WOODEN BLESSINGS | HANDMADE WOODEN CROSSES
| Frequently Asked Questions |
Generally, North American hardwoods are my choice, which include Cherry, Maple, Oak, Alder, Ash or Walnut, to name a few. Exotic imported woods are so expensive, and I have some reservations about using woods where harvest methods damage the rain forest, although there seem to be more resources available from managed growth tree farms. I've had great success using Mahogany from these sources. If you have a specific species in mind, don't hesitate to request it Can you make a cross that matches my existing furniture? When matching existing pieces, it is not enough to simply to build from Oak to match Oak, or Cherry to match Cherry. Wood color changes over time from exposure to humidity or sunlight, different methods of finishing, or the region it was grown in. To match a mantle or dresser that will support a cross, I suggest taking a photo, then printing it out so you can insure the picture represents the color of the piece. Then, mail me the photo to the address listed at the bottom of this page. Emailing pictures is a very unreliable method of matching colors or shades. Can I request a specific size cross? Since each cross is created for a specific client, I have a great deal of flexibility for the overall dimensions of the piece. The only limitations I have is for shipping. The crosses are sent fully assembled via UPS, so packaging would be an issue if the piece was too big. Make sure you include an estimated height when you submit your request. How long will it take for you to build my cross? This is not a factory, and I don't have a crew of workers, nor do I have shelves of pre-made crosses waiting to be shipped. Shipping times are strictly based on my workload, and the complexity of the piece requested. Generally, the wait will be at least two weeks, and may be as long as six weeks. That is the main reason I have structured my ordering policy the way I have. All of the crosses are finished to simply be enjoyed. An occasional dusting is all that should be required. Can you make matched sets of crosses? Yes. Bear in mind though that wood is a medium that is "consistently inconsistent". While it is no problem to make a piece exactly the same dimensions, wood grain has a mind of its own. So, two crosses made from the same piece of lumber may tend to have different characteristics. Really, that's the beauty of wood, isn't it? Because of the reasons I've mentioned above, I've decided to take a non-traditional approach to ordering. Here's how it works.
This is a question I get allot. I've been working with wood for a long time, building everything from baby cradles to bedroom sets to coffee tables. I first made a cross several years ago for a friend as a Christmas gift, and it was so well received several other people expressed an interest. Since then I have made dozens of different styles and sizes of crosses. People have purchased them as gifts, to present as awards, or simply to display in their own homes. I get a great deal of joy from this. There is a very real connection to God when working with wood, which I consider to be one of his greatest creations. When I cut a piece of wood in half and exposed an especially interesting grain, it is like having a peek at a hidden work of art by the master of all artists. I know that these pieces will never wind up in the trash. My goal is to create something that will be passed down from generation to generation as a symbol of our belief and faith. Can I order something besides a cross? Sure, I'm open to other projects, but I prefer creating faith-based pieces. Use the request form and let me know what you are thinking. I've posted some samples of my other work on the miscellaneous page. Answer isn't here? Or, just have a comment? Feel free to either fill out the request form, or send me an email at info@woodenblessings.com. I'll get back to you as soon as I can. |