Meet the Maker | Custom Resin

This month we talk to Justin Thornton, a Hunter Valley maker and the creator behind Custom Resin. You'll find Justin and all of the other talented makers at this month's Handmade in the Hunter markets, which are held on the grounds of Kevin Sobel Wines. For times and dates, see page 6 or visit www.handmadehuntermarkets.com.au

HVMAG: Can you please tell us a bit about what you do? How did you come up with the idea?

JUSTIN: I started out as a Cabinet Maker, and my passion for woodwork never faded despite leaving the trade for some years. I've always believed you can't beat the natural beauty of timber. The smell, colour, grain structure and versatility make it the perfect material to create practical and usable pieces for everyday life, which is only limited by your imagination.

HVMAG: How long have you been running Custom Resin - and how did you start?

JUSTIN: After following other enthusiasts using resin to enhance their work, I started to create my own pieces as a hobby. I started this venture in 2020, and within a year, I'd left my job to follow this passion full-time.

HVMAG: What types of pr oducts do you sell? What is your top-selling product? Who is your typical customer?

JUSTIN: My main product line is food serving boards, grazing platters, lazy Susan's, charcuterie boards, entertaining platters with a wine bucket and glass holders, coasters and chopping boards. I also offer custom pieces (hence the name Custom Resin) to suit your needs, including coffee and dining tables, bar and countertops or whatever your imagination can create. My most popular products are the resin river serving platters and my entertaining platters, including a wine bucket and glass holders. Some of my latest creations using clear resin are ocean and country themed. These were developed to push the boundaries of what can be done with resin and to capture people's imagination for their own custom-themed boards. My typical customers are marketgoers, and I'm often contacted by people who appreciate beautifully handcrafted items that are functional and fit in with their home aesthetics.

HVMAG: What do you like most about Handmade in the Hunter Markets?

JUSTIN: It's my favourite and most productive market. I believe the reason this market is booming is because of the concept that drives it. All pieces have to be handcrafted by the stall holder.