Holly Hill Spoons

My name is Malcolm White. My father, Donald, and my uncles, Frank and Peter, grew up at Holly Hill Farm in the house my grandparents, Richardson and Cornelia White, built up on the hill back in 1932. My family’s been here over 150 years and for as long as I can remember I have loved the woods. Also, for as long as I can remember, I have found joy in being able to say, “I built that myself.” These days, what I have been building is furniture using raw materials found right here on this property.

Maple and ash saplings, cedar stumps and branches, birch bark, and willow rods are just a few of the types of wood I use. In addition to these materials, I often use discarded furniture (table top, or counter tops) that I find on the side of the road while driving around town.

My day job is wood shop teacher in a middle school for special needs students in Newton, MA. I try to share my love of creation with my students and try to impart a respect for the wood and the craft.

Over the past year or so I have been making spoons. I start with various sorts of wood that I find as I travel about. First I cut them down to rough size with a hatchet. I then finish them up with a hook knife (sometimes called a spoon knife) and a small sharp carving knife. They are finished in one of several types of food safe oils or waxes. As they are used for cooking they will develop more character.

So, I hope you enjoy what you see here. It is built with care, respect for nature, and respect for tradition.

To reach out to Malcolm, please email him at malcolmwhite@rcn.com or check out his website: Holly Hill Rustic Furniture.