Your Questions and Answers about Arbutus or Madrone trees and wood, and Manzanita and Yew too!



Most questions about finding wood, branches, trees and other things you may want to find, sell or buy are best posted on the MARKETPLACE page.

This page is the place to ask other questions and find answers about Arbutus trees or wood, Madrone trees and wood and more.

I answer these questions faster than if you email me because most questions will also be of interest to others. So please use this forum for your queries.

Using this forum, I can try to answer your questions here and others can comment as well and perhaps help you if I cannot. If you want an answer then post a way for others to contact you as your info is private when you make a submission.

You can see other questions and answers further down at the bottom of the page.


Best to you,

Arbutus Ron ... smiling from Arbutus Heights :)

ps. Please do sign up to the newsletter first.


Here is the place where you can opt in to my newsletter and get updates and inside news. I will also be able to send you info on special offerings or contests with prizes where you can compete for best photo in different categories as an example. I will let you know when this happens. Just add your email here:

Newsletter Sign-Up

Subscribe to Arbutus Arts Newsletter... <br>Enter your E-mail Address
Enter your First Name (optional)
Then

Don't worry — your e-mail address is totally secure.
I promise to use it only to send you Arbutus Arts Newsletter.



Please Ask Your Questions Here

Just add your question here and I can answer it and others can comment as well and perhaps help you if I cannot.

Your email address is not posted unless you add it in your comment. In fact I never even get it myself! So come back to see comments to your posting.

[ ? ]

Upload your picture (optional)[ ? ]

 

Click here to upload more images (optional)

Author Information (optional)

To receive credit as the author, enter your information below.

(first or full name)

(e.g., City, State, Country)

Submit Your Contribution

  •  submission guidelines.


(You can preview and edit on the next page)

What Other Visitors Have Asked

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

Can Madrona be used Outside? 
We have Madrona Trees on our property in the San Juan Islands, WA. One large branch fell and I used it for decoration indoors. When I went to get more …

Making an outdoor railing out of new fallen madrone 
I had envisioned using a madrone limb to create a railing up my front walkway just a few stairs high and recently stumbled upon a newly fallen piece that …

Are you still on Denman Island? 
I bought some of your amazing spoons on Hornby Island a few years ago, Ok, well maybe it's been more than a few! I am coming back to the area next week …

Advice on drying a downed Arbutus tree 
Love the work you do! Wonderful site. I have a rather large madrone/arbutus tree that was heavily damaged in a recent wind storm (the top half of the …

Arbutus Cabinet Knobs? 
Hi Ron I live on Denman Island on a property on the water with a half dozen arbutus trees. I made some cabinets from cedar from my property and would …

Sealing of wooden jewelry 
I am new to woodworking and want to make jewelry. How do I seal the wood and what would I use that will be safe for the skin long term? ----------- …

How much should we be selling our Arbutus wood for? 
Hi Ron, We recently had to cut down an old dead arbutus tree that was threatening to fall on our house with the next windstorm. It was an old tree, …

Arbutus berries? 
Good day! I appreciate your art and the many items you create. I wonder if you ever collect arbutus berries and would be able to offer some? I saw …

Spoons for Rice? 
Hi Ron, Love your site and your products; congratulations on creating a success, for both yourself and customers. Do you sell wooden spoons that …

Arbutus branches for reptiles 
Hi. I wanted to buy branches to use for my reptiles. I bought some thin ones at a reptile show a couple of years back and my snake loves them, so I'd …

Can we visit you? 
Hello! How are you? This is my first mail to you. My name is Masashi living in Tsawwassen. My hobby is wood carving. I was inspired from your …

Arbutus Wood Pen Turning 
I live on the east coast but need some gifts from BC for business people. A chap in Nova Scotia does beautiful turned wood pens. I want to source a small …

Left-handed Spatulas 
I want to purchase a left-handed spatula for my sister. What is most popular shape: that she will take to: round, straight or angled tip ? and …

Madrone wood 
Can Madrone wood be found in Ontario? Is it a good fire wood?

Want to place an order 
I can't place an order on your website- are you having a problem- should I try back, or am I doing something wrong? Thanks.

