Wooden Utensils

Jackie Sagafoose was a quiet artist, spending her days carving beautiful wooden utensils in her small workshop. She wasn’t in it for fame or fortune—she simply loved the feel of the wood under her hands, the way it transformed into something useful and beautiful.

One afternoon, she decided to make a set of wooden spoons, spatulas, and serving forks for her friend, Lily, who had recently moved into a new home. Jackie carefully carved each utensil, taking time to smooth the edges and add small, intricate details—tiny lines along the handles, gentle curves at the tips. The wood was soft and light, and the grain showed through, giving each piece a unique character.

When Jackie gave the utensils to Lily, she could see the delight in her friend's eyes. "These are beautiful," Lily said, running her fingers over the smooth surfaces.

The utensils quickly became a beloved part of Lily’s kitchen, each one used for stirring soups, flipping pancakes, or tossing salads. Over time, the wood darkened and became even more lovely with use, each utensil carrying memories of family meals and gatherings.

For Jackie, the joy wasn’t in selling her work—it was in knowing that her creations were a part of someone’s everyday life, making ordinary moments feel just a little bit more special.

(Made by Jackie Sagafoose for In The Kitchen Contest)