January 23th, 2012 (or Feb. 4th depending on who you ask) begins the Dragon in Water Cycle (or the final year of the Wood Cycle depending on who you talk to). The dragon is the symbol of power, strength and pride. It’s unpredictable and untouchable. Legend says that since you can’t see its head and tail at the same time, you should expect the unexpected in 2012 (or 4709 depending on who you ask).

Below, CustomMade artisans pay homage to the dragon through unique custom design. Expect the unexpected.

Blueberry Musical Instruments Inc. creates an intricately carved solid mahogany electric guitar with “Hawk & Dragon” motif.

Blueberry "Hawk & Dragon" Electric Guitar by Blueberry Musical Instruments Inc. on CustomMade.com

A hand carved dragon panel is meticulously restored by expert craftsman Eric Saperstein of Artisans of the Valley.

Dragon Carving Restoration by Artisans of the Valley on CustomMade.com

Dragon Carving Restoration by Artisans of the Valley on CustomMade.com

Hand Forged by metal worker Dale Morse of Clay Hill Forge, his custom Dragon Chandelier features  four feng shui symbols (metal is assumed) in glass on each side panel.

Dragon Chandelier by Clay Hill Forge on CustomMade.com

Designed From Wood craftsman Steve Michaud creates a unique four string dulcimer made with a walnut back and sound board. The sides are cherry for a bit of contrast. The peg head has been carved to resemble the neck and head of a dragon.

Dragon Dulcimer by Designed From Wood on CustomMade.com

The makers at Bellchamber Rings created this beautiful Imperial Dragon ring. The pair of dragons face each other and flank a spiral motif. The Imperial Dragons are shown with their distinctive five claws.

Dragon Ring by Bellchamber Rings on CustomMade.com

This hand tooled leather day planner by Kerry Custom Leather is made from full grain cow hide. The interior of the day planner is made from the highest quality pig skin, soft and supple just the way you like it.

Custom Leather Dayplanner with Dragon Design by Kerry's Custom Leather on CustomMade.com

To see more dragon inspired designs, click on our Design Gallery Page .  And if you’re ready to have something unique made especially for you, click Get Started and start creating your dragon inspired keepsake.

If you’re in central New Jersey this weekend, Sept. 10-11, 2011, check out “The Blending of Art and Wine.” Four vineyards will host the works of area artisans, and admission is free to the public.

CustomMade Master Craftsman Eric Saperstein of Artisans of the Valley and independent woodworker Michael Pietras will be sponsoring artists as well as debuting Eric’s new modern art line at the Hopewell Valley Vineyards.  Artisans interested in displaying their work should contact Artisans of the Valley at 609-658-2955.

Hopewell Valley has a growing artistic culture including arti…sts of all sorts, employing skills earned from around the world. Bring your paintings, your sculpture, your furniture, your jewelry! If it’s handcrafted original artwork, it’s welcome at Hopewell Valley Vineyards.

Read more about the event on Eric Saperstein’s blog or the most recent Artisans of the Valley newsletter.

Need directions to all the event locations?

Hopewell Valley Vineyards (Pennington, NJ)

Old York Cellars (Ringoes, NJ)

Terhune Orchards Vineyard and Winery (Princeton, NJ)

Unionville Winery (Ringoes, NJ)

And, of course, there will be wine tasting, too.  Enjoy!  If you can make it to the event, share your impressions and experiences with us.

Custom Carving for a Theme Bar by Artisans of the Valley at CustomMade.com

The message behind this heart shaped musical jewelry box by EFC will be clear even before it’s opened.  Made from black walnut with a maple stripe accent, this box has two storage compartments inside.  Contact the artisan if you want to learn about available custom options.

Musical Jewelry Box by EFC at CustomMade.com

Traditional music boxes need a space to secure a bedplate so the cylinder or disc can turn freely.  If your music box is going to do double duty as a custom baby or wedding keepsake box, you can commission a piece with additional storage space to meet your needs, like this walnut music box with drawer by Moose Eye Creations.  This piece was made from hand selected rough cut black walnut and has a unique feature: “The board used for the upper front frame features the remains of a branch and nut that were absorbed by the tree.” If artisan Dave Metz’s “simple and austere … less is more” approach appeals to you, send him a request for a custom item of your own.

