Canadian Shape Puzzle

I will be away at a craft sale in Stirling, to be held at the Lions Club (above the arena) for the next couple of days, so I wanted to get this up tonight. 

We've been wanting to get something like this done for a while, but I often don't have time for completely new designs and my wife has three small children to take care of while I'm slaving away in the shop. That said, she got a chance to make this up the other day and I finally got it cut today. 

Our Canadian shape puzzle features six wilderness shapes that speak somewhat to the Canadian wilds. A Canada goose in flight, majestic beaver, moose, howling wolf, grizzly bear and maple leaf. The puzzle is constructed of two layers of 1/4" BB plywood. The top layer has the pieces cut out and the bottom layer has 3/4" holes behind each piece. Big enough to get a finger in, too big to get little fingers stuck.

Everything is sanded nice and smooth but no finishes have been used. No chemicals used except the wood glue (non-toxic) that holds the two layers together. A great art project would be to decorate the pieces and background in your own distinctive way.

As a bonus, all of the pieces can remain standing, so when a child outgrows the puzzle, the pieces could be used in other projects (or passed on to other children...hey it's your puzzle, you do what you like with it!)
The puzzle will be retailing for $15 CDN.

A quick reminder that the clock special is over at midnight tonight. To qualify for discounts make sure to email me before 12 am EST. Thanks to all who have participated in my first clock event.

Since no one has bothered to write a 411.ca review for me...I'll sweeten the pot a bit. Write a review for Maple Ridge Creations at 411.ca and email me telling me you've done it, and once it's verified I will give you $10 off your next purchase of $20 or more. This offer is likewise only good until midnight. That means that as of now you have about 2 hours, so you'd better hurry!

Toys, Toys, Toys...in time for Christmas!

 With less than two months until Christmas it's certainly not too early to start emphasizing Christmas gift ideas. Of course, I've been plugging Christmas orders for a couple months now anyway, so...

Tonight I'm going to spotlight just a few of the toys I have available. Let me state from the outset: this is not a comprehensive listing. Nor is it a full listing of toys in stock. It is a sample of what has already been made and is in stock right now. More stuff will be coming out soon and custom orders are always appreciated and welcome.

The helicopter was one of my first original designs. In fact my 3 & 2 year old boys still play with theirs and it's still in one piece! Solid spruce body with pine rotors and pontoons. The helicopter comes sanded but unstained and unfinished, ready to be coloured, stained, painted and finished exactly how you want it. Decorate it yourself or have me do it as an extra. The pontoons are held on using non-toxic wood glue but otherwise the helicopter is chemical free, so you know it's safe for your children to play with. The helicopter retails at $15 (no tax) and is available as an option for the set price listed below. Finishing and shipping are extra, although delivery to Madoc is free and pick up options (including from the shop) are available. All other shipping is done at cost.

Left to right: tractor, jeep, car, pick-up truck, delivery truck

Staying with the vehicle theme, my original set of wheeled vehicles is still available. An ongoing favourite, they bring a sense of nostalgia to parents and fun to kids. Sturdy 1 1'2" pine construction with Baltic birch plywood wheels (pine back wheels on the tractor) means that they won't break easily, and the wheels are secured using non-toxic wood glue so they won't come off easily. No small parts means that there's no choking hazard for small children (I personally have no minimum age recommendation on these toys, but parents/guardians are responsible for what they let their children play with. Just as with the helicopter and the motorcycle, they come unfinished (see helicopter description for more details). Each vehicle is $15 individually or purchase a set of 5 (mix and match) for $60 (a grandparent's favourite) or buy 4 get 1 free. This offer allows you to pick from the vehicles pictured above as well as the helicopter and motorcycle.

Similar to the vehicles above, the motorcycle is a favourite for children of almost any age. The wheels are inset into the body of the motorcycle and are 3/4" thick, allowing it to stand unsupported and letting it remain upright when rolled and released on a flat surface. The wheels will not come out without breaking the axles, which is no easy feat. The motorcycle sells for $15 and is available as an option with the set price listed above.

