The Full Story
About
Hello! I'm Ashley Dawes.
As a proud military spouse and a devoted mother to two little ones.
I wear many hats – one of which is being a passionate woodworker. Some days, you might even find me jokingly referring to myself as the 'sawdust goblin', especially when the dust collector decides to take a day off! Originally hailing from New Brunswick, I've now set up my workshop in the vibrant community of Kingston, Ontario, where I continue to craft and create.
How it started
My journey into woodworking began in an unexpected way. Growing up, I was mesmerized by the sight of my dad and uncles skillfully building and renovating parts of their homes. However, my own hands-on experience with tools was non-existent until 2015 – a fact that's probably for the best considering my notorious clumsiness, particularly in the kitchen!
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In 2016, while living in Brandon, Manitoba, and seeking a productive hobby during my free time (the pre-kids era!), I stumbled upon the world of DIY projects. Inspired by Pinterest and armed with a borrowed circular saw, I embarked on my first project: transforming an Ikea cabinet into an apothecary table. Interestingly, this project was temporarily halted for three months due to a kitchen mishap involving an avocado, a knife, and an unfortunate cut to my hand – a true testament to my earlier kitchen clumsiness confession!
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Despite the setback, completing that table ignited a newfound passion for woodworking. Upon moving to Edmonton, I began to take this hobby more seriously. I crafted most of our home's furniture and a chance discovery of a scroll saw on the marketplace opened up new avenues of creativity. My woodworking journey, including both successes and learning moments, is a story I love to share primarily on my Instagram page.
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In January 2021, this passion culminated in the launch of Willow & Ash Designs. My small business has since flourished, creating everything from business logos to custom family portraits and nursery signs. I take immense pride in each creation and always ensure that my work aligns with the unique vision of your commission.
Through woodworking, I've experienced significant growth, embraced my failures, and learned invaluable lessons. I'm excited to continue honing my skills (with all tendons intact!) and to bring your visions to life through my craft.
Where it's going
In a transformative shift for my woodworking journey, I am evolving from a commission-based model to an approach rooted in the diverse locations I've had the privilege to live in. Drawing inspiration from these unique places, I will be creating art collections that capture the essence and cultural richness of each location.
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This new direction allows me to infuse my woodworking projects with personal experiences and memories, resulting in art pieces that resonate on a deeper level. By crafting collections based on these locations, I aim to offer customers a tangible connection to the places they may have lived or cherished. From the rugged beauty of the mountains to the coastal serenity, each collection will reflect the distinct beauty and character of these regions.
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As seasons change, so will the themes and aesthetics of my art collections, enabling customers to experience a dynamic and evolving range of woodworking creations. This approach not only adds a personal touch to my work but also allows me to share the beauty of these locations with a wider audience, making my pieces both functional and evocative of the places that have shaped me. This transition promises to elevate my woodworking business to new heights, offering customers a unique journey through the places I've called home.
