Labor of Love: Wedding Ring Boxes by Oh Dier

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A local woodworking artist’s keepsake box begs brides and grooms to put a ring in it.

Published:

Spring/Summer 2013

Oh, dear—it appears William Dohman of Oh Dier has another hit on his hands. Famous for his wooden cutout signs popular in wedding and engagement photos, the owner, designer and “Head Buck” of Oh Dier continues to delight with his charming curiosities.

Dohman recently introduced the Pixie, a multi-faceted keepsake box made of reclaimed wood, perfect for presenting a ring (or the ring), cufflinks or other precious objects. “People spend thousands and thousands of dollars on wedding rings and they all come in cheap velvet or leatherette cases,” says Dohman. “You want to present it in a unique way—as unique as the stone you’re buying.”

Each facet of the 1.5-inch Pixie is hand-cut, sanded, oiled and given a pop of color by Dohman in his Minneapolis home studio. With a knack for reviving various species of recycled woods, he crafted his latest Pixie collection from Caribbean rosewood. “They were just rough-sawn scraps, so they didn’t look like much,” he says. “But after a lot of labor, they glow.”

The Pixie is sure to make the recipient glow, too. “Whenever you can find an item that’s handmade or unique, it’s always going to be more meaningful,” says Dohman. ”Women appreciate presentation. They appreciate thought. And you want to give them the complete package.”

Presentation aside, Dohman says the Pixie is great for daily use, “Place it on your vanity to safely hold your rings/small jewelry while taking a shower, out at the beach or washing your dog.”

The Pixie is $45–$70 (depending on the type of wood) and comes in 16 colors; it can be purchased via the company’s website.