Order has not shown up 
I ordered 2 medium wood Knifes, Ultra Selection, Shape Kine #1 on Nov. 23, receipt No. 1609-2646-4988-2367 for a total of $40 and have not received the …

Quote for engraved letter openers 
Hi there. My boss is interested in purchasing 100 wooden letter openers. Probably the medium sized, with our law firm engraved on the handle. Can you …

Is Arbutus wood safe for childrens toys/teething rings? 
I have seen your website on numerous occasions and I am always inspired by your craft! I live in Victoria, although I'm originally from the UK. I like …

Best selling keychain? 
I'm considering getting one of your homemade unique keychains for someone as a gift. I'm not sure which one they'll like the best, so I was wondering …

Where do I find a large Madrone tree branch? 
I am designing a wall unit that will include cabinetry, a place for the television, and a place reserved for just the right branch. Ideally, I would find …

Arbutus Wood Carving 
Found a nice straight piece of arbutus trimmed off a tree at the side of the road, it is about 5 inches in diameter and about 30 inches long. I have …

Arbutus Wood For Sale 
I had a good size arbutus tree about 30 inches or better and we cut it into approx 10 foot lengths and 1/4 it. I then put a mixture of white glue and paint …

Looking for Manzanita Branches (Vancouver) 
Hello, I'm looking for Manzanita Branches in Canada, specifically Vancouver. Does anyone know where I can get some? Please email me at miss.venessa@hotmail.com …

Madrona Tree wod density or hardness 
How hard is Madrona wood compared to Manzanita wood?

Click here to write your own.

Madrone wood cracks 
Hi, My 8 y.o. son is totally in love with Madrone trees. He brought a big branch at home after a hike with the intention of carving it into something. …

Float Homes on Cortes Island 
Hi I currently live on a floating home in a marina on Vancouver Island. Is there a float home community on Cortez Island if so are there available moorage …

Madrone Burl 
I purchased a Block of Madrone Burl and you are an expert in this field. I have that block many coats of Green Wood End sealer. It is thick. Do is it save …

Where can I buy Arbutus Arts wood products? 
Ron, love your work and arbutus wood. Also LOVE Mount Denman. Grew up in Campbell River on Alder Street near the top of the "big hill" and looked out to …

Madrone Wood Source 
Greetings, I have enjoyed exploring your website. I am a hammered dulcimer player and have recently been crafting dulcimer hammers from the wood …

Ever tried carving a ring out of Arbutus wood? 
Hi Ron, great site here, huge wealth of useful info! I'm thinking of carving a ring for my girlfriend, and was hoping to do it from arbutus wood. …

Arbutus wood napkin rings 
Do you make, or would you know where to find some napkin rings made of Madrone wood (Arbutus)? I'm looking for a simple design - nothing complicated. …

Bigleaf Maple burlwood, or Arbutus Wood---extra large chopping boards with natural edge 
Do you have any photos of cutting/chopping boards made from the aforementioned wood, what is the largest size of either type wood chopping board, and what …

Sources of your work in Victoria? 
Hi I am going away next Wednesday 27th, and would like to take a couple of sets of salad servers or pairs of spoons as gifts. I think I have probably …

How to keep the bark on the Arbutus from peeling? 
I am a weaver in Van., a big part of my motivation comes from nature, thankfully I live across from the ocean and have a wooded park across the street …

Arbutus Berries 
Do you know how to dry arbutus seeds/berries so that they retain their awesome color? Any info would be appreciated! Thanks so much for your web page and …

Can I come and see you oct 5th sometime? 
Ron, Hello. My name is Barnaby. I was on Cortez on friday and picked up a new spoon that you made, as my last one accidentally burnt. Was hoping …

Arbutus Tree Branches... 
Hi there. Just wondering if you have access to Arbutus tree branches. I'm looking for multi branched pieces ranging from 2 to 4 feet long, 1 to …

Manzanita Wood Branches Sought 
Lovely website! Thank-you for providing information on this wood. We are keen to arrange an importation of some of the very fine, highly branched, end …

Arbutus/Madrone Flooring 
We are refinishing an Arbutus/Madrone floor in our home. We are looking for a finish that will offer the max UV protection. We used a water based Pacific …

Where is Arbutus wood available? 
Hi I am looking for some Arbutus wood for carving. Some examples..... bccarver2 . Any info on dead standing or ethically harvested wood …