Walnut Music Box with Drawer by Moose Eye Creations at CustomMade.com

A custom music box by Artisans of the Valley would make a great way to commemorate special occasions like graduations, anniversaries, or births.  Woodworker Eric Saperstein can create beautifully hand carved and signed custom boxes like this music box.  Watch this video of a WZBN TV interview featuring Mr. Saperstein at the New Jersey State House on “Made in NJ Day” and you can see and hear this box in action (around the 1:10 mark).   If you have a special request for your “future antique,” share your ideas with the artisan.

Custom Boxes by Artisans of the Valley at CustomMade.com

This mahogany music box was completely rebuilt by Jetwoodshop after it was damaged in a fire.  Artisan James E. Thompson, III, used the parts not completely destroyed as patterns for the rebuild and finished the box to match the original.  (Take a look at the pictures on the gallery page of the charred original parts and a close-up of the music cylinder and comb).  If you have an antique music box restoration challenge, contact Mr. Thompson.

Mahogany Music Box by Jetwoodshop at CustomMade.com

If you have a special song in mind for your custom music box, ask your maker what playback choices are available, because this does impact music availability.  Traditional-style cylinders and discs designed to play particular songs are difficult (but not impossible) to custom manufacture.  Paper and pneumatic-roll renditions of songs may be easier to customize.  If you are not too particular about authenticity, other modern options might be feasible.

Music boxes can serve as custom wooden jewelry display cases, be shared as commemorative gifts, or simply be enjoyed as musical devices with a long history and nostalgic charm.  Find a CustomMade artisan located near you and commission your own today.

Copper Statue by Slate Affair, Inc. at CustomMade.com

No mythical creature is as recognizable universally as the mighty dragon.  Although the reptilian monsters may symbolize fantasy literature and games in modern Western cultures, dragons have been a part of folklore from all over the world for thousands of years.

Dragons are very cool, too.

If you’d like to add a fantasy element to a custom project or you’re just fond of the beasties, CustomMade artisans can find ways to bring a dragon to life in a variety of media and styles.

Imagine your guests’ reactions when they see this copper statue of a dragon by Slate Affair, Inc., rearing up from your lawn.  400 hours were devoted to creating this 3’ tall custom metal statue.  Visit the “Artistic Copper” section of Slate Affair’s portfolio to see this fellow close-up and from different angles.

If you’ve ever tried a role-playing game, you’ve probably been surprised at the table.  Have you ever seen a table that could surprise you?  Nothing says, “Roll for initiative, hero!” like this dragon coffee table by Custom Wood Carving.  Artisan Joel Leonard custom designed and carved this piece from African mahogany.  Take a look at some close-up photos in Mr. Leonard’s galleries of this regal and powerful creature as it appears to swim across the surface of the table.

Dragon Coffee Table by Custom Wood Carving at CustomMade.com

What could be more appropriate to place on a dragon themed coffee table than a baby dragon chalice by On Fire Glassworks? Glass artisan David Jordan created the wee wyrms on this custom made glassware from black silver fumed borosilicate glass using the ancient glassblowing technique of lampworking, which seems fitting for creating dragons, even young ones.

Baby Dragon Chalice by On Fire Glassworks, available at CustomMade.com

Perhaps you already have an ancient dragon in your home who would appreciate some custom antique restoration?  This noble Asian-style dragon arrived at the Artisans of the Valley workshop without finish, in serious disrepair, and covered in grime.  You can see the spectacular end result of this dragon carving restoration below.  Check out the gallery page, too, for the “before pictures” and the details of the restoration process.

Dragon Carving Restoration by Artisans of the Valley at CustomMade.com

If these legendary lizards have fired your imagination, discuss your ideas with a CustomMade artisan in your area and make your own custom dragon themed project a reality.

Japanese Style Water Droplet Table by Michael Wolniewicz Custom Furniture Design at CustomMade.com

See the water pooling on the table to the right?

