Ten Years of CARVEDN — Looking Back, Moving Forward

This year marks my tenth year in business, and that still feels a little surreal to say.

Since I started, I’ve carved over 50,000 signs — and that doesn’t even include the smaller pieces, which probably bring the total up by another 10,000 or more. Looking back at where things began and comparing those early signs to what I’m making today really puts the journey into perspective.

I still keep some of those original pieces tucked away in a box. Every once in a while I pull them out, just for nostalgia. They remind me how far this journey has come — and how much learning, experimenting, and refining has happened along the way.

But the biggest highlight of being in business this long isn’t the numbers.

It’s time.

Time with my family.

Running CARVEDN has given me the flexibility to be around more — not just at home, but on the road too. Some of our best memories come from doing shows together. Looking back at photos of my boys holding signs when they were little brings a mix of pride, gratitude, and that bittersweet realization of how fast time moves.

Over the years, I’ve had countless conversations with customers who’ve seen me at different shows, in different cities, sometimes many years apart. It’s always meaningful when someone says, “I remember you from…” Those moments remind me that this work isn’t just about signs — it’s about connection, stories, and shared memories.

So what’s coming this year?

Like always, I’m focused on new designs and new products. In fact, over the next couple months I’ll be launching a brand-new line, debuting this spring. This year has already been strong creatively, with fresh pieces being added to the shop almost weekly.

As I’m writing this, I actually have a brand-new music-inspired piece cutting in the shop — and I couldn’t be more excited about it.

Music has been a common thread in my creative process lately. I’ll hear a song, and it just sticks with me. I replay it in my mind, and somewhere in that repetition the design starts to take shape. It’s hard to explain — but when it happens, the direction becomes clear.

Show-wise, the State Fair will once again be the main course this year, along with the holiday season at Ridgedale in our favorite center court location. There’s also a chance a few new art shows get added to the schedule, so stay tuned for that.

Most of all, I’m grateful.

Grateful for ten years.
Grateful for customers who have followed along.
Grateful for the freedom this business has given my family.
And grateful that I still get to wake up excited to make things with my hands.

Here’s to what’s next.

Thank you for being part of the CARVEDN story.

— Lukas