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Category: Behind the Grain
This is where you will learn about us, our products, festivals and fairs, and more!
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Travel Light Shop Heavy – Ship Artisan Purchases Home
We’ve all been there. You’re browsing an artisan fair, maybe the Tucson Celtic Festival or the Tucson Museum of Art’s Artisan Market, and you find the perfect piece. But then reality hits — there’s no way that gorgeous bowl or substantial cutting board is fitting in your carry-on, and you’re already pushing the weight limit on your checked bag.
Here’s the secret that savvy travelers have figured out: buy here, ship home.
At every festival and market we attend, we come prepared with shipping materials and a partnership with reliable carriers. That beautiful Australian Red Gum Burl Bowl that caught your eye? We can have it carefully packaged and on its way to your door while you’re still enjoying your trip.
That’s the magic of shipping festival finds. When your package arrives at home, it brings back all those good memories of discovery, of the conversation you had with the artist, of that moment when you knew something was meant to be yours.
We’ve shipped everywhere (in the US) — from Alaska to Florida, from tiny mountain towns to major cities. Each package is carefully wrapped, with extra attention paid to protecting delicate resin work and preserving the wood’s finish. We want your piece to arrive in the same condition as when you first fell in love with it.
The practical benefits are obvious: no airline baggage fees, no worrying about TSA restrictions, no trying to fit a round bowl into a square suitcase. But there’s an unexpected bonus too — the anticipation. There’s something wonderful about coming home from a trip and knowing that in a few days, a little piece of that adventure will arrive at your door.
So next time you’re traveling and find yourself at an artisan market, don’t let logistics stop you from bringing home something special. Travel light, shop with your heart, and let us handle the rest. Your future self will thank you when that carefully packed reminder of a perfect day shows up on your doorstep.
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Unique Housewarming Gifts – Handcrafted Wood Art for New Homes
Your friends just bought their first house, and you want to give them something meaningful. Something that says “welcome home” rather than “here’s a thing.” We get it — and we’ve got you covered.
The truth is, most housewarming gifts end up in closets or get quietly re-gifted a year later. But what if you could give something that becomes part of their daily life, something they reach for and smile about every time they use it?
Consider a handcrafted vase set from reclaimed fruit woods. Not only does it give them a beautiful way to display fresh flowers or dried arrangements, but each piece carries the story of the wood’s previous life. Maybe it was part of an old apple orchard, or came from a peach tree that shaded someone’s backyard for decades. Now it’s ready to be part of their new story.
Or think about a Live Edge Bocote Lamp for their reading corner. Bocote is one of those woods that makes people stop and stare — rich brown with dramatic black streaks that look almost painted. Dawn often pairs it with subtle resin accents that catch the light, creating something that’s both functional and absolutely stunning. It’s the kind of piece that makes guests ask, “Where did you get that?” And they’ll love telling the story.
We’ve learned that the best housewarming gifts are things people didn’t know they needed until they had them. A beautiful cutting board that makes them want to cook more. A decorative bottle stopper that turns every wine bottle into a conversation piece.
What makes these gifts special isn’t just their uniqueness — though you definitely won’t find anything like them at Target. It’s that they’re made to last. These aren’t things that’ll break or go out of style. They’re heirlooms in the making, pieces that will still be beautiful and functional decades from now.
Every time they use that cutting board or turn on that lamp, they’ll think of you and the thoughtfulness behind the gift. And isn’t that exactly what you want a housewarming gift to do?
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Handcrafted Kitchen Tools That Make Cooking Feel Special
There’s something magical that happens when you cook with tools that were made with intention. It’s the difference between grabbing whatever’s handy and reaching for something that makes the whole process feel like a ritual — a moment of beauty in the middle of an ordinary day.
Take our Maple & Walnut French Rolling Pins. When you lift it, the first thing you notice is the weight. This isn’t some lightweight, hollow thing that’ll crack after a few uses. This pin has substance, balance, the kind of heft that makes rolling pie dough feel almost meditative. The wood comes alive in your hands, and suddenly you’re not just making dinner — you’re creating something special.
