I want people to use my hand carved spoons on a daily basis to create memories and to prepare food for the people they love.
I hand carve spoons because I really enjoy making something useful from a tree that has fallen in a storm. I get a big kick out of making a spoon from someone’s tree that has fallen in their yard. I am able to give them something they can use and have a memory from a tree that was on their property or in their yard.
Spoon carving is therapeutic for me and is as much an art as it is a craft. My grandfather was born in 1899 and didn’t start carving until he was 83 years old. He carved hundreds of birds and toys until he died at age ninety-nine. My father and both brothers carved wood as well. I am thankful for what was passed on to me that has given me so much joy.

Tad W. Kepley

After retiring from the Lexington Police Department Kepley picked up his grandfather’s whittling knife and now hand carves wooden spoons using only greenwood. His spoons are all carved from tree to table and are made to use daily.