Just over a year ago, craftsman and graphic artist, Rob Laliberte turned his Old North Knoxville carriage house into a wood working shop. Using only hand tools and a small saw, he whittled away enjoyable hours crafting simple kitchen items for every day use while also developing killer forearms.
Right now Laliberte’s business, WDWRK Small Wares Co., is a finalist in the 2014 Martha Stewart American Made Awards. You can vote for WDWRK , for the audience’s favorite design company, through October 13, 2014. You get 6 chances to vote so cast your first ballot today.
Vote for WDWRK through October 13, 2014.
A year and a half ago Laliberte quit his job at a health food store. He says, “I wasn’t sure what was next but I knew if I pushed hard enough, I would figure it out.” He narrowed down his many interests to focus on his childhood love of wood working. Six month later he had sold all of his inventory.
You know you want a new handmade risotto spoon.
RAPID GROWTH
A popular Kickstarter campaign allowed Laliberte to purchase a 16″ band saw. All of the wood he uses is “sourced locally in the Knoxville region.”
He has a booth at the Saturday Market Square Farmers’ Market. In addition to the Martha Stewart competition, his work as also been recognized by Garden & Gun. This week he launched his new project Unison Creative , a website hub for creative types/entrepreneurs.
He went spoon crazy for awhile.
BALANCED LIFE
While he treats WDWRK like a regular job, Laliberte is mindful of balancing his work with play and meditation. He says, “I’m not interested in mass producing things. I draw clear lines between working and relaxing.”
Practical cocktail supplies.
© Debra Dylan, 2014.
