Brian Ng'aru crafted a stunning, custom-made tray with an elegant edge, perfectly fitting Cordula's vision of beauty and style. What's your wish?
A request by Cordula from Owschlag, Germany
I would like a tray 55x55cm with 4cm high edge; about 5mm thick; perfect would be if it was petrol matte lacquered, or stained gray.
The Journey of Creating custom made tray 55x55cm with 4cm high edge
Negotiation & Planning
custom made tray 55x55cm with 4cm high edge - design ideas and artisan proposals
Hello Cordula, I am happy to provide an offer for your idea, I would suggest that we stain the tray grey and apply linseed oil to seal and waterproof it(for food safety purposes). I have attached a picture showing the different shades of grey available for staining to help understand which tone of grey you would prefer. I am looking forward to your feedback.
Hi Brian,
I think the carbon grey is the best.
Best regards
Cordula (Automatic translation)
Hey Cordula, I believe I have all the information I need to actualize your idea.
Hi Brian,
It seems to me that the cost of logistics is quite high after all.
Your address is in Nairobi; yet so much money for transportation alone in Kenya? Packaging is important; remarkably expensive in Kenya. (Automatic translation)
Sorry, I made a mistake. Urban Change Lab suggested ways to cut delivery and packaging cost. Therefore I adjusted them.
On another note: As I am an artist I could add a burning art to one or two sides of the tray to make it unique. Have a look at the photo I uploaded and please let me know if this interests you?
I agreed with 140,93€ and am excited about the tablet. Hopefully it will be as hoped.
HG
Cordula Burghoff (Automatic translation)
Fantastic, looking forward to getting started
Crafting Process
How to make a custom made tray 55x55cm with 4cm high edge – work in progress
Good afternoon, thank you for the go ahead. I will begin realizing your idea tomorrow and keep you updated on the progress as I go along.
Hello Brian,
why do I get this mail again? I have paid; I think that tablet is in process?
When will it be shipped?
HG
Cordula Burghoff (Automatic translation)
Good afternoon and merry festive season. So sorry for the late update, I had to travel upcountry and will be back in studio on Monday and share progress as I get started on the project. Hope this is okay?
Hello Brian,
Thanks for the mail, I hope you had a nice festive season too. I had actually wondered a bit about the tight schedule 12/21 - 12/30/2022.
No, I don't have a problem if the tablet is finished later.
Best regards and a good start into the New Year!
Cordula (Automatic translation)
Good morning, I have noted that 5mm would be weak to work with do you mind if I use a thickness of 10mm
no, I do not mind
HG
Cordula Burghoff (Automatic translation)
Fantastic, and for clarification, the two spots shaded on your sketch are cut out handles? I can make them 8cmx2cm
yes, exactly that should represent handles; 8x2cm is very good; thank you
HG (Automatic translation)
Good afternoon, I have attached a couple of pictures of progress so far. I have attached the base, I'll be working on sanding it before attaching the sanded sides. Progress so far... So good👍
So quite the picture is not clear to me; what does "base" mean? Is that the base of the tray? If this is the base, I notice that it is not square (55x55cm should be the tray); also, the ends of the wood pieces are unequal in length. I'm not a carpenter, but it doesn't look very accurate in the pictures. I hope I don't have to worry about this?
HG
Cordula Burghoff (Automatic translation)
Good afternoon, I have attached more images and videos of the progress. The tray is all joined and cut to size, what's left is the final sanding and then staining it grey. I have also attached a video and image of what the stained wood looks like, one side I made darker than the other, let me know if the darker the better. Looking forward to your feedback and go ahead.
Hello Brian,
Thanks for the pictures and videos. This looks great! I think the dark grey is better.
HG
Cordula (Automatic translation)
Good morning, as I waited for the wood glue to settle before doing the final sanding and staining, I noticed that the sides with the cut out handles has shrank on the top center by about 3mm, the other sides, plus the base are all accurate (55cm). Will the 3mm difference be of inconvenience?
I have attached a couple of pictures to show what I mean
Hello Brian,
the tray should go on a table and cover it exactly. The base of the tray must not be smaller al 55x55cm; it would look very unsightly, because then parts of what I exactly do not want to see would probably be possible asymmetrically. That would bother me. If the dimension at the top is smaller, then the edges are not (everywhere) right-angled, right? Doesn't that look crooked?
