You’ve never commissioned a piece before. That’s fine.
Most of my clients hadn’t either. This page walks you through the whole thing, what you do, what I do, and the questions people usually ask at each point, so nothing about it feels like a leap.
the holly tree, as it arrivedTell me about the piece.
Send a few photos and the story. What it was, who it belonged to, why you can’t part with it. The condition doesn’t need to be good, and you don’t need to know what you want yet.
You
- A few photos, any angle
- The story behind it
- Rough ideas, if you have any
Me
- Look at what the wood can give
- Reply with honest first thoughts
What if the piece is damaged or in poor condition?
Often fine. Water stains, broken joints, and worn finishes usually don’t reach the wood I’d actually use. Send photos and I’ll tell you straight if there’s enough good material in it.
How much wood do you need?
Less than you’d think. A single drawer front can become a keepsake box. The piece doesn’t have to be large, it has to matter to you.
Do you offer pickup for large furniture?
Ask. Depending on where you are and what the piece is, we can usually work something out.
details like this inlay are decided togetherWe decide what it becomes.
Together we choose the object, a tea box, a cutting board, a tray, a frame, and the details: inlays of contrasting wood, colored epoxy, engraving. Then I give you an honest quote. Nothing gets cut until you’re happy with the plan.
You
- Pick the piece and the details
- Approve the plan and the quote
Me
- Suggest what suits the wood
- Quote before anything is cut
What does it cost?
There’s no price list because there’s no stock. Every piece is quoted individually, based on size, the condition of the wood, and the detail you want. You’ll have the full number before you commit to anything.
Can I ask for something you haven’t made before?
Yes. Custom builds are half the fun of this. If it can be made from your wood, we’ll figure it out together.
I build it.
I mill the usable wood out of the old piece, then shape and finish the new one by hand, keeping the grain and character that made it yours.
You
- Nothing. This part is mine.
Me
- Mill, shape, finish by hand
- Keep you posted as it takes shape
How long does it take?
It depends on the piece and the detail, a simple board moves faster than an inlaid box. You’ll get a realistic timeline with your quote, and I’d rather tell you a true number than a fast one.
finished, and ready to go homeIt comes home.
You get back something you’ll actually use, and the memory comes with it. Anything that needs looking after, the boards and the kitchen pieces mostly, comes with a word on how to care for it. It is not complicated, and it is what keeps a piece good long enough to be inherited again.
You
- Put it somewhere it gets used
- Tell the story when people ask
Me
- Deliver or hand over the piece
- Stay reachable for care questions
How do I care for it?
Each piece comes with simple instructions for its finish. Most need nothing more than occasional oiling and being kept out of the dishwasher.
Let’s turn it into something you’ll use.
Send a few photos and the story behind it. I’ll tell you what it could become, and what it costs.