Kapers Woodworks began the way many meaningful things do—out of necessity, curiosity, and a willingness to learn something new.

When the COVID pandemic reshaped daily life, our family found itself working and learning entirely from home. With a husband teaching remotely as a special education teacher and a young son attending school virtually, the need for better workspaces sparked an unexpected creative journey. Using skills gained from a prior home project, I built desks for each of them and quickly realized I loved the process as much as the result.

What started as a practical solution quickly became a passion. I began teaching myself woodworking through online resources, learning from other makers, and experimenting with tools and materials. That curiosity led me to a local makerspace, where I spent late nights after my son went to bed taking classes, earning equipment certifications, and refining my craft. Over time, I expanded my skills to include laser engraving, using a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine, and epoxy work, opening the door to more detailed, personalized designs.

Today, Kapers Woodworks operates out of a combination of my home workspace and a friend’s fully equipped workshop. This flexible setup allows me to intentionally focus on small-batch woodworking and engraved goods—pieces that are highly detailed, thoughtfully made, and compatible with a healthy work/life balance. Rather than chasing mass production, I’ve chosen to build a business that supports family, creativity, and sustainability.

Every item is designed and made by hand using carefully selected materials and modern tools. From laser-engraved keychains and accessories to custom wood pieces with resin details, no two items are exactly alike. I believe in understanding my tools inside and out, solving problems as they arise, and adapting designs rather than wasting materials.

As Kapers Woodworks continues to grow, my long-term dream is to one day open a small creative studio where learning is just as important as making. I hope to offer hands-on classes in basic woodworking and laser engraving, creating a welcoming space where people can build confidence using tools that often feel intimidating.

A special focus of this vision is empowering women and girls by giving them access to tools, training, and encouragement. By breaking down barriers and demystifying equipment, my goal is to help women discover the same sense of accomplishment, creativity, and confidence that woodworking and making have given me.

The name Kapers comes from a longtime nickname and reflects the spirit behind the brand: playful, personal, and rooted in real life. Kapers Woodworks is about learning as you go, embracing creativity, and making meaningful objects that fit naturally into everyday moments.

Thank you for supporting a small, woman-owned business built with intention, craftsmanship, and heart.