I'm not sure how much you can see that. (Automatic translation)
Good morning, the base would be flash on the table (55cm x 55cm), the corners are 90 degrees, the 3mm difference is only at the center on the pieces with handles, it doesn't look crooked at all, we can definitely assemble another one if you'd prefer, customer satisfaction is our priority.
I have attached pictures to show the 90 degrees and the slight 3mm difference. Looking forward to your feedback.
Hello Brian,
I can't open the video file. I didn't mean the angle lying on the floor but the angle of the edge of the tray to the base. Actually, one or both of the ledges at the height of the handles must be slightly bowed inward. I don't mean to be nit-picky. If it is indeed only noticeable when measuring and does not look crooked I agree.
HG
Cordula Burghoff (Automatic translation)
Good evening, it's only noticeable when measured, I have attached an aerial view to give you a better idea of what it looks like, looking forward to your feedback, next step will be finishing it, would you prefer a matt finish with linseed oil (best for kitchen use) or a more glossy finish with vanish
Do you think the wood works even more? Or has it all dried through to the point where it won't deform any further now?
I would like a matte finish
HG (Automatic translation)
Good afternoon, it's now completely dry and the 3mm difference hasn't increased since we first noted it and waited for it to dry. I have attached an image to show what the finished look (Matt) looks like on a small piece of wood
Ok, the home stretch (Automatic translation)
Good afternoon, so far looking good. I have done the first layer, once it's dry, I'll do the second coat on Monday and keep you updated do have a lovely weekend.
Ok (Automatic translation)
Good evening, hope you had a great weekend. So far so good, second coat done. Tomorrow I'll share pictures of the final look and once you approve I'll get it packed and sent to our local operators
Good evening Brian,
very nice, I am looking forward to the tray. I just don't quite understand - what does "send to local supplier" mean; how do I get the package?
HG
Cordula Burghoff (Automatic translation)
Good morning Crodula. Our local operators/manager is the company's link who will organize the shipment.
We are sending it today.
Hi Brian,
shouldn't I still get pictures of the final look (your message from 1/23/2013)? Will I get something from the logistics company - e.g. a shipment number so I can estimate when the tablet will arrive?
HG
Cordula (Automatic translation)
Good morning, I have attached a couple of pictures to share the final look. Our local operators will definitely guide you on how you will receive your order.
Ok, looking forward to the tray (Automatic translation)
Hi Cordula,
this is Vicky, the local operations manager in Kenya and I did the quality check for your order.
Unfortunately there are discrepancies with the dimensions.
The width at the edges are 55cm as requested but in the middle only 54,5 cm (on the bottom in the middle only 54,2 cm), means its not straight with a variance of 0,5 cm which is quite visible.
The length is okay varies between 55 cm and 54,8 cm which is not visible.
Secondly, the colour of the tray is not even and finally, the finishing is not perfect as is expected of our craftsmen.
Overall, your tray does currently not meet our quality standards.
We therefore recommend to have it redone at no additional costs. I already talked to Brian about it and he understands my evaluation and is willing to redo.
As to our rules the final call in regard to this decision, is with you. Do you allow Brian to redo to ensure that what you get is perfect?
Hello Vicky,
Brian wrote to me that after gluing a little unfd not visible exclusively in the area of the handles the wood warped about 3mm inward.
D92F838F-8D15-43AD-94DD-35F8DDCA3508.JPG - but this picture shows that the base plate is quasi tapered and that by 1cm. Thank you very much for this control. That would have bothered me a lot. I had written Brian that the base plate of the tray must be 55x55cm; in no case smaller.
see above:
I had written the following:
"So quite the picture is not clear to me; what does "base" mean? Is this the base of the tray? If this is the base, I notice that it is not square (55x55cm should be the tray); moreover, the ends of the pieces of wood are unequal in length. I'm not a carpenter, but it doesn't look very accurate in the pictures. I hope I don't have to worry about this?
