Docking stations for iPhones and iPads are flooding the market as more people are able to afford iDevices. From professional designers to amateurs, almost everyone seems to be trying their hand at designing them. Joel is just such a person, who is a construction worker by profession and in his spare time, he tinkers about with wood and loves creating unique products. The California based designer has a collection of wood based docking stations called Little Apple Collection. The products are made out of Manzanita, a small tree that grows berries.
Joel came across the idea to build docks for iDevices after he worked on an old Manzanita tree that had to be uprooted to make way for a college’s expansion. Since then, he has been carving unique and natural looking docks. According to the designer, Manzanita tends to grow in strange twisting shapes which only help to add uniqueness to his works.
The dock pictured above was custom made for a client and features three USB cords measuring 6 feet in length that helps charge iPods, iPads and iPhones. The stand snugly accommodates the iDevices and can also dock devices with a thin skin cover. It was made over a course of 7 sanding steps using powerful machine sanders, and polishing and sanding it by hand. To enhance and retain the wood’s depth of grain, the dock was coated with carnauba wax, orange oil and beeswax.
The choice of Manzanita is interesting as the wood boasts rich colors with plenty of contrast. The outer bark of this durable wood consists of interesting patterns and rich details while the inside is of a deep red shade. This undoubtedly helps Joel create his unique and rich looking docking stations. While most of his pieces wear a naturally weathered look, some have been sawed and sanded to a more definite shape.
Via: Etsy
