Classical 5th Anniversary Lovespoon - Free Engraving of Names & Date

The custom of carving and giving Welsh Lovespoons originated in Wales hundreds of years ago. The young men of today would probably buy flowers, chocolates or jewellery as a token of affection. Centuries ago in Wales, the young lover would give a special, more personal gift to the object of their desire, the Welsh Love Spoon. Some of the early love spoons can be seen on display at the Welsh Folk Museum in Cardiff. There is even one that dates back to 1667. The Cadwyn range of Welsh Love Spoons are the creations of a group of wood-carvers in the southern valleys of Wales, led by Paul Curtis. When he was sixteen Paul met the highly acclaimed master craftsman called Gwyndaf Breeze at St. Fagans Welsh Folk Museum in Cardiff. When he was leaving, Gwyndaf encouraged Paul to make a spoon by kindly giving him some pieces of various hardwoods. Today Paul's lovespoons are much sought-after all over the world. When Paul makes a spoon, firstly the wood is selected and cut to a manageable size. The wood usually used is Limewood sourced from Monmouthshire, south Wales. The wood is pale in colour and very uniform in character. It is lighter and easier to carve than walnut or oak, it is easily worked, and has very little grain. Next the design is drawn onto the wood and the basic shape of the spoon is cut out. Once he has hand carved the spoon it is sanded three time with different grades of sandpaper and polished twice with beeswax. "This is a painstaking way to finish a lovespoon," says Paul, "but is the only way to achieve a quality smooth silky finish that the Welsh Lovespoon deserves".

• Special hand Carved Welsh Love Spoon to celebrate a 5th wedding anniversary for which it is traditional to give a gift in wood.
• The figure 5 is hand-carved in the middle of the spoon, with two hearts above and below.
• 28cm / 11", Carved in Lime Wood from Monmouthshire, Colour may vary slightly
• Free Engraving: The names of the couple celebrating the anniversary can be engraved on to each heart, and the date of the anniversary on the ladle of the spoon. Send a message after placing your order if you require engraving.
• An accompanying card with an explanation of the Lovespoon tradition is enclosed with each order.