Welcome to Site19 Studios
At Site19 Studios, we take pride in crafting exquisite pieces primarily from domestic hardwoods such as maple, cherry, walnut, sycamore, and oak. To add a unique touch to our special creations, we also incorporate materials like epoxy, pewter, copper, leather, and more. Among our favorites are sycamore and cherry, with firebox elder coming in as a close third.
Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our careful sourcing of wood. Most of our materials are harvested from local trees that are being trimmed or removed due to storm damage, risk, or overgrowth. Each piece often includes a note on the base, indicating where the wood originally grew.
Creating our masterpieces is a labor of love that can take over two years from the initial cutting of a log into sections for a twice-turned bowl, to the final finishing touches.
Explore our collection and discover the beauty of art in harmony with nature through the examples at the link below:
Join us in celebrating the versatility and natural elegance of handmade wood art.
Experience the Art of Woodworking
Join us at Site 19 Studios for an exciting journey into the world of woodworking. Our year-round classes are designed to share the thrill and challenges of creating beautiful art from wood. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artisan, there’s something for everyone!
What to Expect:
- Hands-On Creations: Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into hands-on experience, turning wood bowls, boxes, or chalices on a lathe. You’ll use a variety of basic hand and power tools to bring your creations to life.
- Master the Basics: Learn about the essential components of the lathe and their functions. We’ll guide you through safe handling techniques for both tools and wood, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience.
- Turn with Precision: Practice basic bowl turning using gouges, scrapers, and other tools. Our expert instructors will be there to support you every step of the way, helping you refine your skills and achieve professional results.
- Explore Wood and Finishes: Discover the wide variety of wood options available and explore different finishing techniques to give your creations that perfect touch.
- Take Home a Treasure: At the end of the class, you’ll take home your completed bowl as a proud reminder of your accomplishment. It’s more than just a project—it’s a piece of art crafted by your own hands!
Why Join Us?
Creating your own wooden masterpieces is a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Our classes are not just about learning; they’re about discovering the joy of craftsmanship, building confidence, and connecting with like-minded individuals. Plus, you’ll have access to top-notch tools and expert guidance, ensuring your success and eliminating frustration.
Invite your spouse, children, or grandchildren to join you in the process. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bond, create lasting memories, and craft heirloom pieces that will be cherished for generations.
Come and be a part of the vibrant community at Site 19 Studios. Unleash your creativity, learn new skills, and take home a piece of art that reflects your unique style!
Special Commissions
Seeking a one-of-a-kind creation? Our Commission section is your gateway to personalized masterpieces. Share your vision, desired size, wood type, and any special preferences, and we’ll collaborate to craft a bowl that reflects your vision for the piece.
Commemorate life’s milestones with our exquisite wedding presents, birthdays and anniversary gifts. These timeless pieces will serve as cherished reminders of special occasions for years to come. Customized signature and well wishes can be added into the signature on the foot of the bowl to make the work even more special.
Honor loved ones and pets who have passed with our burial urns, crafted with respect and sensitivity. Each urn is a unique expression of life and remembrance, offering solace and beauty in a time of reflection.
Do you have a special tree on your property, barn, or from a remodeling project? We can transform its wood into a sentimental piece, imbued with memories and a connection to your personal history.
Gift the joy of woodturning! Surprise your friends and family with Gift Certificates, allowing them to choose their own handcrafted treasure. Or, fuel their creative passion with a class.
Cutting Boards
Join our immersive workshop to create your very own custom cutting and charcuterie boards. Bring your own wood or select from our high-quality stock, and craft beautiful end grain or long grain boards with limitless pattern possibilities. Draw inspiration from our example boards or bring your unique design ideas to life!
Typically, this workshop spans two classes to accommodate glue drying time, with a total of 2-3 hours depending on the complexity of your board.
A custom cutting board makes an ideal, thoughtful gift for weddings, anniversaries, or any special occasion, especially for the food enthusiasts in your life. It’s a one-of-a-kind piece that will be cherished for many years to come.
Custom Furniture
Embark on a journey to create special projects and custom furniture that are as unique as you are! Whether you prefer to commission a masterpiece or roll up your sleeves and be part of the creation process, we offer you the flexibility to be involved at every step.
Imagine the satisfaction of designing your own custom furniture. You can participate in the entire process—from design and wood selection to sawing, planing, jointing, and more. The joy of using furniture you’ve crafted with your own hands is truly unparalleled.
Our team of experts is here to guide you, ensuring you achieve high-quality results without the frustration. With access to our top-of-the-line tools, you can eliminate the need for a significant upfront investment in equipment, especially for one-of-a-kind pieces.
Create heirloom pieces that will be cherished for generations to come. Invite your spouse, children, or grandchildren to join you in the process, making it a memorable and rewarding experience for the whole family.
About The Artist
John Gilluly
John has been working in wood, metal and ceramics for more than 50 years.
He has taken formal class from 3 colleges in Art and Ceramics as well as professional turning workshops from David Ellsworth and Lyle Jamieson.
His formal education includes a degree in Material Science and Metallurgy and a minor in Electrical Engineering from Lehigh University in PA.
His passion is centered on Lathe work with end grain, side grain, segmented, epoxy, burl, metal and other materials in bowls, boxes, close forms and platters.
Since 2017, he has offered training classes for students who are interested in exploring woodworking as a career, a hobby, or just to make a special gift for a loved one.