All of my rings are meticulously crafted using a steam bending technique, which involves the application of heat and moisture to soften and bend the wood around a former. Once the wood has been dried, it retains its bent form. This method ensures that the grain wraps around the ring three times, providing enhanced strength through lamination and eliminating weak spots found in wood rings made from a solid block.

How I make my handmade wooden rings

I am Matt
I live in Devon, England.

My background

I studied 3D design specialising in woodworking (designer maker) at Plymouth University.
During my time at university, I designed and produced a diverse assortment of woodworking products, spanning from elegant reading lamps and stylish coat hooks to modern tables and minimalist shelving units.

Following my university years, I spent three years working as a Technical Designer at a furniture and interiors company based in Exeter.

How I started making jewellery

My journey into the world of jewellery began in 2015 when I purchased a wooden ring at a festival. The mass-produced ring proved to be of low quality and didn't last long. Motivated to create my own stronger version, I delved into the art of making wooden rings. Through YouTube videos, I discovered the technique of bent wood rings, which are more durable. I crafted my first oak ring using this method.

Over the subsequent years, I continually refined my skills and made improvements to my creations. It wasn't until 2019 when others began complimenting my rings and inquiring about their origin that I considered the idea of selling them. Subsequently, I launched a part-time Etsy shop dedicated to selling wooden rings.

Part time to full time

In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck the UK, I unfortunately lost my full-time graduate job due to the company's liquidation. This pushed me to focus on expanding my own part-time business, broadening my range of jewellery. For the past three years, I have been successfully self-employed on a full-time basis.

I currently operate out of a small home workshop in my spare room, but I aspire to expand into a dedicated garage workshop / studio space.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

All the best
Matt
Matthew Flower Design