From Deck to Art: Our Battleship Texas Deck Wood Project

At Tiptop Woodshop, we're always up for a unique challenge, a project that not only tests our skills but also carries a special kind of meaning. Recently, we were presented with an opportunity that truly resonated with us – an invitation to be part of the Battleship Texas Artisans initiative. This incredible program brought together a diverse group of talented artisans, from fellow woodworkers to metal maestros, all tasked with creating something unique from materials reclaimed from the historic Battleship Texas during its time in dry dock for crucial restoration.

For those unfamiliar, the Battleship Texas is a veteran of both World Wars and a living testament to our nation's history. To have the chance to work with a piece of that legacy was an honor we didn't take lightly. We knew whatever we created had to be special, something that paid respect to the ship's incredible journey and the brave individuals who served on her.

We were given a couple of pieces of the ship's deck wood - long-leaf pine. As soon as we received the material, we knew this wouldn't be a typical project. Let's just say, it also produced some of the most… characterful sawdust we've ever encountered! (It definitely kept things interesting in the shop!)

Our vision began to take shape: a wood mosaic art piece in the iconic shape of Texas. For us, there's no better way to represent our home state and the proud legacy of the Battleship Texas. What followed was a labor of love (and a fair bit of perseverance!).

This piece is made up of 90 individual, hand-cut pieces of that very deck wood. Each angle, each curve of the Texas silhouette was carefully considered and meticulously brought to life. Measuring an impressive 26 inches from El Paso to Orange, this project took us on a journey of its own. We navigated at least four design iterations, completely revamped our project plan twice, and even sacrificed a saw blade along the way! Let's just say, our patience was definitely put to the test, but with each precisely placed piece, our excitement grew.

Seeing it all come together, the varied tones and textures of the reclaimed wood creating a stunning, almost three-dimensional effect, made every challenge worthwhile. This wasn't just about crafting a beautiful piece of art; it was about transforming a piece of history into something new, while honoring its past.

We are incredibly honored and frankly, downright stoked to announce that our Texas mosaic is now complete and has been submitted for auction alongside the incredible creations of dozens of other talented artisans. All proceeds from the auction will go directly to The Battleship Texas Foundation, supporting the vital work of restoring and preserving this national treasure for future generations.

If you're a fellow history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates a unique piece with a powerful story, we encourage you to check out the Battleship Texas Artisans auction. It's a chance to own a tangible piece of history and contribute to the preservation of an icon.

You can find more details about the auction and how to get your hands on a piece of this incredible initiative here: https://battleshiptxartisans.com/

We are so proud to have been a small part of this collective effort. To think that something we created with our own hands will contribute to the legacy of the Battleship Texas is truly humbling. It's undoubtedly the coolest project we've ever done, and a reminder of the power of craftsmanship and the importance of preserving our history.