Portrait
Why restore a portrait when you can have a new portrait drawn in a new, generational medium? Working from family heirlooms photos, wedding photos, or special selfies, I create an engraved portrait of inlaid wood. I always work with high-quality, selected hardwoods, typically maple because of the light color. Other woods such as walnut or cherry would be perfect for some portraits. This is not a simple wood burning. This is drawn, engraved, filled, and polished. Making a portrait is not quick. I spend time with the photographs to gain a sense of the person, and them use that sense to strengthen the images. To proceed with a project, please contact me. I will ask for the photographs to study, and to see if I can work with the images to draw the person. I'll respond with a proposal.
Long-time member
A Maker who has been a valued part of this community for several years.
Fast shipper
Customers say that this Maker ships promptly after completing a project.
Great service
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.
- GC
Grace Chen
For Grace's Cane5.0Carl 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.
- SR
Sue Reeves
For Custom Virge5.0My 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.
- ER
Evan Reca
For Evan's Engagement Ring Box5.0Carl 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!
SBSeth Beltran
For Seth's Home Decor5.0I’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.
- LP
Lowell Putnam
For Lowell's Cardboard recycling holder5.0 - SW
Skyler Will
For Palm Wood And Gabon Ebony Single Ring Box Asian Influence5.0Absolutely 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.
- RE
robert english
For Wall Frame5.0Excellent experience - listened to my thoughts and delivered an extremely well crafted product - would highly recommend
- LP
Lewis Phaosada
For Wood Slab/Block Epoxy Project5.0Wonderful 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.
- JB
Jodi Bruss Sherman
For Jodi's Wooden Sign5.0I 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.
- BR
Bella Rubin
For Live Edge Without the Bark Walnut Cutting / Serving Board for Bread5.0A 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.
- JM
Joshua McGlothlin
For Joshua's Outdoor4.7Great 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.
- JM
Justin Mayall
For Justin's Wall clock5.0Good job , well done ,, completed on time or ahead of schedule, would use again ,,
- BD
Brennan Daugstrup
For Brennan's Sign5.0Carl 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.
- SL
Sandy Lenox
For Sandy's Sign5.0Carl was a delight to work with! His craftsmanship, professionalism and excellent communication made for a stress-free project. The final product is fantastic and will be appreciated by many for years to come. I highly recommend Carvings by Carl!
- KK
Kristin Kazem
For Kristin's Sign5.0This is the first time using custommade. Carl reached out as an interested maker and gave some great suggestions on my project request. He gave me idea's I hadn't even thought of. He was timely in his communication, even letting me know when he would not be available. He kept me informed at every step of the project,. The finished product was better than I imagined and my husband loved his gift. I highly recommend Carvings by Carl.
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