Brian Ng'aru crafted a stunning wooden glasses case for Klaus, blending natural elegance and practicality with a touch of personalization. What's your wish?
A request by Klaus from Berlin, Germany
I would like a custom-made glasses case in the color dark, made of high-quality wood with visible knots. The case should be the same size as the standard Marc O’Polo cases and therefore ideal for large glasses.
The design should be classically modern and emphasize the natural beauty of the wood with a smooth finish. The visible knots give the case a rustic charm and make each piece unique. The dimensions should be generous enough to safely accommodate large glasses. A typical size could be around 170 mm in length, 75 mm in width and 50 mm in height.
The inside of the case should be lined with a soft, padded material to protect the glasses from scratches and knocks. A secure magnetic closure ensures that the case remains firmly closed while being easy to open.
In addition, the glasses case should have ventilation holes to prevent moisture build-up that could damage the lenses. For a personalized touch, a subtle monogram or logo could be added to the front of the case.
All edges and surfaces should be polished smooth to ensure a pleasant feel and safety in daily use. Finally, the case should be made from sustainable wood and using environmentally friendly processes to guarantee long-lasting and environmentally friendly use.
The Journey of Creating Custom-made glasses case made from fine wood
Negotiation & Planning
Hi klaus, I am happy to fulfill your order. I can make the glass cases for you with a fine artistic touch with a small logo on top. I will make them out of cypress wood which is light brown in color. I have made a pair before so you could check it out in the previous orders I have been part of. The interior will be finished with a soft leather finishing and in lign with your suggested dimensions so as to accommodate large glasses. I will install the best latch available to ensure safety for the glasses. I will keep you updated with the process to make sure the quality is at per with your expectations. I will also install small ventilation as suggested. I will update you through every step.
Hello Brain,
Light brown is OK 🙂 Even if the dark brown of branch branches can be seen on the outside. It makes the case even more eye-catching.
Can you also use letters like "KSM" or "Klaus" that are burned into the wood? (Automatic translation)
Hi, yeah I can add the initials. Would you opt for hand written pyrography or ones burned using a laser. I can give a quotation for the cases once I have this information
A lasered one, I think, looks very nice. I have also decided on "Klaus". In Word there is "Bermuda Script" (see photo) which looks very nice as a font. (Automatic translation)
Hey, the font is great. Would you like the name plain or made like a logo, or maybe underlined or circled? I have attached a quotation for the case and will be ready to work on it once I have all materials needed. I will also keep you updated with the progress.
Crafting Process
Artisan’s Progress Updates
Hey klaus, I have received your confirmation to start working on your idea. I will keep you updated with the progress.
Hello Brian,
I am pleased that you are implementing my idea. With the lettering it is enough if you leave it at the font. Plain is completely sufficient 🙂 (Automatic translation)
Hello Klaus, I would like to wish you and your family a merry Christmas and happy new year. I have started curving the cases and will update you with pictures once done. I am unable to get small neodenium magnets in the local market and have to ship them in. They should arrive on the 10th of January. This will cause a little delay on the delivery. I hope that's okay and will not interfere with your plans. Everything should be ready by then and will organize shipping immediately the magnets arrive. I look foward to your response.
Hi Brain,
Merry Christmas to you and your family too, and a Happy New Year.
Are hinges also sufficient for closing? It doesn't have to be magnets. (Automatic translation)
Hello Klaus,
I plan on having the hinges on the back side and the magnet on the front side for closing tight instead of a latch. I have attached a picture of the hinges I will use and another indicating where I will have the magnets. I think it will be a great design. I have already placed an order for the magnets.
I'm curious how it looks afterwards 🙂
No closure in the front, but the magnets, could look even better. That lets the wood come into its own even better. am curious 🙂
Can the hinges at the back be hidden, i.e. screwed to the inside of the edge? (Automatic translation)
Hey klaus, the hinges can be hidden but not completely because of the size.The fold on the hinges will be visible. A different option would be to have magnets on all four sides. This would mean that the upper and bottom part become completely separate when you open. What would be your preference
Hello Brain,
the kink is not disturbing, that is common and must be so 🙂
I would like the hinges 🙂 Two tiny parts could split during transportation and break the glasses. (Automatic translation)
Hey klaus, I hope the year has started on a great note 😊. I have curved the glass cases and currently sanding as I wait for the magnets to arrive. I have received notification that they will be here over the weekend. I have uploaded some pictures of the progress so far. Am yet to sand the interior and install the leather lining. What finish would you opt for, varnish or wax? Also, I adjusted the measurements a little bit length 179mm, width 79mm and 50mm height since a sample eye glass I am using is abit of a tight fit.
