“Handmade Wooden Bread Bowls“

Welcome To Doughbowlmaker.com 

 Check the News page for any updates and new bowl announcements. 

    I’m a Disabled American Veteran with a bunch of health issues and am having to really cut back.

 Making the best “Food Safe” Handmade Wooden Bread Bowls available anywhere has always been my goal! 

  A Handmade Wooden Bread Bowl may be called a “Dough-Tray” or “Dough Trough”, depending on what area of the country you may be in.

My Background 

   Since 1988 I’ve made around 2,400 bowls like you may remember your Grandmother or Great-Grandmother using. I’ve  performed my craft in front of millions of people – both in person and on TV. There’s also several YouTube Videos that I have links to at the bottom of this page and many others about me (search YouTube for “JP Madren”) with over half a million views. It’s been a humbling experience to have crossed paths with so many wonderful people along the way. Visitors from 40 states across the USA have visited my show building in Wentworth, NC or came to see me when I was part of the NC State Fair where I was a “paid display artist” for 10 years (2007-2016).

Beautiful Bowls for over 37 YEARS 

Handmade Wooden Bowls Through the Ages 

  The Food Safe Handmade Wooden Bowls by JP Madren are known for Style, Elegance, and Old-World Charm. Handmade Wooden Bowls have been made for thousands of years. In fact, archaeologists in July of 2018 found a perfectly preserved bowl made over 2,000 years ago at the bottom of a well at Cairns, South Ronaldsay, Scotland. 

Shells, Animal bones or Metal … 

  Thru the ages wooden bowls have been made with various tools and methods depending on what was available at the time. The first Craftsmen used fire to char out the insides of a bowl in much the same way as they did canoes. These burnt areas would be removed with shells, animal bones and later – metal. The iron age gave us “adzes” which are still used today in one form or another. These went from iron to Damascus steel in the 3rd century and on to tool or spring steel in the 1900’s.

Pulling Time at the NC State Fair 

  As a “Paid Display Artist” for the NC State Fair (2007-2016), I gave the crowd a short history of wooden bowls and bowl making. Hopefully this helped them form an appreciation of the craft. My days started well before 7am with just a block of wood, and me drawing out the shape of that days bowl. Folks would often come early in anticipation of learning each step of the process, which I gladly shared. Over the next 12-14 hours I would answer all questions and continue to chip away at it. Many who had an interest in my work would bring lawn chairs to stay awhile, stand and watch, or visit several times during the day to monitor my progress. From a simple block of wood to a usable bowl – it made some long days. I’d show them the complexities of working with varying grains – and what it takes physically to remove the 10-12,000 chips that come out of each bowl.

Many areas of Interests… 

   The “About Page” gives a brief history of how I got started making bowls. My “News Page” keeps you up to date on the “goings on” of the “dough-bowl maker”. Other pages show my interest in Artwork and the crafting of wood. As you scroll through the pictures listed on the “Bowls” page, you can click on the picture of any bowl that catches your eye and It will become a much larger picture that contains three views of the bowl. There will also be a write-up on each bowl. I feel that every one of them deserves a story, and to tell you what I was trying to bring out of the wood in that particular bowl. I also describe its attributes and give you the dimensions and date the bowl was made. These write-ups are personalized most importantly as every bowl is different and unique in its own way. I feel that they are “Very Special”.  I’ve invested over 38 years learning and perfecting this craft. The top, sides and bottom are all very symmetrical, and sanded smooth to complete each one to the best of my ability..

    Pyrographic Art!

   The Pyrographic drawings page, shows another of my interests – burning pictures in wood with specialized heat pens. Whether it’s an old farm scene, something from nature, or a portrait of someone. My creative efforts keep me busy. The “Praying Hands” below was requested by a church wanting something special for their pastor’s retirement.

Thank you folks for your interest in my Handmade Wooden Bowls !!!