Meet The Artist & Discover The Artist In You…

Galena Spoon Co., of Galena, IL., offers handcrafted wooden kitchenwares from artisans both local and nationwide. The business first began in 2014 in Dundee, Illinois, under the name Fox River Spoon Co. “I can’t say there was a clear goal from the start,” says owner Paul Pendola. “I had a strong desire to simplify my life through making functional art.”

But as Pendola quickly learned, spoon carvers are made, not born. “Simple as it is in form and function, the wooden spoon itself is an incredibly complex tool by design,” he says. “Capturing balance and symmetry, the desired length, width, and depth, and a pleasing overall look and feel that is both delicate in the hand and durable in the kitchen requires me as an artist to create with my hand, my head, and my heart.”

Pendola refers to his spoon carving process as the ‘One, Two, Three Method.’ “I’m using ONE solid piece of locally and sustainably sourced fresh-felled greenwood, my own TWO hands, and THREE carving tools, including an axe, straight knife, and hook knife.”

It took several years of practice before Pendola had the confidence to sell his wares at a small farmers’ market. That led to multi-day shows, then potential for a full-time operation. Pendola moved to Galena, maintained his full-time corporate job, and continued developing his spoon business on the side. “I eventually felt confident enough in the product that I left my full-time job to open a brick-and-mortar location. This led to teaching classes, a bit of wholesale work, some commercial jobs, and more recently, partnerships with businesses here in Galena and around the country.”

Today, the Galena Spoon Co consists of a retail shop in historic downtown Galena, a studio and gallery just a few steps away, and a wood shop in a rented warehouse space a few miles outside the town. This studio hosts intimate artist events and offers space for spoon carving workshops. “I love the process of demonstrating the craft, engaging with customers about the design and production process, sharing kitchen stories, working with other like-minded makers and suppliers,” says Pendola. “We’re offering something unique and unexpected.”

Beyond spoons, the Company produces a wide range of handcrafted woodenware, including spatulas, boards, and serving utensils. “Each item is made using locally sourced wood, and all-natural, food-safe, and shelf-stable drying oils,” says Pendola.” Our Spoons are made entirely by hand using only an axe, straight knife, and hook knife. No templates, no power tools, and no computer-guided routers or lasers.”

As the merchandise is handcrafted, lead time and inventory management are top priorities. “Our cost of goods tends to be higher as compared to traditional retail, as we purchase items at a price point that is fair and sustainable.” While spoons are the top-selling item, the store features items in three main categories: woodenware, kitchenware, and gourmet fare. Other handcraft stores are represented, including The Holland Bowl Mill (Holland, Michigan), rolling pins, spoons, and boards from Whetstone Woodenware (Silverlake, Indiana), and handcrafted boards from Edward Wohl Studio (Spring Green, Wisconsin).

“The recent move into our forever home at 305 South Main Street in the heart of historic downtown Galena marks a new beginning for the business,” says Pendula. “Since opening in our new space on February 14th, 2026, we’ve expanded our hours of operation and hired additional staff.” Plans for the next few years include expanding product offerings, rebuilding the website, and promoting the online store more heavily. “We’ll continue to offer spoon carving workshops and expand the Maker’s Table opportunities for visiting Artists while also making the retail space available for private receptions and other events, such as honey tastings, cooking classes, and more.