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Burbank Actor Gets Spicy!

Nov 21, 2011

Daniel Samonas, Rose Ribbon Featured Artist
Have you ever wondered what TV and movie actors do on their spare time?  Surely some do absolutely nothing but shop in designer stores and hit every club on the Sunset strip, awaiting the next big break.  Although that is the case for most, one Disney channel actor has found a more productive way to refine his creativity when off the set.

Burbank local, Daniel Samonas, who began acting at the age of 5 and modeling at 11, is best known for his recurring role as Selena Gomez’s former boyfriend on Wizards of Waverly Place, and his guest-star appearances on Entourage, Hannah Montana, CSI:New York, Without A Trace, iCarly, and Zoey 101.  But when Samonas is not on the big screen playing in hit TV shows, he is expressing himself through the art of carpentry.


Samonas with co-star Selena Gomez
 Daniel grew up learning about wood crafting from his father, whose trade is carpentry.  His strong curiosity and amazement of his father’s work influenced him to try it up as a hobby.  “I’ve always had so much respect for him and his work, as well as his creativity and ability to visualize what he wants to shape or create,” says Samonas.  Although Daniel performs the trade as a hobby, his father is completely supportive of his career path and passion for acting.  “He knows it’s what I love to do,” adds Samonas.

Daniel started his own line of custom made spice racks from his company Freedom Wood Designs.   The racks are customizable and make for great holiday gifts.  Choose from two tier or three tier, Natural Cedar or Mahogany stain, and flat back for mounting on the wall or a lip back style to fit snugly on countertops. The racks hold between 12-18 bottles of spices and range from an affordable $31.99-$36.99.  “I wanted to make something people would feel proud as giving as a gift,” says Samonas.
Two tier rack in mahogany

The handmade spice racks were recently picked up by a Burbank gift website that sells handmade quality gifts, photography, and art, called Rose Ribbon.  Although the website is based out of Burbank, the site features artists from all over the country.  Samonas has just been released on their site as the new featured artist, and have all of his custom spice racks available for purchase.  “I’m so grateful that Rose Ribbon has taken an interest in my work, which really did start out as a hobby,” says Samonas.  “It has been quite an experience, and somewhat relaxing and therapeutic for me with the whirl wind of ideas, characters, and concepts non-stop in my head.”
Three tier rack in cedar

You can watch Daniel in the upcoming and highly anticipated film, Brother’s Keeper, which has a release date for fall of 2012.  Samonas who stars in the film, can be seen in the action packed trailer at www.brotherskeeperfilm.com.  In the meantime, check out RoseRibbon.com for the star’s wood spice racks, and check back soon for new items from FreedomWood Designs.

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