Brian Ng'aru crafted two perfectly fitting, durable cutlery trays for Elisabeth, harmonizing strength with natural elegance to beautifully organize her kitchen. What's your wish?
A request by Elisabeth from London, United Kingdom
I would like to create 2 cutlery trays which exactly fit my kitchen drawers. I attach the exact measurements on 2 images. The drawings are in millimetres. In terms of wood, I would like a strong wood which will be robust, but also not too heavy. In terms of colour, I will probably keep the wood untreated and natural but we can discuss together.
The Journey of Creating Custom Made Cutlery Tray: Exact Fit!
Negotiation & Planning
Hello Elisabeth, I am happy to provide an offer for your idea. Thank you for sending elaborate sketches. I believe I understand the design and dimensions you have suggested. I propose to make the tray using Cyprus wood which is robust and light. I will use kiln dried wood which is ideal for the durability of the tray. We can leave the wood untreated and natural. incase you decide to treat the tray, linseed oil will be the best option, kitchen oil is also okay. I can send a quotation once I receive your feedback.
Hello Elisabeth, I am happy to provide an offer for your idea. Thank you for sending elaborate sketches. I believe I understand the design and dimensions you have suggested. I propose to make the tray using Cyprus wood which is robust and light. I will use kiln dried wood which is ideal for the durability of the tray. We can leave the wood untreated and natural. incase you decide to treat the tray, linseed oil will be the best option, kitchen oil is also okay. I can send a quotation once I receive your feedback.
Hello Brian, thanks a lot for your reply. My husband used to live in Nairobi a long time ago. Cyprus wood is a great wood and perfect if it is kiln dried. Could you send a quote as you suggest? If you have any questions on the drawings let me know, have a great day, Elisabeth
Hello Brian, thanks a lot for your reply. My husband used to live in Nairobi a long time ago. Cyprus wood is a great wood and perfect if it is kiln dried. Could you send a quote as you suggest? If you have any questions on the drawings let me know, have a great day, Elisabeth
I believe I have all information I need to start. I have sent a quotation for kiln dried Cyprus wood.
I believe I have all information I need to start. I have sent a quotation for kiln dried Cyprus wood.
I believe I have all information I need to start. I have sent a quotation for kiln dried Cyprus wood.
I believe I have all information I need to start. I have sent a quotation for kiln dried Cyprus wood.
Crafting Process
Artisan’s Progress Updates
Hello Elizabeth, I received confirmation to start realizing your idea. I have purchased the wood and will begin by making the bases first. I will keep you updated with pictures and videos of the progress
Hello Elizabeth, I received confirmation to start realizing your idea. I have purchased the wood and will begin by making the bases first. I will keep you updated with pictures and videos of the progress
Hello Brian, thank you very much, it is really great that you are making progress. It would be a great help if you could finish a little earlier than June 26th, do you think this is possible without rushing and compromising the quality of the end result?
Hello Brian, thank you very much, it is really great that you are making progress. It would be a great help if you could finish a little earlier than June 26th, do you think this is possible without rushing and compromising the quality of the end result?
Hello Elizabeth, thanks for your feedback.
Yes it is possible to have the trays ready by 26th. I already purchased the wood and prepared the different pieces for your project. What's left is cutting them to size and assembling the tray. I have sent some pictures for update. I will try and get the tray ready for delivery by Monday 19th.
Hello Elizabeth, thanks for your feedback.
Yes it is possible to have the trays ready by 26th. I already purchased the wood and prepared the different pieces for your project. What's left is cutting them to size and assembling the tray. I have sent some pictures for update. I will try and get the tray ready for delivery by Monday 19th.
Hello Brian, thank you very much for replying so quickly and thanks a lot for the pictures. It is really great to see how this is coming together. Thank you very much for all your expertise and work on this project. Have a great day.
Hello Brian, thank you very much for replying so quickly and thanks a lot for the pictures. It is really great to see how this is coming together. Thank you very much for all your expertise and work on this project. Have a great day.
Hello Elisabeth, I have sent images to update you on the progress. the weather has been rainy so drying has been a bit slow.
What remains is the final touches on the trays.
Please confirm if we will finish with a natural finish or apply linseed oil.
Hi Brian, thank you so much the 2 trays look absolutely beautiful. Natural finish is enough. Thank you so much, you are very talented.
Hello Elizabeth, the trays are ready for delivery, I can deliver to the local manager once you give a go ahead. I have attached pictures of the final product. It was an honor realizing your idea.
