Native art: Cherokee bread boards

I have collected Native art for at least 20 years or more and recently starting adding more of my collection back into my decor.

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My 14-year-old daughter, Evie, and I went to Cherokee to buy falsa blankets, and I literally gasped when we walked into Saunook’s Mill and saw these hand-made boards. 

I also gasped when I saw the prices, as they are not cheap, and understandably so.

So, I did not get one, but Evie indicated she wanted to buy one for my birthday and mentioned to my husband that she needed a ride to Cherokee so they could get it for me:-) Of course, I would not let her spend that much on something for me.

So we went back together last week, so I could pick one out to buy for myself:-)

These are made locally by Cherokee artist, Ken Smith, and are breathtakingly beautiful. I have *never* seen cutting/cheese/bread boards like this anywhere online or in a store. I don’t even collect wood boards, but knew this would be a special piece for my collection and one to pass down to Evie, who also loves Cherokee culture and art. 

I chose a large cutting board and decided to display it on my kitchen shelf.

Although they are made to use, there is no way I’ll be using this.

I also picked out a beautiful piece of Navajo-made pottery to add to my collection.

I could not be happier with this special early birthday gift. Luis and I do not buy gifts for each other for birthdays, etc., but will occasionally pick out something practical we need, so this was a nice gesture from my sweet daughter who loves this culture and heritage as much as I do.

I do not have contact info for the artist, but anyone interested in getting one of these boards can contact Saunook Mill at (828) 497-9879.

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11 Comments

  1. Cassie Bustamante
    August 22, 2016 / 7:19 pm

    that bread board is absolutely stunning and unmatched in its beauty!

    • Anita Diaz
      August 23, 2016 / 12:21 am

      I know Cassie, I am obsessed with it! I can't imagine the craftsmanship that goes into them.

  2. Christine @ Rustic-Refined
    August 22, 2016 / 11:25 pm

    Wow, that bread board is definitely hard to resist! The craftsmanship is just unmatched.

    • Anita Diaz
      August 23, 2016 / 12:22 am

      I was blown away with them too, and definitely could not resist:-)

  3. Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz
    August 23, 2016 / 12:23 am

    Oh my goodness those a beautiful breadboards. He's quite a craftsman.
    Thank you for stopping by my blog today- it was good to hear from you!

    • Anita Diaz
      August 23, 2016 / 12:52 pm

      He is for sure! It was nice to visit, and I just do not get around as much as I'd like too:-)

  4. Michele
    August 23, 2016 / 4:43 am

    Well. please let me start by wishing you a truly HAPPY belated birthday, Anita! Seems as though it was a pretty special and memorable one, indeed! Your artisan cutting board is exquisite! Ken Smith is amazing to be sure! I hope he sells some more through you- thank you for that information! It is a work of ART! WOW! I wouldn't ever cut on it either, can you imagine???

    Is Evie short for Evelyn? My eldest daughter's name is Evelyn, and family calls her Eve (pronounced Evie.) It's a neat name.
    My father's sister's name was Evelyn and went by Evie as well. Not sure why we didn't add the I – except that my daughter's great grandmother (who only died just a few years ago into her 100s) was named Eve. SO, it sorta pleased both families, and what's in a spelling anyway, right? : – )

    Anyway your daughter is a keeper to care so much. May you and yours be blessed with love, peace, good health and joy. ♥

    • Anita Diaz
      August 23, 2016 / 12:52 pm

      Funny Michele, but my daughter is named after my great grandmother, Emma Evelyn, and they called her "Eva." Evelyn is pronounced the English way with a long *E* so I have to explain to everyone:-) And, yes, we call her "Evie" with the long E sound.

      Thanks so much for the birthday wishes as well!! My birthday is actually not until August 31, but we always just do something simple like maybe a cake and a meal.

  5. Shirley@Housepitality Designs
    August 23, 2016 / 1:14 pm

    Those bread boards are simply stunning…the craftsmanship of the boards are beyond amazing….My son bought me an artisan bread board for my birthday and I love it. I do not use it either! How so sweet of your daughter Evie to want to buy that for you!….The pottery is also gorgeous. Looks stunning on your shelf along with the bread board….and you and my hubby share the same birthday!…So have a wonderful birthday next week Anita! BTW, there is another blogger named Anita and has a daughter named Evie too!

  6. Summer
    August 25, 2016 / 4:19 pm

    Wow! The boards are gorgeous ♥ Hope you are having a lovely day ♥

    summerdaisycottage.blogspot.com

  7. Mom
    August 26, 2016 / 9:18 pm

    Beautiful. This one is made to "look at."