FThere is nothing quite like the “reveal”—that moment when the first coat of oil hits raw hardwood and the grain finally “pops.” Hosted by JETT Designs Utah, The Statement Maker is an invitation to step inside a professional workshop and build something truly impressive from day one. Instead of starting with scrap wood, you’ll dive straight into creating a 24″x24″ dimensional wood installation. We blend high-tech laser precision with the satisfying, tactile grit of traditional woodworking. This experience is for those who love the “before and after” and want to skip the fluff to learn the real-world skills required to create gallery-quality home decor. It’s hands-on, high-energy, and focused on the love of the craft.
Session 1: The High-Tech Reveal We start with the most exciting part: the design and the tech. You’ll begin by selecting your premium hardwoods—think deep Walnut and vibrant Sapele. We immediately put the host’s high-end laser engraver to work, integrating your custom logo or geometric pattern into the wood. By the end of this two-hour session, the “face” of your 3D statement piece is assembled. Starting here gives you a finished visual “win” and provides the context for every technical skill that follows.
Session 2: The Structural Build Now that you’ve seen the beauty, we focus on the “bones.” In this session, we tackle the structural framing and joinery that ensure your art stays flat and flush for decades. You’ll get hands-on with professional-grade tools to build a custom mitered frame. This is where you learn the “why” behind wood movement and the physics of stable construction. It’s the satisfying, sawdust-filled work that separates a DIY project from a professional commission.
Session 3: The Final Transformation The final session is all about the finish. We move through the grit-progression sanding process—a meditative step that prepares the wood for its transformation. You’ll learn the host’s specific techniques for “raising the grain” to ensure a mirror-smooth surface. The experience culminates in the oiling ceremony, where you apply professional-grade finishes to bring out the natural “fire” in the grain. You’ll walk away with a completed masterpiece and the confidence to take on your next big build
| Session | Focus | Investment |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | Design & Laser Integration | $ 200 |
| Session 2 | Joinery & Framing | $ 175 |
| Session 3 | Sanding & The Final Reveal | $ 175 |
| Total | Session 1 for 2.5 hours & Session 2 and 3 2 hours each Total 6.5 Hours | $ 550 per guest |
We believe you learn best when you’re actually excited about what you’re making. Traditional classes often bury the fun under hours of dry theory; we do the opposite. By starting with the high-impact “hero” project and the tech-forward laser process, we give you an immediate connection to the material. The complex fundamentals—like moisture content, wood movement, and joinery—become much easier to grasp when you’re applying them to a piece you’ve already fallen in love with. You aren’t just a student here; you’re a maker in a professional environment. This “project-first” approach ensures that the technical knowledge sticks because it’s tied to a tangible, high-value result. You’ll gain the “maker’s intuition” that only comes from working on real-world, high-stakes commissions.
Your host is the founder of JETT Designs Utah, a craftsman who admits he “could spend a million dollars” every time he walks into a hardwood store. Known for his “before and after” reveals and a portfolio that ranges from custom cleaver-shaped boards to intricate memorial flags, he lives for the moment raw lumber turns into art. His workshop in West Bountiful is built on precision and passion. He treats every guest like a fellow collaborator, sharing the “pro secrets” of laser integration and grain selection that he uses for his own high-end custom orders.
Bring an intermediate comfort level on your chosen instrument (Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keys, or Vocals). If you have a favorite “soul instrument” (like your own guitar), feel free to bring it. Most importantly, bring the energy of a performer ready to collaborate.
We provide all premium Sapele, Walnut, and Maple hardwoods, safety gear (eyes/ears), and professional finishes. You’ll also receive a “Maker’s Finish Kit” with the host’s preferred board wax and buffing supplies to keep your art looking gallery-fresh at home.
The JETT Designs Utah studio is a genuine, working artisan shop in West Bountiful. It’s a clean, organized space where industrial laser tech meets the smell of fresh-cut sawdust. It’s designed for small-group focus, so you’ll have plenty of space to work. There is ample, free street parking directly in front of the shop. Follow the scent of cedar and the sound of the planer to find us!
By default, your reservation secures Session 1 of the Comprendate. To book the full journey as outlined in the Investment section, simply select the additional sessions during the reservation process.
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