I’m the craftsman behind Holy Hearth, a small workshop in Perth, Western Australia, where I create sacred Catholic devotional items with a deep reverence for faith and tradition. As a traditional Catholic, my journey with woodworking began as a way to honour my devotion to Christ and His Church, crafting pieces that inspire prayer and connection to the divine. But my mission deepened when I discovered a troubling reality: many Christian devotional items sold online and in established shops lack the reverence they deserve. Often mass-produced in factories—frequently in places like China, where up to 70% of global religious goods are made—these items are created alongside products that conflict with Christian values, by workers who may not share our faith. Worse, some sellers mislead buyers by falsely claiming these factory-made pieces are handmade or even “blessed.” In Catholic teaching, selling items as “blessed” for profit is strictly forbidden, as it constitutes simony—a grave sin of exploiting spiritual graces for monetary gain, as outlined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2121) and Canon Law (Canon 1190 §1). A blessing is a sacred gift of grace, not a commodity to be marketed, and such practices undermine the sanctity of sacramentals while misleading the faithful. I founded Holy Hearth to offer an alternative: devotional pieces crafted with genuine faith, intended to be cherished family heirlooms, passed down through generations with the prayers and devotion of those who hold them.

My creations are made primarily from Western Australian Jarrah timber, a material that holds a special place in my heart and in Australia’s spiritual heritage. Jarrah, with its rich, deep-red hues and intricate grain, is a rare timber found only in the southwest forests of Western Australia. Its strength and durability have made it a cornerstone of historic churches across the country, symbolising the enduring nature of faith. I choose Jarrah not just for its beauty, but for its ability to become a lasting heirloom, a piece that carries the sacred stories of faith through time.

Every item I craft is a labour of love, blending traditional woodworking with modern techniques to create devotional pieces that are both timeless and meaningful. My work draws inspiration from the early churches, primarily the Catholic tradition as a Catholic myself, but also the Orthodox, Coptic, Assyrian Church of the East, and other Oriental Orthodox traditions like the Syriac, Armenian, and Ethiopian churches. These ancient faiths, with their rich histories and apostolic roots, are our brothers and sisters in Christ, and I strive to honour their sacred symbols and artistry in my creations. Whether it’s a crucifix adorned with sacred symbols, a prayer card etched with a heartfelt prayer, or a set of rosary beads designed to guide daily devotion, my goal is to create treasures that deepen your faith and bring you closer to God. As a one-man operation, I take pride in the personal care I invest in each piece, ensuring it reflects the reverence and dedication that Holy Hearth stands for.

I invite you to explore my collection and discover the sacred artistry of Holy Hearth. If you’re seeking a custom piece to mark a special moment in your faith journey, or if you’d like to share your own story of devotion, I’d love to hear from you. Together, let’s create something that honours the eternal promises of Christ and the beauty of our shared faith.