Paige Mccafferty

Teaching the way of wood & rites of resin

In today’s society a large

number of human beings are spending countless hours working a hardly tolerable 9-5, just to make an earnest living. To remain copacetic and de-stressed, arts and crafts can drastically relieve anxiety and stress. And adept artist Paige Mccafferty’s workshops are just what the doctor ordered.

Paige’s workshops provide a fun yet calming experience in her resin wave charcuterie board workshops. Paige’s participants range from veteran artists to couples looking for a productive date night.

Paige is a full-time artist, so majority of her time is spent creating and hosting workshops. Luckily, Epiphany had the chance to catch up with Paige and she expressed,

“In 2019, I thought people would love to learn and attend a workshop, where they could come and create and not have to worry about buying all the materials needed just to try it.“

PAIGE WITH THE HEATING gun At her workshop.

Along with wave charcuterie boards, Paige also offers Floral charcuterie boards, Lazy Susan’s, and ceramic trinket dishes. The choice is completely yours. And with Christmas approaching, a personally designed charcuterie board “wood” be the perfect gift.

Outside of art, you can catch Paige spending time with her kids, paddle boarding, or learning new styles of art. Read the full interview to grasp the genius of Awkwood things founder Paige Mccafferty.

Paige Mccafferty Interview

Hello Paige, can you briefly give the readers an introduction as to who you are.

I’m a mom of two, and one chubby pup. When I’m not at markets and events, I am creating new designs and regularly making art. Some things that are just for fun and experiments that don’t always make it to markets. In the warmer months I love to go paddle boarding with friends. I was born in Maine, and have lived in 10 different states, but California is one that I’m happy to have come back to with my kids. We’ve been here for about 6 years.

When did you first begin creating art? And who or what influenced you to start?

I’ve been creating art ever since I was tiny. My Mom used to color with me every night, and definitely sparked my creative nature as a kid.

How did you learn and develop the skillset you have in art and woodworking?

I was creating art on wood & making things for children. My step dad works in the custom department at Martin Guitar, and I started learning about all of the different wood grains, and natural finishes and techniques. He started giving me wood scraps, and encouraged me to try to make whatever I could think of with the materials he gave me. At that time I also saw resin, and had never used that material. So I taught myself with what limited info I could find back then.

I see you have quite a bit of experience in different crafts, what are all the crafts you’re proficiently skilled in?

That’s a hard one to list. I’ve felt a bit like a jack of all trades when it comes to different art and craft mediums.

I used to have a small business creating children’s illustrations and educational materials with watercolors years ago. Way back, I was a tattoo artist, but that feels like a lifetime ago. Currently I’m working with wood and resin the most. I have been getting back into my painting roots just for fun. As well as bringing back some pyrography into some of my pieces.

Do you plan on learning new styles in the near future?

I have some new styles that were presented to me recently that I’m very interested in learning. It also includes a bit of a new medium, which is always exciting. I’m always open to learning new styles, techniques, and mediums.

How long does it take to create a Charcuterie board?

They can take two to three days, depending on how many layers of resin they need. I make large batches all at once, so I’ve never broken down how many hours one takes on its own.

What does your creative process look like?

Being a mom is the most rewarding and equally stressful things I’ve ever done. So it is easy to start my creative process, and then stop, and start again. Typically I make and prep wooden pieces, and flow with how they will come into form as whatever they are going to be through the process of each piece. Once I get into the flow of adding flowers and colors with the resin, I’m in my zone listening to music. Typically at night when everything else slows down.

Floral California Bear Charcuterie Board

What’s one pet peeve or one weird habit you have when creating?

Since I’m working with resin these days, I have to remember to block the dog out of the area. Having something that I love, and discovering there’s a dog hair in it the next day is the worst! I also really can’t stand sanding resin. It’s satisfying to watch, and I use a full face respirator, but the clean up is worst than sawdust. I try to avoid it as much as possible.

I understand you host workshops in which you teach attendees to make Charcuterie boards, what motivated you to start workshops? When I discovered resin, it was very hard to learn how to use it and work with it. I realized that others were also fascinated by it and how I was making wave boards. So in 2019, I thought people would love to learn and attend a workshop, where they could come and create and not have to worry about buying all the materials needed just to try it. Then quarantine happened, and resin art blew up on social media. Which has been amazing to get to teach others that are equally as excited to learn!

On the days you feel overwhelmed with work, what motivates you to keep going?

Being a mom is very motivating to push through the overwhelm, but also the gratitude I have for being able to be an artist. All I ever heard growing up was that I could never be an artist as a career path. Being grateful for not letting that stick is really what gets me though. As well as paddle boarding on really hard weeks. Which I don’t do in the cold months, but laughter is another great way to get through the overwhelming times. Anything final thoughts you’d like to express else?

I’d love to teach anyone interested in creating a resin accented charcuterie board, or more. No artistic experience is needed! I’ve had some people say they aren’t at all artistic make the most amazing pieces! That’s always a favorite to see.

What advice would you give to a new artists looking to follow in your footsteps?

Find your passion, keep exploring mediums and enjoying the creative process. Follow what you feel called to do, and don’t let anyone make you give up.

If the year 2022 was a chapter in the book of “Your Life”, what would you title the chapter reflecting back on the year up to now?

Oh that’s a deep one.

“Following the call.”

embracing the fall vibes with paige.