Made in Scotland: D Taylor Woodworking
It’s Made in Scotland time! This is our monthly deep dive into just one of the fabulous businesses who, like us, make all of their products here in bonnie Scotland! This month we chatted with Daniel from D Taylor Woodworking about his beautifully fashioned products for gamers, proposals and drink lovers amongst others. If he’s sounding familiar then it’s because Daniel was recommended to us by Ashley from House of Cheviot and you can read their blog here. Read on to find out more about the lovely pieces Daniel creates and who he recommends in turn!
Can you tell us how your business got started?
I started my business after being made redundant from a previous job; I had been making some products for myself and decided to try selling to others full time! It was tough going for a while, working out of my in-laws’ garage, but I eventually started to make a profit and moved into a dedicated workshop.
Daniel from D Taylor Woodworking
Where do you look for inspiration when you are designing new products?
I mostly respond to customers’ needs. I sell my gaming accessories at conventions and get a lot of requests for specific products. If I see a demand, I try and find a unique way of doing it and offer it as a regular product. I like using contrasting wood colours together, and clean, minimalist designs.
Daniel’s rustic drink tote
Can you tell us a bit more about how you make your products?
I buy long lengths of 1″ thick rough timber, which I use large tools to cut down to a more manageable size, making a “kit” of parts. I then assemble and finish the products by hand, using chisels, hand planes, etc. I offer a lot of customisation, so I often line products with custom fabrics, or can use our engraving machines to carve names or logos.
Daniel’s ring box
What are your most popular products and which are your own favourites?
My most popular product by far is the Dice Tray; a simple wooden tray for rolling dice or other game pieces. It has a compartment with a sliding lid, held closed by magnets. My favourite product is probably the Dice Chest; a small clamshell-like box that holds a player’s dice. It was the first product I made and I still like the neat, minimalist design. When it’s closed, you can’t see the hinges or magnets that keep it closed!
Daniel’s best selling dice chest
If you had to pick one place in Scotland to recommend that people visit, where would it be?
I love the “Blue Door” walk near Edzell, with it’s waterfalls and hidden ruins! I also love the drive from Dundee to Dunkeld via Coupar Angus; I travel there semi-regularly to pick up timber and enjoy the quiet country roads.
Which other Scottish Makers do you love to recommend?
I would suggest Brodie’s Timber. They supply all my wood, but are mainly focused on building furniture and doing commissioned carpentry work. They’re extremely friendly and helpful, and have lovely quiet premises tucked away in Invar (just across the road from Dunkeld).
Thanks so much to Daniel at D Taylor Woodworking for chatting with us about his wonderful business. Make sure to check out his Website, Facebook and Instagram pages to find out more about these beautiful products!