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I was fortunate to grow up with a skilled family in the carpentry and building trades who encouraged me to build and create at a young age. The training as a photographer in the Navy exposed me to skills in composition, detail, discipline, as well as artistry. I then continued my education in woodworking and design at the Maine College of Art and the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship. I was also able to take workshops at Haystack Mountain School of Arts and the Fox Maple School of Traditional Building. After graduation with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, I worked for six years in the custom cabinet and kitchen design industry. From that experience, I then built and started my business in 2012. I have been creating one-of-a kind furniture, cabinet and projects ever since.
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I live in Windham with my husband and 2 young girls. We have 2 dogs and 1 cat. We started making dog treats because my parent’s dog was really sick with kidney issues which limited what he could have for treats. We could not buy him the store bought treats because of the ingredients. We started making him treats, he loved them. We eventually started making our treats for family and friends. The treats were loved by all who had them. We eventually made the decision to open BowWow Barkery, LLC in 2015.
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Creating innovative pieces coupled with artistic applications that highlight the beauty of natural wood. Each piece is versatile; useful and lasting, while intriguing interest and engagement.
I design and handcraft each piece in my personal studio. I use traditional and contemporary joinery methods, fine tune with chisels and hand planes, and apply finishes derived of natural oils and waxes. I primarily use a palette of native hardwoods hand selected for unique qualities such as color, pattern, and texture. Embracing the unique characters and colors of each material is an integral part of design.
Inspiration comes from the vast beauty of nature that surrounds me. This inspiration can be seen in the angles, tapers, and design details but also in the joinery, how each piece of wood meets to create form. These unique details make each piece truly original to enjoy for years to come.
Designed and crafted beautifully to live beautifully.
Customized design commissions welcome.
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We Manufacture the Original Maine State Flag
The Original 1901 Maine State Flag is taking off in Maine! The Original State of Maine Flag is loved for its simple design and its ability to be spotted and easily recognized at a distance from the front as well as the back. Increasing in popularity because of its traditional, easy-to-discern design, the Original 1901 Maine State Flag with its distinctive nod to history is perfect for flying, wearing, and showing your fondness for Maine tradition.
Welcome to our manufacturing business in Skowhegan, Maine.
Our factory has been in local operation for over thirty years. It has operated as Maine Stitching Specialties since 2014, and today it is one of the largest manufacturing businesses in town. Our products are made locally with great care and attention to detail for consumers and commercial clients.
Our premium quality flags, accessories, and healthcare and hospitality textile goods continue to keep the Made in America brand growing strong, here in the heart of Maine.
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Jewelry and functional objects handmade in my Portland studio. Many pieces feature design elements that I die strike and finish by hand, often using recycled silver.
Cuff bracelets have always been my favorite jewelry to make, from copper bracelets with die-rolled designs to one of a kind sterling silver cuffs featuring designer-cut agates and jaspers.
In the past several years my focus has shifted to functional objects. I make key chains, copper ring dishes, hair forks, brooches, and, most recently, sterling silver cocktail forks.
My primary themes are ocean, flora, and sky, but I have a whimsical side, too!
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Kelley and Sarah are business partners with a shared passion for running. Kelley has coached high school cross country and track and field for over thirty years. Sarah began coaching in 2010 and has experience with middle school and college-aged athletes. They have a good pulse on the running community and they are able to utilize feedback when designing new products to meet market needs.
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I was inspired while watching a National Geographic about Mount Everest. Images of oxygen cylinders left by mountaineers on top of the world both shocked and delighted me. Shocked by the thought of people trashing such a beautiful place and delighted because I believed I could take trash and recreate treasure.
What I didn’t realize was how much this “great idea” would change my life.
I traveled half way around the world and hiked into the Kumbu Valley to find these cylinders. With the help of The Nepal Mountaineering Association I recovered 132 oxygen cylinders left on top of the world. The story of getting them through customs was an adventure in it self.
Each bell or bowl is unique and comes with complete documentation of authenticity; including my trip to Nepal, the recovery of the cylinders, and the creation of the bells. The Bells and Bowls are very labor intensive and can take up to a month to create depending on my schedule.
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It all starts with our move to Maine, a beautiful place nestled between the mountains and the ocean, near forests and lakes. Surrounded by this wondrous nature motivated us to change the way we shopped and inspired us to create our own totally natural products that respect the nature we live in and provides an alternative to mass-produced, chemically-filled products with the best that nature has to offer. Some friends and family tried our stuff and loved it – and that’s how our small business was born!
But what do we call it? Wayward Chickadee! Get to know us and the name makes sense. Before settling in Maine we lived and traveled all over the world and Wayward just sort of fit – a little adventurous, off the beaten path. The Chickadee, emblematic of our adopted State of Maine, ready to fly.
Little by little, we are expanding our selection by researching and formulating products that have one thing in common: simplicity. Using as few ingredients as possible, all natural, and safe for you and the environment. Like our range of 100% natural, traditional cold processed soaps, solid shampoos, body and lip balms, we skipped using synthetic fragrances, palm oil, and chemical preservatives and concentrated on what nature had to offer – like using essential oils for their scent and numerous beneficial properties. Simply nature.
Today we are two and a half in our small business: Sébastien who draws on his experience from leading a Swiss skincare company to create products; Jim who keeps the online store running and handles design and packaging; and little Abigaël who motivates us to return to a more simple, healthier time.
We hope you enjoy our products, and some of the recipes that your great-grandparents swore by. Don’t hesitate to
get in touch if you want to learn more, or head over to our
online store or one of the
shops that carry Wayward Chickadee!
~ Sébastien, Abigaël & Jim ~
