Splinter Fingers offers unique wood creations
BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
BIG CREEK ROAD — Even though he grew up in a family of mechanics and chose to work in the steel industry as his career, Michael Maynard has always loved crafting unique wood creations. Realizing that he had a knack for turning out quality products, he turned that love into a profitable side business that sells locally and around the world.
A lifelong resident of Big Creek Road in Pike County, near the Martin County line at the head of Meathouse, Maynard has never strayed far from his roots.
After his father’s death, Maynard began assisting with his mother’s needs and caring for the family homeplace. He started creating items out of wood as a pastime and gifted those to family members and friends. As word of his talent spread, he found himself in demand for special-order items.
“I’m just a one-man business,” Maynard said. “I only work in the evenings and weekends, but I pride myself in turning out orders in a timely manner. And if shipping is required, that is never a problem.”
Maynard’s business bears the unique name of “Splinter Fingers Woodworking.” He says the name came to him as he pulled splinter after splinter from his fingers and hands while learning the tricks of the trade. His goal is never to allow an item to leave his shop unless it is 100 percent smooth and splinter-free.
Although Maynard doesn’t have a large workspace, his creations are revered by all who see them. Some of his most popular pieces are cutting boards/butcher blocks composed of different varieties of locally-sourced hardwoods that vary in color and pigmentation, with no two being identical. The boards are sealed and completely food safe. If cared for properly, they will last a lifetime and become family heirlooms for future generations.
“I can do the cutting boards in various sizes, depending on the buyer’s needs,” said Maynard. “I also make different shapes and sizes of charcuterie boards that have grown in popularity lately. I can finish those out to the customer’s specifications. They can also be used as serving boards, and all have a food-safe finish.”
Maynard creates customized hand-routed signs, which are the first items he made when starting his business. Noodle boards that cover the stovetop or sink in the kitchen are good sellers for Maynard, as well as personalized wooden crosses to adorn graves and cemeteries.
Other wood creations that Maynard sells are blanket ladders and wall-mounted blanket racks that hold rolled-up blankets and create storage for those with limited floor space. Bread boxes are another popular item he finishes with custom designs and stains/paints.
“Walking canes and walking sticks have always been a fun project for me to make, even though they don’t sell as quickly as my other items,” said Maynard. “I get a lot of enjoyment from making them, and I offer several styles and different types of wood choices.”
Maynard appreciates customers doing business with him.
“I’m thankful my business is gaining notoriety,” he said. “I appreciate everyone that has shared my social media page or has told others about my crafts. A satisfied customer is a walking and talking testimonial, which is priceless.
“We have many talented artisans here in our area, and I have always been a firm believer in buying local and supporting local businesses. We need to let our talent shine.”
For more information, check out Splinter Fingers Woodworking on Facebook.
