The items available thru this website are original, handcrafted wood gifts, clocks and home decor items, but VanEss Expressions also creates beautiful, handmade fine wood furniture. These larger furniture and home furnishings items are only available to our Minneapolis area customers and are not available for shipment. Please note, if you are just looking for functional, then VanEss Expressions is not for you. We cannot compete in time or price with large companies that mass produce or assemble pre-made components. And, although we have made very large furniture pieces, they consume way too much of our time, and we cannot give the rest of our customers the service they deserve. But, if you are looking for a truly handcrafted, one-of-a-kind piece of fine furniture, and do not have a tight time-line, maybe we can help. Below are examples of some of the items we have in stock or have made in the past. If you live in the Minneapolis area and are looking for something unique and unusual for your home, please Contact Us to see what we can create for you.

Multi-wood table ~
This unique coffee table combines Walnut and Ash - woods that compliment each other beautifully. The table top is slanted back so that it doesn't give an overly 'heavy' appearance. This particular piece has a lower shelf that is supported by unique 'branch' legs (also shown on the side table below). This gives a touch of rustic to an elegant piece of fine furniture. Maybe this, or a similar table or table grouping would look perfect in your home.

Custom glass-top table ~
This table was a Special Order for a lady who had moved into a smaller apartment. She wanted a coffee table but didn't have the space for those she found at local furniture stores. We designed this table to her size limitations. We placed a shelf low to give the table more 'weight' and a place to display objects, and a glass top so that they could be viewed. It took several tries to find the perfect stain combination to match her current decor. A hand-turned vase with silk flowers was the perfect accompaniment.

Original and custom wood furniture ~
This Oak standing mirror with American Walnut stain, was a very unique and special gift for a very unique and special individual. The darker stain, narrower design, and unusual free-hand crown gave this piece an instant antique feel.

Wood, with its unique characteristics, has unlimited creative possibilities, timeless appeal, and enduring beauty. Quality wood furniture is not only functional, but is an extension of the owners' unique personalities. Original, custom handcrafted pieces can have special meaning to the future generations. They are a piece of your personal history, and hold memories and ties to past generations.

Fine wood furniture, for a doll? ~
This solid Oak armoire measured over 30" tall , 18" wide and 12" deep. It was custom made for the 'American Girl' doll. When we were first asked if we could make a 'doll armoire', we took a look at what was available out there. What we found was over-priced, painted, pine boxes. I explained that IF we were to make an armoire - whether for a doll or otherwise - it would be constructed of hardwood, and have the same quality workmanship and details as any piece of fine furniture. We book-matched the doors and found the perfect hardware to give the appearance of a scaled down version of a full size armoire. We made it deeper than those 'on the market' so that readily available, less expensive hangers could be used (instead of the high-priced specialty hangers). And, of course, since it was being made for a child, the finials were rounded and the drawer bottoms had a washable surface. This is not a toy, and not appropriate for many children, but for those few - it will become a treasured heirloom that is passed down for many generations.

'Branch' side table ~
This side table is made of Ash and has the same 'branch' legs as shown in the multi-wood coffee table above. Ash is a wonderful wood, with beautiful open graining (whereas Oak is much tighter). It typically has a lighter color, but can run from very light - to tan - to a more golden - to a darker brown. We use this color variation to give the piece character. Ash also accepts stains well, and it is our primary choice for wood dyes - where we can add bold color without covering up the wood's grain.

Unique shaped coffee table ~
This unique coffee table is made of Oak with a red oak stain which really brings out the grain. We take extra care to match the color and grain to make joint appear seamless. The legs are tapered and set diagonal to the top. This lightens their appearance and brings the focus back to the top. But, don't let the delicate look fool you - this design is extremely sturdy.


Very Unique & Unusual, massive mantel clock ~
A VERY special request, and is shown to just to give you an idea of what can be created when you let your imagination go. This mantel clock stood over 3' tall and was shaped from 7 layers of sculpted Ash to give the appearance of a tree trunk. The large cavity was dyed jet black representing a large natural hole and making the long pendulum really stand out. The 8" clock had a key-wind movement which was accessible behind the glass/hinged door. Contact Us with your ideas.