Commissioning and materials
I started this business through a love of the handmade and the desire to make and provide something special for people. Wood has an infinite number of colours and patterns so each project I work is different in some way, so what you get is unique to you.
All work is carried out by me in my workshop on the Essex/ Suffolk border.
Boxes, display cases or other gifts can be designed and built for individuals as well as business clients.
If you are looking for that special gift, please don't be daunted. Most of my clients are individuals who want that something special for themselves or someone else. We work together step by step through the whole process.
For businesses I can work with you to create one off concept designs or small production runs for unique personalised or limited edition products, display boxes or gifts for your special clients or staff.
I Look forward to working with you to create something special.
All work is carried out by me in my workshop on the Essex/ Suffolk border.
Boxes, display cases or other gifts can be designed and built for individuals as well as business clients.
If you are looking for that special gift, please don't be daunted. Most of my clients are individuals who want that something special for themselves or someone else. We work together step by step through the whole process.
For businesses I can work with you to create one off concept designs or small production runs for unique personalised or limited edition products, display boxes or gifts for your special clients or staff.
I Look forward to working with you to create something special.
Commissioning
Commissioning a bespoke box is not difficult and, in most cases, not necessarily any more expensive than those already for sale in the shop. The primary difference is that you get a design that you are involved in making.
The process for commissioning a box is simple. You contact me via the contacts section and we will discuss your requirements. These can be bespoke marquetry, choice of woods/ veneers, finishes, interior layouts or sizes. We then agree a price and you pay a £50 deposit to cover the initial cost of materials
What to choose can be confusing, so you will be supplied with images of the veneers/ woods that will be used, designs of any marquetry/ parquetry for your final agreement, choices of hinges and lock’s/ latches and finally the finish.
Pricing is based on the materials used, complexity of any designs, the finish, the types of hinges and locks, and the interiors requested.
Materials
“Real wood is better than Veneer.”
You may hear this opinion voiced by some people, usually purveyors of oak furniture. The opinion is superfluous. Firstly, veneer is real wood, it’s just cut differently. Secondly, they both have their strengths and weaknesses. Veneers need a good substrate such as high quality birch ply or another less expensive wood to be glued against in order to give it strength. Real wood is only as good as the quality of the wood and the joints made in the item. A rubbish joint is a rubbish joint. Veneers offer greater choice of figure. They are more stable, sustainable and ecologically friendly. The best designers use combinations of solid wood, veneers and other materials to give the client the best product to fit their brief/ price range, no matter whether it’s a jewellery box, a piece of furniture or a Rolls Royce (Who use all types of woods).
Finishes.
This refers to the “Coating” that is put on your box. The finishes vary in price but also in time taken to apply. For varnishes, there is a minimum of three coats followed by buffing. One day is left between each coat. Danish Oils require about 4 coats and may be finished with a wax coat. All in, this takes about a week till final curing. French Polishing may take over 20 coats and a few weeks till it is cured. Not all woods are suitable for French coating. Danish Oil is usually my favourite finish as it is easy to apply, even once you own the item, and it really enhances the colour of the wood. French Polish does not like heat, water, alcohol or any thinner/ turpentine based products.
No matter what wood item you have, only use high quality polishes and oils on them. Household spray polishes are best steered clear off.
Commissioning a bespoke box is not difficult and, in most cases, not necessarily any more expensive than those already for sale in the shop. The primary difference is that you get a design that you are involved in making.
The process for commissioning a box is simple. You contact me via the contacts section and we will discuss your requirements. These can be bespoke marquetry, choice of woods/ veneers, finishes, interior layouts or sizes. We then agree a price and you pay a £50 deposit to cover the initial cost of materials
What to choose can be confusing, so you will be supplied with images of the veneers/ woods that will be used, designs of any marquetry/ parquetry for your final agreement, choices of hinges and lock’s/ latches and finally the finish.
Pricing is based on the materials used, complexity of any designs, the finish, the types of hinges and locks, and the interiors requested.
Materials
“Real wood is better than Veneer.”
You may hear this opinion voiced by some people, usually purveyors of oak furniture. The opinion is superfluous. Firstly, veneer is real wood, it’s just cut differently. Secondly, they both have their strengths and weaknesses. Veneers need a good substrate such as high quality birch ply or another less expensive wood to be glued against in order to give it strength. Real wood is only as good as the quality of the wood and the joints made in the item. A rubbish joint is a rubbish joint. Veneers offer greater choice of figure. They are more stable, sustainable and ecologically friendly. The best designers use combinations of solid wood, veneers and other materials to give the client the best product to fit their brief/ price range, no matter whether it’s a jewellery box, a piece of furniture or a Rolls Royce (Who use all types of woods).
Finishes.
This refers to the “Coating” that is put on your box. The finishes vary in price but also in time taken to apply. For varnishes, there is a minimum of three coats followed by buffing. One day is left between each coat. Danish Oils require about 4 coats and may be finished with a wax coat. All in, this takes about a week till final curing. French Polishing may take over 20 coats and a few weeks till it is cured. Not all woods are suitable for French coating. Danish Oil is usually my favourite finish as it is easy to apply, even once you own the item, and it really enhances the colour of the wood. French Polish does not like heat, water, alcohol or any thinner/ turpentine based products.
No matter what wood item you have, only use high quality polishes and oils on them. Household spray polishes are best steered clear off.
Here you will find details on how to commission an item and some details regarding materials.
Boxes, display cases or other gifts can be designed and built for individuals as well as businesses.
If you are looking for that special gift, please don't be daunted. Most of my clients are individuals who have never been through the process but want that something special for themselves or someone else. We work together step by step through the whole process.
Commissioning a bespoke box is not difficult and in most cases, not necessarily any more expensive than those already for sale in the shop. The primary difference is that you get a design that you are involved in making.
For businesses I can work with you to create one off concept designs, prototypes or small production runs for exclusive personalised or limited edition products, display boxes or gifts for your special clients or staff.
The process for commissioning a box is simple. You contact me via the contacts section and we will discuss your requirements. These can be bespoke marquetry, choice of woods/ veneers, finishes, interior layouts or sizes.
What to choose can be confusing, so you will be supplied with images of the veneers/ woods that will be used, designs of any marquetry/ parquetry for your final agreement, choices of hinges and lock’s/ latches and finally the finish.
I Look forward to working with you to create something unique.
If you are looking for that special gift, please don't be daunted. Most of my clients are individuals who have never been through the process but want that something special for themselves or someone else. We work together step by step through the whole process.
Commissioning a bespoke box is not difficult and in most cases, not necessarily any more expensive than those already for sale in the shop. The primary difference is that you get a design that you are involved in making.
For businesses I can work with you to create one off concept designs, prototypes or small production runs for exclusive personalised or limited edition products, display boxes or gifts for your special clients or staff.
The process for commissioning a box is simple. You contact me via the contacts section and we will discuss your requirements. These can be bespoke marquetry, choice of woods/ veneers, finishes, interior layouts or sizes.
What to choose can be confusing, so you will be supplied with images of the veneers/ woods that will be used, designs of any marquetry/ parquetry for your final agreement, choices of hinges and lock’s/ latches and finally the finish.
I Look forward to working with you to create something unique.
