These are Challah boards -- Jewish ceremonial bread boards -- for all purposes and occasions. These are made of a single piece of select hardwood, engraved with artwork inspired by your thoughts, and approved by you.
Challah boards make great gifts for many occasions, such as to celebrate Bat or Bar Mitzvahs, Kitchen remodeling, retirement, synagogue anniversaries, new child, and recognition of teachers. I even made one as a "thank you for inviting us to dinner" gift.
The most popular wood is maple with antique bronze resin. I also have cherry, sapele, red or white oak, and other species.
To start the process, send me a note. We will have a discussion by email exploring your ideas, and I'll send you a proposal. When you are ready, you pay the agreed price, and I commit to a delivery date which is usually 1 to 3 weeks.
Shipping of Challah boards in the US is included in the price, as are my design services.
A Maker who has been a valued part of this community for several years.
Customers say that this Maker ships promptly after completing a project.
This Maker has consistently demonstrated excellence in craftsmanship and customer service.
I specialize in making special things you want, within the limits of my tools and abilities.
These fall into two categories, with some overlap.
I make wood carvings, cut from a single piece of select hardwood. I customize each design to customer needs. These designs are of a spiritual nature and embrace many traditions. These include custom Challah boards, Seder plates, Episcopal virges, Dartmouth canes, and engagement ring boxes.
I also do 3D printing, which is sometimes the right method to make something you want. I have also used 3D printing to make prototypes of more complex pieces, such as cane finials.
Much of what I make involves carving artwork into wood and filling the engraving with a thermoset resin, tinted with an intentional, contrasting color. The resin and the wood are polished and finished to enhance the grain and the literal depth of the color. This is a key part of the Challah boards and ring boxes.
I also make ceremonial canes used by some student groups to signal their membership in particular groups. These groups are not disclosed, and I thank them for their patronage.
A guide to the best items from the best makers and the stories behind them.
Grace Chen
For Grace's CaneCarl was great! Super communicative, understanding, and excellent craftsmanship! He personally delivered the order to me (driving 2-3 hours to do so), which was super appreciated.
Sue Reeves
For Custom VirgeMy working with Carl to create a Virge for use at church was a very easy process. He kept me informed, asked questions where he needed clarification, and sent photos as he completed portions of the project. I would definitely use his skills again if I needed another project done.
Evan Reca
For Evan's Engagement Ring BoxCarl went above and beyond with my engagement ring box. He was willing to go back and forth on design revisions as many times as it took to make everything perfectly. He always communicated promptly and was timely with the delivery. The craftsmanship of his woodwork is truly professional and you'll be glad you chose him for your project!
Seth Beltran
For Seth's Home DecorI’m incredibly satisfied with the way my project turned out. This has me eager to celebrate the holidays. And it will be a beautiful tradition that will last for generations. The craftsmanship is amazing. Carl went out of his way to make sure the product was exactly the way I wanted it.
Lowell Putnam
For Lowell's Cardboard recycling holderSkyler Will
For Palm Wood And Gabon Ebony Single Ring Box Asian InfluenceAbsolutely stunning craftsmanship and intricate knowledge of the materials and process. Could not have better bang for my buck. Carl was professional, very open and honest communication, and made me feel like a valued customer. Would absolutely work with him again.
robert english
For Wall FrameExcellent experience - listened to my thoughts and delivered an extremely well crafted product - would highly recommend
Lewis Phaosada
For Wood Slab/Block Epoxy ProjectWonderful wonderful product and experience. Threw ideas back and forth till we settled on a idea we both liked. Never felt rushed or pushed. Very good and clear communication. Workmanship looks solid, quick to make, quick to deliver, and the packaging was superb. Very very good experience with this maker.
Jodi Bruss Sherman
For Jodi's Wooden SignI am so pleased with the custom tray I received from Carvings by Carl. First, no one wanted my custom project. I reached out for months to woodworkers with no response--except for Carl. Before accepting the project, Carl took time to understand what I was looking. After that, Carl communicated with me regularly re: cost, dimensions, and materials. He also provided photos before he shipped anything. Not satisfied with generic shipping containers for this custom-size project, Carl built a custom-size crate [which is also so nice that I'm going to upcycle it] so the tray wouldn't be damaged in transit. The final result is a gorgeous cherry-framed tray that fits perfectly over the opening of an old interior foyer planter tucked within two crooked walls and a crooked staircase. Carl made sure that the bottom of the tray is sturdy enough to hold the rock garden I am putting into it, and also suggested a shadow line that enhances the dimensionality of the finished piece in its space. Carl is an engineer and his attention to precise detail really shows. I am so glad I found Carl. A custom woodworking project, done from a distance, requires communication and trust. The finished piece demonstrates that Carl is an artisan, excellent communicator, and someone you can trust with your project.
Bella Rubin
For Live Edge Without the Bark Walnut Cutting / Serving Board for BreadA true artist and professional. Carl takes pride in his craftsmanship. He took my idea and vision and turned it into a piece of art that will hopefully now become a family heirloom to treasure forever.
Joshua McGlothlin
For Joshua's OutdoorGreat working with you Carl and thank you so much for putting the writing on both sides. Something I didn’t even mention but we’ll thought out! Woot woot. Got it and super executed. Great working with you and can’t thank you enough.
Justin Mayall
For Justin's Wall clockGood job , well done ,, completed on time or ahead of schedule, would use again ,,
Brennan Daugstrup
For Brennan's SignCarl did a great job communicating, the final product is made exactly how I hoped and I could not have asked for anything to be better.
Sandy Lenox
For Sandy's SignCarl was a delight to work with! His craftsmanship, professio