Thank you for your kind words. I scrounge for hardwood pallets for the wood. It's amazing what goes to the landfill.
I use chisels, gouges, sometimes a Dremel, scroll saw and lots and lots of sandpaper. The finish is mineral oil--it doesn't go rancid! I have tried walnut oil, but mineral oil works better IMHO.
I never know quite how the utensil will come out until I'm working with the wood. Sometimes it becomes fuel for the furnace because once the wood is cut and I begin to shape it, it cracks.