12/05/2021
We get a lot of questions about the barrel stave Kentucky map. Where did we get it? How is it hanging? How much does it weigh? How much did it cost? Well, here's the journey.
I made it myself with help from . I bought 75 used staves from a local vendor. We got a projector and found a good, clean outline of the state and projected it from across the room to get the size I wanted. I turned off the lights, held up one stave at a time, traced the edge if needed, turned the lights on, cut lines with a jig saw, drilled pilot holes, and then screwed it right into the drywall. Bourbon barrel staves are made of white oak, which is insanely hard. I blew through 4 blades and thought I might start a fire based on the amount of smoke. Tight turns were very difficult. Because the back side is charred, this was a very messy project. I would hand pick each stave based on width, coloring, etc. I love the varying texture, depth, color, and arc that resulted. The little pieces along the northern border are held with wood glue. My favorite easter egg is that the only open b**g in the piece is centered over Louisville. I don't fancy myself an artist or a craftsman, but I love how this eye-catching piece turned out. I think it's a great welcome as soon as you step in and hopefully makes an awesome backdrop for those Kentucky vacation pictures with friends. Come see it in person when you stay at Julep House NuLu.
