All day, every day, we use things.

While this sounds ridiculously simple, think about it: when you make a tuna fish sandwich, you grab the can opener, scoop tuna into a bowl with a spoon, stir in mayonnaise, spread the filling on with a knife, and cut the final product in half on a cutting board.

When any of the elements you use – spoon, knife, bowl, cutting board – is beyond boring and ordinary, it adds a jolt of beauty to the experience.

"There is a satisfaction that comes with a combination of quality, beauty, and functionality," says wood artist Dave Ulmen, who handcrafts sushi, che...