Birdhouses
What types of birds might move into my birdhouse?
These birdhouses are sized for several types of small songbirds. In the Pacific Northwest, that is wrens, chickadees, nuthatches, sparrows and swallows. These birds can be found throughout North America, but you may also have region specific visitors.
Where should I hang my birdhouse?
You will have the best success at attracting birds to your birdhouse if you can find a spot that is not too busy with human activity. The ideal height is 6’ to 15’ above the ground. It could be on a tree trunk, the side of a house our shed, or on a fence post. The birdhouses include a keyhole hook on the back which will mount on a nail or screw.
Do I need to clean out my birdhouse?
Whenever you have nesting birds in your birdhouse, you should clean out the nest between seasons. This is best done between late fall and early spring, while the birds are not nesting. Birds prefer to build a new nest rather than reuse one. It is a good idea to check for nests every year, as you may have birds nesting even if you did not see them. The bottom of the birdhouses come off by loosening the four screws.
Should I put food in my birdhouse?
No, you should not. These birdhouses are for nesting, not feeding. Putting food in them is likely to attract unwanted visitors who will gnaw on the box to get at the food.
Should I re-finish my birdhouse?
These birdhouses are finished with natural Tung Oil, which creates a hardened finish as it cures - this should protect your birdhouse for several years. In addition, the cedar will hold up to the weather for many years, even with out any finish on it. If you do want to refresh the look of your birdhouse, you can clean it with water and a stiff Bruch to get off any moss or lichen, then reapply a coating of Tung or Teak Oil.
What type of wood is my birdhouse made from?
These birdhouses are made from 100% reclaimed cedar fence planks. The planks are cut, planed and sanded down to remove the weathered surfaces to reveal the beautiful cedar inside.
What if I have additional questions about my birdhouse that are not answered here?
I want all of your questions to be answered. Please use the Contact page to ask your questions - I will get an answer back to you as soon as I am able to.
Charcuterie Boards
Can I cut on my charcuterie board?
Yes, you can use these boards as a cutting board or a charcuterie board. Most of our boards are end-grain construction, which is easier of a knife edge, and the knife cuts tend to self-heal. That said, your board will still show some cut marks from use cutting, as any cutting board will. Some people will get double usage from their board by using one side as a cutting board and the other side for serving charcuterie.
How do I clean my charcuterie board?
Your board will last the longest if you rinse with warm water, or water with mild soap, then set it on edge to dry. It is not recommended that you put your board in the dishwasher, or soak it in water for extended periods.
What type of finish is on my charcuterie board?
Your board is finished with a mix of beeswax and mineral oil, often marketed as salad bowl oil or cutting board oil. If your finish begins to wear, rub a new coat of oil into it. You can also use mineral oil.
Do I need to oil my charcuterie board?
If you are using your board for charcuterie or serving, you should not need to re-oil it. If you are cutting on it, it is going to need re-oiling more often. If you board looks like it has patches of bare, unoiled wood, then it would benefit from a touchup with salad bowl oil, cutting board oil, or mineral oil. You should not use olive or other vegetable oils turn these can become rancid over time.
What if I have additional questions about my charcuterie board that are not answered here?
I want all of your questions to be answered. Please use the Contact page to ask your questions - I will get an answer back to you as soon as I am able to.
Kitchen Utensils
How do I clean my kitchen utensils?
It is recommended that you wash your utensils by hand, with mild soap and water, or simply rinse with water. Do not put these utensils in the dishwasher, as this will remove the oils and can lead to cracking.
What type of finish is on my utensils?
These utensils are coated with mineral oil. If the finish on your utensils begins to wear, simply rub with a new coat of mineral oil.
How do I refinish my utensils?
If your utensils begin to wear, rub with a new coat of mineral oil. You should not use olive or other vegetable oils because these can turn rancid over time. If the surface of the utensils becomes rough, lightly sand smooth with 150 grit or finer sandpaper before re-oiling.
What type of wood are my kitchen utensils?
Your utensils are made from fir. This clear, straight-grains wood that is the off-cuttings from Cherry Creek, a local window frame maker - pieces to small for use in window frames but perfect for utensils.
What if I have additional questions about my kitchen utensils that are not answered here?
I want all of your questions to be answered. Please use the Contact page to ask your questions - I will get an answer back to you as soon as I am able to.