What child doesn't like dinosaurs? Even little girls stop and look at my dinosaur pull toys and puzzles. Parents think they're cool and boys know they're awesome!
Solid 1 1/2" spruce bodies with 3/4" pine wheels and 1" diameter pulls with stings approximately 24" long make these a great choice of pull toy for kids who are just learning to walk or for children a bit older who are coming to appreciate dinosaurs. Makes a great collectible for the dinosaur fan who has (almost) everything. As with the wooden toys above, these come unfinished, but finishing and staining are available as extras. Retail cost is $15 each or 5 for $60 (interchangeable with other pull toys, but not with the vehicles).

 

Pull toys are a great classic toy for small children, and my selection has been steadily growing. Pictured above is just a sample, and of course the dinosaurs in the previous section are included as well.
Currently we have in stock the following: Horse, duck, lamb, lion, gorilla, turtle, kitten, puppy, honeybee and dinosaurs, with plans for more soon. As mentioned with the dinosaurs, all pull toys are $15 each or 5 for $60.

Animal puzzles cover possibly the widest age range of all the toys listed tonight. I typically recommend them for ages 3 and up, but certainly some are appropriate for younger children. Older children will enjoy decorating their puzzles and displaying them. Puzzles can also be custom made according to almost any design or made from any picture. They can also be tailored to different ages by adjusting the number and size of the pieces . Current in stock puzzles include: lion, honeybee, triceratops, T-Rex, apatosaurus, gorilla, hippo, horse, kitten, puppy and more. All puzzles are made from 3/4" pine and sell for $10 + shipping (if applicable). Discounts are available when ordering 5 or more of one design. Ask for details when ordering.

More toys are on the way! More cars and trucks, classic style trains, more puzzles, games and more! Keep checking back regularly to see what's new. Like us on facebook or follow us via google+ or an RSS feed to keep up to date on the latest.

Clock sale and $5 discount opportunities end Thursday night at midnight.

Galloping Horse Napkin Holders

Alas that these should arrive too late for Thanksgiving! Except for my American friends... *wink wink*

My thanks to Carol for the idea for these a few weeks back. She's also the happy owner of the very first one I made. These are a Maple Ridge original creation, but she gave me the nudge to get them started. 

Colours from left to right: Red Mahogany, Colonial Maple, Walnut and Cherry.  

Made from 3/4" pine, these napkin holders feature a galloping horse on the front and a curved backer to keep your napkins conveniently in place on the table with style.

It was rather late when I took these pictures, and the lighting was poor, so the colours don't show as well below as in the group shot at the top. Regardless, these are available in any colour I can find stain or materials for. For specifics on colour selection please contact me directly or visit the Minwax website colour guide here http://www.minwax.ca/wood-products/stains-color-guide/ or the Watco guide here http://www.rustoleum.com/en/product-catalog/consumer-brands/watco/danish-oil.

A quick reminder: Clock special runs out in 3 more days. Also it's your last chance to earn a $5 discount by writing a review at 411.ca for us (only available for current and previous customers, if you have never bought something from me, you can't review).

Christmas is coming and things are warming up (metaphorically, it's actually getting quite chilly outside) so don't wait too long in getting your orders in.

Giant Giraffe Puzzles!

I first put these on the blog Wednesday, then updated yesterday when the first one was mostly stained. Here are the final models. 

As I mentioned earlier, these are part of a custom order which includes some regularly stocked puzzles and some custom cut names.

Each giraffe is approximately 32" tall and is a fully functional puzzle. Solid pine construction with Minwax Golden Pecan stain as the base colour, Watco Walnut Danish oil for the spots and Minwax Jacobean for the eyes, horns and hooves.

The spots were carefully painted on. Stain is designed to spread out when applied, in order to cover and penetrate the entire surface; which was precisely what I did not want to happen. A very light touch and careful wiping contained the stain to where it was supposed to be, and actually gave it a very "natural" look, since it "fuzzed" a bit, looking a bit like fur.

