Brian Ng'aru crafted a perfectly fitted wooden cutlery tray, fulfilling Manuela's wish for order and elegance in her kitchen. What's your wish?
A request by Manuela from Obfelden, Schweiz
Made-to-measure cutlery tray. Length: 62 cm. Width: 38 cm. Height: 7 cm. Compartment layout: Standard (compartments for forks, knives, tablespoons, teaspoons, cake forks and a large compartment for serving cutlery).
The Journey of Creating Custom-Sized Wooden Cutlery Tray 62x38x7 cm
Negotiation & Planning
Custom-Sized Wooden Cutlery Tray 62x38x7 cm - design ideas and artisan proposals
Hi Manuela,
Thanks for reaching out with your request for a made-to-measure cutlery tray. It sounds like you've got a clear idea of what you're after. Just to make sure we get everything spot on for you, could you let us know if you have any preferences regarding the type of wood or material you'd like for the tray? The available wood options include pine, cypress, mahogany and mvule. Also, do you have a specific finish or color in mind that would match or complement your kitchen decor? We have the option of using paint, varnish or oil. Feel free to share any additional details or thoughts that could help us craft the perfect tray for your needs.
Mahogany oiled (Automatic translation)
"Hi Manuela,
I'm taking over your request, as Paul is unable to complete it due to personal reasons. I will craft the tray from mahogany with a linseed oil finish. The wood thickness will be approximately 1 cm throughout to ensure robustness. I've attached a sketch of the proposed design for your review. Please feel free to suggest any adjustments. I look forward to working on your idea
Hello Brian
That's all okay. (Automatic translation)
Hi Manuela, thanks for the feedback. I look forward to starting on this project and will keep you updated as we progress. Please feel free to reach out at any point with further questions or comments.
Best regards, Brian
Crafting Process
How to make a Custom-Sized Wooden Cutlery Tray 62x38x7 cm – work in progress
Hi Manuela, I have received confirmation to start working on your idea. I will keep you updated throughout the process.
Okay, thank you very much (Automatic translation)
Hi Manuela,
I have purchased mahoganny wood and cut it to stripes to prepare it for the project. I am excited to startd and will keep you posted with every progress made. I have uploade images of the wood too.
Looks very nice. (Automatic translation)
Hello manuela.
The tray us ready for delivery to the local manager for quality check and shipping. After sanding, we lost 1mm in wideness, its 62 by 37.9 which should be neglegible. I have uploaded pictures of the final product. Am happy to proceed to the next step once I receive your go ahead.
That's great (Automatic translation)
Hello Manuela,
This is Vicky, the local operations manager. I’ve completed a quality check of your custom-made mahogany cutlery tray, and I’m pleased to confirm that it aligns well with your specifications and the approved design sketch provided by Brian Ng'aru.
The tray’s overall measurements are accurate: 62 cm in length, 37.9 cm in width, and 7 cm in height. The wood thickness is consistent throughout at approximately 1 cm, providing a solid and durable structure. The compartment layout matches your requested arrangement, with designated sections for forks, knives, tablespoons, teaspoons, cake forks, and a larger serving area.
Functionally, each compartment is well-proportioned and accessible, and the tray feels stable and firm under moderate pressure, with no creaking or flexing. The surface is smooth and well-sanded, free from rough areas or splinters. The edges are neatly finished, and all joints are tightly secured, with no visible gaps.
The tray has been finished with linseed oil, which has been evenly applied across the surface. The finish enhances the natural grain and rich tone of the mahogany wood, giving the tray a consistent color that is both practical and visually appealing.
Please have a look at the attached photos and let us know if everything meets your expectations so we can proceed with the next steps.
Best regards,
Vicky Achieng
That looks great, just as we imagined.
Thank you very much (Automatic translation)
The Finished Unique Piece – Individually Handmade
Reference: ON017614E-81759
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Cost of material |
46.4
|
| Cost of labour |
60.68
|
| Cost of packaging |
2.5
|
| Cost of delivery to local operations manager |
2.86
|
| Subtotal – payout to artisan |
112.44
|
| Customer acquisition costs (advertising etc.) |
11.24
|
| Handling fee Urban Change Lab |
11.24
|
| Shipping costs from Kenya to Schweiz* |
61.11
|
| VAT (Schweiz)* |
0
|
| Total |
196.03
|
*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.