Sources for wooden feastware 
Hi. I belong to a medieval society and we have many feasts and camp outs where using wood utensils and dishes is encouraged. I am looking for a source …

Source for Yew Tree roundwood posts 
I'm looking for a source for Pacific Yew roundwood posts. I need 12, 8' long timbers, preferably peeled and still in the round. Do you know where I can …

Do you sell or know a seller of Arbutus or Manzanita branches 
Greetings, I'm looking for ethically harvested Manzanita or Arbutus branches. The approximate size I need is 2 feet wide and 3 feet tall. I am …

Sources for Arbutus Wood for a didgeridoo 
Hello from Colorado. I would like to make a didgeridoo from Arbutus. How hard would it be to get a limb from you? I would need a 6 foot branch, …

How to move a dead Arbutus tree? 
I have a large, dead Arbutus tree that we had to bring down in the back yard. I'd like to use some of the Arbutus wood but don't know how or where to mill …

Two Pieces of Madrona Wood Wanted for Signs 
I want to make 2 (two) signs for some friends of mine who live on San Juan Island. I would like to use Madrona wood. Is it possible to get 2 (two) pieces …

Is MADRONE wood safe for the skin and lungs? 
Hi Ron. Just bought 13.3 acres in Applegate Valley in Southern Oregon. Tons of Madrone trees on it, ranging from big honkin' matures to teenagers and …

Working with Arbutus wood 
I was lucky enough to inherit a slab of Arbutus wood which was 8'x 17" x 2" thick. I had now planed it to about 1 3/4" and am making a coffee table out …

Arbutus branches  Not rated yet
Good afternoon I have an idea for an art project that I want to try out. I want to use some arbutus branches my question is though I want the full …

Click here to write your own.

arbutus mantel Not rated yet
I bought a 4.5 x 14 x 76 inch arbutus for a mantel wondering what to use on it, to enhance the beauty of the wood? ----- Ron here... Varathane high …

currency  Not rated yet
Hello, Can you take payment in Canadian currency? I live in B.C. and was thrilled to find a local artist. Hate to convert to USD for a Canadian order. …

Arbutus decking Not rated yet
How does arbutus stand up as a decking material? Last years windstorm on Salt Spring blew a lot of trees down on my place. i have a bandsaw mill and would …

CV Collective Not rated yet
Hi Ron, It's Zoë from the CV Collective. I misplaced your business card so am trying to reach you here. We'd love to have some of your work here in the …

what kind of stain will stick? Not rated yet
hi all, would sure appreciate some advice. I have arbutus posts in my house, big whole trunks I mean, salvaged from a wood pile when house was built. They …

Mould on a wooden fruit bowl Not rated yet
Is I there any way to remove mould stains from a wooden fruit bowl please? I have tried rubbing with lemon juice and salt, then putting out in the sun, …

Large arbutus straight spatula for Christmas Not rated yet
Hello Ron, I am looking to buy a large arbutus straight spatula. I saw your salad servers in the Campbell River Art Gallery but they do not have any …

Beading madron berries Not rated yet
After I gather the berries what's the next step I take to getting them ready to be beaded. ------------- Ron here... Thread them thru fish line …

Shawl Pins, Crochet hooks and knitting needles... Oh My! Not rated yet
Hi Ron, I bought some salad hands from you at the Cortes farmers market a couple summer's ago and wanted to let you know I really love them. Recently I …

Dried arbutus logs Not rated yet
We just bought some property and there must be 10 or more arbutus logs stacked up. Each log is about 8 to 10 feet long and10 to 15 inches in diameter. …

How to make original post in ~marketplace~  Not rated yet
Hi Ron, Lovely site. I have gone back/forth on your site for a while and on the marketplace page etc. But, maybe just me, I simply could not figure …

Does walnut oil Not rated yet
I made salad hands and at the request of the person I made them for stained them golden pecan. However I need to seal/protect the hands. I read your article …

Using a Madrone branch for art... Not rated yet
I found a really nice shaped branch of madrone that I would like to use as a wall hanging. Do you know if I need to do anything to seal it or guard against …

how to clean arbutus bark Not rated yet
I have some arbutus limbs that have been on the ground for about a year and I am wanting to restore them to there lovely red colour is there someway I …

Walnut oil vs mineral oil Not rated yet
Hi, thank you for all this interesting info! We just got hardwood cutting boards to put on each side of the stove. They come finished with mineral …

