BurlinsonbyDesign

Woodworking · January 2025

Live Edge Cutting Board with Bowtie

A Fusion of Nature, Craftsmanship, and Elegance

Finished live edge sugar maple cutting board with a bowtie inlay, on a kitchen island near small serving bowls
Completed
January 2025
Species
Sugar Maple
Board thickness
2 1/2"

This cutting board isn’t just a kitchen tool—it’s a work of art. Crafted from a single slab of live edge sugar maple, it captures the raw beauty of natural wood while offering a smooth, functional surface for everyday use.

The warm, golden tones of the maple, combined with its organic, flowing edges, create a one-of-a-kind statement piece that blends rustic charm with refined craftsmanship.

To enhance its durability and food safety, I used deep-pour, food-grade epoxy to seal the surface, preserving the wood’s natural grain while ensuring a smooth, non-porous finish. The largest crack in the slab became an opportunity for artistry, where I carefully carved and inlaid a bowtie joint, not just as a structural reinforcement but as a visual centerpiece that honors traditional woodworking techniques.

This board is magnificent and stunning, with a rich, natural color palette and an organic feel that makes every meal prep or charcuterie spread an experience. Whether displayed on a countertop or in action in the kitchen, it’s a true celebration of wood’s raw beauty, perfected through craftsmanship.

In the shop

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  • Raw sugar maple slab with live edge, before shaping, on the workbench
  • Sugar maple board being milled for the cutting board
  • Cutting the cutting board to length
  • Bowtie inlay pattern marked and cut into the cutting board's surface with a utility knife and ruler
  • Sanding the cutting board's surface
  • Fitting the walnut bowtie inlay into the cutting board
  • Epoxy-filled knot in the cutting board with a carved wood plug set above it, mid-repair

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A Gift of Craftsmanship

Many friends and family have asked how they can support my woodworking journey. You’re welcome to contribute to the studio by helping invest in tools that expand what I can create. There’s no pressure, just an open invitation to be part of the craft in a way that feels meaningful to you.

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