Red Oak & Walnut Keepsake/Jewelry Box

Hello everyone, my name is Thomas Pleyo and I am the owner of Tom's Custom Woodwork.

I am originally from Washington state where I did a number of projects during my time there. Even from a young age I loved woodworking. My first projects were very rough but over time I got better. As a kid, my brothers and I were really into skateboards. However we lived in a smaller city with nowhere to skate. So to remedy our situation we built an entire skatepark out of old 2x4's and plywood. A few years later I built a number of projects in my high school wood shop class, as well as some construction projects for the school.

I then joined the Army in 2005; and unfortunately I was only able to work on a few things as a hobby on the side. In 2007, while in Baghdad, I was able to help create a few smaller projects to raise troop morale; we made chairs, pool tables, and a skateboard ramp. In 2009 while in Kirkuk my friend and I converted an old barracks building into a skatepark using nothing more than a hammer and a dull saw. Now that I'm out I have the time and motivation to start building whatever I want. In 2012 I was medically discharged from the military. A year after that I decided to attend classes to become a teacher. However, carpentry has always been an interest of mine and now I find myself with enough spare time to pursue my dream.

Since setting up my shop, I have built a number of projects to include a large Aromatic Cedar and Pine toy box, a military shadow box made of solid oak to display medals and awards from my time in service. A set of 1911 pistol grips made with a Thuya burl, several jewelry and keepsake boxes made with combinations of curly maple, Mayan walnut, Purple Heart, walnut, oak, and bloodwood. I also was able to manufacture a coat rack/concealed shelf made to easily conceal pistols and other valuables. Most recently I was able to build and finish a large bookshelf for my home.

In the future I hope to build a wide variety of handcrafted pieces for hobby and for profit. Anything ranging from toy boxes, jewelry boxes, keepsake boxes, tables, chairs, and anything that you, my future customers, could dream up.

Since carpentry is my passion I guarantee that my work will be both beautiful and sturdy. I take great pride in my work. I like to sit down with potential customers and design a one of a kind piece that the customer will fall in love with. The price or budget we agree to will be reasonable for the work entailed and not change without first consulting the changes with my customer. Also, if the customer is a gold star family member or a fellow veteran with proof a discount may be applied.

I sincerely hope to be able to serve the needs of my customers who would like a range of beautifully handcrafted boxes, to a complex custom built piece, to a work project for your home or office. No matter what the design, I will pour my heart and soul into the piece, and promise build you a piece to fit your needs, and give you a very fair price for the work and cost of materials. My personal cell phone number is (325) 315-7872. Please feel free to text or call M-F 1pm-8pm and weekends from 8am-10pm.

Thank you and I look forward to working with you in the future.

Thomas Pleyo