Or consider the way a well-made bow knife moves through a fresh loaf of bread. Rex crafts each blade handle to fit comfortably in your grip, balancing the steel with wood that’s been carefully selected for both beauty and durability. We often use cherry or walnut from Cook Woods, sometimes adding stabilization with Cactus Juice for pieces that’ll see heavy use. The result? Clean cuts that don’t compress the bread, leaving you with perfect slices instead of mangled chunks.
These aren’t just tools — they’re invitations to slow down, to pay attention, to find joy in the process rather than just rushing to the result.
We design our kitchen pieces to last generations. That Romeo & Juliet Cutting Board isn’t going to warp or crack after a few months of use. The hardwood construction, carefully selected grain patterns, and food-safe finishes mean this is something you’ll use for decades, then pass down to your children.
Functional art isn’t meant to sit on a shelf looking pretty — though our pieces certainly do that too. It’s meant to be part of your daily life, elevating ordinary moments into something memorable. When you’re rolling out sugar cookies with your grandkids or slicing homemade bread for Sunday breakfast, you want tools that honor those moments.
Your kitchen is where memories are made. Shouldn’t it be filled with things that inspire you to create them?
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💫 Because Some Things Shouldn’t Be Cheap
Gifts. Memories. Legacy.
We know the moment you’re in. A wedding is coming. An anniversary. A retirement. A moment you want to mark with something real — something they’ll keep, use, and maybe pass on.
And then comes the scroll. Through price tags. Through plastic. Through mass-produced “options” that don’t feel like options at all.
That’s when people find Sarkanys Rising.
Big Moments Deserve More
When you’re buying for life’s biggest moments, it’s not about the biggest box. It’s about meaning.
A hand-turned rolling pin gifted to your daughter as she sets up her first home. A resin-inlaid charcuterie board passed around the table each Thanksgiving. A pen used to sign retirement papers — the same one they’ll use to write postcards in their new chapter.
These aren’t just gifts. They’re future memories.
At Sarkanys Rising, our mission is simple: nothing will ever be the same, and our pieces are as distinctive as our customers. That’s because each piece is handmade in the truest sense — guided by our hands and minds through the entire process.
What Goes Into the Price
We get asked sometimes, “Why does this cost more?” And the honest answer is: because it costs more.
• Because one-of-a-kind means exactly that. Even if Rex tried, he couldn’t make that exact piece again. With over 40 years of wood turning experience, he knows that wood moves, resin dances, and no two pours turn out the same.
• Because quality still takes time. Even our simplest carvings take 24+ hours — not including drying, finishing, and Rex’s meticulous attention to every detail.
• Because materials matter. Some woods we use were salvaged from trees with names and stories. Some resin colors are custom-mixed, layered over days. Some components? We source from other small makers, because only the best will do.
It all adds up — not just in price, but in worth.
The Real Question
It’s not “Why is this expensive?” It’s “What is this worth to me?”
And if the answer is connection, legacy, memory — then it’s worth every penny.
When you choose a piece from our collection, you’re not just buying functional art. You’re investing in a story that will be told for generations. You’re choosing to give something that says, “This moment mattered. You matter.”
Some Things Shouldn’t Be Cheap
Not the moments that matter. Not the people we love. Not the things we hand down, hoping someone will think of us when they use them.
That’s what we make.
Ready to find the perfect meaningful gift? Browse our collection at sarkanysrising.com where handcrafted joy meets lasting legacy. Have a special piece from us? We’d love to hear the story — share how your Sarkanys Rising heirloom is creating memories in your family.
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Why Choose Handmade Wood Art Over Mass Produced Items
In a world where you can order almost anything with next-day delivery, talking about “handmade” might sound old-fashioned. But here in our Tucson workshop, as Rex turns another piece of cherry wood on the lathe and Dawn carefully measures resin colors, we’re reminded daily why handmade isn’t just different — it’s better.
