5 Cow Farm Boards
Local artisans are a treasure worth supporting. And choosing to buy locally and sustainably, and purchase items directly from them will help keep them creating fine things, plus will put money directly back into your community.
If you are lucky enough to live in Eastern Maryland, there is a place called 5 Cow Farm, a 100-acre farm where artisan woodworker Deirdre Smith makes one of a kind boards, spoons, and bowls, all handcrafted and each one unique. 5 Cow Farm has been permanently preserved from development and has been in her family for four generations.
With a dedication to sustainability and minimizing waste, Deirdre sources her wood primarily from fallen trees from the farm. Each piece is as unique as each tree from which it came; the species, age, shape, color, grain, size, even the texture. All these natural elements inform the final product: shapes might be irregular with natural curves, offset handles, holes and knots; all with an eye toward minimizing waste while creating a strong, pleasing and useful form. Each one is hand-crafted to highlight the beauty and integrity inherent in the wood.
Deirdre will also refinish your board to make it like new. She believes her boards should last a lifetime or two if treated well.
Through 5 Cow Farm Boards, Deirdre sells her boards, spoons, knives and small bowls at local businesses such as Found Studio and Star Bright Farms. She also attends many artisan fairs and markets. You can find an up to date calendar of events here. Follow her on INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK @5cowfarmboards.
From the 5 Cow Farm web site:
Inspiration. To be inspired is one of life’s greatest gifts. I find inspiration in the simplicity and beauty of the natural world of 5 Cow Farm, a farm that has been permanently preserved from development and has been in the family for four generations. It’s a place where nothing changes but everything is always changing; growing, dying, responding to forces outside the farm. I am inspired by design and collaboration. I am inspired by elements of wabi-sabi : the beauty of things imperfect, modest, humble, unconventional. And Hygge: gratitude, shelter and comfort.