I dream a lot about making custom furniture and gear for myself and my family. I am pretty good at making things in the garage and can usually do a decent job. But if I am honest, I don’t have the time or expertise to make even half of the wild ideas I have. Awhile back I found a website that is perfect for this dilemma: CustomMade.

The website is really cool because they are playing the middleman between buyers and makers and craftsmen. The makers can create a profile where they can show off specific items they can build as well as a collection of items they have built. When you go to the website looking to buy something you select the category and type of item you are looking for. You then create a description of exactly what you want. You are able to upload pictures and give your price range. CustomMade then allows makers, businesses, and craftsmen to submit proposals to you. It gives the buyer the ability to select from a range of craftsmen and ideas. They can then look at the profiles of the craftsmen or makers to see if they have a history of making quality items. Then the buyer can select the craftsman or maker they want to work with.

The most popular items on their website are jewelry. This is according to an interview with the founder that I heard awhile back. But furniture is what is most interesting to me. Having a custom dining room table or the perfect office desk made from an amazing craftsman would be really cool. I have yet to purchase something from this website, but it definitely seems like the perfect source for some of the projects I have in mind for the future.