Chris Ching

Chris Ching of Mana Wood is a self taught woodworker who gave up a career in the Finance industry last year to focus on his craft. He’s now turning his hand (not literally) to all manner of beautiful, intricate work including mastering the art of the chessboard.

Can you tell us about how ManaWood started?

My woodworking started out with small projects around the house, mini stairs to help the corgi up onto the bed (he’s too short) and making wooden planter boxes for my partners succulent plant displays. As my skills and confidence improved I found myself really enjoying the process and eventually moving onto more complex items like jewellery boxes and chessboards. My first large project was a brilliant opportunity to make a set of boxes for a local restaurant to serve their petit fours dessert course (it was Bohemia if you’re wondering!*ed)

Where does the name come from?

Mana is a term that refers to a type of magical energy or power that is used by characters in games/movies. I love all things nerdy and it seemed quite fitting when taking a raw material and transforming it into something special.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Growing up in Jersey and visiting L’Etacq Woodcraft as a child was such a great memory and always stayed with me. Now that I’m older and have some space to be creative, I really enjoy making things knowing that the pieces I make will live on with other people, hopefully bringing them some joy. Whether it be a set of dominoes or chessboard that is enjoyed by families/ generations.

How did you learn your craft?

It started off small and by trial and error, working it out for myself with basic tools I already had and slowly became more advanced with each project I decided to take on. Most of my learning has been from some amazing online resources such as woodworking publications and videos where I spent a lot of time learning about safety and the limits of the machines/tools before taking on more advanced projects.

What is your favourite thing to produce?

I really enjoy making things that people will use and love, chessboards are my latest step into the tabletop games arena along with personalised domino sets. When people get in contact to have something like this made, it’s usually part of a story about how family/friends have connected over a game they love and they want to have something special made.

Can you tell us a bit more about your chessboards? What is it that made you start making them?

Many of my earlier designs featured a checkerboard pattern. I’ve always loved how a chess set looks on display and took inspiration for some of my boxes/cutting boards. After my first Genuine Jersey Christmas market I discovered how popular chess has become with the younger generations and gave me a brilliant opportunity to start making high quality boards. I’m currently working on designs for chess pieces too!

Depending on whether I’m preparing for a market or a personalised order, it begins with digital designs of what I am making, once planned out, I mill raw lumber to the needed dimensions and begin building the project. This may involve a visit to my local hardwood supplier to select the right wood/grain pattern and ends with a lot of sanding and finishing. It’s all done from my mini workshop at home and often sprawls out around the house as I try to find space to lay everything out. I hope to build a workshop this year so we can reclaim our living space!

Where can we buy your products?

You can find us at most Genuine Jersey Events throughout the year and from the website www.ManaWood.co.uk where products are listed for sale ranging from small gifts such as coaster sets and wine butlers to boxes and chessboards. We regularly post to our instagram page @ manawoodjersey and welcome people to get in touch if they have any specific requests!

How does a typical day look for you?

Our Genuine Articles are drawn from the ranks of Genuine Jersey, the organisation that supports local producers who create products on the island. Learn more about the organisation and how you could become a member and get featured here in future at www.genuinejersey.com

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