Cedar : East Texas

East Texas Cedar is also known as Pencil Cedar, Red Cedar, Virginia Juniper, Red Juniper and Carolina Cedar.  This tree can be found scattered throughout East Texas, usually in fencerows, on gravelly ridges or on dry, rocky hillsides.  The heartwood is distinctly red or red-brown and the sapwood white which makes for a very striking effect especially when finished for interior woodwork.  The wood is aromatic, soft, strong and very durable.  This wood is popular for fence posts, poles, woodenware, millwork, paneling, closets, chests and pencils.  The tree also produces juniper berries which as a popular winter food supply for many birds.  It is very smooth in the hand and easy to hold.

As with all of our crosses, there were no stains, lacquers or preservatives used to finish your cross; only a natural oil which is hand-rubbed and polished to enhance the woods natural beauty.  When you hold our crosses, you are “feeling” the wood and “seeing” the wood as God created it.  No two are alike as boards will vary in color and graining due the environmental conditions it was produced.  The shine on the cross is related to the amount of “resin” in the make-up of the wood itself.  The more resin the higher the shine.

Crosses are handcrafted in our Palestine, Texas (USA) facility offering the highest quality.Crosses do not require polishing.  Holding your cross will allow the oils from your hands to go into the wood and create a soft, patina glow.  Never use oil or olive oil on our crosses.

Price noted is for 1 HoldingCross.  The picture of multiple crosses is to share with you the diversity of the wood.

Thoughts on Engraving : This wood works well with engraving.  Due to its tight grain, engraving comes out clear and precise.

Each cross comes in an organza bag with a StoryTag telling the name of the wood and a StoryScroll which contains suggested prayers, CareGiving stories and other information.  We do not offer seconds or damaged crosses.  Our crosses are all first quality and handcrafted in our shop by our family.

NOTE : The HoldingCross watermark in the picture does not appear on the crosses.  The picture is marked for proprietary reasons.