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.