VanEss Expressions creates unique & unusual, original & custom, handcrafted wood Gifts & Home Decor items. We try to keep a variety of items in stock, but never know what the next person might want. If you haven't found what you are looking for in our Gifts & Decor category, maybe here you can find some ideas for a Special Order.


Our Family Tree ~
Perfect gift for parents or grand parents. Our family tree comes as a mantel item (shown) as well as a wall decoration. Our basic tree come with six 2" picture holders, but we know that families come in all sizes. Just Contact Us and let us know how many branches you need. The table version can have photos on both sides, and if you have a really big family - we can make a forest. This one stands about 18" tall and 11" across and was actually one of a pair ordered - almost mirror images of each other. One was a gift for Mom, the other for Dad.

Traditional Wood Nut Bowls ~
Our classic holiday nut bowls are beautiful, functional, and great for entertaining - any time of the year. Hand-turned, solid wood nut bowls come in oak, ash, maple, cherry or walnut; and can be Special Ordered in other woods. Of course, each is unique, though typically run between 8 - 9" across and about 9" tall (to the tip of the handle). Some have straighter sides, some more rounded. Some have decorative grooves, some not. Some have all the wood runing the same direction, others have the wood set perpendicular (which gives unique visual effect). The stems on each vary in shape rise from a center pedestal that is made to hold a Nut Cracker & 2 Picks (we include a set, so all you need to do is add the nuts). Please Click Here for some examples of some of the Nut Bowls we've made.

Decorative & Keep-Sake Boxes ~
Our decorative wood boxes can come in a variety of sizes, woods, and functions. The one shown combines Walnut & Ash, which make the distinctive box-joint corners really stand out. Using woods of closer coloring can result in a much subtler effect. Book boxes have straight sides and are made specifically for the treasured photo album, family Bible, etc. Tea boxes and jewelry boxes are comparmentalized. Keep-sake boxes can come in many sizes - for whatever it is that you want to keep safe. Please Click Here to see a few examples.

Wood Vases, Bowls, Containers & More ~
Nothing we sell has more variety than our individually & personally hand-turned wood vases and bowls. From solid stock or glued up wood, from single or multi-woods, tall or short - and the shapes . . . the possibilities are endless. We can turn stock from 2" to about a foot long, and up to 5" across on our small lathes, and we have a larger lathe pieces pieces up to 10" across and almost 3' in length. Just reference one or more of our current items

Photo Desk Accessories ~
Our very popular 'tower' is a great way to take your family to work, or for the student going away to school. The one shown has a turned lidded cup, a pen holder and three 2" photo holders. If you want a different shape, need more or less photos or have a totally different concept - just let us know, we'll see what we can create for you. The possibilites are endless.


Functional Wall Decor ~
Shelving, shadow boxes, curio cabinets and and other decorative display cases are perfect to show off thoses treasured momentos, photographs, candles, plants - just about anything. The custom corner shelf on the left was special ordered to disguise a very unique problem area. Tell us what you are looking for and we'll see if we can put it together for you.


Decorative Wall Accents ~
Decorative wood sconces can be used alone to fill a small empty area, as a pair to bracket a doorway or fireplace, or combined & grouped for a decorative focal point on a large wall. Wall accents & decor can come in all shapes and sizes, depending on the need. The over-sized mirrored sconces on the right give a very dramatic effect.


Unusual Candel Holders ~ We make many miscellaneous and unique wood candle holders. Candles are perfect to set out on any table. They can make great centerpieces, or lined up on the mantle. The designs available are as varied as the purpose or location. The one to the right is quite large, measuring 12" tall, and holds 3 tapers. Its size and unique shape really draw attention - but is just an example of what can be created. Tell us what you want, and we'll see if we can design the candle setting for you.


A little bit of Whimsey - Individual or Group Picture Holders ~
Just for fun. These little photo holders can be ordered for any group size. Perfect for your desk at the office. We thought we would include them here just to show the unlimited possibilities with wood. Wood clocks, photo & candle holders, keepsake boxes, wood vases & bowls, holiday nut bowls and just decorative wood art - there is always room for more wood home decor.