Rodney Dunham working on one of his Charcuterie boards
Dunham Woodcraft began, not as a big dream, planned out for many years as a goal to attain, but rather, with a Christmas gift.
As Christmas 2021 approached, I began the process of trying to decide on gifts for my wife and three daughters. I must admit, as a guy I really don’t enjoy shopping (unless of course it is looking for new woodworking tools or guitars). I struggled, as I always do, to find meaningful or useful gifts that I thought would be enjoyed and appreciated by my family. I decided, this time around, to hand-make my Christmas gifts. That’s what started it all. I went to work designing and planning gifts I could hand-craft from hardwood because I love the beauty and distinctiveness of its colors and grains. I focused on a few select species–domestic and exotic– and started building. The result was exactly what I’d hoped for: meaningful, personalized and functional gifts that they could use and treasure for years to come.
I got so into crafting these boards for my family that I made some for friends as well! Some of the gifts I gave, (mainly cutting boards) ended up as art on their wall instead of a tool in the kitchen. I saw that they valued the beauty of the piece and the fact that it was personalized to them. Since that Christmas experience, I have ventured out to make this type of art/craft available for others; to either have for themselves or as quality, hand-crafted, personalized gifts for others to enjoy.
I have always loved creating, whether through music or woodworking, and I have always loved giving to others. It brings me great happiness seeing how receiving something exclusive and high quality delights them and brings joy, excitement, and appreciation. I really do hope to make long lasting treasures for people so they can “Love being Home”.
