Archived Articles


The Tables (and Boards) Have Been Turned: Miniature Vessels and Wooden Chess Pieces by Michael Mode

How many wooden chess pieces can you fit on a 2 € square chessboard? Thirty-two, of course.  Thirty-two chessmen ranging in height from 3/8” pawns to 5/8” kings, if you have CustomMade artisan Michael Mode create a custom miniature chess game and vessel for you. The board, wooden chess pieces, and hand-carved tweezers for moving […]

Putting on the Dog: Custom Pet Accessories

People aren’t the only ones who deserve a little bling.  Don’t forget your faithful animal companions.  They always make you look great, so why not give them some custom attention, too? Take a look at the striking custom pet accessories our CustomMade artisans can create. “Every pet deserves a little bling,” writes Paula Mullikin of […]

Secret Compartments and Concealed Doors: Hidden Storage Ideas

What do you see in this photo of a custom cherry seven-drawer bureau with cabinet by Bissell Fine Woodworking?   Ebony knobs, dovetailed drawers, a mitered base.   A roomy cabinet with an adjustable shelf. Can you find the secret compartment? Give up?  Furniture maker Richard Bissell won’t tell. “After all, if we showed how […]

For the Hockey Fan, Custom Furniture and Accessories Made from Reclaimed Sticks, Pucks, and Shirts

Have a man cave or a boys’ room to redecorate? Sports themed rooms can be a fun addition to your home or, for the die-hard fan, just the first step on a long journey.  While you’re thinking of what to pack, consider choosing a material for your custom furniture and custom accessories that will not […]

Cool Custom Doorknobs and Pulls

An entire blog dedicated to doorknobs. Why not? CustomMade exists because we believe custom is for everyone. We believe that the ordinary things you normally buy, can and should be custom made. Sometimes all it takes is a simple change to create that WOW factor. Doorknobs are a nondescript, mundane type of piece that, ironically […]

Custom Mailboxes

Hidden in plain sight, many objects we touch daily exist for us mentally only in functional terms if we consider them at all.  And we usually consider them only when they break down and need to be repaired or replaced, like when the humble mailbox meets an ignominious end at a truck’s bumper or after […]

For Christmas Yet To Come, Custom Decorations

While your Christmas tree is still up and before you hit the after Christmas sales, take a moment to consider having Christmas ornaments custom made for next year €™s holiday season and many more to come.   Need a little inspiration? Have a look at some wonderful creations in glass, metal, wood, and leather by […]

Leftovers Fit For Company

What comes to mind when you think of leftovers? Something you pull out of the fridge and throw together when you don’t feel like preparing anything else. This can work when feeding your children, but certainly not what you’d serve when you have company or a special party. CustomMade woodworker Brian Mcalpine of Eternal Furniture […]

Custom Outdoor Benches by Hooper Hill Custom Metal Designs

Does winter’s approach have you dreaming about spring? Warm yourself with thoughts of days outdoors and start planning some additions to your lawn and garden.  Custom outdoor benches can turn shady spots into inviting areas to rest, reflect, or converse with friends.  Greg Hooper of Hooper Hill Custom Metal Designs in Roscoe, MO, has over […]

Uffs for Your Uggs: Custom Boot Toppers That Will Give You Happy Feet

It’s hard to make those bulky, clunky winter boots look cute. And happy feet are nice, but what about knock-out-drop-dead-where’d-ya-get-those-gorgeous feet?!? Boot toppers are everywhere. Wearing something over the top of your boot €”be it a rain boot, cowboy boot, riding boot, or bootie €”creates a fun, decorative accent. It’s a unique way of updating […]