Creekhollow Creations is moving forward, a bit at a time. Initially we will offer uniquely designed, hand-made walking sticks, tall staffs and jogger’s batons. We have plans to add graphic designs, leathercraft goods and costume items as time goes by.
WALKING STICKS AND STAFFS
Our products are (unless otherwise noted) made from single pieces of wood. The wood is ethically gathered from prunings, culled trees and dead-fall wood from the Southeast United States. Typical species are Black and Kanzai Cherry, Crepe Myrtle, Dogwood, Oak, Ash, American Walnut, Red and Black Maple, Beech and others as opportunities unfold.
NATURAL WOOD
We select wood based on the size, straightness, condition and ‘interest’ of the piece. Essentially none of our sticks is truly straight. We do not use a lathe to artificially achieve straightness, but rather celebrate the individuality of natural wood. There are often knots, spalting, cavities and the like – but none that will compromise the finished piece’s integrity. Often these ‘defects’ are worked into the overall design as a feature.
DESIGNS
We evaluate each piece of raw wood for the type of design most appropriate. Each finished item is unique; no two will be exactly alike. Most have an overall theme: woodlands, seashore, Native American, patriotic, fantasy, fishing, Celtic, whimsy, steampunk, etc. This is expressed by a combination of carving, wood-burning and inlaying decorations of wide variety. Inlaid materials may be metal, stone, shell and figured wood.
THE GRIP
Another distinctive feature is a defined grip. There is no point in a walking stick you can’t hold on to at need. The grip area is contoured to a shape which can be comfortably grasped by either the right or left hand. Our basic grip is hand checkered with diamond patterns cut into the wood. This is a painstaking manual process, but it is worth the trouble because of the very positive grip it provides. Another grip employed is coiled braid, typically leather, set into a groove that spirals through the grip area. Other grip styles are presently in development.
THE FINISH
After barking the piece we sand by varying degrees to eliminate unintentional ridges, dents, scratches and tool marks. The final smoothing is done with #0000 steel wool and is followed with a hand inspection to feel for any remaining roughness which needs dealt with. The end result is an evenly shaped surface that ‘flows’ like plastic. Creekhollow products are all finished with ‘teak oil’ wood finish (its not made from the teak tree). Teak oil penetrates deep into the wood, reinforcing the surface and bringing out the natural beauty in an unrivaled manner. It will not chip, crack or peel because it does not leave a varnish-like layer on the surface. The finished wood buffs to a beautiful satin luster. It is naturally dirt and water repellent (prolonged exposure to water should be avoided) and can be renewed by the owner with an application of lemon or other furniture oil.
THE FOOT
Ah, the foot! Most of our beta testing has been a search for the perfect foot. Our goal is to fit each staff and walking stick with a foot that protects the wood from wear, will not damage common floor material, holds up against rough surfaces and can be renewed by the owner. Most sticks have a threaded wood insert with a molded rubber foot held in place with a recessed bolt. One spare foot and bolt, plus a hex wrench, is provided. Special design sticks may have more exotic, decorative foot-pieces and these will be identified in the description.
CUSTOM CASE
Creekhollow sticks and staffs come with a custom fitted protective soft case, usually with a carrying strap. The case is intended to protect the item and ease transport.
THE PRICE
They will be competitive with other similar quality offerings. Considering the time spent in crafting each item, our real reward is the satisfaction of providing a quality product that will be treasured by our customers for many years.
DISCLAIMER
Our products are DECORATIVE in nature and no functionality is expressed or should be implied from our descriptions. They DO NOT comply with any Standard which may exist for similar products. There is NO WARRANTY for longevity, utility or wear. Should the original customer have issue with their purchase we will be pleased to discuss the matter but ANY redress is solely at our discretion.
SOON
Presently we are generating an initial stock position before offering items for sale. Look here soon for photos of examples that will be part of the initial offering.
creekhollowcreations.com 