Why do trees make the worst frenemies?
Because they are the best at throwing shade!
I love natural wood products. Products that are made with so much love, and hold memory in every grain. Products that have been sawed, and cut, and shaped into something new and special. Products that aren’t just available in bulk from a chain store, but are lovingly individually curated and created.
A friend recommended Fresh Timber to me, and I was intrigued. They claim to bring your Pinterest ideas to life, and their products are absolutely gorgeous. From trinket bowls, to plant stands, to chopping boards, to shelving, to furniture, to planter boxes – they make it all. And this morning I received something of my own…
This gorgeous chopping board arrived safely in it’s own storage box, and I had no idea what was inside. I excitedly opened it up, and couldn’t believe the thought and care that went into this gift. It is personalised with my logo, and is beyond beautiful! In fact, I think I will use it for photos rather than chopping as I can’t bear the thought of any scratches on it… (Don’t judge me!)
Your names: Ryan & Alison Venter
Business name: Fresh Timber
Social media handles: Facebook, Instagram and Website.
Tell me a bit more about your business:
Fresh Timber is a carpentry business focusing on custom wooden creations that move you from your vision board to your ideal living space. The focus is taking the ideas we tend to daydream about and create something tangible we can enjoy in the home for years to come.
Where did the idea for this come from:
I have always had a knack for working with my hands and carving beautiful items from wood for my family. My Oupa encouraged this craft from a young age and I continued it into adulthood. Fresh Timber was born when my wife and I decided to bring together each of our respective skillsets shortly after she was retrenched. We decided we wanted to make the most out of an otherwise unpleasant situation by creatively nurturing our talents along the way.
What makes your products different to others:
We believe in crafting investment pieces that will last and be ideal for your space you have as well as incorporating your own creative flair into the mix. Your dreamy creation should be enjoyed in your home because you dreamt it; instead of only being given the option of “off the shelf” items which can sometimes feel limiting. We love to use trees that are no longer living or have been condemned to a burn pile. When the project calls for specifics in woods, we focus on non-indigenous species from our local sawmills.
What are the different products you currently sell:
We are constantly expanding on new smalls to add to our range alongside our custom larger furniture. Currently, we sell a variety of cutting boards, cheeseboards, endgrain butcher blocks, trinket bowl holders, Lazy Susans and personalized engagement ring boxes.
What is your personal favourite product:
It’s a tough choice because we are friends of variety and creativity in all of our custom work we do. However, our floor and desk lamps are close to our hearts as they are satisfying to make and shed light on a number of skills that come into play in their manufacturing.
Do you do custom pieces: Yes, majority of our work is custom made to our client’s specific spaces in their homes.
How can people order from you:
Some of our smalls items can be ordered on our online shop. Otherwise we can be emailed on info@freshtimber.co.za or on what’s app on 078 5144 541 where we can engage in discussion and vision for the project. An image or two also goes a long way 😉
Why do you encourage people to purchase products from small businesses:
Small to medium enterprises make up a large percentage of South Africa’s economy and growth. By supporting a small business, you not only keep the lights on for that business but you contribute to a growing workforce and to an individual’s livelihood – and that makes all the difference.
Quote you live by:
“It’s great to be alive” – my Oupa.
“The answer will always be no unless you ask.”
Guys don’t you think these are gorgeous?
I can’t yet decide what is my favourite (besides my personalised chopping board of course), but I do have my eye on the pot plant stand and planter boxes. Plus when I saw images of their other work on their social media, I couldn’t but save them as gift ideas for Christmas and upcoming birthdays. And that circular bookshelf above? What a talking piece!
This was such an honour to get to know Ryan and Alison better, and I am sure that we will slowly be adding more of their pieces to our home over time. Pop over to their website and social media to see which is your favourite – then let me know in the comments below.
