A Conversation with Woodworker Ashley Dawes of Willow & Ash Designs

Dropped Among This Crowd

Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 290

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Episode description

This week on the show, host Sara J is joined by Canadian woodworker and artist Ashley Dawes, the creative force behind Willow & Ash Designs.

Ashley shares how she unexpectedly found her way into woodworking, how life as part of a military family shaped her journey, and what draws her to a craft that demands such precision and patience. She also opens up about the therapeutic power of woodworking and how it has become more than just a creative outlet.

In this inspiring conversation, Ashley discusses:

The origin story behind Willow & Ash Designs — including what inspired the name
How her business has evolved alongside her life, especially while navigating motherhood and entrepreneurship
The deep connection she has with her work, how her children inspire her, and what it means to have a relationship with your business
The joys and challenges of small business ownership: setting boundaries, pricing your work with confidence, and the critical role time management plays in success

Ashley also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the most meaningful piece she's ever made — a show-stopping guitar stand she created for this year’s Scroll Saw competition, inspired by the music of The Tragically Hip. From a confusing sketch no one understood to a stunning final piece that took over 50 hours to complete, she walks us through the intricate design and the four songs that are part of the build.

We also talk about:

How her recent move to Kingston, Ontario, sparked the final vision for the guitar stand
What it feels like to be the conduit for creative ideas waiting to come through
Her shop playlist, her least favorite project, and how recent global shifts have impacted her as a Canadian small business owner, especially with her U.S. customers

This episode is a real, heartfelt look at what it takes to build something you love through patience, creativity, and staying connected to your craft as life evolves.

Where you can find this week's guest:

Website: https://www.willowashdesigns.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowashdesigns/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/willowashdesigns/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@willowashdesigns

Read the blog post mentioned in this conversation: https://ontariobuilt.blogspot.com/2025/04/willow-ash-designs-where-woodworking.html?m=1

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