While visiting friends in Holland Michigan, we wanted to get in as much sight seeing as we could. Being that it was not Tulip season, we looked for other attractions around the city of Holland when we came across this company. The Holland Bowl Mill is a 4th generation family owned company located on James Street on the west side of Holland. We were excited to visit this mill and see what it was all about. Wow! Such a hidden gem!
When we arrived, we walked in to inquiry about these handcrafted bowls and to see exactly how they were made. We were welcomed into the showroom and and shown around at the samples and items on sale. The owners daughter talked about the type of handcrafted bowls they make and asked if we would like a tour of the facility. Of course! Not only were there numerous wooden bowls of all shapes and sizes, there were spoons and beautiful charcuterie boards and other handcrafted items.
With a family employee escort, we began our tour of the facility and watched the process of bowl making. The bowls are made from a solid piece of hardwood; either Beech, Walnut, Maple or Cherry. There are so many steps to preparing the wood from the time the log arrives on site to when the artesian works the machinery called a Lathe. Using special knives, they curve away the outer shell of the bowl and then curve out the inside.
This process was so fascinating I could have stood there for hours watching him make these bowls. Being that no two trees / woods are alike, every bowl is unique.
As we continued on our tour, we witnessed the warehouse with the bowls in varies stages of preparation. Once they become a bowl, they are dipped in human consumption safe mineral oil and set to dry. Employees are always doing quality control and working on the finishing touches.
It was incredible to see the vast amounts of handcrafted wooden bowls, salad spoons and forks, and other items.
Following the conclusion of our tour, we were brough back into the showroom. Of course we could not leave without making a purchase or two. These handcrafted items make great gifts for weddings, anniversary’s, and souvenirs. There are so many sizes and varied items to accommodate your budget. In addition, the special touch is the owner engraving the item for you with your request.
We were pleasantly surprised at finding this hidden gem family owned company and their wonderful hospitality.
The following day, while shopping in Downtown Holland, it was wonderful to see their handcrafted works for sale in the town in which they are made.
Have you visited Holland Bowl Mill or Holland Michigan? Do you own a unique piece of Holland?
This is a sure place to visit and tour when in the area of Holland Michigan.
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