custom cribboards

Imagine all the things that happen around a crib board:  the time passed, the stories told, the bluffs called, the math learned, the smiles and the ire.  How many ways can you get to 15? Don’t ask James Kelly because he doesn’t know how to play!

But he does make awesome crib boards. James Kelly is an artisan, digital media man, lover of good wood and the guy behind James Kelly Designs.  His work brings family and friends together. 

A hallway bench was James’ first foray into the design world.  He calls himself ‘half-handy’ - kind of like saying 555J is not a bad hand.  He was inspired to craft a round, non-stop crib-board, and when people saw what he could with the middle, they were inspired to get one of their own.  Family names and sports team insignia are very popular add-ins.  

culture and connection in wood

He loves to work with repurposed wood, especially if it has special meaning for the customer, but typically he uses oak, walnut, redwood, maple and exotic wood.

James also takes on occasional custom work.  He’s done crib boards in the shape of fish, a bear, and the island of Newfoundland!   Creating a Newfoundland and Labrador themed chess set is a dream of his - but he won’t committee to who the pieces will represent!

“That,” he says, “has yet to be determined!”