Turning the overlooked into the unforgettable.
Handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pieces made from reclaimed materials
Wood Art + String Art + Collage Art + “You-name-it” Art
Whatever you want to call it - “crap” or “scrap" - I take what most would consider trash and turn it into something new. Whether it’s old broken pallets, thrown-away construction materials, or junk-mail magazines, I enjoy bringing new life to materials people would normally discard. So, however you want to pronounce the company name - “Chad’s Crap” or “Chad Scrap” - it is!
Everything I create is hand-made and every piece is one-of-a-kind. As a result, every piece is sure to be flawed, whether that’s from the original materials being old and used, or from an imprecise cut from a human hand. But it’s the flaws that makes CHADSCRAP pieces unique. There’s no AI, no mass production, and no digital machinery. There’s only the materials on hand and a vision for what could be.
It’s personal … some crap about me
I’m Chad. And I make crap from scrap.
By day, I’m the equivalent of a piece of white bread. I’m an accountant. Who does regulatory work at a utility. I live in the suburbs with my wife and two kids. We have a minivan. And a golden doodle. Duh - my name is Chad.
But a little while ago my old, cedar fence fell down. I needed to replace it, but the old wood seemed perfectly useful and the “oldness” of it seemed to add character. I thought, “this is worth something - I should use this stuff.” My first project was born - an Ohio State Buckeye sign for my brother-in-law’s birthday (see the original in the picture carousel below). I loved the process, I loved the result and I loved the feedback I got. I’ve been accumulating tools and churning out new projects ever since.
The positive feedback on my work spurred me forward. But it’s the overall process that I get into. Each project is a puzzle to figure out and I enjoy using materials that are unused or have special meaning and repurposing them. And I love the story behind each project.
Here’s an example:
My best friend’s family owns a lake house in Michigan. Ever since college, I’d spend time there with him and his family every summer. We’d put the pier in at the beginning of the summer, we’d play cards in the afternoon, sit by the fire at night and tell stories and laugh over a few beers sometimes until early the next morning. His lake house became my happy place. A few years ago, a huge pine tree on the lake house property had to be taken down. That tree was on the property for all of my friend’s life. It was there ever since I started showing up. We used it as a base when playing whiffle ball with the kids. We had to cut around it when mowing the grass. There was something missing when it was taken down. Most of the tree was destined for the fire pit, but I asked if they could save me a couple of big logs (to which I recall seeing strange looks). After a couple years of letting the wood dry out, I turned those logs into bowls and charcuterie boards for my friend and his family. It’s not much, and maybe it seems silly. But these aren’t bowls or boards that you find at Crate & Barrel. They have a story. And while wooden bowls and boards made of an old pine tree may not be the idea of “treasure,” giving that old tree from that special place new life was a treasure for me (and I hope something that my friend’s family can treasure).
This is what I love to do. Give something new life. Make something that brings someone happiness. Help tell a story.
RECENT WORK
COLLAGES
WOOD ART
STRING ART
these are just A few of my favorites.
Want something similar - or totally unique to you? Hit "Start a Custom Project" below!
how does it work?
1
Share your idea
Upload a photo or inspirational image and let me know what format you're looking for (wood / string / collage / something cool I don't even know about).
2
we collab
I’ll review your vision and materials on hand, then recommend approach, timeline, and a price range.
3
I GET TO WORK
Thoughtful, handcrafted build; I’ll keep you posted on progress.
4
Delivery or Pickup
Let's talk to determine what's easiest and most cost-effective for you.
Frequently asked questions
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Pricing varies by size, material, and detail. I’ll share a quote after reviewing your idea.
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From shelf-friendly pieces to statement walls. Tell me your space; I’ll suggest a size.
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Typical timelines are project-dependent. If you have a date (birthday, graduation), mention it in your request and I’ll let you know what’s possible.
need GIFT IDEAS?
Not sure what to make? Here’s some options:
Jersey-style name collages in school/team colors (amazing for student-athletes)
Graduation gifts: future college logos
Fan favorites: Marvel, Star Wars, Disney
Lifestyle themes: yoga, music, travel
Let’s start a project
Want to see new builds in progress and more finished pieces?