About Us
Welcome to Silva & Ore
Our solid wood products are meticulously handpicked, hand-cut, planed, sometimes carved, sanded, and finished in-house. Starting with mostly rough-cut wood, each piece undergoes a transformation, emerging as a unique and beautiful creation. Our commitment to sustainability and community is reflected in our use of locally sourced solid woods.
The laser side of things spans the entire canvas. It adds the ability to customize the solid wood side but shines all alone on its own. The design process using the laser program, Light Burn, gives AJ an ability of creativity that goes beyond cutting and sanding, making the Silva & Ore shop a unique space for its vast abilities, creative concepts and versatility.
Rooted in the heart of the Midwest, our wood and laser artist, AJ, is driven by a deep love for her craft. Her passion is nurtured by a range of hobbies, with a special affinity for collecting tropical plants, which often inspire her work. Supported by her husband, Nick, who graciously surrendered the workshop space, and their two sons, who contribute ideas and inspiration.
Two dogs, who are always underfoot, a meowing terrorist that rarely come to the shop, and a side project breeding high-end crested geckos add to the lively atmosphere of life and work. When not in the shop, the artist can be found outdoors, gardening, tending to houseplants, rug tufting, hiking, exploring, and collecting rocks and earth fur.
Silva & Ore is proud to be led by a woman in the trades and a female woodworker and laser artist.



Our Story
Silva & Ore began in 2017 with a thin slab of live-edge spalted maple. We made wall shelves with this slab just for fun. What started as an idea for some incredible live edge shelves for our son quickly became much more. Working out of a garage, we created coffee tables, flight paddles, shelves, and end tables. After a brief hiatus due to a sudden move and losing the garage workshop, we found our current home by sheer luck and fell in love with the attached workshop. Having a real shop to work in and create was a dream come true.
In 2018, our founder, AJ, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). This life-changing event fueled her passion for woodworking even further, providing a sense of empowerment and purpose. AJ's art has become not just a craft but a vital part of her journey and resilience.
In 2022, AJ made a bold career shift, leaving behind a successful 25-year career in landscaping to propel Silva & Ore to new heights. This move allowed us to expand our offerings significantly.


