Behind The Boards
Hi, I’m Cortney—but more importantly, I’m a wife, a mom to both a son and a daughter, a daughter myself, and a believer who’s constantly reminded of God’s faithfulness—especially in the unexpected.
Boards and Bubbles was born out of what felt like a difficult and uncertain season in my life. In the midst of trials and what seemed like darkness, God was quietly planting seeds. I didn’t realize it at the time, but what I saw as a low point was really the beginning of a blessing in disguise.
I had no idea I had this creativity in me. I never planned to start a business—let alone one that involved woodworking, curating baskets, or burning art into boards. But God placed this vision on my heart, and when I stepped out in faith, He provided every step of the way.
With the love and support of my husband, our children, and my amazing family, I began creating handcrafted charcuterie boards, drink flights, gift baskets, and custom wood-burned pieces. Each item I make is a reflection of care, intention, and the goodness of a God who brings light from even the darkest places.
Boards and Bubbles isn’t just about beautiful, handmade items—it’s about using the gifts God gives, creating moments that matter, and sharing pieces of love and purpose along the way.
Thank you for being part of this journey. I pray every creation you receive brings joy, warmth, and a reminder that even in hard seasons, God is working behind the scenes.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
—Romans 8: 28
The Woods Behind the Work
Walnut
Rich and refined, walnut wood is a favorite among woodworkers for its deep chocolate brown hues and elegant grain patterns. It’s a strong, durable hardwood that resists warping and maintains its beauty over time. With a fine, straight grain and occasional curly or wavy patterns, walnut brings timeless sophistication to every handcrafted board or flight. Whether left natural or finished with oil, its color deepens with age, making it a classic choice for heirloom-quality creations.
Cherry
Elegant and timeless, cherry wood is known for its warm reddish-golden tone and smooth grain that deepens beautifully with age. This American hardwood is prized not only for its workability but for the natural luster it develops over time, giving each piece a glowing, rich patina. Often used in fine furniture and heirloom woodworking, cherry brings a soft warmth and inviting color to your handcrafted boards and flights.
Maple
Bright, clean, and naturally smooth, maple wood is a staple in fine woodworking thanks to its strength and subtle beauty. With its creamy, pale color and tight grain, maple adds a refined, modern touch to any handcrafted piece. Its hardness and resilience make it ideal for items that see regular use—like charcuterie boards and flight trays—while its uniform appearance allows your design details and craftsmanship to shine.
Canary
Striking and full of personality, canary wood stands out with its vibrant mix of golden yellows, rich oranges, and occasional streaks of red or brown. Each board is a visual statement, offering a naturally colorful palette that brings warmth and creativity to handcrafted pieces. Known for its density and durability, canary wood is both beautiful and functional—ideal for anyone who appreciates bold grain patterns and artistic flair.
Merbau
Bold and resilient, merbau wood offers a deep golden-brown to reddish-brown tone, often enhanced by subtle flecks of gold that shimmer in the light. Native to Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, this hardwood is prized for its strength and natural durability—making it a go-to choice for long-lasting, richly colored pieces. Merbau brings a sense of grounded warmth and elegance to handcrafted trays, boards, and custom accents.
Okoume
Light, smooth, and subtly beautiful, okoume wood brings a gentle warmth to any handcrafted piece. With its pinkish to light brown tones and delicate grain, okoume is often chosen for its clean look and lightweight feel. Though softer than some hardwoods, its fine texture and easy workability make it a versatile option for boards, flights, and layered wood designs that let other colors shine.
Sapele
Sophisticated and versatile, sapele wood is admired for its reddish-brown color and lustrous grain that often shimmers with ribbon-like patterns. Native to Africa, this hardwood is dense, durable, and beautifully uniform—making it a favorite for luxury woodworking and fine detailing. Whether used as a main feature or paired with contrasting woods, sapele adds depth, elegance, and a refined finish to handcrafted boards and flights.
Yellowheart
Bright, bold, and naturally radiant, yellowheart (also known as Pau Amarello) is unmistakable for its vibrant lemon-yellow hue. Its consistent color and smooth grain make it an eye-catching choice for accent pieces or statement boards. This Brazilian hardwood is not only visually striking but also dense and durable, ensuring your handcrafted items are as lasting as they are beautiful.
Purpleheart
Deep and luxurious, purpleheart is a showstopper with its rich violet hue that naturally deepens over time. Native to Central and South America, this hardwood is as strong as it is stunning—perfect for both its durability and its dramatic look. Whether used as a central feature or as an accent, purpleheart adds a regal touch to any handcrafted piece.
Zebrawood
Dramatic and unmistakable, zebrawood is known for its striking light and dark striping that resembles the pattern of a zebra—making every piece completely unique. Native to West Africa, this exotic hardwood features golden tan tones interrupted by bold, dark brown streaks. It’s a favorite for statement pieces and adds a wild elegance to any handcrafted board or flight.
Padauk
Vivid and bold, padauk wood is instantly recognizable for its brilliant reddish-orange color that commands attention. Native to Central and West Africa, this exotic hardwood is not just about looks—it’s also highly durable and resistant to wear. Over time, its vibrant hue may deepen to a rich brown, adding even more character. Padauk makes every board or flight a conversation piece with its warmth and dramatic grain.
Wenge
Dark, dramatic, and undeniably elegant, wenge wood is a statement in sophistication. Native to Central Africa, its nearly black-brown color is streaked with fine lines of chocolate and subtle gray, giving it a naturally linear and modern look. Its hardness and density make it ideal for structural strength, while its rich color adds contrast and class to any design.
Coffeenut
Rich, warm, and full of handcrafted charm—Coffeenut brings together deep browns and golden tones reminiscent of roasted beans and cozy cafés. Made from a blend of warm hardwoods like walnut, cherry, and maple, this piece is perfect for coffee tastings, brunch spreads, or gifting to your favorite coffee lover. Just like your morning cup, every board is smooth, comforting, and made to be shared.