They just don’t make things like they used to. This thought sifts through my mind as I sift through flea markets and antique stores. This completely true observation has to be one of the main reasons I like old stuff. Things were built better in the past. With more care, built to last, often handmade and out of quality materials.
Nowadays things are driven by quantity and cost. That works for some stuff. But other things just don’t ring true with this M.O.
I often wish I lived in the simpler times when things were handmade. In the days when it was common that trades and crafts were passed down generation to generation.
Every so often you come across people who hold the same ideals.
Today, I am introducing you to my friends that have crafted a family business based on making things the old fashioned way.
Meet Matt and April, the owners of 27 Cut Off Designs. They make the most amazing hand-crafted furniture.
They have a 400 acre family farm in Southwest Arkansas that runs along the Red River. Back in 1927 the Red River cut itself off leaving a 3 mile oxbow lake on their land. Hence 27 Cutoff.
This lake is where the most amazing Bald Cypress grow. The magnificent thing about these trees is that some of them are over 300 years old! This rich land serves as their supply house. They harvest and mill everything right there.
All the furniture they make comes from these heirloom trees and possesses special characteristics and structure that you just don’t get with regular old lumber these days.
The wood is just one thing that makes the furniture special.
Matt makes it special with his attention to detail and God given talent. He learned carpentry from his dad growing up, but has taught himself even more over the years. He practices turn of the century craftsmanship and traditional joinery.
The whole family is part of the mix. When you visit with Matt and April at least one of their three children are bustling underfoot. April homeschools to accommodate life on the road. You see, they travel to shows like Canton and Round Top to showcase their goods and provide for their family. This gypsy life can be tiresome at times, but when it’s all said and done, they are just happy to be in it together.
And here is my favorite part. The part that is better than the ancient wood and un-matched craftsmanship. It is the closing statement April gave me when I asked her about this business of theirs. She said, “At the end of the day, it’s not all about the furniture, it’s about being able to invest in those we meet along the way and honor God in all we do.”
So, maybe they do still make some like they used to.
I’ve known this family for close to a dozen years now and why one of Matt’s tables isn’t sitting in my house, I’ve yet to figure out! BUT…I did snag one of these glorious Cypress Wood Trivets they sell. I’m over the top in love with it.
You can have one too!
Or there are the fabulous troughs they sell. Most are cypress but a few are made out of wood from and old horse stable. It’s the next item on my wish list.
Here is the exciting part…because you know me and I know them you can get a special deal. Don’t you just love a deal?
Here’s the deal:
They are offering free shipping on the Cypress Trivets and Troughs! You have to e-mail them to order and tell them we’re friends!
Please stop by 27 Cut-Off’s social media and say HI! You can get more information and find out where they’ll be next here:
e-mail: Contact@27cutoffdesigns.com
Instagram: 27cutoffdesigns
Facebook: 27cutoffdesigns
Mary Gregory says
Kim, I know Matt and April and you’ve told their story and showcased their furniture and other products perfectly. They are precious and I’m glad you’re helping spread the word!
Kim at Hunt and Host says
Thanks Mary!
April Landes says
Kim, you are too kind to us. Thank you so much for seeing the beauty in our work. We loved visiting with you and enjoyed your creative touch to our booth in Round Top. You are truly talented and I am so thankful to have a renewed friendship with you!
Kim at Hunt and Host says
Love you friend! Blessing sin all you do – you guys walk in redeemed faith and I love seeing it and being a part of it!
Pamela-From My Front Porch To Yours says
Simply gorgeous pieces!! True craftsmanship there.
Kim at Hunt and Host says
I agree!!!
Hannah says
I love furniture made from cypress wood. It has such a strong look about it. Great post!
Kim at Hunt and Host says
It really is so beautiful in person, pictures don’t really do it justice
Debbie says
I’m going though my old emails that I hadn’t read yet and just read this post. I am now following 27cutoffdesigns on Instagram. There are so many talented people in this world and I wish I could purchase something from every one of them. Thank you for sharing these posts and Godly inspirations. – Debbie
Kim at Hunt and Host says
That is great – you will love them, they are good people!