Our Story

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York my early life was heavily influenced by the surrounding concrete jungle. The urban vibe of NYC in the 1970’s & 80’s seamlessly intertwined with street art from artists like Keith Haring, clothing from Shawn Stussy, and the birth of hip-hop music all coalescing to define my style. Back then, nature was brick and pavement, with a tree strategically planted to give some organic color to the drab pallet of my world. So the influence of art, music, and fashion was paramount to expression.

Carving a wooden spoon on the Brooklyn Bridge

Visiting Angel Oak Tree, Johns Island, SC

Fast forward a few years and I found myself living in the South indelibly drawn to the warm ocean waters. Soon my world was filled with salt water, surfing, and a carefree lifestyle that saw me connect with nature in a more profound and in-depth way. No longer did my view of the world need an injection of external influences to find life, I had found a way to connect with nature. I felt a part of the undulation and the life of the sea.

For many years I was able to find a creative outlet through the water, building my connectivity with the earth. I’ve experienced numerous hurricanes while living near the ocean but one, in particular, rocked our area taking down trees in its fury. An idea sprung to life when I saw all of the destruction and soon to be waste. I was awake to nature and I was moving in time with nature, but when nature was altered it caused me pause.

My woodworking began out of the desire to upcycle a single tree downed in that hurricane. To find some meaning in the wake of destruction and to give new life to what was once a beautiful living, breathing organism. What started as a small endeavor has grown into a brand dedicated to bringing sustainable, contemporary visions through handcrafted pieces for cooking and entertaining.

Gränsfors Bruk small carving hatchet used for detailed axe work when hand carving this Bradford pear wood into a wooden coffee scoop.

Svante Djärv wood carving spoon knife and a handmade wooden coffee scoop in a pile of wood chips.

Hans Karlsson dog-leg gouge for hollowing small wood bowls and large wooden spoons.

In an age where manufacturing is the status-quo, Arbor Novo prioritizes the art of craftsmanship and the preservation of our environment.

Our commitment focuses on creating high-quality, unique, and memorable woodenware. From wood cutting boards to wooden spoons and coffee scoops, we make cooking and entertaining easy and aesthetically beautiful. Each item incorporates old world traditional woodworking techniques and environmentally conscious sourcing, all to create pieces that translate beautifully into the modern kitchen. We believe in quality and environmental stewardship and use sustainable, renewable, or reclaimed wood for our products. By repurposing trees that fall, Arbor Novo gives them new life for the contemporary home. Many of our products begin as a log and over several months develop into the wood pieces found in our shop.