Rob and Barbie Jones of Wooden Alchemy
Wooden Alchemy, located on Main Street in Camden, is a one-of-a-kind shop where creativity, craftsmanship, and inspiration come together. Owned by Rob Jones and his wife Barbie, the store showcases Rob’s extraordinary wooden creations—from intricate wooden musical instruments to functional items like coasters and chandeliers—all crafted with unmatched artistry.
The journey to Wooden Alchemy began with humble roots. Rob’s first woodworking projects were carved seashells made from scrap wood he collected from the Camden dump. He sold these early creations locally and used the proceeds to invest in tools and expand his skills. “It was truly grassroots,” Rob recalls. “I started with nothing, but I had a fire in my belly. If you have that drive, you can build something amazing.”
Today, Wooden Alchemy offers over 500 unique products, each one designed by Rob. The store is as much a gallery as it is a retail space, with museum-quality pieces on display alongside items for purchase. Rob’s wooden musical instruments, for example, are playable works of art that he believes are a world-first. These are complemented by affordable products like $7 state quarter coasters, ensuring there’s something for everyone who walks through the door.
“We want Wooden Alchemy to be an experience, not just a store,” Barbie explains. Visitors are invited to explore the shop’s vibrant colors, innovative designs, and informative displays. It’s a place where kids marvel, reluctant shoppers linger, and art enthusiasts find inspiration. “No one leaves here unhappy,” Barbie adds. “It’s a feel-good place.”
The shop’s success is built on a foundation of repeat customers who return not just for the products but for the experience. “We hear all the time, ‘I’ve never seen anything like this,’” Rob says. “That’s what keeps people coming back and bringing others with them.”
Rob and Barbie are proud to offer something for everyone, with a wide range of price points and products that are as practical as they are beautiful. From small keepsakes to large, statement pieces, Wooden Alchemy celebrates the artistry and hard work that go into every design. Rob’s creations aren’t just unique—they tell a story of passion, perseverance, and the joy of creating something extraordinary.
FAMOUS FOR:
Wooden musical instruments that are both playable and works of art. A diverse range of wooden products, from $7 coasters to $2,300 chandeliers. Offering an immersive shopping experience with museum-quality displays.
ADDRESS:
21 Main Street in Camden, Maine
HOURS:
Weds through Sun: 10a-5p
WEBSITE:
woodenalchemy.com
photos by Peter Logue
