At MidRiver Woodworks, we take pride in transforming wood into exquisite works of art. One recent endeavor was a testament to our passion for woodworking: crafting a personalized masterpiece for  our brother-in-law for his birthday. This exceptional humidor, fashioned from Spanish cedar and embellished with Padauk and Gaboon Ebony accents, beautifully blends craftsmanship, functionality, and personalization.

1) Vision and Inspiration

Every project commences with a vision. In this case, the inspiration was ignited by our brother-in-law’s profound love for fine cigars and our sister’s desire to gift him something truly extraordinary. The concept of a monogrammed humidor emerged—a fitting tribute and a functional work of art.

2) Selecting the Materials

The choice of wood is pivotal in woodworking. For the primary body of the humidor, Spanish cedar was the natural choice due to its ideal moisture-regulating properties. To infuse contrast and richness, we opted for Padauk and Gaboon Ebony for the accents.

3) Crafting the Main Box

Our journey began with the main box, crafted entirely from Spanish cedar. We meticulously sketched the design and used rabbets for alignment and strength, with wood glue as the sole joinery method.

4) Constructing and Applying the Veneer

The external body of the humidor received a stunning African Padauk veneer. Resawing Padauk to 1/8 inch thickness and refining it to 1/16 inch created a captivating contrast against the deep Gaboon Ebony. Wood glue securely bonded the veneer to the external spanish cedar walls. The edges were left rough in preparation for the ebony inlay.

5) Incorporating Gaboon Ebony Accents

Gaboon Ebony played a pivotal role, adorning the humidor with corner splines and edging. Its deep, almost black hue starkly contrasted with the warm tones of African Padauk, creating a visually striking effect. Precisely cut 3/8″ by 3/8″ ebony sticks were glued and meticulously flush trimmed to the dimensions of the box.

6) Cutting the Lid and Lip

The completed box underwent modification, where the top 2 inches were removed to craft a functional lid. A 1/4″ Spanish cedar lining was installed, strategically oversized on the bottom edges and undersized on top, allowing for a sealing lip when closed.

7) Monogrammed Perfection

The pièce de résistance was undoubtedly the monogrammed lid. Utilizing an X-carve CNC, we carved a 3/16″ deep void in the lid’s center, filling it with epoxy tinted with onyx black micra powder. The initials were then carved and similarly filled with epoxy featuring pearl white micra powder coloring. This monogram now symbolized artistry and thoughtfulness, personalized for our brother-in-law.

8) Finishing

Sanding to 320 grit, we finished the humidor with General Finishes pre-catalyzed lacquer. Its hardy finish ensures durability for heavy use, while the internal components remained unfinished, allowing for proper cigar humidification and seasoning.

9) Installing Hardware

A brass colored clasp and hinges, along with a felt-edged dividing piece of Spanish cedar, added an upscale aesthetic. A brass-colored hygrometer and humidifier were meticulously installed, ensuring the humidor’s functionality.

10) A Personalized Gift of Excellence

Our humble idea blossomed into a stunning reality—a monogrammed Spanish cedar humidor adorned with Padauk and Gaboon Ebony accents. Beyond a gift, it was a labor of love and craftsmanship—a cherished vessel for preserving fine cigars while epitomizing the artistry of MidRiver Woodworks.

This project exemplifies how simple ideas, skillful hands, and the right materials converge to create a truly exceptional work of art. At MidRiver Woodworks, we’re committed to turning your woodworking dreams into reality, one project at a time. If you have a custom woodworking project in mind, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d be honored to bring your vision to life.