In fine woodworking, colour is rarely just about paint or dye. The most compelling palettes are often those grown naturally by nature, captured within the grain of native timber. When carefully selected and brought together in a single piece, contrasting wood species transform a simple functional object into a striking study in light, depth, and shadow. Combining species requires more than just picking light and dark boards, it’s an exercise in balance, texture, and understan

Every year, millions of gifts go through a predictable lifecycle. They are unwrapped with enthusiasm, displayed on a shelf for a few months, tucked into a drawer by year two, and quietly disposed of or donated by year five. We live in a culture of mass-consumption where even 'luxury' gifts are often made from synthetic finishes, short-lived electronics, or trend-driven design, destined for e-waste and landfills. When we give these items, we aren't giving a lasting gesture, we

When we think about an engagement ring, it is usually the ring itself that receives all the attention. But before it is slipped onto a finger, there is another small object that plays an important part in the moment - the ring box. A beautiful ring deserves a beautiful setting. For us at Cubi, this is where the idea of a ring box becomes much more interesting. It isn’t simply somewhere to keep a ring. It can be an object in its own right: something carefully designed, beautif

When we search for a meaningful gift, we’re looking for something more than just 'another object'. We want a gift that carries weight, captures a moment, and lasts long enough to tell a story. Mass-produced items are everywhere, but a handcrafted box exists in a different realm of gift-giving. It serves as both a practical home for life’s smallest treasures and a piece of standalone art. Here’s why a bespoke marquetry box is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give. A De

The Art of the Tactile Detail: Why Modern Craft is Felt, Not Just Seen

Marquetry has a long and interesting history. For centuries intricate floral flourishes, sweeping scrolls, and ornate classical scenes were inlaid into the surfaces of traditional hardwood furniture. It was a craft defined by its skill and complexity, used to produce pieces that celebrated decorative opulence. Today, however, the medium is used in a different way, taking the age-old technique of hand-assembling wood veneers, chosen for their grain, colour and beauty, but then

When you’re planning a proposal, every single detail matters. You spend months finding the perfect ring, scouting the ultimate location, and figuring out exactly what you’re going to say. But there’s one crucial element that often gets overlooked until the very last second: the box. The standard, bulky plastic box that comes from the high street jeweller serves a purpose, but it rarely matches the magic of the moment. If you want your proposal to feel truly seamless, personal

We have visited the New Craftsman Gallery on every yearly trip, usually times three, we have made from Bristol to St Ives since 1987. I am sure I must have accompanied my parents from the late 60's numerous times too as they adored St Ives, Cornish art and greatly appreciated contemporary interiors and beautiful hand made things in general. When I think about the New Craftsman Gallery I always recall the numerous friendly greetings we have been met with over the years. As we

Last week we were very pleased to receive an email saying that our recent application to the Crafts Council Directory had been accepted....

Our new range of wooden single and double ring boxes are made from solid walnut and have stylish marquetry tops, making them perfect to...

This week we are very pleased to launch our new range of double and single luxury wooden ring boxes with solid walnut cases and marquetry...

One of our favourite pastimes is visiting galleries and museums and over the years we have been lucky enough to spend our time wandering...

Developing our new range of artisan, solid wood and veneered parquetry/marquetry, double and single ring boxes. This week we have been...

We used some of the leading names in the Op Art movement - 'Riley' after British artist Bridget Riley; 'Vasarely' after Hugarian/French...

Our main reason for visiting the Kunstmuseum was to see the Maurits Cornelius Escher exhibition: Escher - Other World , 18th February...

We named one of our ring boxes after Bridget Riley, an inspirational British painter who was part of the 1960s Op Art movement (the term...