Kenny New has worked in wood and construction for decades. Back in the 1980s, he owned a Sedona-based log homes furniture business. And a few years ago, he was poking around Craigslist searching for barrels to work with. So he made the trip down to Cave Creek in metro Phoenix to purchase some used wine barrels. And Kenny was hooked on the material. “The unique challenge of trying to figure out how do you do this. How do you create this?” says Kenny.
Kenny says he appreciates the aesthetics of how the French oak looks, mentioning the deep burgundy color that comes from the wine. Each of his products is one of a kind.
“The beauty of how it ends up looking. You can’t really tell how it’s going to end up until you put a finish on it,” says Kenny. “There’s more of a feel behind it of the artist and the artisan offering a unique product that’s one of a kind. You’re not going to find this in a furniture store.”
After he sold about $2,500 worth of his furniture at the Pecan and Wine Festival in Camp Verde, Kenny says he knew there was potential to build a business. And he founded Eagle Eye Barrels in 2017. Out of his Camp Verde shop, Kenny crafts bar stools, tables, wine racks, candle holders, lazy Susans, a stave candle holder, charcuterie boards and wine butlers and faith crosses. And Kenny has started a Wine Barrel furniture school. Classes are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kenny shows attendees just what to do and provides all the tools and materials you’d need to make your own custom furniture. During past classes, students have made benches, chairs and tables. After class, participants can enjoy a wine and cheese flight to celebrate. Kenny says he loves seeing his students’ doubt evaporate when they finally finish building their piece. No experience is necessary to attend a class.
“I like the showing people that they can accomplish something they can do,” he says. Post-class, “they look pretty happy.” − Teresa K. Traverse
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