes for life’s treasures
    • Custom pieces that tell your story

    …each one is crafted to be part of your life, not just decoration.

    The Magic of Festival Memories

    When you take home a piece from Sarkanys Rising, you’re not just buying functional art — you’re investing in a story that continues long after the festival music fades. Every time you use that cutting board or rolling pin, you’ll remember the day you discovered it, the smell of kettle corn in the air, and the moment something handcrafted called to you.

    Ready to Find Your Festival Treasure?

    So next time you see us at a festival, fall in love freely. You bring the joy, we’ll handle the logistics. And remember: save your arms for funnel cake — we’ve got everything else covered.

    Visit us online at sarkanysrising.com to see our full collection, or find us at festivals across the Southwest where handcrafted joy meets festival convenience.

    Share Your Festival Find: Got a Sarkanys Rising piece from a festival? We’d love to see how it’s living in your home! Tag us on social media and link back to this post — we love celebrating the ongoing stories of our handcrafted pieces.

  • “Bad Doggie, No Biscuit”: When Festival Magic Meets Umbrella Justice

    “Bad Doggie, No Biscuit”: When Festival Magic Meets Umbrella Justice

    Festival Memories That Still Make Us Smile

    Some stories stick with you like sawdust on your work clothes — the kind that make you grin unexpectedly while carving a new piece. This one comes from our Kansas City Renaissance Festival days, complete with haunted houses, umbrella-wielding grandmothers, and legendary laughter. 🎃

    Back When Fairs Had Soul

    Years ago, I was part of a Renaissance festival community — not today’s cookie-cutter corporate fairs, but the genuine article run by the Kansas City Art Institute. The site was seven (7) miles from my home and I still consider KCRF my home faire. Handmade everything, cobbled-together magic, and wonderfully odd theater folk who’d make Monty Python proud.

    During the off-season, we often created haunted houses. Picture classic monsters lurking in carefully crafted scenes, animatronics jury-rigged by creative actors, and an entrance tunnel so disorienting that most visitors missed the first path split entirely.

    The Setup

    Our werewolf friend worked the “sissy path” — the gentler route with fewer jump scares but still plenty of atmosphere. His big moment came after gruesome dioramas: leap from the shadows screaming whatever seemed scariest that night.

    The Legend is Born

    Enter one rainy evening and an elderly Eastern European grandmother, separated from her grandchildren who’d convinced her to brave the maze. Picture old-world elegance: black headscarf, long coat, large umbrella doubling as a walking cane.

    She’d been stoic throughout — no screams, just occasional disapproving tongue clicks at the displays. Completely unflappable.

    Until our werewolf made his move.

    “DINNER!” he roared, leaping toward what seemed like an easy mark.

    Without missing a beat, she swung her umbrella with fencer’s precision — THWACK — right between his eyes.

    In her magnificently stern, accented voice:

    “Bad doggie. No biscuit.”

    Then, with a satisfied “hmph,” she repositioned her umbrella and walked straight to her confused grandchildren.

    The Ripple Effect

    Sound carries in haunted houses.🎃 Every actor heard that moment of umbrella justice, and not one could keep a straight scary face afterward. The howling laughter probably terrified more patrons than our carefully crafted scares.

    Many wished they’d witnessed it (I know I did). Those present were sad they missed giving her the standing ovation she deserved.

    What This Means Today

    Festival folk are strange and wonderful people who collect stories like souvenirs. At Sarkanys Rising, every handcrafted piece carries that same spirit — authentic craftsmanship with unexpected delight.

    When you pick up one of our wooden creations, you’re getting something with soul, made by people who believe in handmade magic. Because the best stories, like the best art, come from real moments that become conversation starters and memory makers.

    These days, when you hear me (Dawn) say “no biscuit” in an unusual accent, you’ll know why. Some moments are too perfect not to carry forward. Will we see you at our first Renaissance Festival this year? Looking forward to making new memories.