Walking Stick Not rated yet
Do you make walking sticks or canes? ---------- Sorry No

Thanks Not rated yet
Thanks for your work and relaying the information about safe wood products. It can be a real hassle to find the truth. I'm looking for plates, but did …

How to dry out berries well? Not rated yet
I just harvested a bunch of berries that I would love to be beads, how can I dry them out well? thanks! ----- Ron here... Thread them while still …

Is Arbutus wood utensil safe for cooking? Not rated yet
Hi, I'd like to know is Arbutus wood utensil safe for cooking (frying, stirring...) at high temperatures ? Thank you --------------- Ron here... …

Madrone bark for dyeing Not rated yet
I would be interested in knowing how the Native Americans used the bark for dyeing or of what some of the techniques would be for this purpose. I love …

In what climate/area does it grow, and how tall/wide will it be? Not rated yet
My sister has some sort of magical green thumb. Seriously. This looks like an interesting tree and I thought I might suggest it to her for her new home. …

Arbutus tree seeds Not rated yet
Hi, Where could I buy arbutus tree seeds in Victoria, BC? Thanks for your help. Tom ---- No idea.

For sale on Cortes Island? Not rated yet
Hello, Your pendants are beautiful! I will be visiting Cortes Island next month and wondering if they are for sale anywhere there? Thank you, Jennifer …

How long to dry so Arbutus wood doesn't split? Not rated yet
Hi Ron, Wow, you make some beautiful things! i was searching arbutus wood as i got some 3-4" diameter branches from a local area after this winters storms …

Arbutus Keychain Not rated yet
I recently lost my keychains which included my beautiful arbutus wood keychain. I purchased it at Crafthouse on Granville Island over 10 years ago and …

Click here to write your own.

Non blooming madrona Not rated yet
I have had my tree for several years. We live in NW Washington State. About 20 miles from salt water. It has done well and grown to about 12 feet. It …

Wholesale Pricing Not rated yet
Hi there, Could you send me your email address? I'm curious if you do wholesale pricing for retail Galleries. Thanks! Emilie ----------- …

Wholesale? Not rated yet
Hi there, My name is Elisa, and I have a retail storefront in Squamish. We are going to be moving our shop to West Broadway, and I am looking for new …

Waterproofing Not rated yet
I have a bamboo drinking glass that leaks at the seams. What is a safe way to seal this? I've googled but haven't had much luck. Thanks you so much …

Hot water mugs Not rated yet
Hello, i want to start making tea and coffee mugs, what type of wood would be good for this, I'm thinking close grain core wood? -----Ron here... …

Will my branch rot Not rated yet
A tree came down in the winter storm and I salvaged a big beautiful branch. I plan on using it as a banister in a tiny house in a few years. How to I …

Arbutus Tree as Lamp Not rated yet
Our daughter-in-law wants a 9 ft lamp made out of an arbutus tree and I need your tips. BC Hydro trimmed a large branch from an arbutus tree that might …

Inquiry re: wholesale Not rated yet
Hi there, I hope this message finds you well. I'm writing from a Vancouver-based bicycle tour company & rental shop. We're expanding our gift shop …

Custom Order  Not rated yet
Hi! I'm looking to purchase an oblong pendant superior quality, but I was hoping I could get the product with the leather necklace (unsure of the name …

Arbutus menziesii berries Not rated yet
Is there a reason for the quantity of berries on the Arbutus trees this year on Vancouver Island? Why do some of the trees not produce any berries …

keep color when drying beads Not rated yet
How do you keep the vibrant color of the arbutus seeds when drying them for use as beads --------------- Good question! but I just let them dry. …

Composting Madrone leafs Not rated yet
The leaves of our Madrones are falling all over the place, are they worth composting? They are dry and crumble easily. -------------- Ron here... …

Shipping to Hong Kong Not rated yet
I would like to purchase some wooden utensils. Do you ship internationally to Hong Kong? How much will the shipping be and how long will it take? Thanks! …

Delivery Time Not rated yet
What is the delivery time for the Arbutus Letter Opener? ----- Hi Allison, Once it is mailed, the mail leaves the island 3 times per week MWF. …

