Category: Thoughtful Gifting

Gift them something they will use!

  • When Scraps Become Stars: The Story Behind Our Sustainable Wooden Bottle Stoppers

    You deserve to drink a little and save the rest—no matter what’s in that bottle.

    Ever wonder what happens to those beautiful wood scraps after Rex finishes turning a cutting board or carving a pen? Well, we wondered too, and that’s how our sustainable wooden bottle stoppers were born.

    From Workshop Floor to Wine Bottle Hero

    Here’s the thing about Rex: he can’t stand seeing good wood go to waste. After 40+ years of woodworking, he’s developed what I lovingly call “scrap magic”—the ability to look at leftover pieces and see their hidden potential.

    Last month, our workshop was overflowing with these gorgeous remnants—walnut with rich chocolate swirls, maple so blonde it practically glowed, cherry with grain that tells decades of stories, and mysterious pieces of wenge and okoume that Rex grabbed “because they were within reach while gluing and needed something.”

    That’s when Rex decided to work his integration magic. He started combining patterns and grain, mixing turned lines with glued lines, creating these stunning bottle stoppers that prove sustainability can be absolutely beautiful.

    Why Every Bottle Deserves a Proper Stopper

    Let’s be real: that half-finished bottle of wine (or bourbon, or craft beer, or whatever makes you happy) deserves better than plastic wrap or a hastily shoved cork. You invested in something good—shouldn’t you be able to preserve it properly?

    Here’s something you might not have considered: these work beautifully for beer bottles too. Having an outdoor party? Your guests can keep their craft beer fresh and bug-free. No more fishing flies out of IPAs or worrying about wasps diving into wheat beers.

    Our wooden bottle stoppers aren’t just functional; they’re conversation starters. Imagine pulling one of these beauties out at your next gathering. Your guests will be asking about the gorgeous wood grain while you casually mention it’s made by a veteran craftsman from reclaimed materials.

    That’s the kind of story that makes people lean in.

    Meet the Collections (Yes, I Named Them—Don’t Judge)

    Because WooCommerce and I both agree that photographing 30+ individual bottle stoppers would drive us both to drink (see what I did there?), I’ve organized them into collections:

    The Thick Lines Set – “Beer Taps” (12 individual stoppers)

    These bold beauties feature dramatic turned lines that create stunning visual texture. Rex varied the finishes across these pieces, so identical oak pieces can look completely different—one might showcase oak’s distinctive heavy light brown grain in all its glory, while another highlights the same wood’s subtle elegance. Add in the deep, mysterious wenge (so dark it’s almost black with striking true black grain lines) and the warm character of okoume with its beige base and pink-to-red heartwood variations, and you’ve got a collection where no two pieces are truly alike.

    The Bumpy Lines Set (10 individual stoppers)

    Here’s where Rex’s turning magic really shines. Each stopper features those signature “bumpy” ridges that catch the light and create shadows, giving incredible depth and character. The finish variations make these woods sing—imagine wenge’s dramatic black-on-black contrast next to okoume’s warm pink undertones, all while oak’s heavy grain patterns create their own beautiful story depending on how Rex finished each piece.

    The Dark & Light Set (8 individual stoppers)

    This is where sustainability meets stunning design. Rex combined contrasting wood pieces—the near-black drama of wenge dancing with oak’s light brown patterns, or okoume’s pink-blushed heartwood creating geometric harmony with maple scraps. The different finishes mean even the same wood combination can look completely unique. It’s like having wearable art for your bottles.

    The Rounded Set (6 individual stoppers)

    Classic elegance with Rex’s signature attention to detail. These smooth, organic shapes feel perfect in your hand and showcase how finish can transform wood personality. Oak might appear as a soft, understated beauty in one piece, then bold and dramatic in another. Wenge creates sophisticated depth, while okoume’s pink-to-red variations add warmth that changes entirely based on Rex’s finish choice.

    The Sustainability Story You’ll Love Sharing

    Here’s what makes these bottle stoppers special beyond their obvious beauty: they represent our commitment to zero waste. Every piece of wood gets a second life, whether it’s a small scrap that requires my resin magic or a larger piece that becomes part of Rex’s turning meditation.

    We’re not just making bottle stoppers—we’re proving that sustainable practices can create something more beautiful than starting from scratch.

    Built to Last (Because That’s How We Roll)

    These aren’t flimsy accessories that’ll break after a few uses. Each stopper is crafted with the same attention to detail Rex brings to our cutting boards and pens. The wood is properly finished to resist moisture, and the mechanism creates a reliable seal that’ll keep your beverages fresh.

    Like everything we create, these are made to become part of your family stories. That bottle stopper preserving your anniversary wine? It might just end up being passed down to the next generation.

    Perfect for the Person Who Has Everything

    You know that friend who’s impossible to shop for? The one whose kitchen is already perfectly curated and whose wine collection makes you slightly jealous?

    This is their gift.

    A set of handcrafted wooden bottle stoppers says, “I see your good taste, and I’m raising you something unique that nobody else will have.” Because let’s face it—these are one-of-a-kind pieces born from reclaimed wood and Rex’s four decades of craftsmanship.

