JRR Woodworks

The Story

We met during the summer of 2000 while working together at the Texas Shakespeare Festival as a carpenter and an actress. After getting married, we moved to Chicago to pursue careers in the theater. We quickly began building, rigging, teaching and performing all over the city.

Our son Owen was born in the summer of 2008. As new parents with many commitments and fresh perspectives, we decided to change our artistic pursuits. After nearly thirteen years of building scenery, John longed to build something that wouldn’t be thrown away after two months of use. With JRR Woodworks, we hope to model to our son the joys of working with your hands and the benefits that come from pursuing a craft.

JRR Woodworks was borne with the intention to design children’s furniture of natural materials. As artists and parents, we value the grounding that a wooden piece can bring to a child’s increasingly plastic world. Our children’s pieces are available for purchase on our etsy website.

For a more adult look, check out our portfolio section. John has built furniture ranging from desks to shelving units and would be happy to discuss a piece from your imagination that will fit your needs. Please join the mailing list or request a consultation.

Thank you for supporting small business!
-John and Sara

Examples

nightstand, shelf, toy boxes, toy chest, secretary desk, dog gate, plaque, community boards

Nightstand

Simple design, solid pine construction, hand-painted and stained to coordinate with your child’s nursery. Pictured: Our son Owen’s room with Daddy’s handmade nightstand. Available on Etsy

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Shelf

Simple design, solid pine construction. This unique shelf is designed to stand on either side. The cubbies are perfect for holding children’s books, games, craft supplies, and toys. A small bin can be inserted into each opening. The shelf can also serve as a decorative and unique room divider. Can be stained or painted to coordinate with your décor. Available on Etsy

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Toy Boxes

Available in solid oak or solid pine construction, dove-tailed joints, hand-chiseled monogram, perfect for storing everything from stuffed animals and books to cars and doll clothes. This beautiful box will transition for older children and even adults. Fill it with magazines and chisel with your Family Initial – perfect for cozy living room décor.

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Toy Chest

Solid pine construction with an amber stain, large enough for a playroom full of toys. Lid has overhang to prevent smashed fingers.

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Secretary Desk

This piece was designed for an expanding family in the city. The new baby was getting ready to take over the office, and the computer needed to live in the kitchen. John worked with the family to create a piece that would not only be attractive enough to sit in the open, but also compact enough to fit in their new space and hide clutter. Solid oak construction. Mahogany stain.

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Dog Gate

This unique folding gate was designed to keep two very large dogs in a room without a door. The gate needed to collapse and turn a corner on a special hinge. John worked with the family to create a piece that would be aesthetically pleasing and keep the dogs in their place.

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Plaque

John’s father hasn’t always been known for his calm demeanor. This plaque was loving carved as a gift to remind him when to avoid anger. Hand-chiseled. Walnut and maple. Mahogany stain. Special requests for quote plaques can be made through the "contact us" section below.

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Community Boards

These boards were commissioned by a local church to hang outside their buildings. They are designed with hardwood trim and a plexiglass exterior to hold up to natural elements. The backing is a durable material where they can hang a rotating assortment of announcements and notices.