The Imperfect Wood Company
Maker of wooden typography signs using reclaimed wood and eco-friendly paints
I am a mum of 3 and I have been making and painting wooden signs since 2011. I design every sign, assemble, paint and distress by hand. I use reclaimed/repurposed wood, which means each piece is unique thanks to the imperfections such as nail holes, dings, knots. I make no attempt to hide or cover these as this is what makes our signs unique and perfectly imperfect. Even with imperfections we can create something beautiful. I am a woman-owned small business yet I offer a huge amount of choice on products - sizes, colours and even frame styles! As most products are made to order they can be adapted to suit.
It all began, originally under the name Jacques Designs, followed by Gracie Jacques, then changed yet again to Emma Jayne Handmade! However, following a really tough 2018, and my children losing their daddy to a brain tumour, I felt an immense desire to find a purpose!
The Imperfect Wood Company was born.
Many of my makes are quote based. I have always loved quotes but didn't realise just how much I would need and apply them in my life! They help me enormously to cope with situations, whether it be because I'm having a bad day, full of anxiety or coping with grief. Words are powerful and I wanted to create a way these could be displayed, in a beautifully rustic way, in homes, just as they are in my own!
I use reclaimed wood and eco-friendly paints for most of my signs. The wood for my signs and frames have been used in another way before. My wood supplier is a woman owned community business who save wood from landfill and chipping, as well as providing volunteering opportunities for the community.
The way I see it, is that the reusing of the wood, making it into something better with effort, is the same as the reusing of our thoughts and turning negative thoughts around. Trying to be open minded rather than having fixed mindsets. It takes effort but is possible. Going through the grieving process gave me a real insight into how difficult this is, and without the right support, it can feel like an impossible task. This is why supporting Mental Health means a lot to me.
I believe that a positive mindset is the key, and my signs are primarily designed to help us think positively. If a few signs can make a difference to one persons mindset then that's enough for me. This was definitely my key for moving forwards in life, no matter how small the steps, especially after trauma.
Through my business, I donate a percentage of sales to three national charities close to my heart. The first is the Selective Mutism Information and Research Association (SMIRA), who were extremely useful when I was coping with my daughter’s Selective Mutism throughout primary school. The second and third charities were chosen in memory of my two eldest children’s daddy: Brain Tumour Research, because he passed away from a brain tumour aged 43 at the end of 2018; and Mind, because he had spent some time on a mental health unit, due to his brain tumour – providing me with an insight into his condition and mental ill health in a wider context. I believe we, as humans, are here to help each other. My way of doing that is by making these signs to be put up in your homes, to help you get through tough times, or simply to act as reminders - something we all need from time to time.
I specialise in bespoke signs, so please feel free to contact me if you have your own ideas.
Thank you for being reading.