Handcrafted – Handmade Wood Gifts

We use the terms ‘handcrafted’ and ‘handmade’ in regards to the wood gifts and home decor items we make, but these terms can mean different things to different people.

We continually receive ‘offers’ from others (typically from other countries) to ‘handcraft’ our wood items for us. They insist that their 'handmade' items will be the same quality as our ‘handmade’ items. They say they can replicate our original designs and apply our name /logo – so one would be able to tell the difference between items handcrafted by them and those handcrafted by us. That no one would need to know . . . handcrafted by who? handmade where? And, of course, that they can produce much 'larger quantities' and for much 'less cost'. I've gone to their websites and seen pictures of their 'factories' - large rooms with 30-50 or more people standing at long rows of tables. Handmade? You look at the items shown on their website - the word 'cookie-cutter' comes to mind. Handcrafted? Obviously, we respectfully decline their offers.

On the other side of the spectrum - we received an inquiry from a person asking if we use power tools (using electricity) to create our 'handmade' / 'handcrafted' wood items - and the answer is yes. Some of the power tools we use to cut, shape and finish our wood items include: radial saw, lathes, drill presses, band saws, jointer, routers, and various sanding equipment. But we do not use any duplicating or replicating equipment or have any computerized or automated equipment. At any point in time, we may have several different items in the works – but we do not ‘mass produce’, have an assembly-line process or assemble pre-made components.

Obviously, the more individual the item and the less technical the equipment used to make the item - the more expensive the item will be, but the end result will be something unique, something that no else has just like it, something truely 'handcrafted', truly 'handmade' by someone who cares.

One indicator of 'handmade' and 'handcrafted' is the number of a particular item that is available. Also, if you see the same photo used over and over - in different colors. With today's technology you can never be sure exactly what you are looking at. And on the www you really can't tell where a company is located - handcrafted where? Or who is actually making the pieces - handmade by who? If you are looking for truly 'handcrafted' - 'handmade' gift or home decor items thru the internet - do a little research, not only as to what you are purchasing, but who you are purchasing it from.

All of the wood gifts & home decor items sold by VanEss Expressions are individually & personally ‘handcrafted’ / ‘handmade’ by VanEss Expressions in our Minnesota workshop. From the original design, to the selection of the wood, to the cutting and shaping of the piece, to the last coat of varnish – it is all done by the two of us that make up VanEss Expressions.

100% Handcrafted by VanEss Expression.
100% Handmade in the USA.