OUR STORY
Meet artisan woodworker, Elisa Koski-Taylor
- Based in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand -
The idea for Giftwood Design originally started in Finland – where I was born and raised – and has been in creation for years. The passion for woodworking and creating with my hands has always been a part of my life. For this, I can only thank my father, a third-generation Finnish woodworker who has made a long and respectful career as a skilled foundry pattern maker. (According to himself, he is a “pretty cool dude” – and I must agree, he is a talented guy with a great sense of humour!) He taught me the foundations of woodworking and is still the first person I turn to with my new product designs or whenever I run into issues along the way.
Some of my most beloved childhood memories take place in my father’s workshop where I used to hang around, watching him in his element working with wood. He used to make me wooden toys to play with, and later on in life I learned the skills of pattern making myself. This eventually led me to study and receive a BA degree in Furniture Making & Design in Finland.
The dream of having my own business was put on hold for some years, however, as I started travelling the world. After a few years of exploring, I ended up spending a summer in Napier, New Zealand before heading back home to Finland. Ten years and three children later, I'm happily settled here in beautiful Napier and consider this country my second home (you see, little did I know, I would meet my future husband on my first day in Napier, New Zealand!).
Giftwood Design finally came to life here in New Zealand, combining the elements of Scandinavian minimalism and simplicity with New Zealand native upcycled timber. These design elements are strongly present in my products, including everyday items such as chopping boards, trivets, and candle holders.
Working with reclaimed timber brings its own challenges and surprises as you never know what you are dealing with until you are halfway there. The uniqueness of the reclaimed materials brings out a special character and preserves the history of the materials used.
As the owner of Giftwood Design, I am fascinated by the history and stories behind the materials I get to work with. I have been privileged to utilise some amazing pieces of timber from around Hawke’s Bay, including the stage floorboards from Hastings Opera House.
As the little girl who got to eagerly observe her father in his workshop doing what he loved, I am now happy to provide similar memories to my own children as they get to see their mother in her workshop doing what she loves. They enjoy spending time in my workshop, helping me out or building their own objects. Sometimes they come to me with a picture of what they want to create or I just give them a box of offcuts to play with. (They have an amazing imagination!)
Just as I like collaborating with my little helpers, I absolutely enjoy collaborating with my customers and bringing their visions to life at Giftwood Design. Depending on your wishes, I can design and create custom pieces from your own material. If you are renovating an old house and demolishing walls, floors, or even an old wooden kitchen, I am happy to use these materials to make something truly remarkable and one of a kind for you. (Something can always be made from the smallest skirting board to a kitchen cupboard!)
I am looking forward to hearing from you and working with you. Please, visit my online store to find my most recent work!
