About Sparrow Woodworks
Hey there! I am a self taught-wood intarsia artist based in Oxford, Michigan.
Although the desire to create had always come naturally, the mediums I was drawn to use had changed over time — from sketching, painting, photography, graphic design, and now: woodworking.
In 2019, I asked my dad and grandpa to teach me how to use power tools and started making wood American flags to pay for my classes at RCU. Time in the garage taught me how to build something well, and to build with purpose. I started investing in more tools and time in refining this new skill as God continued to nurture a desire in me to create meaningful things with my hands. What began as a fun project had turned into an opportunity to spend time with family, reconnect with old friends, and raise funds for different ministries. God has slowly given shape, vision, and (often unexpected) provision over time for this small business.
Inspiration for the name was given from the imagery in Psalm 84, where sparrows and swallows are given rest at the altars of the Living God, and God’s promise to care for us in Matthew 6.
Now, I work out of a warehouse in Oxford, Michigan, taking commission by commission, with a focus on heirloom gifts and business logo signs. Everything I create is original and handmade from start to finish, implementing quality hardwoods and natural finishes. I specialize in an art form called “wood Intarsia”.
Soon, I hope to teach classes for young women and publish a children’s book. I also participate in local events, art shows, and markets.
What is Wood Intarsia?
Wood intarsia is unique form of wood inlaying that originated in Siena, Italy during the 13th century. Beginning with an original, hand drawn cut-map, I will select a pallet of natural hardwoods — considering the unique color, grain direction, and character. This allows the wood itself to provide every highlight, shadow, and detail. Materials are then planed down to the appropriate thickness as I consider the depth and dimension needed.
After transferring each piece of the template onto the wood, I’ll cut them individually on the scroll saw. Then, each piece is rough shaped on the belt sander and detail carved with a rotary tool using a variety of sanding bits. The pieces are then hand sanded, finished with a natural, protective coat, and fitted together much like an intricate puzzle.
Unlike mass-produced items, no two intarsia pieces are ever the same. Variations in grain, figure, and color ensure that every piece is one of a kind. Overall, the process requires tedious patience, precision, and artistic discretion.
In a world that is dominated by convenience, handmade artwork offers something increasingly rare: authenticity and human touch. Every detail reflects hours of skilled craftsmanship, preserving techniques that have been passed down through generations.
Commissioning a custom work of art allows you to preserve a meaningful place, memory, verse, or milestone in a form that will be enjoyed every day and passed down.
Whether celebrating a wedding, anniversary, retirement, new home, or memorial, a custom handcrafted artwork communicates a level of thoughtfulness and craftmanship that cannot be found on a store shelf.