From Sawdust to Storytelling: The Beginning of Barely Knotty

Hey y’all, welcome to the Barely Knotty blog! Since this is my very first post, I figured it only makes sense to start at the beginning—who I am, how this shop came to be, and why a pile of “junk wood” can sometimes turn into the most meaningful thing you’ll ever hang on your wall.

The Start of Something Unexpected

I didn’t grow up planning to be a woodworker. Honestly, it found me during one of the hardest seasons of my life. In recovery, I needed something to pour myself into—something that kept my hands busy and my heart steady. That’s when I started experimenting with scraps of wood most folks would’ve tossed aside. To me, though, those broken pieces had potential.

Piece by piece, I built my first mosaic. And in the process, I built something else too—hope. Turns out, creating beauty out of “what was left behind” wasn’t just about the wood. It was about me, too.

Why Barely Knotty?

Every board, every knot, every rough edge tells a story. That’s why I chose the name Barely Knotty. It’s a playful nod to the wood itself, but also a reminder that imperfections aren’t flaws—they’re character.

Each mosaic, sign, or custom piece I create is designed to carry meaning. Maybe it’s a family name sign for your home, a gift for someone you love, or a statement piece made from reclaimed wood with its own history baked in. My goal is always the same: to make something that lasts longer than the moment, something that will carry a story forward.

What You’ll Find Here

This blog isn’t just about showing off finished pieces (though there’ll be plenty of that too). It’s about letting you into the shop with me—sharing the process, the mess, the lessons, and maybe a few mistakes along the way. You’ll see behind the scenes of Barely Knotty, from reclaimed wood hunts to custom projects, plus tips for styling mosaics and handmade décor in your own space.

And yes, there’ll probably be a little sawdust and a little southern humor sprinkled in for good measure.

Closing Thoughts

Starting this business has been a journey of grit, grace, and more trips to the hardware store than I can count. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Barely Knotty is about more than décor—it’s about connection, family, resilience, and remembering that even the rough edges have value.

Thanks for being here at the very start. Here’s to sawdust, storytelling, and all the beautiful things still to come.

— Shelbi