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Market YouTubeMay 2011: Bob Prine, Knucklehead Woodcraft
Resourceful. That's what Bob Prine is all about. He seems to be able to take just about anything and turn it into something useful.
Case in point, his booth space. It's the only space at Saturday Market that prominently features stairs. Look at the photo - they are in the booth! For years, the person that had the space brought a small table and a chair and gave up on the rest of it. Once Bob reserved the space, he set to work modifying the classic wooden Market booth, shortening half of the legs and figuring out a spacer system to make the back bracing work.
Everything in the booth is made from reclaimed wood. Bob heads out into the woods and gathers branches and left overs from logged areas, picking up what the loggers had no use for and left behind. He then considers what use would best suit the pieces. It may become a candlestick, a toothpick holder, a key hook, or who knows what else. The wood he uses to build the beautiful bent sassafras tables and small shelves is also reclaimed.
Even the name of his business is reclaimed, in a way. It's named Knucklehead Woodcraft after his motorcycle. It's a Harley Knucklehead that he assembled himself from parts he collected over the course of many years. Ask him and he'll be happy to show you photos, it's quite beautiful!
Bob admits he doesn't have much product in his booth at the moment, his job keeps him away from his woodshop more than he'd like. He's looking forward to his retirement in a few years, then he plans to really spend time making and selling to supplement his income.
This is Bob's third season as my backstage neighbor and I can tell you one more thing that he's excellent at reclaiming. He can take even the coldest, rainiest, longest dark Market day and have me believing it's one of the best days ever, because for him every Market day is the best day. Thanks Bob!
You can find Bob Prine and his beautiful Knucklehead Woodcraft booth in space #340 at the bottom of the stairs behind the stage. Stop by and say hi!
I love the way the curve of the sign echoes the curve of the concrete roof overhead.
Detail of the shortened booth legs on the stairs.
The key hooks made from branches are clever, rustic and cute.
Side tables are built on sassafras frames with reclaimed planking for tops.
Late May update: dancing bears now fill the booth!