Branded and Ready: A Vital Woodcraft Update

Things are really starting to take shape in the shop.

This week, I received a long-awaited shipment of cast iron hardware—solid, beautifully crafted hooks that I sourced internationally for the upcoming coatrack and shelf line. These aren’t your typical off-the-shelf pieces. They're heavy, well-made, and have that old-world character I look for. You just don’t find hardware like this easily in the U.S., and I can’t wait to build with them.

Another exciting milestone: my branding iron arrived, and I’ve started marking finished pieces with the Vital Woodcraft logo. It's a small detail, but for me, it represents something bigger—commitment to quality, intention, and handmade work with heart. Here’s a look at the new brand in action:

The production run is in full swing, and I’m thrilled about what’s coming together. I’ve got over 25 coatracks laid out and ready for shaping, 10 smaller items in progress like wall shelves and coffee organizers, and I’ve started prepping materials for some larger pieces—including tabletops and side tables. Every day in the shop brings a little more momentum.

That said… I just got hit with a jury duty summons for the beginning of August. I have no idea how it’ll affect my schedule—it could be a minor delay, or it might cause some disruption to the product launch. I’ll keep you posted as I learn more.

For now, I’m pushing ahead with everything I can. If all goes smoothly, the first collection will launch early August 2025, with fresh photography, the online store going live, and the first round of custom inquiries opening up.

Thanks for being here and following along—it means a lot. This work is just getting started, and I’m proud of what’s coming.

— Jeffrey Mann, Maker at Vital Woodcraft