Your Wood, Made Into Something New

Have a piece of wood with a story?

It might come from a favorite tree that fell, a piece of furniture that can no longer be repaired, an old wooden tool, part of a family home, or something that has simply been in the family for a long time.

I accept custom work using wood supplied by you, turning meaningful material into earrings and other small wooden objects.

The original object doesn't need to be valuable or rare. What matters is its connection to you.

What Can I Make?

Most custom projects are well suited to earrings and other small pieces because they require relatively little material.

Depending on the wood, its condition, and the amount available, other possibilities may also be possible. If you aren't sure what you'd like made, I'm happy to look at the material and discuss some options.

Because I work with the natural characteristics of the wood, each finished piece will be unique.

What Kind of Wood Can I Use?

Many types of solid wood can be used, including wood from:

• Fallen or removed trees and branches

• Pieces of old furniture

• Wooden tools and handles

• Architectural pieces

• Family heirlooms

• Workshop scraps or leftover lumber

• Other meaningful wooden objects

Not every piece of wood will be suitable. Wood that is badly rotted, extremely fragile, very small, contaminated, or made from composite materials such as MDF or particleboard may not be usable.

If you're unsure, send me a few photographs before shipping or bringing anything to me.

How It Works

1. Tell me about your wood

Send me a few photographs, approximate dimensions, and a little information about where the wood came from and what you'd like to have made.

2. I'll take a look

I'll let you know whether I think the material is suitable and discuss possible designs, pricing, and how much wood I'll need.

3. Get the wood to me

Wood can be delivered locally or shipped to my workshop in Hardwick, Vermont. Please contact me before shipping anything.

4. I'll make your piece

Once we've agreed on the project, I'll cut, shape, sand, and finish the piece by hand. Whenever possible, I'll work with the grain, color, markings, and other natural characteristics that make your particular wood interesting.

Pricing

Custom pricing depends on the material, design, quantity, and amount of preparation required.

Once I've seen the wood and understand what you'd like made, I'll provide a price before beginning the project.

Shipping and return shipping, when required, are additional.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much wood do you need?

Usually not much for earrings. A small piece of solid, usable wood may be enough for several pairs. Larger objects will require more material. Send me a photograph with approximate dimensions and I can let you know.

Can you use wood from a tree in my yard?

Often, yes. Wood from a tree or branch can make particularly meaningful pieces. Freshly cut wood may need to dry before it can be used, so some projects may require additional time.

Can you use an old piece of furniture?

Often, provided it contains suitable solid wood. Some furniture is made from veneer, plywood, particleboard, MDF, or other manufactured materials that may not work for these pieces.

Can you use part of an antique or family heirloom?

Potentially. Please contact me before cutting or dismantling anything valuable. In some cases, only a very small amount of material is needed.

What if I don't know what kind of wood it is?

That's fine. Knowing the species isn't necessary for me to take a look at it.

Can you make several pieces from the same wood?

Yes, when enough usable material is available. This can work especially well for making pieces for several members of a family from the same tree, piece of furniture, or heirloom.

Can you reproduce one of your existing earring designs?

Sometimes. Because your wood will have its own grain, color, figure, and working characteristics, the finished pair won't look exactly like another pair I've made. Basic earring shapes using one species of wood are more suitable to recreate rather than complex multi-wood designs.

Can you use painted or finished wood?

Sometimes. It depends on the existing finish, condition of the wood, and what you want preserved. Let me know about any paint, stain, finish, adhesive, or other treatment you're aware of.

How long does custom work take?

Timing depends on the project and my current workload. I'll give you an estimated timeframe before you commit. Freshly cut or particularly wet wood may require drying time before I can work with it.

Do I need to be in Vermont?

No. You can ship suitable material to me after we've discussed the project. Please don't send wood before contacting me.

A Note About Working With Your Wood

Wood is a natural and sometimes unpredictable material. Hidden cracks, rot, nails, old repairs, internal voids, insect damage, or other conditions may only become apparent after cutting begins.

I will handle your material carefully, but I cannot guarantee that every piece of supplied wood will be usable or that a particular grain pattern, color, marking, or feature will appear in the finished piece.

Custom work may require cutting, drilling, sanding, or otherwise permanently altering the material you provide. Please do not send an irreplaceable or valuable object unless you understand and are comfortable with that process.

Whenever possible, I will discuss any significant concerns with you before proceeding.