HG
Cordula Burghoff
Brian had replied the following:
(Automatic translation) 16 Jan 2023 9:25 am: Brian Ng'aru
Good morning, as I was waiting for the wood glue to set before the final sanding and staining, I noticed that the sides with the handles cut out have shrunk about 3mm in the top center, the other sides and the bottom are all accurate (55cm). Is the 3mm difference uncomfortable?
I have attached a few pictures to show what I mean
Cordula 16 Jan 2023 10:41 pm
Hi Brian,
the tray should go on a table and cover it exactly. The base of the tray must not be smaller al 55x55cm; it would look very unattractive, because then parts of what I exactly don't want to see would probably be possible to see asymmetrically. That would bother me. If the dimension at the top is smaller, then the edges are not (everywhere) square, right? Doesn't that look crooked?
I'm not sure how much you can see that.
Brian Ng'aru 17 Jan 2023 5:51 am
(Automatic translation) 17 Jan 2023 5:51 am: Brian Ng'aru
Good morning, the base would flash on the table (55cm x 55cm), the corners are 90 degrees, the 3mm difference is only in the middle on the pieces with handles, it does not look crooked at all, we can definitely assemble another if you want, customer satisfaction is our priority.
According to your measurements Vicky, it is then different from what Brian wrote (contradiction - base plate is central 45x55) and ultimately unacceptable. I am uncomfortable, but then Brian will have to do it again please.
Very unfortunate.
HG
Cordula (Automatic translation)
hello Cordula, sorry for the delay caused by the measurement error, I will begin working on the tray and promise to be done as soon as possible. thank you for being patient.
Ok, thank you (Automatic translation)
Hello Cordula, I have gotten the material for your tray. I will start working on it immediately. I will keep you updated. enjoy your weekend
Ok, thank you (Automatic translation)
Hello Cordula, the tray is ready for staining and finish. I will upload finished pictures once it is dry and cured. Enjoy the weekend.
Hi Brian,
very nice! that makes me very happy; I'm excited; nice to see it finished now.
Thanks, have a nice weekend to you too.
Cordula (Automatic translation)
Good morning, the tray is ready for delivery, thank you for being patient with us. We are grateful for the opportunity to help realized your idea.
Hi Brian,
in the pictures it looks like the color was not picked up evenly- it may also be deceiving- I realize that wood is a natural product and naturally takes color differently in the area of knotholes than in other places; the important thing to me is that it doesn't look blotchy. In 2 pictures you might think there were 3 light spots. Had you chosen a different finish; planned was oiled, now painted after all?
HG
Cordula (Automatic translation)
Good morning, I completely understand your concern and you are very right, wood does take in color differently, and the light also reflects differently on the knots. The color however does look even, I have tried getting clearer images and a video which I have attached.
OK. (Automatic translation)
Hey Cordula,
I received your product and want to involve you in the quality check so that you are completely satisfied with your product before shipping. So I have shared some photos of the redone tray. The length, width and height of the tray from my measurements are 55cm,55cm and 4cm: although there is a part towards the edge of the tray along the length where the measurement is 54.8cm but not visible from just looking at the tray. Kindly let me know if this will be a problem.
Regards,
Vicky.
Hello Vicky,
Thank you for your message.
No, I think it is not a problem. I would like to have the tray now like this.
Thanks for your critical look; if everything else is right it is good.
HG
Cordula Burghoff (Automatic translation)
Hello cordula, we have started working on your tray. We will keep you updated on the progress. We had to look for kiln dried wood which is expensive and hard to find in the country but the search was successful. We suspect that the tray warped due to moist wood that's why we had to source completely dried wood.
Hello cordula, we have started working on your tray. We will keep you updated on the progress. We had to look for kiln dried wood which is expensive and hard to find in the country but the search was successful. We suspect that the tray warped due to moist wood that's why we had to source completely dried wood.
Hello Brian,
Thank you for the feedback.
Unfortunately a tray that warps that much is not really usable. I hope it will work out now.
Best regards
Cordula Burghoff (Automatic translation)
Hello cordula, the tray is ready. Would you like it stained and finished like the previous one? That is carbon grey stain with a linseed oil finishing
Hello cordula, the tray is ready. Would you like it stained and finished like the previous one? That is carbon grey stain with a linseed oil finishing
Hello Brian,
Is the tray ready now? (Automatic translation)
Hello Cordula.Yes the tray is ready, will it be stained like the previous one?
