About the Products
You will find information below about the various types of wood that Hugh uses for his products. The great majority of the wood is locally sourced, but sometimes Hugh uses exotics for accent pieces.
Click here for an information page about using your Salt or Pepper Mill.
Click here for an information page about caring for your Bowl or other Kitchenware.
Please contact Hugh if you have any questions at all!
The Mushroom Series
Hugh’s mushroom salt and pepper mills have become a signature item! The base of each mill is typically made of Pure Maple, Spalted Maple, Spalted Elm or Honey Locust. Hugh has hand-turned peppercorns into some of the bases of the pepper mills for a particularly unique effect. The mushroom caps are typically made of Walnut, Padauk, Mahogany or Osage Orange. Two of the most popular combinations are the Maple-Walnut and Maple-Padauk sets. Maple and Black Walnut trees are both native to Canada and the Eastern United States so these form a classic and earthy combination. Hugh has then paired the quintessential Canadian Maple with exotic African Padauk for an eye-catching combination. The brilliant red of Padauk is all natural – there is no dye in this wood. And, as for all of Hugh’s salt and pepper mills, the grinding mechanisms are made in North America (ceramic for salt and stainless steel for pepper) and guaranteed for life. You will enjoy these functional conversation pieces for years to come! Single and double coasters (as shown in the picture to the left) are available for all of Hugh’s salt and pepper mills.
The Heartwood Cherry Series
While not native to North America, Cherry trees grew in popularity after their grand introduction in Washington DC in the early 1900’s. They are renowned for their beautiful, fragrant blossoms and delicious fruit. Cherry is the tree of the heart, symbolizing both love and overcoming obstacles. What better time than at the family dinner table for your Heartwood Series items to remind you of love and accomplishment.
The Riparian Walnut Series
The Black Walnut tree is native to Southeastern Canada and the Eastern United States. It grows commonly in Riparian areas, the ecologically significant interface zone between rivers and land. Handcrafted dinnerware items are also an interface between casual and elegant dining. Hugh encourages you to use your Riparian Series items every day, but including them in a centerpiece will add a level of sophistication to any table. Hugh’s work is a fine example of the interface between function and art.
The St. John’s Bread Carob Series
The richly historied Carob tree, native to Mediterranean areas, produces seeds and pods that can be eaten, and John the Baptist was apparently known for his daily enjoyment of this chocolate substitute! Carob pods were also used to weigh precious jewels, hence the term “carat.” But for a woodturner, the most notable characteristic of the Carob tree is the spectacular range of browns and reds that naturally occur in the wood. There is no dye in any St. John’s Bread Series item – the colours you see are all natural!
The Spalted, Ambrosia and Pure Canadian Maple Series
The Maple tree and Maple leaf have long been associated with Canada. The tree symbolizes balance and promise, two characteristics very much associated with Canadians! The Pure Canadian Series is quintessential Canadian – the bright blonde wood will go with any decor! The black ink-like markings in the Spalted series occur naturally in some Maple trees as they age and begin to rot. The starburst patterns in the Ambrosia series occur when the ambrosia beetle gets into the tree and releases an enzyme. Both spalting and ambrosia are natural, harmless and provide absolutely stunning patterns! In keeping with Canadian values, all of the Canadian Maple items will provide you with a balance between everyday casual dining and a formal dinner table.
The Mr. and Mrs. Snowman Series
To be used all winter long to keep some whimsy and warmth in your home, these Pine or Cherry salt and pepper mills (with caps made from Padauk and Walnut) will bring a smile to everyone’s face on even the coldest of days. Pine trees bring warmth to our Canadian winters, and Cherry is the tree of the heart. We think the simple delight that emanates from Mr. and Mrs. Snowman might even make the Grinch’s heart grow three sizes more!
The Winter Pine Series
Another collection to be used all winter long – and indeed, all year ’round if you wish to keep the all-season warmth of the evergreen tree ever present in your home! These Pine salt and pepper mills provide a bright and unique design to adorn your table. At Christmas time, make a wreath of deep green winter boughs and sparkling red berries to surround the Winter Pine salt and pepper mills and you’ll have a lovely and functional centerpiece for your holiday table!
The Wise Elm Series
The tall and graceful Elm tree! Elm symbolizes wisdom – the tree sees all around it as well as what is coming from afar. The elm is also seen to reflect intuition, and it is the combination of seeing and knowing that is the hallmark of wisdom. You will enjoy the beauty of your Wise Elm item when it graces your table, and it will remind you of the value of wisdom.
The Butternut Series
The Butternut is actually a walnut tree! The Black Walnut is more well known, but the White Walnut is what we commonly call the Butternut. The nut is mild, sweet and oily – hence the reference to butter! Perhaps slice a baguette, place the bread slices in your Butternut Bowl and serve with a honey-butter as a delectable way to begin your meal!
The Honey Locust Freedom Series
Look up sketches of the famous Gettysburg address, and you will see a lone Honey Locust near Abraham Lincoln. The famous honey locust sits on a hilltop just 100 yards from where President Lincoln spoke after the battle of Gettysburg, a prominent and enduring symbol of freedom and the human spirit. Show your solidarity and display your beautiful Honey Locust Freedom Bowl in a place of pride and prominence!