culture

Made in Houston

Kennon Evett
ARTISAN SKATEBOARD Jake Eshelman of Side Project Skateboards hand-makes boards in three designs, including this classic cruiser that combines recovered walnut and maple and is finished off with two coats of varnish. It sells for $395, online only. With sustainability in mind, the boards are made in a Bellaire wood shop where much of the discarded wood is sourced — courtesy of Eshelman’s father-in-law and woodwork mentor, who himself rode wooden skateboards around Houston in the ’60s — and are fastened with leather risers in lieu of commonplace plastic. Like an artist would sign a painting, Eshelman laser-etches his company logo on the bottom of each one.
ARTISAN SKATEBOARD Jake Eshelman of Side Project Skateboards hand-makes boards in three designs, including this classic cruiser that combines recovered walnut and maple and is finished off with two coats of varnish. It sells for $395, online only. With sustainability in mind, the boards are made in a Bellaire wood shop where much of the discarded wood is sourced — courtesy of Eshelman’s father-in-law and woodwork mentor, who himself rode wooden skateboards around Houston in the ’60s — and are fastened with leather risers in lieu of commonplace plastic. Like an artist would sign a painting, Eshelman laser-etches his company logo on the bottom of each one.

H-Town is known far and wide for making spaceships and tacos, and how cool is that? Rockets and Tex-Mex aside, however, a range of other audacious objects, proprietary products and otherwise stupendous stuff is developed, dreamed up and done well, here in Houston. Here’s a portfolio of items, from tiny little carrier ships and carbon fibers to great big diamond necklaces, concocted and created in our own backyard. Grab a taco, read on, and be proud of your city.

ABOVE: 

Artisan Skateboard

Jake Eshelman of Side Project Skateboards hand-makes boards in three designs, including this classic cruiser that combines recovered walnut and maple and is finished off with two coats of varnish. It sells for $395, online only. With sustainability in mind, the boards are made in a Bellaire wood shop where much of the discarded wood is sourced — courtesy of Eshelman’s father-in-law and woodwork mentor, who himself rode wooden skateboards around Houston in the ’60s — and are fastened with leather risers in lieu of commonplace plastic. Like an artist would sign a painting, Eshelman laser-etches his company logo on the bottom of each one. 

Art+Culture
events

Get a Pre-Valentine’s Rush at this Hot Spot’s Wine & Dine Series

Navy Blue's branzino (photo by Caroline Fontenot)

WINE, CANDLES AND FINE cuisine — almost all the elements needed for a romantic evening. Not into the crowds or strict reservations this Valentine’s Day? When you want to woo your loved one your way, consider Navy Blue’s Mondays with Molly.
Keep Reading Show less
parties

Old World Elegance: Symphony’s Viennese Ball a Beautiful, Million-Dollar Smash

Priscilla Dickson and Daniel Ortiz

David Krieger, Devorah Rose, Chita and Lane Craft

THE SPRING SOCIAL season is off with a crescendo! On a chilly night in late January, one of Houston’s most elegant and memorable galas, the annual Symphony Ball, boasted a white-tied crowd of 400 at The Post Oak Hotel — not to mention at till of more than $1 million for the company’s community engagement initiatives. Talk about a high note!

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places