Hello Brian, thank you so much. The two trays look beautiful and you have followed the design perfectly. I can’t wait to receive them. Thank you so much.
Hello Elisabeth,
this is Vicky, the local operations manager. I received your product from Brian and would like to do the quality check together with you to ensure you are completely satisfied with the product before shipping. So I shared photos of the several different dimensions of the two trays. Kindly go through them and let us know what you think.
Tray 1
A- 660mm
B- 468mm
C- 60mm
D- 100mm
E- 236mm
F- 396mm
G- 194mm
H- 194mm
I- 236mm
J- 92mm
K- 252mm
L- 92mm
M- 69mm
N- 468mm
O- 659mm
Tray 2
P- 470mm
Q- 464mm
R- 97mm
S- 96mm
T- 297mm
U- 194mm
V- 96mm
W- 90mm
X- 44mm
Y- 70mm
Z- 467mm
ZZ- 461mm
Regards,
Vicky Achieng.
Hi Vicky, thank you very much for the measurements. I have checked them and it seems that the large cutlery tray is perfect but I have a question on the smaller one.
Would it be possible to have more measurements of what constitutes the length measured P. I can see the width of the top narrow compartment (X) and also at the bottom (W) but I would like to double check the part in between X and W. It seems too big. It should be 300 millimetres. I am not sure, but because X is so small at 44, it seems that there is a problem.
I also have a question on the part which is to the right of T (basically the larger compartment which makes the whole side of the tray). The total width is Q and the other compartments are measured (T), but I need a precise size of what remains. It was meant to be at least 140 as I have a special spoon which is very big.
If you could send me these extra measurements, then I will decide what to do once I can see how they are.
Thanks a lot,
Elisabeth
Hi Elisabeth,
Hope you are doing well. Thank you for reaching out to clarify the measurements of the tray you ordered. So I have measured the parts you requested and they are as follows;
ß' - 300mm
ß'' - 300mm
ß''' - 299mm
T' - 140mm
T'' - 139.5mm
T''' - 138mm
Photos of these parts have also been shared below.
The T measurements were all made on different parts along the same length and the measurements deviate by a maximum of 2mm. Please be assured that while this deviation is present, it is not visibly noticeable to the naked eye. However, we understand that precision is essential to you, and we value your satisfaction above all else. Therefore, if the current measurements do not meet your expectations, we would be more than happy to re-do the tray according to your desired specifications. Your feedback is crucial to us, and we appreciate your attention to detail. Please let us know how you would like to proceed.
Thank you for your understanding and patience. We remain committed to providing you with the best possible service and look forward to your response.
Regards,
Vicky Achieng.
Dear Vicky,
Thank you very much. I am happy with the drawers. The new measurements are really helpful. I am very happy with the result.
As I mentioned via email, I would prefer to delay the shipping as our house is rented out this summer to other people. Could we wait until August 22nd to organise the shipping to the UK?
Thanks a lot
Elisabeth
Dear Elisabeth,
We are thrilled to hear that you are happy with the product based on the photos we shared with you and that the product meets your expectations.
Regarding your request to delay the shipping of the product, we understand your need for a specific delivery date. We are more than happy to accommodate your request and ensure that the product arrives at your desired time.
To proceed with the shipment arrangement, we kindly ask you to confirm the readiness of the product for shipping using the radio button on the page once you are logged in to the system. You will find the option to indicate that the product is ready to ship. By confirming this, we can proceed with the necessary logistics and scheduling to meet your requested delivery date.
Thank you for your cooperation, and we look forward to fulfilling your request and delivering the product to you on the specified date.
Best regards,
Vicky Achieng.
I am happy with the product
Final Delivery – The Completed Piece in Photos
Customer Photos After Delivery
The Finished Unique Piece – Individually Handmade
Reference: ON009553E-48370
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Cost of material |
60.1
|
| Cost of labour |
84.49
|
| Cost of packaging |
5.3
|
| Cost of delivery to local operations manager |
4.45
|
| Subtotal – payout to artisan |
154.34
|
| Customer acquisition costs (advertising etc.) |
15.43
|
| Handling fee Urban Change Lab |
15.43
|
| Shipping costs from Kenya to United Kingdom* |
100
|
| VAT (United Kingdom)* |
0
|
| Total |
285.2
|
*Shipping costs and VAT vary depending on your location.
