Exploring Woodworking: A Look into the World of Danielle Boltz of Honeysuckle and Mud
Have you ever felt a spark of curiosity that led you down an unexpected path? That’s exactly what happened to Danielle Boltz, co-founder of Honeysuckle and Mud. In this article, we delve into her journey into woodworking, the projects she’s most proud of, and the valuable lessons she’s learned along the way.
Discovering a Passion for Woodworking
In 2016, after closing her brick-and-mortar yoga studio, Danielle found herself craving something to reignite her creative spark. She stumbled upon wooden spoons on Pinterest and decided to give spoon carving a try. With her first set of tools—a hook knife and a palm gouge—she started carving on her front porch. This moment marked the beginning of her woodworking journey.
“I ordered my first round of tools (a hook knife and a palm gouge) and got to carving on my front porch.” – Danielle Boltz
Projects to Be Proud Of
As a natural teacher at heart, Danielle takes pride in the Spoon Carving Starter Kit and Spoon Carving Tutorial that she and her husband now sell globally. These tools have helped countless individuals rediscover their own creative passions, much like how spoon carving ignited Danielle’s creativity years ago. Additionally, their cute cabin, built last Fall, stands as a testament to their craftsmanship and dedication to creating unique spaces.
Learning from Mistakes
One valuable lesson Danielle learned early on was the importance of safety when working with sharp tools. A serious injury while carving taught her to always cut away from her body and to avoid using dull tools. This experience underscored the need for caution and mindfulness in woodworking.
“I learned how to always cut downstream, away from my body, and using dull tools is actually incredibly dangerous.” – Danielle Boltz
From Hobby to Career
While Danielle initially viewed woodworking as a hobby, her entrepreneurial spirit drove her to explore the possibility of monetizing her craft. It wasn’t until her woodworking began to support her financially that she realized this passion could become a sustainable career. Breaking free from the “starving artist” stereotype became a motivating factor in her pursuit of woodworking as a livelihood.
Dream Projects and Goals
Given unlimited resources, Danielle dreams of building an off-grid house on the coast. She envisions a smaller version of their current off-grid home in Montana, perhaps in a coastal location like Maine. This ambitious goal reflects her love for creating unique and sustainable living spaces.
The Empowerment of Building
One of the most rewarding aspects of learning to build, according to Danielle, is the sense of empowerment that comes with acquiring new skills. Recognizing her ability to bring design ideas to life fills her with a sense of power and independence. This empowerment fuels her passion for woodworking and fuels her drive to continue creating.
Rapid-Fire Round with Danielle Boltz
- Favorite wood: Madrone
- Favorite tool: Custom Hand Forged Curved Gouge
- Favorite piece: Stirring spoon
- Biggest goal: Building multiple tiny cabins on their property
- Favorite step of the process: Planning and dreaming before execution
- Favorite assistant: Her husband
- Music on or off while working: Off, but give her a podcast
Follow Danielle and Hy on Instagram at @honeysuckleandmud for more insights into their creative journey.
In conclusion, Danielle Boltz’s story highlights the transformative power of curiosity and perseverance in pursuing a passion. From humble beginnings carving wooden spoons to building custom cabins, she exemplifies the resilience and creativity that drive the woodworking community forward. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring woodworkers and creators, reminding them that with dedication and determination, anything is possible in the world of woodworking.
