We were lucky to catch up with Emily Latham recently and have shared our conversation below.

Emily, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I’ve always loved creating things. Especially gifts that are meaningful to the recipient. I’ve made all kinds of things and explored many different art forms. When I was young I carved a wooden horse for my sister, crocheted a baby blanket for my brother, baked cinnamon rolls for my dad, woodburned a photo frame for my mom, and made countless other gifts of various materials and degrees of usefulness. As an adult I started my business woodburning kitchen utensils by hand. I began making sets of wooden spoons as wedding gifts – personalized for each couple. As my skills improved and my business grew, I added new designs and expanded into cutting boards, coasters and trays. After 7 years of engraving thousands of products by hand, I invested in a laser printer last year.

One of my favorite and most meaningful pieces I’ve made during my business years is a large cutting board, engraved with artwork from each of my four kids. The artwork on the board is from cards the kids drew for me and includes my youngest’s first drawing of the two of us together. It’s a piece that will last for decades and remind me of these years with my little ones each time I see it hanging on my wall.

I have many personalized items in my shop, but this board is extra special. I get excited when an order comes through for a custom kids art board, knowing the recipient will enjoy it forever! And the artwork that gets sent in is just adorable. Kids are so creative. And they are thrilled to see their art hanging on the wall!

Emily, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Wood is one of my favorite materials. As a kid, I wanted to be a builder when I grew up – I thought that mostly meant I’d get to use a saw and hammer wood together. I enjoyed carving wood as a teen and bought my first woodburning tool to use to sign my carved work. Woodburning is much faster than wood carving so as an adult with kids and life getting busier, woodburning was something I could still do in a shorter timeframe. I started my business as a way to make some extra money in 2014 and through the years it has grown and is now my full time job.

I love finding ways to add beauty to simple, everyday things. I grew up spending a lot of time in the kitchen. I started with an Easy-Bake Oven and eventually upgraded to real ovens and ingredients that actually tasted good. My grandpa taught me to make bread. My mom let me take over the kitchen whenever I wanted. I think that’s why I was drawn to wooden spoons and cutting boards when I began woodburning.
The kitchen can be a place of frustration and hurry for some and hold sweet memories for others. And a spoon that reminds you that you’re loved, each time you walk in the kitchen, brings joy to people in both categories.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

It’s an amazing feeling when people connect with something I’ve made. When customers tell me they can’t wait to give something I’ve created to someone they love – it’s so encouraging.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Support can come in many different forms. My family and friends support me by helping me think through new product ideas or giving feedback on new designs. Sharing an artist’s work is one of the easiest and most effective ways of offering support, both on social media or by word of mouth. Even if you can’t purchase from an artist, you can still support them in many ways by cheering them on, asking how they’re doing and choosing to shop small when you can.

Contact Info:

• Website: hearthandtableco.etsy.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/hearthandtableco
• Facebook: facebook.com/hearthandtableco

Image Credits
Wendy Macy