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The Joy of Cold Working with Johnathon Schmuck

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More about my trip to Portland…one of the evenings we had the pleasure of a tour at the home of the owners of Bullseye glass to see their glass collection. Everyone’s cameras were clicking as we captured images of the incredible body of work Dan and Lani possess. I’m still filtering through all of the images I took during the week and have yet to get to the pictures from that evening. But today I came across a posting about one of the artists whose work was at the house, so I had to pass this along to you guys. Johnathon Schmuck is the artist and he has a new book out called The Joy of Coldworking.

During my class at Bullseye we spent a little bit of time doing some cold working. Grinding and smoothing the edges of a pretty thick piece we made. But I’ve seen, and Johnathon does this too, cutting and grinding away of the surface of the glass to reveal other colors underneath. I know it has my head swirling with design possibilities…check it out and see what it does for you.

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Handmade with a Past: Tuesday’s Top Recycled Etsy Find

If you love a good wine and a stylish cheese platter, then this recycled flat wine bottle cheese board will be your new best friend. Not only does it combine two of life’s greatest pleasures, but it also gives a second life to old wine bottles, turning them into something functional and chic.

I stumbled across a similar piece at a friend’s gathering last year, and I couldn’t stop admiring it. The wine bottle was almost unrecognizable—transformed into a sleek, modern board for snacks and small bites. It’s the perfect conversation starter, and honestly, it brings a certain wow factor to any dinner party or casual gathering.

This cheese board isn’t just pretty; it’s practical too. The smooth surface is ideal for serving everything from crackers to fruit to your favorite cheeses. Plus, it’s an awesome example of recycling and upcycling, keeping those old bottles out of landfills while elevating your entertaining game.

Why we love it:

  • Made from recycled flat wine bottles, adding sustainability to your kitchen

  • A unique upcycled home decor item that’s also super functional

  • Ideal for wine lovers, eco-conscious hosts, or anyone who loves a good cheese board

Not only does this board make for a stylish and sustainable addition to your kitchen, but it also makes for an awesome gift for those who love eco-friendly entertaining.