Tag: website improvements

Ever wonder what happens when a woodworker and resin artist try to wrangle the wild world of websites? Well, grab your coffee and settle in—we’ve got a story to share.

The Workshop vs. The Web

Here’s the thing about us: Rex can coax beauty from the most stubborn piece of mesquite, and Dawn can create resin magic that makes people stop mid-conversation. But this year? Our website has been more challenging than a piece of burl with hidden cracks. We knew computers before. Now we know too much.

We’ve been dealing with what we like to call “digital growing pains.” Remember those bot attacks we mentioned? Turns out, when you’re focused on creating beautiful, functional art, the internet sometimes has other plans. We suddenly found ourselves hosting what felt like half the bitcoin universe on our little corner of the web—and none of them were interested in handcrafted cutting boards.

Learning New Tricks (Even After Four Decades)

Rex always says you learn something new every day in the workshop, and apparently, that applies to websites too. Through our connection with the Confidence Project Cohort, we discovered there’s a whole science to something called SEO. Who knew?

We also found an absolute gem in Janice at Odd Duck, whose expertise has been like finding the perfect grain in a piece of reclaimed walnut—it changes everything. Her guidance via blog has already started transforming how we share our story online.

What’s Coming Your Way

Just like Rex won’t let a pen leave the workshop until it’s perfect, we’re not settling for a website that doesn’t serve you well. Here’s what we’re working on behind the scenes:

Smoother Shopping Experience: We’ve been reformatting every page and product listing to make your browsing as enjoyable as running your hands over a perfectly sanded cutting board. If you run into any hiccups beyond variations or bundles (we know about this one!), please let us know at info@sarkanysrising.com—we want to make things right. We are offering a 10% off your order coupon to the people who report an issue the first time!

Better Accessibility: We’re adding descriptions to all our images so everyone can experience the beauty of our work, whether they can see Dawn’s resin swirls or need to hear about Rex’s precise turning techniques.

Consistent Storytelling: Every page is getting the same attention to detail that Rex puts into balancing a pen. We want the story of each piece—and our story—to shine through clearly.

Planned Content: No more scrambling to share updates at the last minute. We’re building a content schedule that lets us share workshop stories, finished pieces, and behind-the-scenes moments with the care they deserve.

The Reality of Small Business Growth

Here’s something we’ve learned: when you’re passionate about your craft, everything feels like a priority. Website updates, new product photography, organizing the workshop (there’s currently a roomful of beautiful wood waiting for attention), and actually creating the pieces you love—it’s all important.

But we’re taking it one step at a time, just like we approach each piece of wood. Some days it’s figuring out the perfect finish for a walnut bowl. Other days it’s untangling website code. Both require patience, attention to detail, and the willingness to start over when something isn’t quite right.

Our Promise to You

While we’re working through these improvements, our commitment to you stays the same: every piece we create will be one-of-a-kind, made with care, and backed by our lifetime guarantee. Whether you find us at a Renaissance festival, an art fair, or here online, you’re getting the same quality and personal attention.

We expect most of these website improvements to be complete in the coming months, but honestly? We’re more interested in getting them right than getting them fast. Just like Rex’s approach to turning—it’s done when it’s done properly.

Thank You for Your Patience

If you’ve stuck with us through website hiccups, slow loading times, or any other digital bumps in the road, thank you. Your patience means everything to a small business like ours. Every email, every order, every kind word at a show reminds us why we do what we do.

As always, if you have questions, need help finding something, or just want to chat about wood grain patterns, we’re here. Technology might challenge us sometimes, but connecting with the people who appreciate our work? That’s the easy part.

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