Amaze your friends and wow your children as you demonstrate how the bottle of wine seemingly floats in the air, propped through a hole in the Curly Maple board. :) Truly, it is a great conversation piece. The weight of the bottle of wine counter-balances the board, creating a very unique visual effect. The bottle is canted at an angle to ensure that the cork stays moist when stored in this manner. Pictured material is curly maple, but any type of wood can be requested.
A Maker who has been a valued part of this community for several years.
Customers say that this Maker ships promptly after completing a project.
This Maker has consistently demonstrated excellence in craftsmanship and customer service.
Woodworking was my hobby for many years. Over the years, this resulted in some commissions, many gifts for grateful friends and relatives, and many times I was told "You should be doing this for a living!".
My career was in the Contact Center industry, and I worked very hard, ultimately advancing to the Senior Leadership level. But the hours were long, and the travel was difficult. I always thought to myself, "Wouldn't it be great if I could do woodworking for a living?" Little did I know what was around the corner!
In 2011, my company was bought out by a competitor who replaced leadership with their own people. The layoff forced me to finally make leap to doing this full-time, and it is the best thing that ever happened to me.
This is certainly not the path to wealth, but money is only part of the total compensation package - not many people can honestly say when they wake up in the morning "I love my work!" - I am fortunate enough to be one of the few who can. And I never miss pee-wee football games any more!
Update, May 2017. Money may only be part of the total compensation package, however it is a very important part. Unfortunately, I am suspending MGA Custom Woodwork - it may be indefinitely, or it may be for a short time. We shall see what the future holds. Those who have in-process projects that may be impacted have been contacted. If you have in-process projects and have not been contacted, then you can expect your handcrafted item by the
original due date. Thank you to all who support the maker community.
A guide to the best items from the best makers and the stories behind them.
Matthew Ciborowski
For Jewelry BoxWorking with Michael was a charm. He was straightforward and engaging, and was able to complete everything I was asking for in a very timely manner. The final product is gorgeous! Highly recommended.
Rick Brenkus
For I would like to have a Flip chart madethanks for a great job
Kerry Varwig
For Mirror frame and benchMy vision became reality with the excellent help from Michael. From old playground wood to a mirror and a bench. I am actually thinking up projects for this amazing, patient carpenter to work on in the future.
Bryan Spears
For Walnut End Grain Cutting BoardMichael is prompt, professional and very easy to work with. The cutting board he made for my girlfriend and I is a simple, elegant work of art that will last effectively forever. I'm glad that I went with him, and can assure buyers on custommade that they will not be disappointed in his work.
Jay Meng
For Customized tablesimple best!cooperative and professional!
Paul Stiles
For Wood benches on a budgetI was very happy with the benches that were hand built and custom for my coffee shop. Will be ordering more in the future.
pedro casapons
For Walnut End Grain Cutting BoardThe cutting board is awesome. the workmanship is unparalleled. Michael's communication was amazing, and he even credited me a portion of the shipping when he saw there was an small error made when i was charged. looking forward to having MGA Custom Woodwork design and build me a desk! thank you Michael!
Kevin Finn
For Kevin's BedI reached out to MGA Custom Woodwork to create a Mid-Century Revival platform bed; I am nothing less than delighted with the final product. After some discussion, we went with a minimal design and a contrasty sappy walnut wood. Micheal has an excellent artisan's eye, and skillfully assembled the wood planks to maximize the designerly beauty of the grain. We initially went with a push drawer mechanism that ended up sticking a bit upon delivery. However, Michael exhibited a true commitment to his work but coming to the house a second day to replace the push drawer rails with more conventional ones; he also added customs knobs that worked well both in form and function. Michael is excellent with communication, timely and shows a deep knowledge of the craft. He is always ready to suggest alternative ways to improve the look/function of the furniture in a very personable and easy way. I plan to contract Michael again in the future to construct a gentleman's wardrobe cabinet. I do not hesitate to give him my highest recommendation for you CustomMade project.
DON AVARY
For End Grain Cutting BoardThe cutting board exceeded my expectations in craftsmanship. It is a beautiful addition to my kitchen. I would have liked to receive some care instructions with it. I will consider ordering again as this is truly a unique board.
Liza Wen
For butcher block countertop and islandMichael was very responsive, patient and worked in a timely matter to meet our tight schedule. He also shared a lot of info and taught us many pointers in working with and taking care of wood products. We love our butcherblock countertop and table Michel made for us. Highly recommended.
Bryan McAdams
For Speaker CabinetMichael Anderson built a pair of custom speaker cabinets for me based on a design I have from Europe. The results are stellar with a truly ‘hand-made’ quality in the best sense of the word. They are constructed with care, precision and a clear passion for detail and refinement. Michael matched the color I wanted precisely with only a photo reference and created a truly stunning gloss finish. There was one minor glitch based on a confusion in the plans - Michael not only picked up the cabinets from my home but he made the change quickly and hand-delivered them back to my front door. Throughout the process he was friendly, professional and extremely responsive with communication. He explained in depth the many options I had to choose from without ever overwhelming me with variables. I expect these speakers to last a lifetime. Seriously fantastic work at a fair rate. I highly recommend Michael and would hire him again without question.
Kevin Bowers
For Parker Brothers Camelot BoardI highly recommend MGA Custom Woodwork. Michael, the builder, is very detail oriented and he creates quality work. He didn't just take the build and run with it. He consulted with me every step of the way and when I asked his opinion or needed information about wood types, finishes, etc. he provided the info I needed to make my decisions. He also took the time to explain the processes involved in the building of my piece. I will not hesitate to contact Michael for any other projects I may have in the future.
Matus Kalisky
For End Grain Cutting BoardThe cutting board (wave pattern with relatively small cube size) Michael made for me is used daily since receiving it 6 months ago. Not only it looks great, it is pleasure to use. With little care wood butter here and then + wiping after each use) it looks as new (actually it looks even better). Michael was very helpful and open to try new things and pleasure to work with. I would not hesitate to order again. Thanks Michael.