This is an example of the canes we can design and create. This is an extra large Derby style handle made from highly figured Koa that has some excellent chatoyance in the wood showing how the tree grew under some very stressful conditions. I love how the color of the wood ranges from light yellow/gold and turns darker and more predominant towards the heart of the tree. I believe the piece of lumber was from the bottom trunk area which must have been crushed as it emerged from the earth and had to push it's way through heavy soil and rocks to reach the life giving sunlight. The handle is a solid piece of Koa, allowing the natural color and grain pattern to show throughout. The collars are made of Gaboon Ebony and Cocobolo. The color and grain of the Cocobolo almost match the colors of the Koa in the lower part of the handle. The shaft is made from solid Brazilian Ebony and will eventually darken to a deep chocolate brown. I accented the upper dowel with ebony dust and the lower dowel has a freshwater pearl on each side. These two 1/4" dowels anchor the 3/4" inner dowel that holds the handle/collar/shaft together. Historically the cane is not only used as an aide but also as a fashion statement and my designs are intended for the user to be proud to show they own a cane created for them out of beautiful hardwoods from the world over. The cane user should not have to be subjected to walking with an unsightly piece of hardware that hinders their style and pride. My goal is to give artful definition to an ancient tool that has evolved little even in our modern times. I hope that the simple elegance of my designs are enjoyed by not only the user but onlookers as well. COMFORT: The concept of form and function demands that the handle be comfortable, stable and stylish. Therefore there are no sharp edges in the way of being a practical walking aid, somewhat limiting my designs, but I want the cane user to be able to use the cane with assurance that they will have a comfortable grip and not be compromised by a design that inhibits this need. STABILITY: There is an inner dowel or tenon that joins the shaft, collar, handle and side dowels that anchor all the pieces should there be shrinkage or expansion of the wood. I use solid hardwoods and custom made pieces are created with consideration of the client's height, weight and hand size/needs. Many of our clients are over 6 ft. tall and 250 – 350 lbs. so I must make sure the variety of woods used are adequate for their needs and the heftiness of the cane is also designed with this in mind. STYLE: I believe that the cane user should not be limited to the flimsy and unattractive canes that are most common on the market place and I want the user to be proud to show off my canes and have onlookers be able to admire the beauty of the natural woods just the same. Using multiple wood techniques and wood combinations my designs are yet to be exhausted. I hope you enjoy viewing my work as much as I'm having fun creating them. Each cane is numbered and signed and accompanied by a Certificate of Registration. The owner can update their registration information and if lost and found, I can contact the owner to retrieve their cane. This is a free service and all information is kept confidential. Our specialty is designing custom, ergonomic canes made to give the user comfort, stability and style, as one should not be subjected to an unsightly medical device just because they need a walking aide. If you are interested in a custom made cane please contact me and we can discuss your needs and wants in a beautiful solid wood cane that will be a wearable artform for your enjoyment. Price points start at $180. for a basic hardwood and the fancier, more exotic hardwoods are what raise the cost of a cane. I can work with your budget and your interests, using the most beautiful woods available for your project. I look forward to designing and creating a piece made specifically for you or your loved one.
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.
My specialty is designing custom, ergonomic canes made to give the user comfort, stability and style, as one should not be subjected to an unsightly medical device just because they need a walking aide.
COMFORT: My concept of form and function demands that the handle be comfortable, stable and stylish. Therefore there are no sharp edges in the way of being a practical walking aid as I want the cane user to be able to use the cane with assurance that they will have a comfortable grip and not be compromised by a design that inhibits this need.
STABILITY: There is an inner dowel that joins the shaft, collar, handle and side dowels that anchor all the pieces should there be shrinkage or expansion of the wood. I use solid hardwoods and custom made pieces are created with consideration of the client’s height, weight and hand size/needs. Many of my clients are over 6 ft. tall and 250 – 350 lbs. so I must make sure the variety of woods used are adequate for their needs and the heftiness of the cane is also designed with this in mind.
STYLE: I believe that the cane user should not be limited to the flimsy and unattractive canes that are most common on the market place and I want the user to be proud to show off my canes and have onlookers be able to admire the beauty of the natural woods just the same. The wood techniques are quite basic, but my wood combinations and designs are yet to be exhausted. I hope you enjoy viewing my work as much as I’m having fun creating them.
Each cane is numbered and signed and accompanied by a Certificate of Registration. The owner can update their registration information and if lost and found, I can contact the owner to retrieve their cane. This is a free service and all information is kept confidential
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Candace Sharkey
For custom caneMeilie is an amazing artist and made me a cane that worked perfectly for me when I was disabled and is a beautiful work of art. I struggled with mass-produced store-bought cane that hurt my hand and my wrist until I got my custom cane from Big Stick Canes. Meilie is an expert at the ergonomics, the hand fit and the woodworking - a total pro. I was *so* lucky to find her!