This is a mahogany document box that I designed and made for a customer living near Charleston South Carolina. It is a romanticized view of 18th century rural life at, if I remember correctly, the Drake house, the oldest existing plantation house in the area. In my portrayal, I hoped to signify the torrid heat of the strong sun rising over the house with the two field workers resting under the shade of the live oak trees festooned with Spanish moss. More icons of the deep south are the trailing magnolia foliage/blossoms under the lid on all three sides and the trailing jasmine vine trailing on three sides at the base molding. An open well inside and a pull out drawer below the entire width of the box. All three sides are similarly carved. I made this the year of 1998
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.
Working alone, I state working alone because nearly everything that I design and make are works of art made by me alone and signed by me for 20+ years, Ralph produces furnishings and signs rebelling against "mechanical mediocrity" refusing to work within the limitations imposed by machines and produce objets d'art which can only be accomplished with many hours/days/weeks/months of hand tooling.
To summarize, I am an artisan, not merely a furniture maker. Thank you for your interest in my fascination.
David Jagger
For Karate God BusaganashiI am extremely pleased with my Busaganashi. Working with Ralph was a pleasure and I would certainly work with him again on other projects and give him a strong recommendation for anyone looking for quality work.
Nathaniel
For I owe you an apologyRalph is a true artist. He will go above and beyond what you expect to make the project you really want. For him, quality is best and he will not cut on details. I will definitely work again with him (I'm actually working with him on a project of 52 chess pieces), and am glad to have him to make this project come to reality. The value you will get is extraordinary, as well as the professionalism and expertise you will benefit from when working with him. Timeliness and shipping also are on point. Communication is essential and Ralph will keep you informed. Even when we had a small miscommunication (which wasted some of Ralph's time), he fixed the detail (even if he didn't need to) to give me an amazing piece! I cannot give 6 stars (unfortunately, even though he deserves them) so I'll have to settle by giving Ralph 5 stars.
Stacie Soto
For Carved Swagger StickRalph was very diligent during the whole process, he explained everything to me including why he chose the wood he did and the type font. It was nice to have the information when presenting this gift. Ralph was professional, friendly, communicative and extraordinarily talented.
Magnus Midtun
For Magnus' StatueRalph has been an absolute pleasure to work with and the result of the wooden sculpture was nothing but perfect. Through the entire process he has kept me updated and asked for my opinion on the work. I felt very much taken care of through the entire process, as Ralph has showed both through the finished product and how to deal with customers in the most professional and skilful manner. Absolute top marks!
Ed Talarico
For Ed's Walking StickI was very pleased with Ralph's work on my project. He had great ideas and his work is outstanding! He updated his work with pictures along the way. I would definitely use him again.
Cara Walker
For Cara SculptureI have been working with Ralph Mitchell over the past few years. His level of expertise is incredible. He is always accommodating and open to any modifications that need to made. I hope to work with Ralph on other projects and for many years in the future. Cara Walker
Josh Allen
For Josh's caneRalph did an amazing, outstanding job with my cane, getting all of the intricate details perfect, I am very impressed with it and his skills of craftsmanship. Would highly recommend.
Nathanael Boone
For caneThe final result was awesome. Ralph took the time to work with me despite all the things he had going on. The project took a little longer than I thought because I was in a time crunch, but if you have time, Ralph is definitely the guy. Always professional and willing to take on a project.
Michael Cure
For Michael's Walking StickWorking with Ralph was a good experience overall. He took my design idea and followed through with it to the final product. I am very happy with the design and carving of the cane. The 4-star review is because of 2 things, the shipping/ delivery time was an extended period even after the cane was completed and then the jewels that were placed on the cane were hot glued, which made for a slightly messy look. Even with the 2 exceptions Ralph's carving of the cane was very good and I am overall pleased with the final product.
Rafael Huezo
For Rafael's SculptureEnric Rhoades
For Enric's figurineI'am ecstatic with his work like Oh My God!!! He is so good!! And I would definitely recommend him personally for anyone who wants a statue/figurine sculpture done man!!! he is the best!!!
