Kelly Visser, owner of Kelly’s Wood Burning, is shown beside some of the gift items she has produced for her clients. Courtesy Photo
CHESTERVILLE – If you are looking for a unique gift, then Kellys Wood Burning is the place to begin your search. Kelly Visser who owns and operates this business, located in Chesterville, explained a lot of her orders are for custom work, providing one-of-a-kind items.
“It began during covid, my oldest son and I were on lockdown and I wanted to find something fun to help pass the time. So, I ordered a wood burner to play around with and it quickly turned into a passion of mine.” said Visser.
Visser explains her products are one of a kind as they are “sketched by hand and wood burned free hand. No stencils, cricut or laser.” They include all sizes of live edge charcuterie boards, key holders, wedding guestbook boards, coasters, candle holders, wall art, magnetic bottle openers, serving trays, ornaments and other products, as well as handmade board butter.
Board butter is a wood conditioner which prevents cracking, repels water and helps to preserve wood’s natural luster. She explained her board butter “is made with mineral oil and locally sourced bees wax”, sealing and conditioning all types of items constructed out of wood “and can even be used for footwear!”
After choosing the wood for the project, Visser explained the wood is then sanded to create an even surface, with the design then drawn upon the prepared wood. The design is “either something that inspires me or just an idea that pops in my head” and when she is finished the sketch, the design is burned into the piece. The project is completed by adding shading which serves to bring “the design to life”. If needed, rubber feet are installed on the underside of the project, as in the case of charcuterie boards, or handles added as required. The final step in the creation of a piece is the application of “a food safe finish.”
For those who are investigating starting a business, she mentioned how “one of the most important things to keep in mind, is to take time to promote your business” utilizing several methods including “by word of mouth, ads, posts online, videos/reels on your Facebook Story or Instagram.” She noted this business is not her full-time occupations, mentioning “it’s nice to have something to keep me busy in my down time.”
We encourage you to follow her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/kellyswoodburning/ or Instagram @kellyswoodburning for more information and direct message her to place an order.
If you would like to have a light shined on your business, please contact us at: editor@etceterapublications.ca or call us at 613-448-2321.
Carolyn Thompson Goddard, grew up in Chesterville and attended North Dundas District High School. After completing her BA in Political Science at Carleton University she has worked as a medical secretary and library technician. In 2020 she graduated from Algonquin College with a diploma in Journalism and has been a reporter and column writer for The Chesterville Record for over 10 years.
