For the past six years, Home Star Construction Owner Lyndon Jenkins has been remodeling homes in the community. His work requires creativity and great artistry, but he never considered himself an artist until he began handcrafting and selling his popular charcuterie boards. This month, we asked Lydon to tell us more about his work and art.
Tell me about Home Star Construction. When did you begin it and what services do you provide?
I started Home Star Construction in 2016 as a part-time venture. It took off rather quickly, and I was able to begin running the business full-time within a year. I provide full-service residential remodeling services. This includes built-ins, custom cabinetry, kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces, siding, fencing, roofing, outdoor living, etc.
When and why did you begin creating charcuterie boards?
I made my first boards in 2019 for Christmas presents. I really enjoyed experimenting with different patterns and combinations of wood. They turned out great, and people seemed to love them, so I’ve continued making them.
What have customers’ responses been?
My boards have been well-received. I’ve had customers come back and buy additional boards to give as Christmas, birthday and wedding gifts. I’m also able to offer laser-engraving, which has been popular for gifting. I know that when I donated one with personalized laser engraving to our sons’ elementary school for a faculty/staff raffle prize, it was well-received!
Tell me about the boards. What woods do you use and how do you craft them?
The most common woods I use are maple and walnut. However, I’ve also used padauk and purple heart to add some color and character. For the charcuterie/serving boards, I cut them from a single slab of wood, giving them a more natural look. I use a pencil to sketch out the final shape of the board. After I cut the board down, there’s a lot of sanding before finishing with a coat of oil. For the cutting boards, I’ll mill each species of wood down to the necessary sizes, depending on the pattern. After laying out the pattern, I glue it all up, then it’s more sanding and oil.
Do you customize the boards or do you have pre-made boards that customers can purchase?
Both. I’ll always take orders to make custom boards. I can source almost any type of wood, but some species are better suited for food-safe projects such as cutting/serving boards. Occasionally, I’ll have some cut-offs and remnants from other woodworking projects that I’ll use to make boards. During the holidays, I make a batch of them since they are such great gifts.
What other specialty items do you build for customers?
I’ve built large items such as vanities, desks, entertainment centers, kitchen cabinets, tables, beds, mantles, benches, barn doors and decorative beams/columns. I’ve also created smaller items like signs, shelves, wall art, frames, kitchen storage and vent hoods. I have even outfitted someone’s pop-up camper with a portable custom kitchen. I really enjoy working with customers in problem-solving to come up with creative solutions to increase the functionality of their spaces.
It seems you are busy with home renovations and large projects. Why take on smaller projects like charcuterie boards?
For one, I enjoy making them. I get to have more creative freedom with these boards. Second, I always have cut-offs laying around the shop. I hate throwing away good pieces of wood, so I try to make something out of them. Cutting boards and charcuterie boards have been a great way to make use of this extra material and keep it out of our landfills.
Do you find that you are able to really showcase your art through these boards?
It’s funny, but I’ve never really thought of myself as artistic. I can’t sing or draw very well, but in creating charcuterie boards, I’ve found an area where I can express myself artistically. With that being said, I always strive to showcase the natural beauty of the wood above anything else.
What are some of the most popular boards you sell?
The cutting boards are typically what my customers buy, but lately, the natural slabs that I make into charcuterie boards and becoming increasingly popular. I think the versatility of the cutting boards makes them a favored option since they can be used for food prep and for serving.
How long does it take you to craft each board?
If I’m making a custom board for a customer, I would say it takes about three hours of hands-on time, depending on the complexity of the design. If you add in dry time for glue and oil, then about three days for each one. These boards can last a lifetime if properly cared for and maintained.
For more information about Lyndon’s charcuterie boards or Home Star Construction, visit @HomeStarConstruction on Facebook.