How to remove thick skin without damaging wood surface or skin? Not rated yet
I have some pieces from the milling of an old arbutus tree. They show woodpecker activity, where the skin grew into the holes, making regularly spaced …

preserving the red color  Not rated yet
Would you be so kind as to tell me how to preserve the red color of the Manzanita branches? I must "trim" some of the Manzanita on my property and …

How to clean your wood utensils? Can I use dish detergent to wash it? Not rated yet
How do I maintain your wood utensils? How to clean your wood utensils? Can I use dish detergent to wash it? Will beeswax melt into food while I cook …

Is Arbutus wood ok to leave for awhile before splitting? Not rated yet
I had a huge arbutus tree taken down as it was rotting and over my cabin. I don't have anyone who is ready to split it. Is it ok to leave until winter, …

My arbutus is losing too many leaves Not rated yet
My tree is losing a lot of leaves and not growing new ones It is approx. ten years old. I am starting to worry! ----------- Could be the dry weather. …

Modrone Tea Not rated yet
Hi, Do you have any information on Modrone Tea? If so, I would love to get some information on it or where I can purchase some. Thank, Obdulia …

Walnut Oil as wood sealer Not rated yet
Hi- Can walnut oil can be used by itself to seal an unfinished table made of pine? I'm looking for a natural alternative to polyurethane. --------- …

Drying green arbutus wood Not rated yet
hello I love all the information you have on your site about arbutus, it is my favorite wood to work with , usually I just find smaller pieces of arbutus …

what should I do with gorgeous manzanita stump ? Not rated yet
My husband cut down huge manzanita and this is the stump .. I was thinking of making a table any suggestions would be appreciated ! I have so many beautiful …

Confusion on letter opener style  Not rated yet
I am confused on the letter opener selection. On your website for the letter openers there are 3 sets of pictures. The first picture with the very first …

what oil would be best for a natural wood finish. Not rated yet
Hi there, I have always loved beautiful raw natural wood finish so I am sanding down a solid wood coffee table that has been ruined by layers of awful …

Click here to write your own.

Walnut Oil Not rated yet
Hi, I refinished a wooden bowl a few months ago and used walnut oil as a finish and now it smells rancid. Any suggestions? Thank you, Sharon ----------- …

Turning manzanita tree into sculpture in the ground. Not rated yet
This manzanita densflora Howard McMinn in our yard is 40+ years old. It is gradually dying, a branch at a time. I know the wood is prized by wood carvers. …

Do you make Arbutus wood soup ladles? Not rated yet
Very interesting web site. I have been looking for a wood soup ladle for some time and was wondering if you made them. Thank you. ---- Arbutus …

A Northern Tapestry- could we ask your kind permission to project photo image from your site? Not rated yet
Dear Ron: We are Whistling Fish Productions on Salt Spring Island and we have created a new show called 'A Northern Tapestry' with song, poems and narrative, …

Burl Dulling Knives? Not rated yet
Have you ever heard of burl dulling knives? I really love the maple burl cutting board post up and would like to make something similar as a gift. Thanks …

Shipping  Not rated yet
Hello, I live in Fort St John , BC and I see you are from BC as well. I am looking at purchasing a small pate knife and am wondering why the prices are …

Yew-tensils Not rated yet
Your work is quite beautiful, but I have a comment: You really should not be selling utensils made from Yew. Virtually every part of the tree (including …

shipping time? Not rated yet
How quickly can your items ship?? ----- Depends what you want if I have it in stock or if I have to make them. Please let me know. Arbutus Ron …

Food safe sealant/wood finish for salt box Not rated yet
What type of food grade sealant should be used for a small box used to store sea salt? The box is made of maple. Thank you ------------ Arbutus …

Long Tom Islet Not rated yet
Do you know where Long Tom Islet is located? Its a small bare rocky islet off Manson's Landing I believe. If you do, can you describe where it is or send …

Shipping Arbutus Wood Utensils to Scotland? Not rated yet
Hello Came across your site when looking for guidance of what oil to use for a fruit bowl. Tung vs Danish. Info v helpful. Thanks! Do you make any …

we have 50 acres of madrone trees...lots of intresting burls and curvys of wood Not rated yet
hello...we have 50 acres of madrone trees...lots of beautiful and curvy trees...attached is some pics...what can we do with it...

