Local artisan Lawrence Clain is turning heads with his handcrafted timber products, made with a focus on sustainability, practicality, and beauty.
Lawrence works primarily with camphor laurel, a timber that grows abundantly in the Northern Rivers region. Considered an environmental weed, camphor is plentiful and easy to source from local properties. For Lawrence, it’s the perfect choice: ‘It’s sustainable, we’re not cutting into any rainforests, and it even has antibacterial properties – ideal for cutting boards,’ he says.
Each board is cut from a single slab of timber, with no joins or glues, making them sturdy and food-safe. Natural knots and imperfections in the wood are carved out and filled with resin, creating striking patterns that highlight the timber’s character. This process, he explains, transforms natural defects into unique, decorative features.
His collection has recently expanded to include egg holders that carry either half-a-dozen or a full-dozen, as well as a range of kitchen utensils. From small wooden spoons for stirring porridge to larger ones suited to hearty stews, these pieces are designed for everyday use. Honey dippers – perfect for drizzling into tea – are also in the works.
Personalisation is another hallmark of Lawrence’s craft. With an in-house engraver, he offers custom inscriptions on boards, keyrings, and other items, making them ideal for weddings or special gifts. Smaller offcuts that might otherwise go to waste are repurposed into incense holders, enhanced with coloured resin to catch falling ash and add artistic flair.
In addition to his market presence, Lawrence has recently opened a shopfront in Lismore, located on the corner of Conway and Dawson Streets. His business, ‘Valley of Craftsman’, also has an online home at valleyofcraftsman.com.
With every piece, Lawrence proves that sustainability and craftsmanship can go hand in hand.
See Lawrence and his handcrafted timber products at the Mullumbimby Farmers Market every Friday from 7am to 11am.
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