A reminder of the clock special which ends in a few days, and also of my $5 write a review special. You can find more info on both of those in other recent blog posts.

Also, please remember that Christmas is closing in quickly. There is still lots of time to shop, but if you want something custom made by yours truly, it's best not to tarry too long or you might not get it in time.

Christmas sale season starts tomorrow. I'll be covering some ground over the next couple of months visiting various sales and shows. Email me if you know of one in your area that might be worthwhile.

That's it for today!

Work in Progress: Giant Giraffe Puzzle - Updated: Now with spots!

I've been mentioning some custom orders lately, so I thought I'd actually show some pics. This one has been on the table for a while and has just gotten underway this week. Hopefully it will be done by the end of the week and ready for pickup by Saturday. 

The giraffe stands 32" tall, is made from 2" pine and is free standing.

At this point the sanding is almost done and the next step will be staining.

The pieces all come apart (as a puzzle should) and fit snugly together again.

The legs have been left solid to provide better support in an upright position. 

I will try to update this later today or tomorrow once the stain has been applied. Stay tooned for more!

Update: Stained with stain!

Last night I got the first coat of stain on to create the base colour. Once that dried I applied (very carefully) the second colour to form the spots.

Now to finish the spots on the other side and do the same to the other giraffe. 

Write a Review and Win! ....something...

So it's been a while since I got a post up. I have a hard enough time getting these done when I only have woodworking to contend with, but last week we had some company over for a few days and, well, sorry to say that putting up a post wasn't my biggest priority.

Before I go any further, I want to remind everyone about my special on clocks until the end of the month. You have one week left to take advantage of my 5% off any clock offer. Some have expressed disappointment about the prices on some of my clocks so I'll address that here in brief.
I don't do $20 clocks. The reason for that is that the clock inserts (the part with the motor and hands and stuff that actually tells time) cost me around $10 each to buy from a wholesaler. I don't get them from Michael's or Lee Valley because my source is more cost efficient and the product is the same. So a $20 clock would pretty much just be a plan board with a hole for the insert. Since you probably don't want that...
Most of my clocks fall in the $40-$60 range. If you do a search for "custom wooden clocks" you'll find that more than reasonable. Typically that involves pine or BB ply construction to keep costs down, but if you like maple, oak, red cedar, butternut, cherry or mahogany (or something else) I can probably do that for you but the price will reflect those materials (padauk isn't easy to come by in central Ontario...pity).
The advantage to doing a sale like is is that I am able to lower my prices a bit more by ordering more clock inserts at once and getting a bigger discount. To those who've already taken advantage, thank you for your support. To anyone looking for a great Christmas gift, contact me by the end of the month, 'cause November 1st is too late!

Now, as to the title of today's post:
I recently signed up with 411.ca for some advertising. The thing is, ads look better with reviews and so far I have none. 411 has a way to get reviews, but I thought rather than soliciting for online reviews from people who may have never seen my stuff, I would instead put an offer out to my readers and customers. Additionally, everyone likes to get stuff, so here goes:

Anyone who writes a review for Maple Ridge Creations on 411.ca regarding my toys, home decor items, or custom woodworking services within the next week will be eligible for a $5 discount on their next order of $20 or more (before shipping and handling costs). And yes, you can combine this with the clock offer to save 5% and $5 on the same purchase. Here's how to do it.

First find my ad on 411.ca (I hope the link works) here http://411.ca/business/profile/9599747?qid=1382460680.251&source=search&rank=2 or go to 411.ca and search for Maple Ridge Creations.

Next write a review and say something nice. Ideally this means you bought something from me or at least seen a display of my products somewhere.

Send me an email at mapleridgecreations@gmail.com with your name and contact information and a link to the ad showing your review.

The next time you make an order over $20 I will deduct $5 from the total price. But you need to write the ad by the end of next week in order to get the discount. With Christmas rapidly approaching, this seems a nice way to help you out while helping me as well!

