About Andrew – AUSWORKSHOP
HandCraftedTimber.com
– Est. Online 2004 –
Andrew Wilkerson
Designer & Maker
From a lifelong passion for working with timber and metal, Andrew Wilkerson the owner & craftsman behind Australian Workshop Creations decided to combine these talents to create sustainable handcrafted timber items with artistic design appeal while still retaining and even improving the products’ function and purpose.
By skilfully using a combination of these two materials in a unique fashion, a piece is created to stand out against everyday common mass-production items with the beauty and appeal of a handcrafted object.
Every design has been well thought out, long before the item is produced.
Andrew is committed to continual product improvement through dedicated research and is constantly on the lookout for new ideas or improvements to existing ones.
“Innovation is the passion to improve quality”
History of Australian Workshop Creations
In 2004 Andrew launched his first website Handcraftedtimber.com
From a small shed in the backyard at his parents house in Mount Waverley Australian Workshop Creations was born with a vision to promote traditional craftsmanship and woodworking skills and produce small items for sale to support and preserve those skills, although at that stage there weren’t many people shopping online and most of his early woodwork was sold through Galleries around Melbourne and throughout Australia. The range included Tealight Candle Holders, Corporate Gift-ware, Incense Holders, small boxes & handcrafted items.
If you want to see photos here’s a really old link to Andrew Wilkerson’s profile on the Artistic Network that still works after all these years! Yep, a very early attempt at social media posts in 2004, please don’t laugh!
Over the years carved wooden signs and handmade wooden boxes have become the main items he makes with a focus on traditional techniques using hand tools and sustainable natural materials.
In 2010 he expanded his workshop in Gippsland to include a CNC machine for engraved wooden signs with pictures and decorative elements including name plaques for his handmade boxes.
Previous Skills and Employment
Andrew has a background in various positions from assembly lines, product development, nationwide technical support through to management & implementation of Australian Standards including Electronics & Manufacturing Quality Control processes (ISO 9002) and a Certificate IV in Small Business Management.
From a solid history working with various mediums starting at an early age through hobbies and continuing through his Technical School education receiving the Systems & Technology Award for VCE 1992, Andrew spent some time in the locksmith industry completing a metal work & machining course as part of the apprenticeship.
The skills and techniques learned in electronics, locksmithing, and other industries are applied with quality control methods during timber product manufacturing to ensure your getting the finest piece available. This ensures your purchase is crafted from the best-suited materials combined with the highest quality brassware and hardware ever made. The latest items produced can be viewed from this website or Facebook Page which is updated regularly as the range expands.
Specialising in custom made woodwork
If you’re after a fine wooden jewellery box, ashes box, display case, cuff links box, document box, or any other custom-made woodwork item, please don’t hesitate to contact Andrew using the contact page or email on this website. Also, check out the Woodworking Blog if you’re interested in seeing what he’s up to in the workshop.
Mediums – Sustainable & Environmentally Friendly
I enjoy working with Australian Eucalyptus species and local reclaimed timbers, sourced ethically wherever I can find them. I have chosen this as my main material for the furniture items I create.
I use plantation or recycled timber, harvested sustainably from our precious forests of Australia.
Wood is simply the most perfect renewable resource, I hate to see it go to waste, especially if I can do something with it and save it from landfill.
I also use a combination of reclaimed alloys and crushed stone for drawer handles and inlay pieces.
An increasing effort will be made to continue to use recycled material & off-cuts from the timber industry (and others) whenever possible in order to save trees from being cut down, provide a new life for old timber & reduce landfill.
All my woodwork is made from ethically sourced sustainable plantation timber or reclaimed timber. Some small wooden items and drawer sides are off-cuts from the mill directly across the road from my workshop in Heyfield.
ASH – Australian Sustainable Hardwoods https://vicash.com.au
I refuse to use Merbau Timber!
I’ve written a blog article about Merbau sustainability if you wish to learn why.
Mission Statement
Australian Workshop Creations strives to become recognised as a worldwide provider of the highest quality, natural, sustainable products with design excellence and functionality, in harmony with today’s modern lifestyles. Then deliver a high level of craftsmanship and service that is rarely seen today.
Return & Refund Policy
I’ve always been fascinated by the LONG history of Woodworking!
History of Woodworking
Ancient Egyptian woodworking
Along with stone, clay, and animal parts, wood was one of the first materials worked by early humans. Microwear analysis of the Mousterian stone tools used by the Neanderthals shows that many were used to work wood. The development of civilisation was closely tied to the development of increasingly greater degrees of skill in working with these materials.
Comments & Reviews
To leave me a review on Google please click this link
g.page/AusWorkshop/review
Phil and Hilde : on September 1st, 2009 9:37 pm
” Hi Andrew The bedside tables you made are of the highest quality.
We remain very happy with your beautiful work.
All the best in your new location. “
Bonty : on July 22nd, 2010 11:00 pm
” Hi Andrew, it’s Bonty from Pirate. Any more problems don’t hesitate to contact me.
Nice website, and amazing skills.
Dawid Verwey : on July 4th, 2010 4:41 pm
” Hi Andrew Your work is an inspiration. I am starting out in the hobby and I can only hope to create such beautiful pieces one day. Regards Dawid “
Jane : on February 11th, 2015 6:07 pm
” Thank you Andrew for such an efficient service – my initial enquiry was in late January with immediate feedback on the most suitable wood and font for our house sign. When I requested the sign earlier because of an auction date brought forward, Andrew made sure it arrived within 2 days by express post “
Debra Kirk : said on December 2nd, 2010 11:58 pm
” Hi Andrew, Just wanted to thank you for the amazing sign you made for an anniversary present for me (RIVERTOPIA) My husband was blown away and quite emotional. I will definitely keep you in favourites! Regards Debra”
Lyn Ward : said on April 14, 2016 8:46pm
“Hi Andrew, I just wanted to say thank you for my son’s sign WARDY’S HOUSE it’s wonderful, just what we wanted and your workmanship is just spot on, when we gave our son the sign the look on his face said it all, he was overwhelmed and just loves the sign, he is showing off the sign to friends before finding a special place to hang the sign, thanks again. Regards Lyn Ward”
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Regards
Andrew Wilkerson