Jade-cove began in a small garage workshop in 2018. What started as a hobby—carving simple signs for friends and family—gradually evolved into something more meaningful. People kept asking where they could get their own, and it became clear there was a genuine desire for handcrafted wooden pieces in a world increasingly dominated by mass production.
We don't rush the process. Each sign receives the time it needs to be done properly. From wood selection to final finishing, every step follows traditional woodworking principles refined over generations. There are no shortcuts when it comes to craftsmanship.
The wood we use comes from responsibly managed sources. We prefer domestic Canadian hardwoods when available, though certain specialty woods are sourced from certified sustainable suppliers. Each board is inspected individually—color consistency, grain pattern, structural integrity. Only wood that meets our standards makes it to the workshop floor.
After you place an order, we begin by creating a digital mockup of your design. This ensures the proportions work with the selected wood piece. Once approved, the physical work begins.
Carving is done using both CNC precision equipment and hand tools, depending on the design complexity. The CNC ensures consistent depth and spacing, while hand finishing adds the subtle touches that make each piece unique. Sharp tools are essential—dull tools tear wood fibers instead of cutting them cleanly, resulting in a rougher finish.
Sanding happens in stages. We start with coarser grits to remove machining marks, then progress through finer grits until the surface is smooth to the touch. This can take hours for a single sign, but it's what allows the finish to absorb evenly.
The finishing process varies by wood type and intended use. Indoor pieces might receive a natural oil finish that deepens the wood's color while maintaining its tactile quality. Outdoor pieces get multiple coats of marine-grade sealant to withstand moisture, UV exposure, and temperature fluctuations.
There's something deeply satisfying about creating objects that people genuinely cherish. In an age where so much is disposable, wooden signs represent permanence. They mark important moments—weddings, new homes, family milestones—and they last.
We've received photos from clients showing our signs hanging proudly in their homes, sometimes years after purchase. That longevity is what drives us. When you make something built to last, you're not just selling a product—you're contributing to someone's life story.
Every order is treated as if it's for our own home. We don't release a piece until it meets our internal quality standards. If something isn't right—a finish imperfection, a slightly uneven carving—it gets redone. No exceptions.
This approach means we can't scale production the way a factory might. We're limited by the number of hours in a day and the number of hands available. But that limitation is also our strength. It ensures that attention to detail never gets sacrificed for volume.