CONSIGNMENT ORDERS

Consignment orders are an essential part of my art.  I have an extensive collection of rare and exquisite wood blocks that allow me to cater to virtually any project. Your one-of-a-kind handmade urn will require special attention, so I need to speak directly with the decision-maker to ensure that all your requirements are met. I offer these custom-made urns for your special and specific needs.

Do you have a vision for your urn?

Before creating any piece(s), I counsel with you thoroughly about this creation. You and I identify your specific ceremonial needs in your home, including: 

• Ideal size, shape, and wood types.
• Easily accessible lid that will seal permanently, a friction-seal lid that twists open for scattering, or a rubber gasket seal.
• During our communications, you will likely reveal some personal information about the beloved family member, so I may style the urn to better suit his or her personality. 

With your full direction, you and I will discuss our plans for construction, and then I will hand-turn your customized art.  

My heart is in every piece, and I believe it shows.

Both Tom and his wife, Karen were from Pennsylvania, and loved the cherry trees growing wild everywhere. The fragrance was intoxicating. Pocono Park hosted the annual pumpkin patch festival where they met as young adults. Karen was beautiful, vibrant, warm-hearted, and they were truly in love from the start. Fall was their favorite season. 

The day came when Tom called me to make Karen’s urn - an art commission. We talked briefly, then it ended in his bitter sadness. Her passing came slowly, through many years with a damaged heart. He asked me to hurry when I could, but never to rush it. I turned its frame on my lathe, then carved the urn into shape by hand. He told me many wonderful things about her, and I sent pictures of my progress. This embedded his love into everything I did.

Finally finished, Tom thanked me repeatedly for my efforts. The urn's lid sealed perfectly, allowing him to transport it to the cherry forest for scattering her remains. The urn became a symbol of her love, and it sits on his fireplace mantle. I had grown to love both Tom and Karen. By far, this art commission was my greatest creative challenge ever. 

For nearly three years, the ashes of Linda's grandmother sat in a white plastic box on her closet shelf. She always felt cheated that the cremation service did not offer more than this for an urn. Linda said she wanted a piece that could be placed anywhere as fine art, and not look too much like a cremation urn. We talked about wood types, how the lid might seal so she could scatter the cremains if she ever wanted, and about its size. Linda's budget was conservative, but her feelings of closure were very important. I sent her plans with dimensions and pictures of other completed urns. When we agreed to all the conditions, I began working on her commissioned piece.

We communicated daily about how my work was progressing. Linda told me how much she loved her grandmother, how she called her up at any time day-or-night, and how lost she felt without her sometimes. As an artist, hearing their details always feeds my creativity. When finished, I packed and sent the urn with some candies and a card, like always. Upon receiving it, she called me crying in gratitude. “It’s perfect,” she said. “Now my grandma can sit with me here and I’ll always feel her close.” 

Woodworking is such an inspiring art medium. I shape wood from a tree that once was full of life. I strongly believe the Angels are guiding me as I work. Many times, I feel them close, unawares.