I was recently commissioned to come up with a gift idea for the owners of a Chicago-based company to be completed in time for the holiday season. After some discussion, it was decided that I would create a business card holder for each of the three owners of the company. As usual, I submitted a computer rendering for approval before I started. The business card holder would incorporate the company logo as well as the name of the person. Since I knew that their office furniture was a dark mahogany, I took a chance and picked a hard maple to contrast the dark furniture. The main part of the company logo is red, so rather than painting or staining for additional contrast, I used Padauk. It’s an exotic wood that comes from Africa. When Padauk is clear-coated it almost glows! It’s awesome stuff to work with and smells pretty good when it’s cut. The entire project involves a special laminating process that combines the two species of wood. Each business card holder measures 8″L by 1-1/2″D by 3-1/2″H and are finished with 3 coats of clear gloss finish.