Hello Cordula.Yes the tray is ready, will it be stained like the previous one?
Hello Brian,
that is very nice - yes please, the coloring, like last time.
Thank you (Automatic translation)
Hello Cordula, the tray is ready for delivery. We will organize with the local manager to ship the tray to you.
Hello Cordula, the tray is ready for delivery. We will organize with the local manager to ship the tray to you.
Hello Brian,
that is very nice! I am very much looking forward to it. Now it would only be important to know in which period I can expect it to arrive. I will not be able to accept the package in the period of 10/6-25/6/23. I would ask that this be taken into consideration when shipping.
HG
Cordula Burghoff (Automatic translation)
Hello Cordula, thanks for the heads up. The tray will be delivered in a weeks time.
Hello Cordula, thanks for the heads up. The tray will be delivered in a weeks time.
Hello Brian,
I don't understand your last message. The tablet is now already shipped? Is it coming before 10/6/2013?
What company is it coming with?
If I could get a tracking number, I could do something myself if necessary to get it to arrive.
As written , either before 10.6 or from 25.6.
HG
Cordula (Automatic translation)
Hello Cordula, the tray will be shipped tomorrow and should arrive before 9th
Hello Cordula, the tray will be shipped tomorrow and should arrive before 9th
Hi Brian,
tomorrow is 7/6; that would be only 2 days from Nairobi - are you sure this can work?
I think it would be safer to wait. If you are sure it will be there on 6/9, you can send it, but please only then.
HG
Cordula (Automatic translation)
Hello Cordula, we decided to send the tray to you on the 25/6 to avoid any inconvenience. Please alert us once you are back so we can ship the tray immediately.
Hello Cordula, we decided to send the tray to you on the 25/6 to avoid any inconvenience. Please alert us once you are back so we can ship the tray immediately.
Hello Cordula,
This is Vicky, the local operations manager. Kindly accept my sincere apologies for the confusing information we gave you recently. I plan to ship on 26/06/2023. I believe that by this date you will be available to receive your tray 2-3 days later when it will be expected to have arrived. We use DHL for shipping, the tracking number together with the commercial shipping invoice document will be uploaded here on the system once the shipping has been done.
So I did the quality check as we we customarily do and below are the lengths of the different sides of the tray:
A-55cm
B-55cm
C-55cm
D-55cm
E-55cm
F-55cm
G-4cm
H-55cm
Feel free to reach out for any further clarifications.
Regards,
Vicky Achieng.
Hello Cordula,
This is Vicky, the local operations manager. Kindly accept my sincere apologies for the confusing information we gave you recently. I plan to ship on 26/06/2023. I believe that by this date you will be available to receive your tray 2-3 days later when it will be expected to have arrived. We use DHL for shipping, the tracking number together with the commercial shipping invoice document will be uploaded here on the system once the shipping has been done.
So I did the quality check as we we customarily do and below are the lengths of the different sides of the tray:
A-55cm
B-55cm
C-55cm
D-55cm
E-55cm
F-55cm
G-4cm
H-55cm
Feel free to reach out for any further clarifications.
Regards,
Vicky Achieng.
Hello Vicky,
Thank you for your message in the clarification. With the appointment, that's good. Then I am there to accept it.
I hope it warps more this time.
I am very happy to get the tray then soon.
Many thanks and best regards
Cordula Burghoff (Automatic translation)
The Finished Unique Piece – Individually Handmade
Reference: ON007827E-41021
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Cost of material |
18.74
|
| Cost of labour |
34.22
|
| Cost of packaging |
1.63
|
| Cost of delivery to local operations manager |
2.44
|
| Subtotal – payout to artisan |
57.03
|
| Customer acquisition costs (advertising etc.) |
5.7
|
| Handling fee Urban Change Lab |
5.7
|
| Shipping costs from Kenya to Germany* |
50
|
| VAT (Germany)* |
22.5
|
| Total |
140.93
|
*Shipping costs and VAT vary depending on your location.
Each price shown is based on a unique, custom request. Final prices may vary depending on materials, effort, and delivery location.