It’s not water.  (Too late for April Fool’s!)  It’s a Japanese style water droplet table by Michael Wolniewicz Custom Furniture Design with a water effect designed and hand-finished into the walnut tabletop itself.  Above the table, a three-pronged light fixture hangs over the center of each expanding circle, as if it is dripping onto the surface.  This one-of-a-kind table and lighting design is not available for reproduction, but if you want custom furniture that will stun your guests and wow you every time you see it, here are a few suggestions to stimulate your custom-bone and your imagination so you’ll be motivated to find local custom furniture makers who can build some unusual effects into a variety of things.

Make it Bigger

A simple matter of perspective: take something small and make it huge and you can find new functions for a familiar form.  Do you or someone you know like Scrabble?  CraigWoodWorks can create many items “Of a Scrabble Theme,” including large-scale tiles that would make wonderful custom accessories or wall décor gifts (or really big words) for the Scrabble aficionado.

"Of a Scrabble Theme" by CraigWoodWorks at CustomMade.com

Just Add Whimsy

If your refrigerator is running, why can’t your cabinet go skateboarding?  (Am I right?)  Seriously, indulge your sense of humor and take a look at some of the amazing custom made whimsical pieces that CustomMade artisans have designed, like this Skateboarder Cabinet by Holzer Ames Furniture with comically frightened features that double as drawer pulls, stubby legs/wheels, and graffiti décor.  If you’re having a difficult time getting into the spirit of whimsical furniture, consult an expert in fantasy and fun: a child. If you’re thinking of investing in children’s furniture, keep in mind that children in particular love furniture that is also “something else,” and when they grow up they’ll have a healthy imagination and a unique heirloom piece they can pass down to their own children.

Skateboarder Cabinet by Holzer Ames Furniture at CustomMade.com

Get a Head

We’ve seen custom pieces with arms and legs.  Why not heads? Artisans of the Valley can top their folk art walking sticks with a custom carving of a head or figure of the customer’s choice, be it an animal, bird, or famous person – from history, music, or a galaxy far, far away.  These unique, signed walking sticks can also be personalized with insignias, logos, slogans, and other details suited to the individual.

Folk Art Walking Sticks by Artisans of the Valley at CustomMade.com these are

Find a CustomMade artisan in your area and have them create a one-of-a-kind piece with twice the appeal.

Would you like an exotic look for your patio?  These hand-forged glass and iron doors, “Visions of Alhambra,” by Brian Hughes Artist Blacksmith will add a stylized Spanish-Moorish accent to your outdoor lounge area and adjacent indoor sunroom or mudroom.

"Vision of Alhambra" Doors by Brian Hughes Artist Blacksmith at CustomMade.com

Perhaps you’d like to get away from the house and create your own version of an outdoor retreat?  This Adirondack style lean-to by Phil’s Woodwork might be what you’re looking for. Phil Szymanowski says, “We use it almost weekly with the fire pit for a nice outdoor experience.”  You, too, can grill or just relax in rustic style in a lean-to custom built for your family.

Lean-to by Phil's Woodwork at CustomMade.com

If you have a pond in your backyard, a custom bridge can add a dramatic accent to your property and create a unique viewing area for your water feature.  Here is a solid mahogany pond bridge restored by Artisans of the Valley.  Imagine yourself admiring the greenery and feeding the fishes while standing on that striking red bridge.   You can have your own bridge custom made or restored to your specifications.

Pond Bridge Restoration by Artisans of the Valley at CustomMade.com

Outdoor illumination can bring both light and mystery to your yard.  These beautiful hand-blown glass NightOrbs are perfect for low-voltage lighting around your garden, water features, or walkways.  Contact Night Orbs and have these durable custom fixtures made for your outdoors (or buy this set through ReadyNow).

NightOrbs on Granite Steps by Night Orbs at CustomMade.com

Whether you have a back 40 waiting for custom landscape architecture or a patio or garden in need of some custom outdoor equipment, CustomMade artisans near you can help you find the great custom outdoors in your own backyard.

