Handcrafted Spoons Gaining Popularity

Handcrafted Spoons Gaining Popularity Galena Spoon Co., located in Galena, Ill., offers handcrafted wooden kitchenware made by artisans from both local and nationwide sources. The company was founded in 2014 in Dundee, Ill., originally known as Fox River Spoon Co. “I can’t say there was a clear goal from the start,” says owner Paul Pendola. “I had a strong desire to simplify my life through making functional art.” But as Pendola quickly learned, spoon carvers are made, not born. “Simple as it is in form and function, the wooden spoon itself is an incredibly complex tool by design,” he says. “Capturing balance and symmetry, the desired length, width and depth, and a pleasing overall look and feel that’s both delicate in the hand and durable in the kitchen requires me, as an artist, to create with my hand, my head and my heart.” Pendola refers to his spoon carving process as the “One, Two, Three Method.” “I’m using one solid piece of locally and sustainably sourced fresh-felled greenwood, my own two hands, and three carving tools, including an axe, straight knife and hook knife.” It took several years of practice for Pendola to gain the confidence to sell his wares at a small farmers market. This eventually led to multi-day shows and the possibility of turning it into a full-time business. Pendola moved to Galena, kept his full-time corporate job, and continued building his spoon business on the side. “I eventually felt confident enough in the product that I left my full-time job to open a brick-and-mortar location. This led to teaching classes, a bit of wholesale work, some commercial jobs, and more recently, partnerships with businesses here in Galena and around the country.” Today, the Galena Spoon Co. includes a retail shop in historic downtown Galena, a studio and gallery just a few steps away, and a woodworking shop in a rented warehouse space a few miles outside the town. The studio hosts intimate artist events and provides space for spoon-carving workshops. “I love the process of demonstrating the craft, engaging with customers about the design and production process, sharing kitchen stories, working with other like-minded makers and suppliers,” says Pendola. “We’re offering something unique and unexpected.” Beyond spoons, the company offers a wide variety of handcrafted woodenware, including spatulas, boards and serving utensils. “Each item is made using locally sourced wood and all-natural, food-safe, and shelf-stable drying oils,” says Pendola. “Our spoons are made entirely by hand using only an axe, straight knife and hook knife. No templates, no power tools, and no computer-guided routers or lasers.” Since the merchandise is handcrafted, managing lead times and inventory are top priorities. “Our cost of goods tends to be higher as compared to traditional retail, as we purchase items at a price point that is fair and sustainable.” While spoons are the bestselling item, the store features products in three main categories: woodenware, kitchenware and gourmet fare. Other handcraft stores are also represented, including The Holland Bowl Mill (Holland, Mich.); rolling pins, spoons and boards from Whetstone Woodenware (Silverlake, Ind.); and handcrafted boards from Edward Wohl Studio (Spring Green, Wis.). “The recent move into our forever home at 305 S. Main St. in the heart of historic downtown Galena marks a new beginning for the business,” says Pendula. “Since opening in our new space on February 14th, 2026, we’ve expanded our hours of operation and hired additional staff.” Plans for the coming years include expanding product offerings, rebuilding the website, and boosting promotion of the online store. “We’ll continue to offer spoon carving workshops and expand the Maker’s Table opportunities for visiting artists, while also making the retail space available for private receptions and other events, such as honey tastings, cooking classes and more.” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Galena Spoon Co., 305 S. Main St., Galena, Ill. 61036 (ph 224-209-6409; paul@galenaspoonco.com; www.galenaspoonco.com).

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