About Us
What is laser-cut woodworking?
Laser-cut woodworking uses a computer-controlled laser to cut and engrave wood with precision down to fractions of a millimeter. The laser beam vaporizes the wood along a digital design path, producing clean edges and crisp engraved details that hand tools cannot replicate consistently at scale. Because the process is software-driven, every piece in a batch is identical — and personalization (names, dates, custom text) is added by editing the digital file before cutting. The finished pieces are then hand-sanded and treated with natural oils to bring out the wood grain and protect the surface. The result is functional, decorative work that combines traditional natural materials with modern precision manufacturing.
What is Timber Trace Crafts?
Timber Trace Crafts is a small-batch maker of laser-cut wooden jewelry, keepsake boxes, and home décor based in Avon Park, Florida. The studio is a dedicated, one-person operation founded and run by Michael J. Miller — a disabled veteran who served during Desert Storm. Every piece is designed, cut, and hand-finished in-house. We specialize in solid hardwood earrings and personalized Baltic Birch keepsake boxes, with personalization available at checkout for most products.
What materials does Timber Trace Crafts use?
Our earrings are laser-cut from 3mm solid hardwood and hand-finished with Tried & True Danish Oil — a food-safe blend of beeswax and linseed oil that conditions the wood and is safe for sensitive ears. Our keepsake boxes are made from 3mm Baltic Birch plywood, chosen for its dimensional stability and consistently clean laser-cut edges.
| Wood | Color & Grain | Character | Used For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry | Warm reddish-brown, fine grain | Deepens with age and light exposure | Earrings |
| Mahogany | Deep reddish-brown, straight grain | Rich tone, smooth texture | Earrings |
| Maple | Light cream, subtle grain | Bright, clean look; holds engraved detail sharply | Earrings |
| Red Oak | Pinkish-tan, open grain | Prominent grain pattern, earthy feel | Earrings |
| Padauk | Vivid orange-red, straight grain | Bold, distinctive color; fades to rich red-brown over time | Earrings |
| Walnut | Rich chocolate brown, straight grain | Dark, dramatic finish; pairs well with gold hardware | Earrings |
| Baltic Birch | Pale cream, uniform plywood layers | Stable, consistent; ideal for boxes and engraving | Keepsake boxes |
Where are Timber Trace Crafts products made?
All products are designed and made in our studio in Avon Park, Florida — in the heart of Highlands County. We are a single-location, hands-on operation: every item is cut, finished, and packaged by hand before it ships. The studio also takes on commemorative design work for local museums and institutions that celebrate Florida's natural beauty and regional heritage.
Who is behind Timber Trace Crafts?
Timber Trace Crafts was founded by Michael J. Miller, a disabled veteran who served during Desert Storm. Michael designs every product, operates the laser cutter, and hand-finishes each piece before it ships. As a veteran-owned small business, Timber Trace Crafts is built on the same principles Michael carried through his service: dedication, meticulous precision, and genuine artistry. When you support Timber Trace Crafts, you are supporting a local, independent artisan who takes immense pride in bringing heirloom-quality craftsmanship to every piece.