Downtown Clinton gets another unique, locally owned shop
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This extra-large cutting board was made by Einwechter. His products can be used for practical purposes or as displays. - Crystal Huskey
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David Einwechter, above, is the owner of Dogwood Carpentry, a new shop on Market Street that features handmade wood kitchenware. He often fills cracks and holes with epoxy, which creates a beautiful pop of color. - Crystal Huskey
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Einwechter’s cutting boards are one of his bestsellers. He sells them at the physical location of Dogwood Carpentry as well as at art and craft shows. - Crystal Huskey
Dogwood Carpentry has created quite a buzz in town recently, and now owner David Einwechter is so backed up with custom orders, his downtown Clinton shop is only open on the weekends.
Einwechter moved to Clinton with his wife Melissa a few years ago from Virginia, just outside of D.C. They had visited the area on occasion and loved the downtown area. It’s also a great location — between Knoxville and North Carolina — to be able to attend shows, where he sells his handcrafted tables and kitchenware.
“This is a good place for me to be able to do this full-time,” he said.
Einwechter’s work is more than just carpentry — it’s art.
Most of the wood pieces have a thread of epoxy inlay, with colors ranging from a stunning indigo to a bright red.
“I saw how people were doing this with big ‘river’ tables,” Einwechter explained, “and I started using it to fix cracks and knots. It gives it some color, and people like it.”
The finished product ends up being something pragmatic and artistic.
When asked if the products are dishwasher-safe, Einwechter panicked a little.
“Nothing’s dishwasher safe,” he quickly responded.
So remember: hand wash only.
The foot traffic in downtown Clinton is a little slow, according to Einwechter, but people still come in. Many are drawn by his active Instagram and Facebook pages. Most people who live in Clinton, however, are still under the impression that the downtown area is antiques only.
“And it’s just not anymore,” he said.
He has gotten to know many of the new players on Market and Main streets, and is excited to be a part of the revitalization.
He said conversations with the owners at the new Crossfit gym across the street and the tattoo and coffee shop just down the block make him optimistic about the future of downtown.
“A restaurant would really help draw more people,” he commented.
He has a small section of the store devoted to stoneware created by LaFollette resident Tessa Rohde. Her work complements his.
“I make a lot of kitchenware, so it goes hand-in-hand,” he said.
Rohde’s work is top-of-the-line and is also meant for show and everyday use.
Einwechter’s tables range from cutting boards to table-size serving platters, along with custom wood countertops and island-toppers.
For more information visit dogwoodcarpentry.com or stop and see for yourself at 369 Market St. in Clinton.