How I Make Your Custom Wood Maps
From a special journey, race or favourite place to handcrafted layered wood art, designed and made in Japan by Mr. Tim.
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Every custom wood map begins with a place, journey or achievement that means something. It might be a memorable cycling route, a marathon, a favourite city, or somewhere connected to a special memory. Using precision laser cutting, layered wood techniques and your personal details, I turn that story into a handcrafted map made here in Japan. Whether it is a gift for someone special or a keepsake of your own, this page shows how your map is created.
From Your Idea to a Finished Map
Tell me about the place, route or achievement you would like to celebrate. I will create a free digital mock up for you to review before you order. Once you are happy with the design, I begin making your map.
Layer by Layer: How Your Map Is Made
Every map is built from individual laser cut and engraved layers. The exact details depend on your design, from roads, water and terrain to race routes, elevation profiles, names, dates and meaningful locations.
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Your Route or Place
Start with somewhere meaningful. It could be a cycling adventure, marathon, triathlon, hike, railway journey, favourite city or another special place. Send me your route or location details and I will use them to begin creating your map.
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Route Layer
For route maps, your ride, run or race is precision cut from wood and placed above the road layer, making the journey the visual focus of the finished piece.
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Personalised Details
Add the details that make the map personal, such as names, dates, distance, elevation, finish time, event details or a short message. These details can turn the finished map into a unique gift that tells their story.
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Major Roads Layer
Roadways are precision laser cut from thin basswood and painted grey, then carefully mapped and scaled to create a clear representation of the surrounding area.
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Elevation Chart
For cycling, running and other route maps, the elevation profile can become a sculptural wooden layer within the design. It is particularly effective for mountain rides, climbs and challenging courses, but can be left out when it does not add to the finished map.
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Water layer
Oceans, rivers and lakes are laser cut as separate layers. Different water depths can be represented with varying shades of blue, adding colour and depth to the finished map.
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Engraved Layer
Topographic contours, railway lines, place names and other fine details can be engraved directly into the natural basswood, adding geographic detail and context to the map.
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Optional Wooden Medal
For selected race maps, a miniature wooden medal can be engraved with details such as the athlete's name, bib number, finish time and event information.
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Personalised Location Pins
Engraved wooden pins can mark meaningful locations such as a home, hotel, start or finish, favourite café, workplace or another place that forms part of the story.
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Framing & Finish
Each map is carefully assembled, protected and framed here in my workshop. The finished artwork arrives ready to display, making it easy to give as a special gift or enjoy as a personal keepsake.
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Made in Japan by Mr. Tim
Every map is designed and handcrafted by me, Tim, here in Kanagawa, Japan. From preparing the map design and laser cutting each layer to painting, assembly and final inspection, I make each piece individually in my workshop.
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One of a kind
Every map is made from natural wood and assembled by hand, so no two pieces are exactly alike. Small variations in wood grain and finish make each map unique, just like the place or story it represents.
