Author: Julie Karl
BG Independent News
As a child, Amy Davis kept wooden curtains for her father while he crafted the wood into curtain rods or something functional for their home.
She grew up working as a nurse for 20 years before moving on to continue her father's lathe business and was "bitten by the passion". He attended lessons to learn the ins and outs of the trade, while his father watched his master closely. His work was done out of necessity; He does it more for fun.
“When I got to class, I forced myself to walk every day for a year just to learn,” Davis said. He transformed the wood into bowls, candles, bottle caps or any work of art he could imagine. Most of them were donated to relatives and friends.
“I wasn't sure what to do with all the things I was doing. Then I realized that if I sold it, I could buy more supplies and move on; Otherwise I won't be able to afford it,” he said.
His success along the way eventually led Davis to open his own brick-and-mortar store, Round N Round Gifts, at 331 N. Main Street, Bowling Green. Handmade woodworking is still the mainstay of his merchandise, but his business took a new direction after a friend introduced him to the magic of laser engraving.
What started as a method for laser engraving wooden artwork with a small laser has now evolved into a technique for engraving everything from wood and glass to fabric and metal using larger laser equipment.
“In 2020, I made laser-cut Christmas decorations and posted photos on my Facebook page,” Davis said. "A lot of people told me, 'I want to.' So it kind of exploded and expanded into what you see today,” he said of his Main Street business.
He continues to build woodwork for his dream woodshop in his home in Bowling Green. Her husband, Terry, does a lot of woodworking when he's not working.
Carving is something that has grown significantly since Christmas 2020. “People are starting to realize that I can do anything and that I can carve,” he said. As people presented him with ideas, he purchased laser equipment that could etch large and varied shapes onto flat, round objects such as glass containers. The CO 2 laser engraves but requires a powder coating, so the laser erodes the powder coating. Its new laser, which it plans to introduce soon, will etch bare metal and further expand the possibilities.
An entire shelf near the checkout is filled with gift ideas and engraved items. Davis showed several examples that can be engraved, including leather cup holders, mugs, RCID wallets, whiskey bottles and magnetic guitar photo holders. Cutting boards engraved with family recipes are the most popular product, he said.
He is moving away from the brand, although he is in the process of getting permission to use the BGSU logo.
Davis hopes to enter the wedding market by carving items such as champagne glasses for couples, flasks for bridal shower gifts and multi-tools or pouches for wedding gifts.
“We can sculpt anything anyone can think of,” he said. Corporate Buzzword - Showcasing Unlimited Possibilities - "What can we do for you?"
Personal products are the best sellers. “We can take something ordinary and make it extraordinary,” he said.
In recent times, more than half of the orders were based on ideas found by customers on the Internet, which they had sketched or developed themselves. “Taking someone's idea and creating the perfect gift is my favorite part,” she said.
The shop is welcoming when you enter, but not crowded. The shop also features other unique items made by local artisans at Ian Dawson Glassworks; Recycled and unique lamps and tables by Sorenson Jacob; Lovely handmade earrings from WhimsyCalls; native pine candles; and bracelets and magnets from Abby, a 10-year-old budding entrepreneur
A member of the Bowling Green Arts Council, Davis also features the work of a local artist each month. December's headliner is Linda Schetzer.
It also offers hands-on activities for small groups, such as earring making and painting. It hasn't yet scheduled small-group events at the new store, but has held them at people's homes and other local locations.
Closing times are Tuesday to Saturday from 12pm to 6pm and Sunday from 12pm to 5pm.
Excited to register his business in time for the Big Holiday Parade, Davis is excited about the new location. “We've lived in Bowling Green for 20 years and I've never felt a community like this here. I love being part of the downtown Bowling Green community.”
