Hey everyone! I'm looking for some guidance on how to find the right person to help with a special project. I have large pieces of wood from my grandparents' homes, and I want to turn these into smaller pieces with the house number and street name carved into each one. The finished pieces would be gifts, so I want them to look nice and personal. I'm unsure how to start this process or even who to reach out to for help. Is there a specific term for what I'm asking for, like woodworking? Thanks for any tips! Just to clarify, these pieces are already finished – one is a cutting board and the other is similar to a wall panel. I'm located in Chicago, and I wanted to avoid posting in local groups since they don't allow project requests.
3 Answers
You might want to contact the Chicago Woodworkers Guild. They could connect you with local artisans who can help with your project.
Have you tried searching on Etsy? There are many people who specialize in custom wood projects, and you might find exactly what you're looking for there! Just reach out to a few sellers and see if they can help you with your specific request.
I think your best bet would be to check out local farmers markets or craft shows. You'll likely find hobbyists there who might be interested in taking on your project without charging a fortune. Look for anyone who has experience with engraved cutting boards or similar work. Just a heads up, professional shops can be pricey, often starting at around $100 an hour, with some estimates hitting up to $400 for a small job like this.
Thanks for the advice! Price isn't my main concern since this is really sentimental for me. I just feel a bit lost on how to approach professionals about what I want.