Absolom Dube crafted beautiful custom trays for Lutz, elegantly showcasing cherished tiles brought from travels in rich, dark wood. What's your wish?
A request by Lutz from München, Germany
Hello,
My partner has long unused individual tile tiles that she has brought back from her travels.
I would like to glue these tiles in a wooden tray made per tile, modeled on a tray that we already have and can be seen in the attachment.
The dimensions of the tiles are
15x15x0,5cm
20x20x0,5cm
We tend to prefer darker woods.
Depending on the price, I would also take 2 of each of the trays if necessary.
The Journey of Creating custom trays for our own tiles
Negotiation & Planning
custom trays for our own tiles - design ideas and artisan proposals
Hello Lutz,
I'm happy to provide an offer for your idea.
The best wood with a darker color and durable is mahogany.
Cypress and pine can do but they're not dark and are softwoods.
You've given the dimensions for the tiles which I'm made to understand should be the inside dimensions. What should be the height of the trays?
Would you prefer matt or glossy finish?
I'll work with Cypress and stain it a darker stain so as to try and work with your budget. Working with mahogany will exceed your budget.
The price indicated if for the four trays.(assorted)
Hello Absolom,
Thank you for your suggestion for the implementation and your offer. Gladly I accept this. To your questions:
The inner dimensions of the tray should correspond to the dimensions of the tiles. The edge of the tray should be if possible 3cm high with a bottom of about 1cm thickness. I would like to follow your advice and use dark stained cypress wood. I prefer a matt surface.
Thank you very much in advance. I am very curious about the result. If you have any questions, just contact me again. Many greetings, Lutz (Automatic translation)
Thank you for your response and I'll begin the job as soon as possible. I'll also keep you posted with the progress.
Crafting Process
How to make a custom trays for our own tiles – work in progress
I've done sanding of the wood and made the frames. The bottom is yet to be attached and the handles. The next step will be staining them and then engage painting process.
Hello Absolom,
Thank you very much for the update. I unfortunately only now realized that there is a misunderstanding regarding the dimensions. The inner dimensions of the tablet should only fit 1 not 4 tiles each, so 15x15cm or 20x20cm. I am very embarrassed but I have only just seen your sketch. Can you adjust the measurements to fit the smaller area before adding the floor or is it already too late? I am very sorry that I did not notice this sooner. Thanks for your understanding. Many greetings, Lutz (Automatic translation)
Thank you for the confirmation. It's not yet late since I've not attached the bottom. I'll resize them all. I'll be keeping you posted so that we can move together. My appreciation for the quick response and may you have a lovely day/night.
Thanks for the change and the understanding. Greetings, Lutz (Automatic translation)
Your most welcome Lutz
Hello Lutz
I've done some rectification and was able to achieve the required measurements. Now I'm remaining with sanding, staining and then furnishing for a good finishing.
I'll keep you updated on the progress..
Hello Absolom,
Thanks for the feedback. It looks good already and I'm curious to see the final state.
Greetings,
Lutz (Automatic translation)
Hello Lutz,
The trays are complete. I really hope they suit your taste and preference and also believe that the final stain and the furnishing are as per your expectations.
Hi Absolom,
It looks great! I'm very happy with the result and the quick execution.
I will hold it in high regards. I'm pretty sure my partner will love it.
If I have more Ideas I certainly will get in touch.
Thanks for all your effort.
With the very best wishes,
Lutz (Automatische Übersetzung)
(Automatic translation) 02 Dec 2021 8:55 pm: Lutz
(Automatic translation) 02 Dec 2021 8:55 pm: Lutz
Hello Absolom,
that looks great! I am very happy with the result and the fast execution.
I will cherish it. I'm pretty sure my partner will love it.
If I get any more ideas, I'll be sure to get back to you.
Thank you so much for your effort.
With the very best wishes,
Lutz (Automatic translation)
Final Delivery – The Completed Piece in Photos
Customer Photos After Delivery
The Finished Unique Piece – Individually Handmade
Reference: ON005941E-31808
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Cost of material |
42.29
|
| Cost of labour |
20.33
|
| Cost of packaging |
4.07
|
| Cost of delivery to local operations manager |
2.44
|
| Subtotal – payout to artisan |
69.13
|
| Customer acquisition costs (advertising etc.) |
6.91
|
| Handling fee Urban Change Lab |
6.91
|
| Shipping costs from Kenya to Germany* |
30
|
| VAT (Germany)* |
15.76
|
| Total |
134.41
|
*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.