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Cannon River Bowl and Spoon
Itasca Leathergoods
CANNON FALLS, MINNESOTA
LAKE GEORGE, MINNESOTA
cannonriverbowl.com
itascamoccasin.com
We couldn’t keep our hands off the wood bowls, cutting boards and serving pieces that Benjamin Leatham crafts out of his Cannon Falls studio. Their velvety finish and clean lines make these functional pieces seem more like artwork than kitchenware. And this is not by happenstance. Leatham grew up in a family that made its living as craftsmen. He feels fortunate that he is living the dream, “creating functional art that inspires him on a daily basis.” His attention to detail is evident in the care and construction of each piece. For this beautiful tapered rolling pin, Leatham assembles the American black walnut and curly maple in a checkered pattern, rending it both functional and fashionable. The bowls are turned in a way that highlights the personality of the wood. Each piece is then finely sanded and finished with up to eight coats of an FDA-approved hardening oil.
Itasca Leathergoods was founded in 1986 as Itasca Moccasin in the tiny community of Lake George, just east of the Mississippi River headwaters. While the company has since expanded beyond its original namesake, it holds fast to its heritage: a commitment to premium craftsmanship. We are particularly drawn to this firewood carrier, which epitomizes the idea of form and function. Designed to last for generations, it is crafted using a technique in which the oils infused into the thick hide during tanning move up to the surface of the leather and lighten in color. The carrier changes in character with use, becoming more beautiful with age. With thick, rolled-leather handles, it offers excellent grip and comfort even as the load gets heavier. $194
Starting at $48
artfullivingmagazine.com | Autumn 2016 129