Paula Leeds
For Couple stoolI am very happy will all his work, he is a true master at what he does. I'm very happy to have the pleasure to display his work in our home.
Kenneth O'Pray
For Blessed Mother StatuteRalph Mitchell went over, above and beyond with my project. He made a carving of the Blessed Mother Mary sitting with her Rosary Beads. The detail is exquisite. I would highly recommend him for any project you need to have customer made. He also made a Swan table for my mother about 3 years ago and again it is a masterpiece. The man is very talented and enjoys what he does!
Robert Channelle
For Robert's Walking CaneI am very plased with my product. Ralph was very attentive to my emails, my concerns, and my timeline. He also gave me a wonderful idea about a future project. This is my first time using this and Ralph has made this experience wonderful. I have been trying to get this done for some years now...glad I found this site. Thanks, RC
Dorothy Flores
For Fantasy dragons & fariesRalph is very responsive but I'm not happy with my cane because he did not finish it and it's sloppy. There is glue on the cane that wasn't cleaned up and the faces on my fairies aren't finished being carved out. The cane really doesn't look like an experienced person made it.
RAUL F DEHOGUES
For Canes By A.C.P.RALPH MITCHELL WAS VERY PROFESSIONAL, CARING AND UNDERSTANDING, JUST RECEIVED MY CANE AND IT IS WONDERFUL, AS EXPECTED FROM HIS ARTISAN EXPERTISE. I WOULD RECOMMEND HIM ANY TIME
Magdan Cvitesic
For Magdan's Magic Wand - Birch, Stag horn handleI am extremely happy with my custom wand. The craftsmanship is top notch. Ralph took my design and put his own little twist on it, the result was a high quality work of art. Communication was also very pleasant and precise; Ralph and I managed to find a common ground which helped him create exactly the type of sculpture that fits my taste. I am also extremely happy with the price to quality ratio this maker offers. Recommendation.
Thomas Gulbrandsen
For Emperor Palpatine / Darth Insidious CaneVery happy with the finished product, the craftmanship is impressive and just what i needed to complete my costume. Good communication through the whole project. Would recommend to others seeking the same
Dominik Wehrli
For Emperor Palpatine CaneThere are no words to discribe how awseome the cane is. Even the clasp. Thank you so much. Beautiful work.
Brad Hunter
For Emperor Paplatine Cane 2015Ralph was not only very professional, but extremely friendly as he kept in constant contact with me during the project. I just received my order today, and I am thrilled with the finished product. It was even better than I expected. Thank you very much Ralph. I will show it off proudly.
Julie Fresne
For Julie's totem poleI asked to have a totem pole designed like a drawing I had. The totem pole arrived and it was EXACTLY like the drawing. It was a great job and the seller was communicative throughout the whole process. I would absolutely use the seller again.
Charles O'Neal
For Charles' Wooden wand with stonesRalph is amazing at what he does! He's timely and even though he's busy, he still replies to questions and concerns one may have. Ralph went through great lengths for my project, using processes that weren't the easiest, but the right way. He gave me updates as he went and was patient and courteous the entire time. If I ever have any other wooden projects to be carved, I would work with him hands down. I also recommend him to anyone who's reading this, his work is stunning and passionate. You can tell the love he has for his craft, and the love he puts into his work.
Jeanne Miller
For Jeanne's wooden box with rough peridot and silver inlayThis artist sent me a product that was poorly made. He followed my instructions on design, but the wooden box he made looked hot glued together, and there was even a hole in the bottom where it looked like he ran out of good wood. The box was not sanded or finished. Over all I am very displeased with his work.
Cara Walker
For Duplicate statues for awards presentationI have worked with Ralph on several projects. His attention to detail, artistic expertise and timeliness are impeccable. These qualities are exactly what you need on a custom made artistic endeavor. I will be working with him on future projects. Cara Walker
Thomas Taylor
For Thomas' SignRalph did a superb job with my Star Wars-inspired, carved house sign. He nailed the brief and completed the work ahead of his estimated time schedule. I'm so happy with it and couldn't recommend Ralph more highly - he was a pleasure to work with!
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