Safe wood to use with food Not rated yet
I want to make a Bagel Slicer and make sure I am using a safe wood. I know how to finish this wood but after a long time use the inside may need to be …

How do you finish your wood pendants? Not rated yet
I love your pendants. How are they finished? I don't like the feel of polyurethane and it seems like most wood necklaces I see are finished that way. …

The Law on Wooden Letter Openers? Not rated yet
Hi Is there any law on knives that cover wooden letter openers and the selling of them once made please? ------ Arbutus Ron here... I have …

Is this the Madrone or Arbutus Tree Not rated yet
Hi Ron In 2010 we were staying at Eel Creek Umpqua Campground in Oregon and while there we took a picture of this tree I uploaded to you, I'm standing …

Arbutus Tress Stress, Winter of 13/14 Not rated yet
On our return to N. Saanich after several months absence, we notice the several 20+ ft. high arbutus lining our driveway show signs of winter stress. The …

Black leaves on part of Madrone tree Not rated yet
We have a Madrona Tree that is black on one side (West side) of the tree. The other branches are fine so far. While traveling to church (11 Miles …

Natural Walnut Oil versus Roasted Walnut Oil Not rated yet
Hello, I bought a krautpounder that helps pack cabbage into mason jars for making sauerkraut. The folks I bought it from recommend walnut oil. I can …

Madrone and Manzanita INFORMATION Request ! Not rated yet
Would like to get any and all information on madrona and manzanita woods ... how to preserve...dry ..ect.. do you know any books or anything that would …

Buying your product Not rated yet
I live in Ontario. Can I order your product on-line for personal use? Or is it available in Ontario? -------- Sure you can order any of my Arbutus …

Would you like to see a Pinterest Post I wrote Today? Not rated yet
I just spent close to an hour reading and feasting on your website. I posted a beautiful picture from your site on Pinterest, and wanted to share it with …

Waterproofing wood Not rated yet
Hey just read your article of food safe finishes,I have been trying to find a finish for some wooden mugs I'm going to make. Most finishes seem expensive …

delivery of items Not rated yet
How long is delivery time to Vernon, BC? -------------- I send expedited by Canada Post. So if I have what you want in stock it goes next mail day …

Care of Arbutus Wood Utensils: which oil to use that is food safe? Not rated yet
I love my new kitchen utensils made of beautiful arbutus wood. They are very special and are most useful for stirring mixtures in a pan, scooping up some …

Click here to write your own.

Food Safe Wood Finish & Oils Not rated yet
Hello, may I please have permission to reprint your article on Food Safe Wood Finishes in our carving club newsletter of which I am the editor. Your website …

Fellow Madrona lover and craftsmen Not rated yet
Hi, just wanted to connect. I am also a Northwest guy working with Madrona and share you're passion for this wood. I am making walking sticks, just getting …

Which is a normal handle, which is a daggar (letter openers) Not rated yet
I want to order a letter opener, but it is unclear to me which is a normal handle and which is a dagger. I like the style on your web site that is straight. …

Where in Vancouver Can I buy Arbutus Wood Crafts and Gifts? Not rated yet
I think I saw your work in the past at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival. Will you be a vendor there this year? -------------------- Hi! No haven't …

engraving Not rated yet
Can I get 1 letter holder engraved as an anniversary gift for my husband?? ----------------- Only if you order 100! I have to send them out …

pressure treated wood deck for wood finish Not rated yet
Your preference to walnut oil is interesting how would it work on a Pt deck. I am trying to stay away from finishing product's like sealers and oil finishes …

ACF Magazine Not rated yet
Hello Ron, how are you? I'm looking to contact a few designers to feature as an advertorial showcase in our magazine and I think your work is just …

food safe wood finish question Not rated yet
Hi I just read your article on food safe finishes which was great! I was just wondering which oil, coconut or walnut, makes a better food safe wood finish? …

Food Safe Finish For Wooden Mugs Not rated yet
Hi I am making wooden mugs out of American oak, i know not the best timber for the purpose but it's what i have to use. I am looking for a food safe …

Arbutus is difficult to cut. Not rated yet
I have to prune an Arbutus tree for a friend, however I'm finding it difficult, the saw barely makes a scratch. Is there a trick or preferred tool to do …

Texas Madrone  Not rated yet
Is there a market for Texas Madrone wood harvested from dead fall and dead branches? Thank you ----- Don't know but you can put your info on the …