Hello Brain,
I started the new year well, hope you did too?
Thanks for the pictures. Outside and inside turned out very nice. And my wish to mount the hinges on the inside has already been realized 🙂 Thank you.
Waxing looks very nice, and lets the Holt breathe a little.
This box even fits two pairs of glasses, by the looks of it.
I have sent you two pictures of my glasses 🙂 So that you have a reference point 🙂 Unfortunately I have only now come up with this idea, I apologize. (Automatic translation)
Hello Klaus, I hope you are having a great time. I got the magnets and installed them. Tried to hide them under the wood so it looks classic. Unfortunately while sanding, since the piece of wood covering the magnet is really tiny, so that it holds tight, one side got exposed. I want to remove the magnet and reinstall it again unless you don't mind it.. I also went and looked for leather that would perfectly match the wood. I have cut the pieces and will attach it once you confirm the color works for you. Tomorrow I will get the engraving done and do the finishing then I can deliver it to be shipped. I have sent elaborate pictures, check them out and tell me what you think
Hello Brain,
It looks like the wood burst when you drilled the hole for the magnet? If you sand it so well that this break is not noticeable I see no problem 🙂
The color of the leather matches the wood, I like it 🙂 you can use it. (Automatic translation)
Hello Klaus,
The case is now ready for delivery. I have fixed the small issue it had and engraved with laser. I also included some ventilation holes as you wished. I have waxed both the leather and the wood and I like the look. I have uploaded pictures of the final product. I hope you like it. I can avail it for shipping once you give the go ahead and confirm satisfaction with the outcome. I look forward to hearing from you. 🙂😊
Hello Brain,
Thanks for your work. It looks very good. Outside as well as inside. I can't wait to see what it looks like live when I get it. (Automatic translation)
Hello Klaus,
This is Vicky, the local operations manager. I’ve just received your glasses case from Brian, and I’m impressed with the result so far.
The dimensions you requested were 170mm x 75mm x 50mm, but Brian has crafted it slightly differently at 175mm x 76mm x 45mm. Despite this variation, the glasses fit perfectly, with ample space remaining even when the case is closed.
Brian also added four ventilation holes at the back, which should work excellently for this purpose. Inside, there’s a soft leather padding, ensuring your lenses are protected from scratches. The magnetic latch is discreetly hidden, easy to open, and securely keeps the case closed. The natural wood knots give the case a uniquely beautiful and elegant look.
I’ve taken close-up photos showing different angles of the case, both with and without glasses inside. The photos also include measurements for the length, width, and height. Kindly review them and let us know if you’re happy with the result so we can proceed with the shipping process.
Warmest regards,
Vicky Achieng
Hello Vicky,
Unfortunately I can't view your pictures because they are in a format that is not known. Could you convert them to JPG and send them to me? (Automatic translation)
Hello Klaus,
Apologies for that. Let me do that and send again.
Good morning Vicky,
Thanks for the pictures. A very nice case for the glasses. Lots of space for a pair of glasses 🙂
I agree and can send it to me 🙂 (Automatic translation)
The Finished Unique Piece – Individually Handmade
Reference: ON-AI-000053D-73373
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Cost of material |
26.94
|
| Cost of labour |
53.87
|
| Cost of packaging |
1.15
|
| Cost of delivery to local operations manager |
2.31
|
| Subtotal – payout to artisan |
84.27
|
| Customer acquisition costs (advertising etc.) |
8.43
|
| Handling fee Urban Change Lab |
8.43
|
| Shipping costs from Kenya to Germany* |
30
|
| VAT (Germany)* |
24.91
|
| Total |
156.04
|
*Shipping costs and VAT vary depending on your location.
