Crafting Clever

It has been hot here lately, and I mean brutally hot. The last two weeks have hovered just above 100 degrees, with heat indexes approaching 115. While room temp to slightly chilled is how we generally enjoy our wine, with all this heat we have been in search of a way to serve our wine at a lower temperature. We might agree that what we are about to show you will be considered sacrilege in many circles (and we were skeptical ourselves), but the results were quite delicious and brought our core temps down a bit. 

The key to making a wine milkshake is experimentation; there are no rules here. This is a brief documentation of our experience, but feel free to create your own recipe with what you have available. Please be sure to comment if you discover any helpful tips on your journey :)

What you will need:

• Wine - We used a rather obscure bottle of coconut-flavored wine because we thought it might be perfect for this experiment. We have heard use of desert wines (ports in particular), but you’ll want something on the sweet side for sure (and maybe high in alcohol).
• Vanilla Ice Cream- If you want to try something different go for it, but vanilla is...well vanilla. It lets whatever else you add stand out as its own flavor.
• Frozen Fruit- We chose a bag of frozen pineapple, as it would mesh well with our coconut wine. Think piña colada!
• Whipped Cream and Toppings- We chose traditional cherries, but go with whatever you like on your shake.
• A Blender

For best taste results, pick a flavor theme for your shake. We started by putting almost all of our ice cream and frozen fruit in the blender. It is sometimes good to keep a little ice cream in reserve in case your consistency gets too thin. Next, add a normal glass of wine and blend. If it seems too thick, add a little more wine. Too thin? Add more ice cream.

Next, pour it into a glass and finish it off as you would any ice cream treat. We added whipped cream, a cherry, straw, and a little umbrella to finish off our tropical treat. We hope you enjoy!

Q: What makes a better gift than wine?    A: More Wine!!!

Introducing our new Magnum-sized wine boxes. Choose from any of our standard one-bottle box designs and simply select to supersize it to a Magnum in the product options.

For those of you who don't know what a Magnum sized bottle is, check out this wonderful chart from Wine Folly's book : The Essential Guide to Wine (which we highly recommend).

As you can see, wine comes in many different sized bottles beyond the standard 750ml that is widely available. A Magnum bottle holds 1.5 L of wine, or the equivalent of 2 standard bottles. This makes it great for larger dinner parties or get together. But look just how big they can get - the Nebuchadnezzar holds 15L or 20 standard bottles. Now that is a party, but good luck trying to pour it!

Need a bigger box than a standard Magnum? We can make custom boxes, just measure your bottle and contact us for a quote.

Pixel: This is a little square of solid color or tone. When many of these squares are put together, they form an image. When we refer to something as being pixelated it means that you can see the pixels with the naked eye and little jagged edges are visible. We have blown up the image below so you can see the little squares that make up the image.

Resolution: This is the number of pixels (or tiny squares) that make up an image. The more pixels the higher the resolution. Resolution is often measured in PPI (or DPI) - this is the number of pixels per inch. When we refer to an image being low resolution it means that there aren't very many pixels in the image. This will result in an engraving that can lack definition and contrast. Below are examples of low and high resolution images. You can see the image on the left is blocky and lacks detail, while the image on the right is sharp and clear.

File Size: Files are sized in kilobytes (KB) and megabytes (MB). Typically, dimensionally larger, higher resolution images have larger file sizes. Many small, low resolution files have small file sizes. While there are other factors that will determine if your image is large enough, when you have two files of the same image, send the larger file.

Lighting: Backlit or silhouetted photos that are dark or taken at night will usually not engrave as well as photos that are well lit and have high contrast.

Upload or send us the highest resolution (most pixels per inch), largest file you have. Don't try to make the image larger - this does not help. All this does is makes the pixels bigger, not the quality better. The original image, straight from whatever device (phone or camera) it was taken with or a professional digital photo will give you the best engraving result. Usually when you contact the photographer and let them know what you are doing, they will oblige and email a larger file size (in megabytes) or give you the option to purchase the digital file. Images that are downloaded from social media sites, enlarged from previous smaller file sizes, or are screen shots are not large enough.

We hope that this information provides you with a little more understanding of what type of images will engrave best. We are always here to help, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Cheers!

Our new Keepsake Ceremony Wine Boxes are a welcomed and fresh new tradition that couples will enjoy long after the “I Do’s” are given. While one option is for the couple to use it as part of their wedding wine box ceremony, there is another option that will include all of your wedding guests… 

One perfect way to commemorate that special day is to have your loved ones write you and your significant other notes to share in the future. They can be a funny story, a favorite memory, a toast, well wishes or whatever they desire.

Though your guests may not be physically present when you decide to open the box (unless you have a Keepsake Ceremony Wine Box Opening party – and who doesn’t love a reason to party!!), they will be remembered by their sweet, sarcastic, heart-felt, or silly words. What a wonderful way to reminisce about your wedding day and those that were able to celebrate with you!!

View our Keepsake Ceremony Wine Box designs.

Read our Blog: 9 Steps to Plan Your Perfect Wedding Wine Box Ceremony.

