Iowa shaped cutting board

For the longest time I had only one cutting board, it is a cheap plastic one that is discolored and gross. As I helped my parents "de-clutter" before they moved out of state I brought up this dilemma of mine. Of course they had an extra cutting board that they never used so they lightened their load and gave it to me.  Once getting it home and using it a few times I realized why it was hardly used, it was HUGE!  To try and clean it after every use was just plain annoying.  So I got this grand idea to cut it down into the shape of Iowa. Partly because my parents were moving out of state and all I could think was Iowa is a much better place to live then Oklahoma, right?

Anyways, my first step was to sketch out the shape of Iowa into the preferred size.  My first mistake was to be really precise with every detail, because I am like that.  After my husband inspected my drawing he brought me back to reality that I will not be able to cut every jagged edge, let alone sand them.  So after a few erases and new lines drawn I had a more realistic piece to cut.  Easy, right?  NO, this board was a solid piece of oak and harder than heck to cut with any type of saw.  I was afraid I was going to break the Jig Saw so I had to seek help.  Aggravating when this was suppose to be a DIY Project.

With the help of a more professional woodworker and their scary looking Band Saw, this was able to be cut to the shape I had drawn.

I then used a file and sandpaper to smooth out all edges and sides.

After much research on a "protective" finish I decided upon the mineral oil/beeswax finish. I now have a beautiful (more appropriately sized) Iowa shaped cutting board.

This would make such a great gift but I will be keeping it for myself.