Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make a wooden bowl?
Working with green wood, you’re working against the clock. As as soon as you start removing wood the piece will start drying out and warping. So, I typically I do all the shaping of a bowl in a single day.
With that said, the process of collecting the wood from around the island, shaping, hand carving and sanding of a bowl. Then oiling, drying and engraving means the whole process can take up to a month from start to finish.
For a more detailed description and images. Check out The process of making a wooden bowl
Is all my work signed?
Yes.
Each piece I make has the following engraved on the bottom of it: Gavin Brunton, Kawau Island, {Tree type}, {the Year}, and {the Bowl Number}.
Are the bowls and platters food safe?
Yes.
I use food-safe oil, occasionally with a little beeswax, as the finish on all of my work.
You can safely store, prepare and eat food out of any of my bowls and platters.
How's the best way to look after my wooden bowl at home?
- Keep the bowl well oiled!
They will love you for it, developing in depth and lustre, and they’ll also be a lot easier to clean: when kept well-oiled a wooden bowl has a wonderful non-stick surface. - If the bowl is only a little oily after a salad, just wipe it clean with a kitchen cloth. Or give it just a quick rinse.
- But when used for serving other food, washing your bowl in the sink is perfectly fine. Just remember to rinse any soapy water off and then leave to air dry.
- Wooden bowls love to be handled and giving them a quick buff with a dry cloth every now and again will keep your bowl looking its best.
- When you’re not using your bowl very often – a display piece – it will only need an oil and/or rub down very occasionally.
What should I NOT do with my bowl / platter?
- Please do not soak in water.
- Putting your wooden bowl in the dishwasher is also not a good idea.
- Nor would I recommend using your wooden bowl in a microwave.
- Lastly don’t allow fruit to decay in the bowl.
What does the Functional Rating mean?
The Functional Rating runs from 1 – 5 and is my way of giving you an idea of how functional a bowl or platter is.
It depends on the type of wood, whether it has a smooth surface on the inside or is a more artistic piece with voids and inclusions.
Some bowls are made to be very functional and some are not. The functionality scale gives you a quick indication.
Functional Rating
1 = Solely suitable as a display piece or art piece.
2 = Suitable to hold large items such as fruit or bread. May have large voids.
3 = Suitable as a fruit bowl or for leafy salads. May have voids, but is robust.
4 = Quite suitable for daily salads and the like. Water-tight but may be finely turned or have a natural edge.
5 = Suitable for almost everything including hot foods, even soup. These items are robust and can be treated as real work-horses.
If I visit Kawau Island can I pick up my purchase in person?
Yes.
Simply select the ‘Local pickup’ option when your in the check out.
This also removes any shipping costs from your order
Shipping costs?
SHIPPING WITHIN NEW ZEALAND & INTERNATIONALLY
Simply enter your address at the check out and the cost of shipping will be calculated for you.
Sending orders overseas?
Can I get a piece delivered to me overseas ?
No problem, I send my work all over the world.
The cost of sending work to different countries is built into the website and will be calculated at checkout.
Can I get you to send a bowl to my family or friends overseas?
No problem, I’m also happy to include a note from you in the box.
What about customs?
When selecting a piece to be sent overseas it is recommended to avoid any of my work with bark rims. (As customs in some countries will require this to be fumigated)
With this in mind, I have not had any issues with customs and have sent dozens of pieces to people in Australia, USA and different parts of the United Kingdom.
What if something gets damaged in transit?
I always follow up to check that my work arrives safely and to date have not had any problems with damage or issues with delivery.
(In a previous life I was a professional photographer sending portraits all over the place, so I have a good grounding in how to package fragile pieces for transport.)
In the unlikely event something was to happen in transit. I have insurance on all shipments so you wouldn’t end up out of pocket.
All the best with your selection.
How long will it take for me to get my order?
Items couriered within New Zealand will be delivered to the address given within 4 – 6 working days. This is in part due to the time required to get items packed up ready for sending but also because sending packages off the island needs to be timed for the mail ferry.
For more information see DELIVERY + SHIPPING.
What happens if I don’t like the bowl when it arrives?
My work comes with a happiness guarantee!
If, in the unlikely event, you are not happy with your piece you can return it for a full refund or credit. This is because it’s important that you are happy and each piece deserves a home where it is loved.
See RETURNS POLICY for more information.
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I'm always happy to hear your comments and thoughts about my work. Along with your questions and requests.