Cheers :)

This year, Artificer Wood Works was lucky enough to be one of just 56 small businesses from around the U.S. to be featured in Google's Economic Impact Report. As part of this honor, Google invited us to their headquarters in Mountain View, CA to celebrate, learn, and network with other featured small businesses.

It was inspiring to meet with other businesses from a wide variety of industries including editorial, fashion, manufacturing, retail, service, and many others. Some of the businesses employed only one person, while others employed 200+. As we all may occupy different niches, there was much to be shared when it came to getting more awareness for our businesses.

Some of the highlights of our trip included informative presentations on how to grow your business using Google tools; some of which we did not know existed. We learned about Primer – an app that acts as a pocket business coach, teaching little, easy to digest lessons on how to grow your business. Another highlighted app was YouTube Director – an easy to use app that helps you create great videos and YouTube ads for your business. After presentations, we toured the Google Campus (which was massive!) and had some one-on-one time with our own personal 'Googler'. Fun fact: The giant T-Rex on the Google campus pictured above has a purpose. It is there to remind everyone that nothing is too big to fail. Then it was time to celebrate with the other attendees and our Google hosts on a spectacular dinner cruise of the San Francisco Bay.

It was an honor to be featured in the Economic Impact Report and to be invited to Google's Headquarters, as well as, exciting to meet other small businesses from around the nation who received the same honor. It was also great to see Google's commitment to small business. It was actually amazing to think that Google started in a garage in 1998. We heard time and again that Google's goal is to help small businesses succeed. It was obvious from our experience that they help level the playing field so businesses like ours can gain awareness and our customers can find us.

Here are just a few of the other great businesses we met on our trip; we hope you check them out!

RiffRaff - women's clothes Instagram

Olive Oil Lovers - the finest imported olive oils from around the world

Combat Flip Flops - Flip Flops on a mission to make the world better

The Purple Company - The World's First Comfort Tech Company Backed by Science

For the entire list you can checkout the Google Economic Impact Report.

Meet Stacie Hatton, the voice of Artificer... no really, she is most likely the person you will speak with when you call or email. Stacie is the head honcho of our delightful customer service experiences.  She is also the director of quality control, shipping, human resources, office management, and most recently, the stylist of our ceremony wine box photographs. Insane, right? Not only does she make it easy for you to create an amazing gift, she meticulously inspects every product before it's packed and shipped to you. She's also the reason our wood shop is so organized and probably the tidiest you'll find.

We sat down with Stacie for a quick Q&A... then a customer called ;)

What do you like best about working here?
Definitely working with our amazing customers creating one-of-a-kind gifts, but also working with such a wonderful team!!

What type of work did you do prior to joining Artificer?
Executive Assistant to Presidents & Vice-Presidents of major corporations.

What’s the most memorable thing you have created for someone?
We created a large box with one lid that had a beautiful engraving of a tree with a swing on it and dates that were specific to the couple. The inside compartments consisted of many different sizes specific to the customer’s request for gifts he was giving to his wife. It was magnificent! 

What do you do in your spare time?
I love to read, take pics (check out my Instagram: stacie_in_pursuit), play with our pups, and spend time with those I love and adore.

What’s your hidden talent?
Cutting hair. I’ve never been to cosmetology school, but after watching hairdressers cut my hair all my life, I’ve been able to cut other people’s hair. At least the brave ones who allow me to ;)

What app do you use most?
Pinterest and Instagram… are there any others?!

What do you listen to while you work (music, podcast, etc.)?
Many different genres of music and comedy, but when I’m in the shipping department, it’s gangsta rap all the way! In the words of Chazz Michael Michaels, “it gets the people going”.

If you could eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
It would have to be chicken! You can make it a bazillion different ways and never tire of it.

Favorite place you have visited?
By far, the British Isles. They have the greenest of grass and the bluest of skies. The history that envelops the country assists in my imagining of a simpler and more beautiful time (thanks, Jane Austen!), while also bringing the harsh realization of that period.

What color shirt would you wear if you had to wear one color every day?
Definitely, gray. You could put literally ANY color accessories with it!

Favorite childhood toy?
Growing up in the age of the “Cabbage Patch Kids”, this was by far my favorite childhood toy. I can remember the frenzy that Xavier Roberts cast upon its consumers and thought I’d never get one. Luckily, I had the best grandma in the world! I still have mine and she looks almost as new as the day I opened her that Christmas morning.

What super power would you like to have?
Chameleon - to be able to hide in plain view would be so much fun!

Follow or connect with Stacie
@stacie_in_pursuit

We are proud to be featured in Google’s 2016 Economic Impact Report! Artificer Wood Works was selected by Google to represent Missouri as an example of a company utilizing the Internet and google products to grow the business. Last year, Google’s tools helped provide $222 billion of economic activity for 1.5 million businesses, website publishers, and non-profits. The purpose of the Economic Impact Report is to highlight Google’s local economic impact across America. 

