The man who makes space for the precious things in life – Felt

It was an 8000-hour joinery apprenticeship that set Mark MacDonald of Rivermill on his career path as a craftsman. Originally from the Bay of Plenty, in his late teens he moved to Wellington, where he completed his apprenticeship along with a stint working for a boat builder and building commercial interiors. Since then he has brought up two daughters as an at-home dad, and now that they are grown, he’s returned to self-employment in the business of making boxes.

What do you make?

I mostly make wooden boxes from native recycled timbers. I make them to order and I also make them on spec and sell them on Felt. The orders are usually one-offs but sometimes I get bigger orders, for example corporate Christmas gifts, which may be 50 small boxes that they engrave. I also make bulk lots of soap racks for soap makers from sustainable macrocarpa, and fence post caps from pine. Occasionally I will make furniture items for a few local and regular clients.

How did you get into your craft?

As an at-home dad, I found I had increasing periods of spare time once the kids went to school, so I decided to follow an earlier interest in box making. This interest was initially sparked when I was given an old kauri box when I started my joinery apprenticeship. Making boxes meant I didn’t require much space or large gear compared to a normal joinery workshop, so I could set up at home and work an hour here and there as family commitments permitted. Now that the kids are grown up, I am able to do it full time.

Do you have formal training or qualifications in your craft?

I served an 8000-hour joinery apprentice where I made kitchens, stairs, timber and aluminium windows and doors, and small amounts of furniture. This, along with a stint working for a boat builder and building commercial interiors, taught me to use a fairly broad range of materials and tools.

Your favourite materials, tools and processes?

My preferred material is recycled New Zealand native timber. Kauri and totara are beautiful to work with but often customers prefer rimu, so that is what I use the most. As I am making small items, I can usually use the unspoilt timber between the nail holes and blemishes of the used timber, with very little waste.

Tell us about some of the techniques involved in producing one of your pieces

I start by dressing the rough timber through a thicknesser, which takes off the usually dirty outer layer and makes the timber a uniform thickness.

An average sort of box will start with cutting two sides, a front and a back, and a top and a bottom. These are glued and clamped together for a day. I then push it through the bench saw to separate the box base from the box lid. These are sanded and hinges fitted. I fit hardware such as latches and stays, then remove the hardware to give the box another sand. Usually I will apply three coats of Danish oil, sanding between coats and polishing after the last. Then I replace the hardware and line the box with felt. Usually the felt is glued directly to the timber and the box is ready to go.

Interiors that have a combination of fabric lining and timber divisions, like the watch boxes, require a bit more planning and a high level of accuracy to avoid damaging or staining the lining or timber during assembly.

What inspires you?

I love to take an old scrap of wood which may have been a treasured item in the past, save it from the landfill or the fire, and give it a new purpose and a new life.

Is there a philosophy behind your work?

I like to make the most of the timber I get, minimise waste, and always aim for “gift quality”.

What has been a highlight of your maker journey so far?

The highlight would have to be the awesome people I have been able to work with to make a box to suit a purpose. Often these people have a such a passion for something, they are willing to commission a box to house that passion. Whether it is an old book once owned by a relative or a straight razor collection, I am humbled they trust me to make a box to house their treasured item.

Describe your creative process:

I don’t think I have a set process. Sometimes I have an idea of what I want to make, then wait for suitable materials to come my way, and sometimes I have timber lying around for years before deciding what to do with it.

Describe your workspace:

My workspace consists of three rooms.  A workshop, which is my machine area where I make noise and sawdust; a separate room which is my finishing area where I fit hardware and do the upholstery; and a hallway area, where finished boxes are stored ready to be listed for sale or collected by a buyer. As a general rule my work spaces are fairly chaotic, because I have lots of things on the go and not much space. To be fair, I could probably create a chaotic space no matter how much room I have.

Your favourite feedback from a customer:

I am always stoked when people say the item has arrived and is better than expected. I figure they initially thought it was good enough quality to spend their money on, so if it’s even better, that’s a bonus in my mind.

What are you currently listening to?

I generally listen to Radio Hauraki, pretty much just background noise with a hint of nostalgia.

What’s your favourite childhood book and why?

Gumdrop and the Farmers Friend. I don’t know why, I just remember reading it over and over.

What are you reading now?

I don’t really read these days other than online, but being careful to avoid the rabbit holes.

A favourite quote:

“You never fail till you stop trying.” Albert Einstein.

Tell us about your pets:

We have a two- year-old cavoodle called Tui (black with a white chest). She has a lovely gentle nature and never chews anything she shouldn’t, despite the ever-present temptations lying around the workshop.

What’s your favourite item in your shop right now?

The panel box is my favourite at the moment – just something new and different for me. I like trying new techniques and problem-solving ways of getting a certain look.

What would your advice be for those starting out in a crafty business?

I don’t think I am qualified to give start up advice, but I have been able to do what I do with the generous support of my wonderful wife and kids. I guess I would say that having an alternative income initially would ease the financial stresses, which can take the fun out it – but then it could be said that if you have a plan B you aren’t focused enough on plan A. Mostly just surround yourself with good positive people.

Why do you think it’s important to buy handmade and/or locally made goods?

By buying locally you will not only be supporting your neighbours, who will in turn support local suppliers, but you will also be cutting down on the carbon footprint of the goods you purchase. At the same time, you may well meet some great people and have the opportunity to get a more customised product and maybe make some new friends.

What does it mean to you when someone buys your creations?

I am always flattered and grateful that people are willing to pay for the things I make, especially as most people buy my things to give as gifts.

What was the last handmade item you bought and what attracted you to it?

A locally hand-painted mandala stone. I find them mesmerising, and appreciate the time and patience that went in to it.

What’s in store for the rest of 2025?

More of the same plus a bit of who knows what.