Hopefully I will have some new pics up by the end of the day. Working on some custom projects right now and I'd like to show a few of them off.

welcome Sign with Coat Hooks

Kudos again to Steve Good for another great design. There are few pieces I have done that elicit as many compliments and comments as this one. All I can say is that I didn't design it, I just cut it (and stained and finished it of course). 

Actually, the original design did not have anything attached to it so the coat hooks were my own idea, but it really is a nice piece. 

This one is cut from solid pine and stained with Circa 1850 Walnut Danish Oil and has two silver double coat hooks attached. It could be (and likely will be) modified into a key rack, small shelf or simply left to its self as a welcome sign. 

A quick reminder that my custom clock sale is only on to the end of the month, so take advantage of it while you can. 

Dear International Customers,

For those who haven't read my profile, I live in Canada, and my little woodshop, as you might expect, is also in Canada. Recently, it has come to my attention that I have recently had more visits from international locations than from Canadians. Canadians, by all means pay attention, but my international friends, this is specifically for you.

My largest market is a local one. People in East central Ontario, especially in Hastings County, are my primary customers, and this makes sense, really. After all, they get the most opportunity to see my work in person and the best chances to have a one on one consultation about their custom projects.

However, I do, and have, completed orders for those who are somewhat abroad. I am able to ship products all over Canada, into the USA and all around the world. While it might not be convenient for you to have me make you large furniture pieces if you live in the Ukraine, or Australia, you can still order any of the smaller products that I make and get them tailored to your tastes.

I have, in fact, had many Canadian customers who have sent some of my products around the world. Bookmarks fit in an envelope, key chains are small and I have had at least one Canadian flag make it to Australia. Certain other items can be made and sent as a "kit" with some assembly required. This reduces the base price of the item as well as the shipping cost (since it's smaller). One example of this would be the wooden bowls listed a while back (and yes, instructions are included).

I know that shipping is very pricey, but I charge shipping at cost, so that you don't have to pay an extra $15 for shipping if it only costs $8 to ship.

As for my Canadian friends, this goes double for you. I look for the most cost effective way to ship your products and try to save you additional expenses wherever possible while still taking care to protect your order.

As for my American friends; since your postal service sucks up more money than the Canadian one, I can often ship to you for less than I can my Canadian customers.

So just because you live in Lebanon, or France, doesn't mean you can't own some of my creations for yourself. Feel free to contact me and have a custom wood product from Canada shipped to your home!

Please note that I am not responsible for additional state related fees such as duty and taxes. Please check the import laws of your country before ordering to ensure that you will not incur fees or fines.

Halloween Cat (and friends)

It's still the first half of the month, but since retail stores have had their halloween stuff up for a while already, I guess it's not too early for me to put up a few things. 

Here's a little freestanding halloween kitty cat with a couple of friends to keep him company as they add to your halloween decor. Put them in a window or on a table, and for extra effect you can put a small candle or light behind them.

As always, if you 'd like something made that you haven't seen on the blog simply send me an email at mapleridgecreations@gmail.com to get a no obligation consultation and price estimate.

Words, Words, Words...

No, I'm not writing a book (although it would be neat to have a line or two of your favourite cut out like this). 

These are wooden words, not printed ones and they are very popular. Here's why:

 "Serenity" in Edwardian font

First of all you can have almost any word, name or phrase cut out of wood and either left unfinished (I recommend you finish it yourself with something to keep the wood from drying out too much) or stained and finished the colour of your choice.

 "Christmas" in Century Schoolbook

Second, you can choose from a wide variety of font types. Pick a scripted font (like "Serenity" at the top) for a fancy handwritten look, or pick a printed font to sit on a line or be placed on a background. You decide which type of font best shows off what you want to have displayed.

 "Noel" in Lucida calligraphy

Third, pick a size. The most common height people ask for is 3", but 4", 5" and 6" are available and larger (or smaller) sizes can be made available upon request).

