Schreiber Bodark
From a mentor’s gift to Salt Shaker Woodworks, Schreiber Bodark carries its story forward.
The Story
When Marika and Dennis Bordes lived here in Seguin, we became good friends. One evening at my house, Marika noticed my shop. She paused, looked around, and said, “Oh, you are a serious woodworker! You need to come to my studio so we can work together.” I was honored — and a little surprised — but I gladly accepted her invitation. That moment not only opened the door to time in her studio, it also introduced me to Alan Schreiber.
Marika is an internationally recognized wood sculptor, and her encouragement played a real part in shaping my own path. You can see her work at marikasculptures.com.
Alan quickly became more than just another craftsman in my circle. Despite being legally blind, he sculpted alongside Marika, came to my shop to work with me, and taught me the art of turning on the lathe. Over time he became one of my closest friends, a mentor, and a regular companion at shows and in the shop.
One morning, when I arrived at Alan’s place to pick him up for another day of lathe tutoring and shop work, he asked me to wait a moment — he had something for me. He came out carrying a big, beautiful hunk of Bodark (also known as Osage Orange) and simply said, “It’s yours.” I thanked him profusely, and back to my shop we went. In honor of Alan and our relationship, I named this wood Schreiber Bodark.
About the Tree
Bodark, more formally known as Bois d’Arc, is another name for the Osage Orange tree (Maclura pomifera). The tree is small to medium in size, often growing with a short trunk and twisting, thorny branches. Its foliage is dense and bright green, casting deep summer shade.
One of its most recognizable features is the large, round, wrinkled fruit that drops in autumn. Known locally as “horse apples” or “hedge apples,” these chartreuse-colored orbs litter the ground beneath the tree each fall. Though not considered edible, they’re a sure sign you’ve found a Bodark.
About the Wood
The name Bois d’Arc means “wood of the bow,” and for good reason. Native Americans prized Bodark for making strong, springy bows that could last for generations. That toughness carries through every part of the tree.
Bodark is one of the hardest, densest woods in North America. Freshly cut, it glows with a bright golden yellow that deepens to a rich, warm brown over time. Its weight and density make it a challenge to work, but its durability is unmatched.
Early settlers and farmers relied on Bodark for fence posts, tool handles, and wagon wheels. Even left in the ground, a Bodark post can outlast decades of weather without rotting. It’s a wood that resists time, wear, and decay — a true survivor.
Why It Matters
Every piece of wood in my shop has a story, but Schreiber Bodark carries something more — the memory of a mentor and friend. Alan didn’t just teach me how to turn on the lathe; he shared his time, his wisdom, and his encouragement. When he handed me that hunk of Bodark, it wasn’t just a block of wood — it was another gift marking our friendship.
Like the other reclaimed woods I work with, this Bodark could have been overlooked or discarded. Instead, it found a place in my hands — shaped, finished, and given a new purpose. That’s what my work is about: honoring where the wood came from, and carrying its story forward. In the case of Schreiber Bodark, that story is inseparable from Alan’s.