When Rex shapes a block of wood into a crochet hook or transforms a slab of Australian red gum burl into a bowl, he’s not just producing an object. He’s having a conversation with the wood, responding to its grain patterns, working around natural imperfections that tell the story of how that tree lived and grew. You can’t program that kind of intuition into a machine.
We source our materials thoughtfully — some from suppliers like Cook Woods and Woodworkers Source, others from local businesses clearing out cutoffs that would otherwise become waste. Dawn’s resin work, often using Alumilite products and P-Town Subbie micas, adds colors and effects that are impossible to replicate in a factory setting. Each pour is slightly different, affected by temperature, humidity, even the mood of the artist.
Mass-produced items can achieve consistency, which has its place. But consistency also means predictability. When you walk into someone’s home and see the exact same cutting board you have, the exact same pen set, there’s no story there. It’s just stuff.
Handmade carries intention. When you pick up one of our pieces, you’re holding something that exists because Rex or Dawn decided it should exist, in exactly that way, with exactly those wood grains and resin swirls. That’s why people treasure a handcrafted pen for decades while a plastic one gets forgotten in a drawer.
There’s also the matter of durability. Rex has been perfecting his craft for over 40 years. When he turns a rolling pin or shapes a knife handle, he’s thinking about how it will feel in your hands not just today, but years from now. We’re not interested in planned obsolescence — we want to make pieces that last long enough to become heirlooms.
Choosing handmade means supporting real people with real skills. When you buy from us, you’re not just getting a product — you’re investing in Rex’s decades of expertise, Dawn’s artistic vision, and our commitment to sustainable practices that give new life to materials that might otherwise be discarded.
In our convenience-obsessed world, handmade offers something radical: permanence, beauty, and the irreplaceable value of human touch. That’s not old-fashioned. That’s timeless.
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How to Choose the Perfect Artisan Gift Set for Anyone
The perfect gift set doesn’t start with browsing our website or walking through our festival booth. It starts with thinking about the person you’re shopping for — really thinking about them. What makes them smile? What are their daily rituals? What would make them feel seen and understood?
We’ve learned that the best gifts aren’t necessarily the most expensive or elaborate ones. They’re the ones that make someone think, “They really get me.” That happens when you match the gift to the person’s soul, not just their hobbies.
Take the writer in your life. Sure, you could go for the obvious choice — a Designer Style Pen & Letter Opener Set or our fantasy-worthy Jupiter Pen. But dig deeper. Is this someone who loves the romance of analog writing, or someone who appreciates functionality above all else? A dreamer might fall in love with the Jupiter Pen’s mystical name and stunning resin work. A pragmatist might prefer the clean lines and perfect balance of our Executive Style pen set.
For the person who loves to entertain, think about their style. Are they the type who throws elaborate dinner parties, or do they prefer intimate gatherings? A Romeo & Juliet Cutting Board paired with Decorative Bottle Stoppers works for the formal entertainer. For someone who’s more about casual wine and cheese with friends, maybe a set of Cheese & Cracker Boards.
The maker or crafter in your life presents wonderful opportunities. That Cherry & Golden Walnut Yarn Bowl isn’t just about organizing their supplies — it’s about honoring their creative practice. Add a matching Cherry Crochet Hook, and you’re celebrating not just what they make, but how they make it. You’re saying their hobby matters enough to deserve beautiful tools.
We see personality in wood choices too. Some people are drawn to the dramatic contrast of walnut with its rich browns and striking grain. Others prefer the warm, consistent glow of cherry. Bocote lovers tend to be bold — they’re drawn to that wood’s dramatic black streaking and exotic origins. Pay attention to what catches their eye when you’re together.
Dawn’s resin work opens up even more personality matching. Someone who loves ocean colors might be drawn to blue and green swirls. A person who’s earthy and grounded might prefer the warm oranges and golds. The bold personality who’s never met a color they didn’t like? They’re perfect candidates for our most dramatic multi-colored pieces.