"Let it Snow" in Lucida Calligraphy

Fourth, they look great. Whether you want to display the name(s) of someone special to you, or you're looking for some special touches for seasonal decor, or you simply want to showcase something that has meaning to you, these custom cut words add a unique touch to a room and make a great gift as well.

Pricing for Words
I don't typically post prices on the blog, but since this is a much inquired upon item, I'll post my pricing system here so you can calculate what your word/name/phrase would cost before contacting me. Please keep in mind that staining and finishing are extra and that the pricing below reflects only upon bare, unfinished words.

Base Cost and additionals:
Every font size has a base cost. That base cost is the price for any word up to and including 5 letters. There is a separate base cost for individual letters (such as "I" and "A"). Every letter beyond the first 5 has an additional per letter cost. I will list these below and then give a few examples.

Size   Base Cost   Additional Letters   Single Letters
3"         $10                 $1                          $5
4"         $12                 $1                          $6
5"         $14                 $1.50                     $7
6"         $16                 $1.50                     $8

So if you wanted the name "Bob" in 3" letters, it would cost $10 since it is under the base cost maximum of 5 letters. The name "Jeremy" in 3" would be $11 since it is 1 letter over the base price ($10 base cost + $1 for an extra letter).
Easy enough right?

If you wanted "Mike & Cheryl" it would cost $26 ($10 for Mike, $11 for Cheryl and $5 for "&" since it's priced as an individual letter). Alternately "Mike and Cheryl" would cost $31 since "and" is now a separate word.

Certain pre-cut phrases, such as "Let it Snow" above are priced differently, but all other words, custom or pre-cut are priced the same.

I hope that helps to explain everything. Please contact me if there are questions or if you would like to place an order.

Email me at mapleridgecreations@gmail.com

Wormy Soft Maple Hall Table

This has been finished for a while but I'm just getting around to posting it now. The final piece in my "Rustic" Wormy Soft Maple table set. See other posts for the coffee table and side table. 

Since I've gone into detail in those other posts about construction, and since this one has the same materials and colours, I will forgo that description for now.

I've never understood exactly what to call small tables like this one? "Hall Table" implies it goes in a hallway, but it could just as easily fit behind a couch or chair as a place to put a drink or book or, well, whatever you like.

"Occasional Table" always makes me giggle a little; "What is it when it's NOT a table?" "Is it like a Superman thing, where it's only a table when it needs to be but it has a secret identity when it's not needed?"

I am currently working on some plans for new furniture and furniture sets. As always, contact me with your ideas and desires for custom furniture or other wood crafted items. Walnut, beech, maple, oak and red cedar are just a few options for wood and there are almost limitless options for your custom furniture.

Rodeo decor: "I Love Rodeo"

With the fair season coming to an end I thought I would put this up. 

What better way to show off your appreciation of down home country rodeo than to advertise it in your living room, den or front window?

The fair season is over for me, but craft sales and Christmas sales are waiting. If you know of an event in your area, please send me any info you have about it and who knows? I might just show up.

Don't forget about my custom clock event that runs until the end of the month. See the blog entry under that title or contact me directly at mapleridgecreations@gmail.com for more info.

Christmas is coming fast so remember to keep sending in your orders to make sure they're finished and delivered in time for Christmas.

Clean Up Week

Well friends, I have sad news for you...

No, no, it's not that bad. It's just that I won't likely be posting much new stuff this week.

I've been busy enough with fairs and the like over the past month that some custom orders have been backing up and I need to catch up and look after all my wonderful customers who have such great ideas.

Hopefully I will get around to posting at least a few of the more original items as they are finished, and I do have a few things I've not posted yet, but time will be scarce this week as well.

Please keep sharing posts, like us on facebook and tell your friends about the great things you've seen or bought from Maple Ridge Creations.

And remember, Christmas is coming quickly. Don't wait until the last minute to get your orders in.