Paul Dunbar: Handcrafted bowls with a story, spun from the heart of Nebraska.

🪵 Meet the Maker: Paul Dunbar

Handcrafted bowls with a story, spun from the heart of Nebraska.

When Paul Dunbar retired in 2018, he wasn’t looking to become a woodworker—he just wanted to stay busy. But after picking up a lathe and some salvaged wood, something clicked. What began as a post-retirement hobby quickly transformed into a creative passion.

“I just started trying things out,” Paul says. “I had no idea where it would lead.”

Now, seven years later, Paul is turning heads (and wood) with his finely crafted bowls, vessels, and home goods—each one made from locally-sourced woods like cedar, elm, and pine. Most of his materials are gathered by hand from the local city tree dump on Saturday mornings.

“You don’t know what you have until you start to work the wood. You let it speak to you.”

Paul is entirely self-taught. He works by instinct and feel, letting the grain, shape, and scent of the wood guide his process. His favorite pieces to make are small bowls—simple, elegant, and smooth to the touch. He especially enjoys working with cedar because of its softness and beautiful finish, while pine can be a bit more stubborn and prone to chipping.

His first market appearance? That was thanks to his wife.
“She said she didn’t have any more shelves for my stuff,” Paul laughs.

Paul’s work is a reflection of the Sandhills spirit—resourceful, patient, and deeply connected to the land. Every piece tells a story: from a wind-worn tree to a spinning lathe to a quiet place on someone’s shelf.

We're proud to feature Paul Dunbar's work at Handmade in the Sandhills, and we can't wait for you to experience the care, skill, and soul that go into each and every piece.