The key is thinking beyond the obvious. Yes, the cook needs kitchen tools, but what kind of cooking do they love? The person who bakes bread every Sunday might treasure a handcrafted rolling pin. The one who’s all about fresh ingredients might prefer a beautiful cutting board that makes vegetable prep feel special.
Sometimes the best gift sets combine the expected with the surprise. A pen for the writer, yes, but also a beautiful letter opener that makes even opening bills feel ceremonial. Kitchen tools for the cook, but also a decorative piece that brings beauty to their workspace even when they’re not actively cooking.
We create from premium materials woods sourced from Cook Woods and Woodworkers Source, resins from Alumilite with micas from P-Town Subbie. Each set is as unique as the person receiving it.
Because the best gift sets aren’t just random pairings of related items. They’re curated collections that say, “I see who you are, I celebrate what you love, and I wanted you to have something as special as you are.”
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🪵 Do Handmade Shops Even Offer Guarantees?
We Do.
If you’ve ever wandered through a craft fair or browsed a handmade marketplace online, you’ve probably asked yourself: “What happens if this breaks?” It’s a fair question — and one that most people assume comes with a shrug and a “you’re on your own.”
But not at Sarkanys Rising.
We believe that offering a real guarantee isn’t just possible in the handmade world — it’s essential. Because when you invest in something crafted with care by our hands, it should come with more than just beauty. It should come with trust.
Why Guarantees Matter in the Handmade World
In a sea of mass-produced items with 30-day return windows and call centers, handmade work can feel like the wild west. People assume that “handmade” means “no take-backs,” and that any defects are just part of the deal.
But here’s the truth: Handmade doesn’t mean fragile. And it definitely shouldn’t mean risky.
At Sarkanys Rising, we see our work as functional heirlooms — meant to be used, loved, and passed down. Our mission is simple: nothing will ever be the same, and our pieces are as distinctive as our customers. That kind of promise needs more than craftsmanship. It needs commitment.
What We Guarantee (and Why We Can)
We stand behind every piece we make, and here’s what that looks like:
• Lifetime guarantee on all pens. If something goes wrong, we’ll fix it. No fine print.
• Coverage for defects in materials or workmanship on all other items, as long as they’re used and cared for properly (translation: please don’t put our handcrafted cutting boards in the dishwasher).
• Easy repairs or replacements when needed. Sometimes a customer drops a lid or snaps a spoon — life happens. We’ll always do our best to help.
We offer these guarantees because we know our work. Rex has been turning wood for over 40 years. Dawn sources top-tier materials and creates resin blanks that are both beautiful and reliable. Together, we don’t let anything leave our hands that we wouldn’t be proud to stand behind.
What This Means for You
It means peace of mind. It means you’re not just buying a beautiful object — you’re building a relationship with people who care. And if something goes wrong, you won’t get ghosted. You’ll get help.
Our customers often say, “I didn’t expect a handmade business to offer this kind of guarantee.”
Our response is always the same: We do.
Because respect — for our craft, for the materials, and for the people who choose us — is at the heart of everything we make.
Ready to Experience the Difference?
So, do handmade shops offer guarantees? We can’t speak for everyone.
But here at Sarkanys Rising… we do.
Browse our collection at sarkanysrising.com and experience handcrafted quality backed by real commitment. Have a guaranteed piece from us? Share your story — we love hearing how our functional heirlooms are living in homes across the Southwest and beyond.
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The Ethics Behind the Art: Why Sustainable Woodworking Matters
We believe pretty things should do good, too.
Ever wonder what happens to that pile of wood scraps at the bottom of the bin? Around here, they don’t get tossed — they get transformed.
At Sarkanys Rising, sustainability isn’t a checkbox. It’s a mindset, a material source, and honestly, sometimes a scavenger hunt (looking at you, Rex, and that roadside fruitwood bedframe you turned into candleholders). We’re not purists — we don’t only use reclaimed or recycled materials — but we are intentional. Thoughtful. And pretty darn scrappy.