A custom storage space to securely house the items you’ve spent your time and money collecting would be a wise investment.  If you have a large record collection, for example, you know it requires special care.  Stuffing your records into bookcases with shelves not sized for them or built to support their weight does not give them the protection they deserve.   Durham Bookcases can build a custom record storage unit to your specifications.  The LP sized multiple compartments will keep you from shoving all your records to the side just to pull out the one you want and will be a great help when you decide to reorganize your collection, whether chronologically, alphabetically, or autobiographically.

Record Storage Unit by Durham Bookcases at CustomMade.com

Custom made keepsake boxes to store valuable or personal items can become family heirlooms.  For a traditional style of keepsake box, consider having Artisans of the Valley build a Bible box for your family.  Bible boxes were used in Colonial American homes to house family Bibles, important documents, and even prized seeds.  You can commission your own Bible box with decorations and carvings such as traditional patterns, initials, monograms, or wildlife and landscape scenes.

Bible Box by Artisans of the Valley at CustomMade.com

Whether you collect shoes or whether your shoes are collecting on the floor, this Tansu shoe bench by Tim Neun Fine Furniture is a smart combination of a custom trunk and practical bench seating.  Inspired by Japanese Tansu cabinetry and the revelation that putting on your shoes while sitting is preferable to doing so while bending over, these custom storage solutions can be made from many different kinds of wood and built to your specific space requirements, so you can fit one in your entry hall, bedroom, or closet. (You can also buy this Tansu shoe bench through CustomMade’s ReadyNow Store).

Tansu Shoe Bench by Tim Neun Fine Furniture, available at CustomMade.com

Do you have a unique jewelry collection? How about your jewelry box?  Jewelry combines monetary and sentimental value in a very personal manner because it is worn next to your skin.  When jewelry is put away, custom jewelry boxes can reflect the uniqueness of your collection or the person who wears the jewelry.  From traditional designs to futuristic visions, like the “We Come in Peace” jewelry box made from mahogany, avodire, and ebony by Ray Jones Woodcrafts, a custom jewelry box can be a unique eye-catching showcase.

"We Come in Peace" by Ray Jones Woodcrafts at CustomMade.com

Let CustomMade artisans build custom storage solutions for anything and everything you need to organize, preserve, or present.

A tiki bar!

Tiki Bar at Hala Kahiki, River Grove, Illinois

Although influenced by Polynesian tiki figure carvings and commonly associated with Polynesian cultures, the “tiki bar” phenomenon of the mid-20^th century more accurately reflects an American vision of a romanticized Pacific “South Seas” paradise and desire for escape from modern pressures.  Tiki-themed restaurants and lounges with their distinctive tropical/bamboo architectural look were everywhere in the 50s and 60s.  A tour of James Teitelbaum’s Top Ten best surviving examples of this craze would make quite a road trip.

Well into the 21^st century, tiki bars still represent a refuge from everyday cares.  If that road trip (or Hawaiian vacation) doesn’t look likely this summer, you can add your own personal vision of an island paradise to your backyard with a custom-made tiki bar.  Bamboo & Tikis sells custom tiki bars and other bamboo furniture.  Consider having one of our CustomMade artisans with expertise in building custom bars or figure carving, such as Artisans of the Valley, design and build one for you.

Carved Tiki Totem by Artisans of the Valley at CustomMade.com

If you’ve been searching for a new, out of the ordinary décor for a room, why not go with tiki?  This custom tiki-themed stained glass piece by The Glass Kats would be a great step in the creation of your own tiki lounge.

Island Tiki Stained Glass by The Glass Kats at CustomMade.com

Check it out if you get a chance – click this link for Episode 4 of Season 1.  The Artisans of the Valley segment starts at 12 minutes.  You can also watch the segment on YouTube.

In the video, Eric points out that we are creating the antiques of tomorrow. The pressed board pieces of furniture that can be purchased at cheap furniture stores will never last long enough to be treasured keepsakes. This is a really wonderful video that helps explain the importance and history of keeping custom woodworking.

You can check out all of Eric’s work on our website at: http://www.custommade.com/by/artisansofthevalley