T Rex And Pterodactyl Toy Box
Six year old Jackson is a dinosaur collector who needed a toy box to store his most valuable specimens. So, for Christmas I made him a toy box with a T. rex on the outside of the lid and a flight of pterodactyls on the inside of the lid. The box measured 16 X 14 X 8 inches and was made of African mahogany. The lid was made of maple burl and the animals were composed of walnut burl, ebony, and holly. The project was completed by inlaying the name Jackson across the front of the box so there would be no mistake about who the dinosaurs belonged to. If your child or grandchild has a special hobby and you're looking for a unique gift, drop me a note and I'll see what I can do to help you create a special surprise.
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Great service
This Maker has consistently demonstrated excellence in craftsmanship and customer service.
I am a retired physician who makes jewelry, keepsake, memorial, and decorative boxes that are typically commissioned by people who wish to give them as gifts. I have been doing this for several years, but have focused on working with exotic hardwoods and more intricate designs since I retired about three years ago. While there are a lot of woodworkers who enjoy making small boxes, I believe that I have been able to differentiate myself from them because I have developed my marquetry skills and now do almost all my decorative and inlay work with a double bevel technique that I learned from the artisan David Marks.
I work alone and handcraft every item to meet the unique specifications of my customers. Typically, they provide me with a reference image and a design request. I then execute the project in about 2 to 3 weeks, spending about an equal amount of time on the construction and finishing of the work. A typical example of this is provided in my project entitled “Keepsake Box for Sailboat Captain.” In addition, I make some of my own designs that I sell. The butterfly marquetry jewelry box project is a good example of this.
My goal is to have the joy of engaging in my hobby while recovering the cost of my materials while have a bit extra to add a few new tools. But, most importantly, I want to be able to provide a unique prized decorative box that fills a special need.
TVTyler Van Deusen
For Custom Inlay Keepsake Box5.0Very happy with the project that Dennis worked on for me. He was very helpful throughout the entire process asking questions to make sure I got exactly what I was looking for and updating me along the way of the project. Would definitely use him again if I ever need something else like this project in the future.
- JG
Justin Gale
For Four Drawer Jewelry Box5.0First off the jewelry box Dennis made is beautiful but as important to me it's functional and built with real craftsmanship. I fully expect it to be given to our daughter and she will have it long after we are gone (she is 1). Dennis was great to work with on this product, he gave expert advice on everything from the material of construction, the design and function and finish touches so that the final product met every expectation. It was delivered ahead of schedule and the price was great for such a quality piece.
- NH
Nick Horlings
For Honu Turtle Jewelry Box5.0Absolutely hands down the best experience I've had with a merchant. The quality of the craftsmanship is remarkable, and my wife loved everything about it.
We encountered issues with the postal service & international shipping, with USPS & Canada Post having damaged the item. Dennis patiently kept on top of these issues, despite them carrying on far past the order and delivery date. We originally ordered our item in June and even in January of the next year he was still in touch to ensure everything was in order.
When we encountered difficulties claiming the insurance on the package, Dennis kindly offered to fully repair the item for free and paid for the return shipping out of pocket.
I couldn't ask for a better experience from someone online. Communication was nothing short of excellent, and the entire experience was phenomenal.
10/10.
- LC
Linda Conti
For Jewelry/Keepsake Box With Butterfly Marquetry Inlay5.0Working with Dennis was a wonderful experience. I really appreciated his detailed and frequent communication as the project progressed. I have other marquetry pieces, so I feel I am a good judge of the quality of wood inlay. His work is outstanding. I look forward to commissioning another project in the near future!
JOJohn Oslie
For Custom Keepsake box.5.0Dennis was communicative, helpful, professional, and most importantly, delivered extraordinary craftsmanship. He was receptive to input from me and presented options at every stage. The materials used were impressive, as was his skill with the inlays. I simply can't recommend him enough.
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