How Our Eco-Friendly Workshop Transforms Waste into Art
Let’s talk about what really happens in our sustainable woodworking studio. Rex is the champion of salvaging — he brings home quality wood he’s found roadside or rescued from dump piles. From hybrid pen blanks to that ambitious tabletop made entirely of offcuts (that I still haven’t made), nothing gets left behind if he can help it.
We purchase boxes of cutoffs from lumber mills, and Rex creates handles, bottle stoppers, and cabochons from what others consider waste. It’s like a treasure hunt where the prize is always something beautiful waiting to emerge from discarded materials.
Recycled Resin Art: Dawn’s Sustainable Magic
Dawn’s resin work doesn’t just sparkle — it saves. She takes old resin and transforms it into entirely new blanks for Rex to work with. (And if she ever gets her hands on a shredder that can handle hard plastic, watch out — waste doesn’t stand a chance!)
But here’s where it gets really interesting: when wood is too damaged or punky to use traditionally, Dawn steps in with resin stabilization. Those lightning-struck lilac pieces, the forest-green walnut recovery French Rolling Pin, and all those gorgeous stabilized maple and buckeye burl pieces? They’re not just beautiful — they’re rescued from what would have been the burn pile.
Paladium & Gold Fountain Pen From Scrap Wood to Stunning Centerpieces
One of our favorite success stories? The piece we call “Intensity,” carved from leftover padauk scraps (we have more than a few of those) and joined with oak from another project. It’s bold, rich, and has the kind of story you can only get from materials that lived a life before becoming art.
This is what separates handmade sustainable art from mass production — every piece has history, character, and purpose beyond just looking pretty on your shelf.
The Environmental Impact of Choosing Handmade
When you choose reclaimed wood art over mass-produced furniture, you’re making a statement. You’re saying that forests matter, that craftsmanship has value, and that beautiful things don’t have to come at the earth’s expense.
Every salvaged piece of wood we use is one less thing in a landfill. Every stabilized burl is a tree that gets to live on in a new form. Every recycled resin blank means fewer resources extracted from the earth.
Why Ethical Craftsmanship Creates Better Art
There’s something magical that happens when you work with materials that have stories. That fruitwood from the bedframe carries memories of the family who slept above it. The mill cutoffs hold the potential that the original craftsman saw but couldn’t fully realize.
Rex’s 40+ years of experience means he can see possibilities where others see problems. A crack in the wood becomes a design feature. A knot becomes a focal point. Imperfections become character.
Creating Heirloom Quality from Rescued Materials
At the end of the day, our art is rooted in ethics — in making beautiful things and doing right by the planet. It’s about honoring the materials, whether they came from the forest, the lumberyard offcut pile, or someone’s forgotten furniture.
Because we believe the things you bring into your home should be more than pretty. They should be meaningful. They should do good. And, ideally, they should make you smile every time you use them — knowing that your beautiful cutting board or unique pen once had a completely different life.
As always, we’re here if you have questions or just want to chat about wood (or resin, or salvage missions). Thanks for being part of our story — we love sharing the journey with you.
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Handcrafted Kitchen Tools: Why Your Cooking Essentials Should Feel Like Keepsakes
Transform your kitchen with handmade wooden utensils and cutting boards that tell a story while they work
Welcome to the heart of your home. (And no, we’re not talking about your fridge, though we fully support that snack life. 😉)
We’re talking about your kitchen — the place where memories simmer, conversations sizzle, and your counter tops become the unofficial family hangout spot in Tucson and beyond.
So why do so many of us settle for mass-produced kitchen tools that are, well… kinda meh?
The Case for Handcrafted Kitchen Tools That Last
Here’s the deal: your wooden kitchen utensils shouldn’t be the afterthought of your home. They’re not just there to flip pancakes or slice tomatoes — they’re the silent co-stars of birthday brunches, impromptu late-night snacks, and the “famous” recipes you’ll one day hand down to the kids (or at least proudly recite to your dog).
Think about it.
- That handcrafted cutting board is where you tried your grandmother’s pie crust for the first time.
