BOARDS, BEARDS & BEES
Beautifully created natural products, uniquely handcrafted with passion and integrity
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
OUR PRODUCT JOURNEY
Mark's chapter started with “Get On Board”
Forming a relationship with timber starts with Mark sourcing our supply of Australian grown timbers. He hand picks his slabs from small mills up and down the East Coast of Australia. Where possible he uses the natural edge and the contours and characteristics of the timber making each piece unique. Nothing is ever wasted, even the smallest pieces are utilised.
Our finished boards are conditioned with our own handmade blend of “Board Butter”, this ensures our finished products are all natural, the timber loves it and so do we.
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Kerry's chapter of our story started with “Little Gold Bee”
We loved our “Board Butter” so much we would not only nourish our boards with it but our dry skin as well. This prompted us to make beeswax based skin moisturising products.
Our beeswax is sourced from local bee keepers, helping a little to support their small businesses. We know exactly where it is harvested and who refines it. Within a short amount of time our beeswax based products became quite popular as we added other bee themed items to the range.
Our third chapter is the “Bearded Burglar”
Continuing our love of beeswax we now make a range especially for men and their beards. Our first product was a beard balm, based on beeswax and premium natural oils. It didn't take long for us to branch out and make other beard related products including a beard shampoo bar and gift packs.
Our products are value for money and made with care using pure and natural ingredients. We love what we do, and feel that is shows in what we create - Boards, Beards and Bee Products.
Proudly Queensland Made by Mark & Kerry Hackney
For the love of Boards & Bees
GET ON BOARD
The Story behind the Getting On Board
I am based at Boyne Island, Central Queensland. I have always had a love of timber and I started making my boards out of timber pieces I had collected over the years, for family members. I soon realised I would like to take it more seriously and as I started to do more markets I soon outgrew the home garage. I spend time sourcing Australian grown timber, developing a relationship and getting a feel for each piece I create.
I use a lot of different species of timber but I predominately prefer Camphor Laurel, the timber I use comes from a rejuvenation programme where the Camphor Laurel is removed to make way for Australian natives. Camphor has been grown in Australia for over 200 years and was originally imported for street scaping and botanical gardens. It is a lovely shade tree and the timber is beautiful with a unique grain colour and pattern.
I like to support small family mills for my camphor laurel supply, where it is solar kiln dried. My more exotic timber is sourced from other timber enthusiasts, usually one man businesses. I use another local small business for my laser engraving.
Each board is hand finished and most are dual purpose, use one side for serving or presenting and the reverse for chopping. Maintenance is easy and we include a care card with each purchase. We condition them with our own natural food safe blend of beeswax and grapeseed oil, nothing artificial or nasty, just pure and simple goodness. We call it “Board Butter”.
Camphor Laurel is known for it's antibacterial qualities, making it an effective food preparation and serving surface. It is a medium density timber and will not take the edge off quality knives, this is one of the reasons why chefs and butchers love to use it.
Tests have been carried out by the university of NSW comparing Camphor Laurel to other cutting boards. Here is a simplified version of the results.
MEAN NUMBERS OF ORGANISMS PER BOARD FROM CUTTING BOARD TESTS.
Tests carried out by Alan Waterson B.Sc (Hons) Dip Ed, Southern Cross University, Lismore NSW April 2002
Camphor Cedar Glass Plastic
Fungi 3.3 8 5.7 9.7
Bacteria 0.7 1.7 8.0 7.3
TOTAL 4.0 9.7 13.7 17.0
I develop a relationship with each piece I create
The Story behind Little Gold Bee
Beeswax! Where do I start? It has so many uses. I love the smell of it and I love using it in my products. Beeswax is an amazing resource to use as it offers anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral benefits, making it helpful in treating skin irritation. People with sensitive skin find beeswax soothing because it protects against irritants while still allowing the skin to breathe.
My products are created using natural ingredients which are pure and simple. A lot of care and passion goes into all my products, paying particular attention to detail, from my original recipes to the designing of my own labels and packing – making it re-usable where ever possible. I love creating and adding trinkets and charms with a bee theme. I make the gift bags and cards myself. I enjoy putting together the unique gift packs, adding items which aren't available individually.
I source my beeswax from local beekeepers giving them my support and helping them with their own small family businesses. Knowing where my beeswax comes from is an important part of my story. Just use natural products, it's the only way to BEE.
Gift cards & bags are all hand made by myself
BEARDED BURGLAR
The Continuing Story
The conception of the Bearded Burglar came from my love of Beeswax and looking at different ways to use it. It has quite a humble beginning as I was wanting to make a product to prevent my husband's beardruff. We love pure, simple and natural oils without nasty or unnecessary additives. The Bearded Burglar was born – a range for men.
Beards are popular and men are embracing facial hair. I love to see the thick full bushranger beards that some men wear. I also love seeing a well maintained, more professional shaped beard. What ever the length, shape or style of the beard it is essential to take pride in your beard with regular grooming, washing and oiling to treat and tame your facial hair.
We use premium oils, to create a quality range of products for you and the bearded gentleman in your life.
The Bearded Burglar was born - a range for men
