So, hopefully, you're here before you're doing too much unpacking. Though, I'd bet that you're here after unpacking, and maybe because you're wondering... what is this "thing?"
Too bad for you, you'll have to wait to find out just a little longer. Because I'm sure someone is here for the unpacking bit, and we've got to catch them up.
Unpacking and assembly
There's nothing special about unpacking, really. The bubble wrap may feel hard to get out of the box, and that's fine. There are a few dabs of hot glue holding it down. Just pull up gently and it'll rip some of the plastic and you'll be good.
Then, carefully cut or otherwise remove the tape and unwrap the two pieces. When you're done, you should have something like this.
What the heck are these?
To assemble this crazy contraption, I bet you've already guessed that the metal piece slots into the similarly sized groove in the wood piece. That doesn't mean you're a genius; it just means that you have a grasp on the obvious. Still, gold star for you! ⭐
If you didn't already guess that, well... you're not a genius either, I guess. But now you know. Slot the metal (that's aluminum, fyi) into the wood groove.
Note that there is a "top" to the metal piece, so that the angle on the straight end matches the angle of the wood stand.
And with that, assembly is complete!
What is this "thing?"
If you've figured out what this thing is without me telling you, you really are a genius. Two gold stars ⭐⭐ for you!
If you haven't figured it out, it's a spoon/spatula/utensil rest for cooking in the kitchen. The idea is to prop the utensil on the raised wooden piece, and let whatever yummy goodness you are cooking to drip onto the aluminum. Assuming you aren't dripping out an entire bowl of soup, you'll proably just get a few drops on the aluminum, which you can then remove, rinse, dry, and replace.
Like this.
Don't worry if whatever you're cooking gets on the wood, too. See "should I really use it," below.
But why?
I always try to make something, because I like the idea of making something instead of just buying some thing (that anyone could buy). Over the years, I've realized that while puzzles are fun, they can be intimidating at worst, and something that gets used a few times at best. I think the best thing I ever made was the counter-top salt container, mostly because it's so useful on a regular basis.
So, I wanted to make something that was useful again, and I figured that another kitchen gadget would be nice. I brainstormed for a while because I wanted something simple and yet "presentable" and of course, something that could incorporate my usual multi-wood design.
After a bunch of drawing and cutting and pondering the combination of metal and wood, I sort of stumbled into this design that I really liked for its simple elegance. Although, I have a hard time describing any of my work as "elegant," so maybe more like "simple utility." At the very least, "simple something."
Should I really use it?
Maybe. Probably.
If you are asking because you don't eat food, and therefore don't cook, then by all means, toss it in the bin; it is useless to you. If you're asking because "it's pretty and I don't want to mess it up," get over it and use it. I don't care if it gets messed up and either should you. I'm happy you're using it! Enjoy it!
Also, I used a new wood finish that I think should be reasonably robust on a countertop. I wouldn't let it sit in water for an extended period of time, but getting wet while you're cooking, or using a damp rag to wipe off some tasty treat that found its way onto the wooden piece should be totally fine. Just dry it off when you're done and consider any staining to be patina.
Enjoy, and Merry Christmas!