- That custom wooden knife crafted by a veteran artisan? It’s seen as many tears over onions as it has over sweet anniversary dinners.
- Those reclaimed wood serving boards have hosted countless dinner parties and family gatherings.
These moments deserve more than a mass-produced, big-box-store special. They deserve artisan-made kitchen tools that hold memories right alongside them.
Functional Art for the Southwest Kitchen
When your kitchen tools are handcrafted by a veteran — with intention, artistry, and maybe a few good maker jokes along the way — they become instant conversation starters.
“Oh wow, where’d you get this handmade wooden board?” is a way better dinner party opener than “Cool… plastic.”
And when they’re made from sustainably sourced reclaimed wood or designed by a disabled veteran artist with a story worth sharing, they’re more than utensils. They’re pieces of functional art that connect your daily life to bigger, richer stories. (The kind your guests actually lean in to hear.)
Why Choose Veteran-Made Kitchen Tools?
- Sustainability: Many pieces re-purpose reclaimed wood that would otherwise go to waste
- Authenticity: Crafted by hand with military precision and attention to detail
- Uniqueness: No two pieces are exactly alike — true one-of-a-kind artisan kitchen tools
- Durability: Built to last with the same standards that define military craftsmanship
Keepsakes You Actually Use Every Day
Let’s be real: keepsakes are usually things we tuck away on shelves, dust once a year, and promise we’ll “pass down someday.” (We see you, random fancy plate.)
But what if your keepsakes were the very things you reach for every morning? What if they were sturdy enough for Tuesday’s sandwich prep and special enough for Friday’s charcuterie board?
That’s the beauty of functional wooden art. It doesn’t just sit pretty — it works pretty hard too.
Popular Handcrafted Kitchen Items:
- Custom cutting boards made from desert mesquite or reclaimed hardwoods
- Wooden serving trays perfect for entertaining
- Handmade kitchen utensils that feel good in your hands
- Artisan bar tools for the home mixologist
- Decorative bowls that double as serving pieces
A Little Soul in Your Stirring
Here’s our philosophy in one line: Your kitchen tools should feel like keepsakes because they keep your stories.
They’re there for your quiet mornings and your loud, bustling holidays. They hold the accidental knife marks and the shine of well-loved surfaces. They age with you. And just like our loyal shop & resin dogs (and cat), they’re always up for one more memory.
Supporting Local Artisans in Tucson
When you choose handcrafted wooden kitchen tools from local Southwest artisans, you’re not just buying a product — you’re supporting:
- Veteran-owned, woman-owned, disability-owned & LGBTQ+ small business right here in Arizona
- Sustainable woodworking practices that reduce waste
- Traditional craftsmanship that’s becoming increasingly rare
- Local artisans who pour their hearts into every piece
Ready to Turn Everyday Into Heirloom?
So next time you’re rummaging through that drawer of mismatched, mass-produced utensils that make you shrug… pause.
Picture handmade kitchen tools that make you smile instead — that feel like a hug from your home, that start stories before you’ve even finished your coffee.
We happen to know a place where you can find a few. (Hint: it’s right here with us. 😉)
Shop Our Collection of Handcrafted Kitchen Tools
Browse our selection of veteran-made wooden kitchen essentials:
- Custom cutting boards starting at $50
- Handcrafted utensil sets perfect for gifts
- One-of-a-kind serving pieces for entertaining
- Seasonal collections inspired by the Southwest
Free shipping on ALL orders within the US
About Sarkanys Rising: We’re a Veteran-owned, woman-owned, disability-owned & LGBTQ+ small business specializing in handcrafted wooden kitchen tools and functional art. Each piece is made from reclaimed wood by disabled veteran Rex, right here in Tucson, Arizona. Every purchase supports sustainable practices and veteran entrepreneurship.
✨ Thanks for hanging out in our corner of the internet. If you’ve got a favorite kitchen memory or a piece you’d never part with, we’d love to hear about it. Drop it in the comments or tag us on Instagram [@sarkanysrising] — we’re all about those warm fuzzies.