Arbutus bark as dye? Not rated yet
Do you know what colour arbutus bark makes for dying fabric? ------- Never tried it myself but I imagine if it is reddish brown then that is what …

Food safe wood finish for wood used to make lacto-fermented vegetables Not rated yet
I have non-treated hardwood planks. I cut disks out and sanded them down and they are quite cool. I would use them with aquarium rocks on top. My question …

Wholesale inquiry Not rated yet
Hi Ron I am starting a gift basket business. I am focusing on local, natural products and would love to include your beautiful West Coast Whale Knife …

ENGRAVING Not rated yet
I WANT TO ORDER A COUPLE OF LETTER OPENERS BUT HOW DO I GO ABOUT GETTING THEM ENGRAVED? ------------------ Minimum order is 50. If that works for …

Help with caring for an Arbutus Tree Not rated yet
Hello there, we just bought a property in nanaimo that has an Arbutus tree on it. The tree is about a foot in diameter. I notice that someone has covered …

Food safe walnut oil Wood Finish Not rated yet
Your spoons are really beautiful. I was just wondering if you you use straight walnut oil on most of your spoons, or if you use a mixture of beeswax …

Where to find arbutus wood in Vancouver? Not rated yet
Hi there, My dad loves wood turning and I would like to bring him some special wood from BC, do you know where I could find some Arbutus wood in Vancouver? …

How to dry a raw Arbutus wood log round for a coffee table? Not rated yet
I have recently been gifted a beautiful very large round of an arbutus trunk. The tree was healthy but had to be felled, due to its size and unstable location. …

Start one Arbutus tree from a seed? Not rated yet
I live in a condo and want to grow an arbutus in a pot on my deck. Is this possible? I am south facing, one block off the beach. Thanks. Maurice …

Safety of yew wood Not rated yet
G'day mate. My name is Vlado and I'm from Australia. My Q is about yew wood. Is it safe to wear around neck? I'm going to make a rosary beads …

Madrone Trees Not rated yet
A man from the US asked if the Arbutus trees in my painting were Madrone trees. He said they looked the same. ------------ Same tree different names. …

Madrone Trees Not rated yet
A man from the US asked if the Arbutus trees in my painting were Madrone trees. He said they looked the same. ------------ Same tree different names. …

Refinishing antique wooden utensils Not rated yet
I have been given my grandmothers wooden rolling pin and would like to refinish it so I can use it as it is a unique size compared to the type bought in …

wooden cleaver? Not rated yet
Can you make a wooden cleaver? (of course you can - silly question.) I need an average size wooden cleaver with some body to it - weight in the handle …

Click here to write your own.

Cooking Utensils Not rated yet
Which is better walnut or olive wood? ------- Both are great cooking utensils because the wood is hard. Choose what looks and feels good to your …

Tips of Madrone limbs turning black Not rated yet
Hi, We live in Sonoma County CA and have a fair amout of Madrone trees on our property. We have been here since the mid '70s and have noticed many of …

Walnut oil finish for Louis XIV antiques? Not rated yet
Hi Ron, I'm thoroughly enjoying your website in all its aspects and considering your many wonderful products. However, as a furniture restorer …

Moving an Arbutus tree (still not big; about 2 meters) Not rated yet
I was wondering if we can move an arbutus tree to a different location at the yard ? The tree is aboyt 2 meters long. Thanks

Arbutus Branches Please. Not rated yet
I would like to drive from Calgary, Alberta to visit you for a day, and to visit your land. To walk on your land among the Arbutus, looking for deadfall …

Wood chopping & serving boards--A form and function investment. Not rated yet
Wood chopping boards aren't just for slicing bread anymore. ...Wood boards are rapidly climbing to epic price heights for wood is readily becoming a …

Food Safe Wood Finish and Fixing Wood Cracks in Cuting Boards  Not rated yet
Here is the place to come to share your ideas on how to fix small cracks in wood cutting boards and chopping blocks. And on food safe wood finishes. …

A Madrone Wood Stump Available For Someone Not rated yet
Dear Reader, I have uncovered a large Madrone wood stump on my property. I dug around the base 2 feet down and hosed off the stump. It is about …

Click here to write your own.


Go from Questions and Answers to Contact Me