Missouri businesses featured this year and in the past:

Artificer Wood Works
Read Story

Tulane's Closet
Read Story

Missouri Star Quilt Company
Read Story

Caroline Leemis Design
Read Story

Read about how the web is working for businesses in other states: #GrowWithGoogle

Writing a note to include in a Keepsake Ceremony Wine Box or just a letter to open years from now? Here are some ideas to help you get started. Don’t take it too seriously... regardless of what you write, it will be exciting to open this time capsule and take a glimpse back to your thoughts at the time leading up to your wedding day.

When was the first time you noticed your partner?

Do you remember the first thing you said to your partner?

What did they say to you?

When was the first time you realized you loved your partner?

When was the first time you realized your partner loved you?

When did you decide you would marry your partner?

What's your favorite memory with your partner?

What do you love most about your partner?

What is your favorite trait of your partner?

What is your favorite way of spending time with your partner?

What do you look forward to most in your future together?

What will your life be like when you open this box?

What is your prediction for your relationship in twenty, thirty or fifty years?

What quote or song lyric sums up your relationship?

Answer them all, just pick a few or just use these to help get the creative juices flowing. Have fun with it… Cheers!

Looking for a unique ceremony idea for your wedding?

The Wine Box Ceremony is a ritual that celebrates your love, not only on your wedding day but also your future together. This keepsake becomes a lovely time capsule of your wedding day that you can share on a future anniversary. If you haven’t heard or seen the Wine Box Ceremony before here is a blueprint for adding it to your special day.

 What you will need:

• A great bottle of wine that will age until you are ready to drink it
• A card or letter and envelope for both you and your significant other
• Any special items you would like to add to the “time capsule”
• A special wood box to hold all of these items
  
  
  

Step 1: Collect all the items

Decide what you want to stow away in this little time capsule. Some ideas include special wine glasses, a bottle opener, pictures, videos, small keepsakes…

Step 2: Decided when you want to open the box

1 year? 5 years? This is important as you will need to make sure your wine will age well for the number of years you plan to store it. For example, a champagne or white wine will probably not age as well as a red. For more information read our post, How to Select Wine for Aging.

Step 3: Start some thoughtful reflection

Most important! You and your significant other should spend some time in the weeks leading up to the wedding writing thoughtful letters/notes to each other. Include things like what you love most about each other, your thoughts as your wedding date approaches, what you are looking forward to most in the future.  Don’t let each other know what you are writing!!! Seal the envelopes and save the surprise for years down the road. (Tip: Not sure what to write? View our Time Capsule Letter Ideas)

Step 4: Consult your officiant

Work with your officiant to determine when and how you would like to perform the ceremony.

Step 5: Determine the setting and arrangement

It will probably be easiest to have a small table or surface at which to perform the wine box ceremony. You can either have all the items displayed on the table so you and your significant other can place each item into the box together. Or, you can already have the items in the box and just slide the lid closed and seal the box together. Be sure and rehearse this ahead of time.

Step 6: Tell the story

At the appropriate time in your wedding, when you approach the table, be sure to have the officiant explain what is happening so your guests can appreciate the significance of the ceremony. Here is an example, but feel free to edit to fit your wedding:

“Parker and Taylor have created a memorable keepsake to take forward with them on this journey of marriage. Over the past several weeks and months while planning their union, they have been recording their thoughts and documenting their love for each other. Within this beautiful wooden box, they will hold these cherished love letters along with a few other keepsakes and a bottle of wine. In __ years they plan to open the time capsule together, share a glass of wine, and read these letters to each other in celebration of their love. While we may not have glasses in our hands I still offer this toast - May their love be like great wine and age to perfection.”

Step 7: Seal the deal

On your big day, as the officiant is narrating, you and your partner can put any items in and close the lid and seal the box. At this time it might be a nice touch to stand the box up so the audience can see it. Congratulations are in order!

Step 8: Storing the box

Be sure and store your box out of direct sunlight and in a room with a fairly consistent low temperature. A cool closet or dry basement (think wine cellar here). Try not to move the box around too much either. We want to do everything we can to ensure your bottle of wine is delightful when you open it. For more wine storage tips read our post 6 Tips to Properly Store Wine.

Step 9: Reaching your milestone

When you have reached your predetermined milestone (or if you can’t wait and you want to open the box) plan a quiet night together. Open the box, share a glass wine and read your wonderful letters to each other.

We love hearing how you put your own twist on the Wine Box Ceremony. Please share your story and pics with us!
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We would like to thank you for purchasing our handcrafted products. Because of you, and our partnership with Trees for the Future, we have planted 30,153 trees and preserved livelihoods along the way. Trees for the Future focuses on the role trees play in agroforestry and in helping farming families improve their land quality and productivity. 

When You Plant Trees

• You create educational opportunities for children.
• You empower women.
• You build strong communities.
• You permanently increase the income of poor farmers.
• You help families to feed themselves.
• You provide permanent and seasonal employment.
• You create fodder to feed livestock.
• You give the world a way to end the battle between farms and forests to revitalize and improve soil quality.

You change people’s lives for the better. Forever.

We call it "Delicate Flowers for Mom". The front features a delicate floral design surrounding an elegant ode to Mom — personalized with children’s names. Add your personal message to the back of the lid to make it extra special.

SHOP THIS WINE BOX