    From Our Workshop to Your Collection

    Every set includes multiple stoppers because variety is the spice of life (and wine). You can match them to different bottles, keep some for special occasions, or gift them to fellow wine enthusiasts who’ll appreciate the story as much as the function.

    And here’s the Rex guarantee: if anything ever goes wrong with your bottle stopper, we’ll make it right. That’s not just good business—that’s who we are.

    Choose Your Perfect Stopper(s)

    Each collection organizes our stoppers by style, but every single piece is sold individually. Browse through the collections to find the ones that speak to your style, whether you want one signature piece or several to match different occasions and bottles.

    And here’s something to look forward to: we’re launching our holiday bundle and basket sale in October, perfect timing for gift-giving season. Keep an eye out for our November gift-with-purchase offer too—because who doesn’t love a beautiful surprise with their order?

    Shop our Sustainable Wooden Bottle Stoppers collection now and discover which set speaks to your style. Looking for something just as sustainable but maybe funkier? Check out our original sustainable stoppers!

    As always, we’re here if you have questions or just want to chat about wood, wine, or the magic that happens when scraps become stars.

  • We’re Staying Home for the Holidays (And Bringing Something Special)

    We’re Staying Home for the Holidays (And Bringing Something Special)

    This week in the workshop, Rex discovered something we’d almost forgotten – the joy of sleeping in our own bed while still sharing our craft with an incredible community of art lovers.

    After a year that has tested us in ways we never expected, we’re beyond excited to announce that Sarkanys Rising will be part of Tucson’s Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair at Reid Park this Thanksgiving weekend. For the first time in what feels like forever, we get to be part of something magical right here in our hometown.

    A Fair with Four Decades of Heart

    This isn’t just any craft fair – it’s a Tucson tradition that’s been bringing together artisans and art lovers for more than 40 years. Over 140 vendors from across the Southwest gather at Gene C. Reid Park, creating a marketplace where every single item is handmade, unique, and crafted with the kind of care that’s becoming harder to find in our world.

    When we read that requirement – “all items must be unique, handmade goods” – we knew we’d found our people. This is exactly the kind of event where stories matter as much as the pieces themselves, where customers appreciate the difference between mass-produced and carefully crafted.

    Why This Feels Like Coming Home

    After months of cancelled events due to health challenges and financial pressures that seemed determined to test our resolve, the simple pleasure of driving across town instead of across state lines feels like a gift in itself. No over-packing the van & trailer, no wondering if we’ll have everything we need, no sleeping in unfamiliar places while fighting to feel our best.

    Instead, we get to wake up in our own home, make sure every piece is perfect, and drive just a few miles to share what we love with a community that gets it. Sometimes the best adventures happen closest to home.

    What We’re Bringing (And What We’re Not Telling You… Yet)

    You’ll find our full range of handcrafted treasures – those chatoyant mahogany boxes that shift and shimmer in the light, cutting boards with stories that span decades, pens that turn everyday writing into something special, and pieces that defy easy categorization but somehow find their perfect homes.

    But here’s where we get a little mysterious: we’re also bringing something extra special that we haven’t talked about before. Starting November 1st, we’ll be launching a gift with purchase program that we’re honestly more excited about than we probably should be. Rex has been working on these pieces in between everything else, and seeing them come together has been one of those bright spots that reminds us why we do this work.

    We can’t spill all the details yet (October has its own surprises we want you to focus on first), but let’s just say that anyone who finds us at Reid Park will discover there’s more to the story than what meets the eye.

    The Details That Matter

    When: Saturday, November 29th (9 AM – 4 PM) and Sunday, November 30th (9 AM – 3 PM)
    Where: Gene C. Reid Park, 920 S. Concert Place (west side of the park off Country Club Road)
    What to Expect: Over 140 Southwest artisans, all handmade goods, and the kind of community gathering that makes the holidays feel magical

    We’ll have our full range of pieces, from affordable treasures to investment heirlooms, plus those special surprises we keep hinting at. And as always, every purchase comes with the stories, the lifetime guarantees, and the kind of personal connection that turns customers into community.

    A Thanksgiving Weekend to Remember

    There’s something perfect about spending Thanksgiving weekend surrounded by the work of makers and creators, celebrating what it means to build beauty with your hands and share it with people who appreciate the difference. After a year that challenged us in every possible way, being part of this community tradition feels like exactly where we need to be.

    Come find us at Reid Park. We’ll have coffee, stories, and pieces that are just waiting to become part of your holiday celebrations. Plus, if you’ve been curious about that gift with purchase program we keep mentioning, well… let’s just say good things come to those who show up.

    Mark Your Calendars

    This is our first local event in longer than we care to admit, and we’re ready to make it count. Whether you’re starting your holiday shopping early, looking for something truly unique, or just want to support local artisans doing what they love, we’ll be there with bells on (and probably with Rex demonstrating his craft because he can never resist a good audience).

    Thanks for being part of our story, Tucson. We can’t wait to be part of yours.

    See you at Reid Park, November 29th and 30th. Come early, stay late, and get ready for some surprises.

  • 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?

  • 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)