Frequently asked questions.

1. What makes your wooden pieces special?

Every piece I make is designed, cut and finished by hand by me in my North Wales studio. I use sustainably sourced wood and combine laser cutting techniques with traditional craftsmanship. Each item has its own character, no two things I make are exactly the same, which is what I love most about making things using my own hands. The wood used to create my models is painted by hand before my drawings are transferred onto the surface. The juxtaposition of the line and colour creates infinite variations, ensuring continuity and uniqueness.

2. What kind of things do you make?

I am currently making laser cut wooden objects mostly using Birch. I love experimenting and constantly have new ideas. I love architecture so buildings have influenced a lot of my making but I am currently drawn to the natural environment and flowers in particular. I also create 2D work in the form of paintings, drawings and prints too. I’ll be updating the shop with these soon!

3. Can I ask for something custom or personalised?

Of course! I really enjoy working on bespoke commissions. Whether you’d like a personalised gift, a piece of custom wall art or something made to fit a particular space, I’m happy to discuss your ideas and bring them to life. Just drop me a message (gavblackwell@yahoo.co.uk or use the contact form on my contact page), I love collaborating on creative projects and love a new creative challenge.

4. How do you make your 3D pieces?

I usually start with a sketch before I move on to creating my idea digitally. I prepare the surfaces of the wood with acrylic paint and transferred drawings which is quite a labour intensive process. Once the surface painting and transfer is done, it’s ready for a coat of water based varnish to protect the wood from smoke staining during laser cutting. After cutting, it’s time to clean everything up and carefully assemble each piece. This is the really exciting part, it’s great getting to see your ideas come to life.

5. Are your materials sustainable and ethical?

Yes. I am very environmentally conscious, it is really important to me. I use FSC-certified wood from sustainable sources and my finishes are as eco-friendly as possible being non solvent and water based. The Beacon Craft glue I use is Vegan as is the water based size I use for gold leaf. To keep the flowers in place I use Bio Oasis which is biodegradable and compostable. I also use recyclable, compostable, plastic free packaging and tape so your order arrives safely and is as sustainable as I can possibly make it.

6. How long will my order take?

I aim to dispatch all in stock products the next the working day and use Royal Mail tracked 48 hour. If you order on a Friday, I’ll try my best to get it dispatched on the Saturday.

7. Do you ship outside the UK?

I am currently not shipping outside of the UK due to a range of bureaucratic complexities. However, I am hoping to change this in the near future!

9. How should I care for my wooden piece?

Keep your wooden item away from direct sunlight and moisture, and dust gently with a small soft brush or a soft dry cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners or water. It’s also important to handle the items with care, especially the more delicate parts such as stems. Avoid dropping your item as this could cause parts to snap or break. However, with a bit of care, your handcrafted piece will look lovely for many years.

10. What if my order arrives damaged or there’s a problem?

I really want you to be a satisfied customer and will do my best to make sure you are. If you have any issues at all, please send me an email and let me know and I’ll do what I can to help sort out any issues you may have. Please click on the ‘Terms of service’ link at the bottom of the page for more detailed information about returns.

A few words from me:

I’m passionate about creating pieces that celebrate modern craft, thoughtful design and the natural beauty of wood. Everything I make is created with care and a genuine love for the process. I’m always grateful for every person who supports independent makers like me.