Nov 7, 2024 4 min read

Hands-On and Heartfelt — Meet Rusted Orange Craftworks Co.

Thirteen years ago, two childhood best friends Matt and Joe found themselves looking for a way to spend more time together. With a shared love for craftsmanship and a passion for creating, they began what would soon become much more than just a hobby. What started as an excuse for a “guys night out” quickly blossomed into an exciting and challenging business (and a great excuse to buy tools and big machines).

As Rusted Orange Craftworks Co. gained momentum, it wasn't long before their wives, seeing the passion and potential, decided to get involved. With their support and dedication, the business flourished even more. Suddenly, what started as a two-man show grew into a true family affair—and now, they’re reconnecting with the Jane family, too!

What can our community find in your shop?

“We understand that finding the perfect gift can be challenging, especially when you want something truly meaningful. That’s why we specialize in creating custom, sentimental gifts that add a personal touch to any occasion.”

What does a typical "day in your life" look like?

“Every day is an exciting mix of creativity, innovation, and hands-on craftsmanship. As owners of this family-run business, we're involved in every step of the process—from dreaming up fresh product ideas to overseeing the intricate production of each custom order.

We’re always thinking about new ways to bring personalized, meaningful designs to our customers. Whether it's sketching out ideas for a new family name sign or discussing the latest trends in home décor, the creative process is a big part of what we do.

Once our creative gears are turning, we shift our focus to marketing. From managing social media campaigns to updating our website, we’re hands-on with ensuring our products reach the right audience. We love interacting with our customers online, answering questions, and sharing sneak peeks of our latest designs. Crafting content that connects our story with yours is just as important as crafting our products.

“We’re proud to be part of a marketplace that values small businesses like ours, and we’re excited to continue growing with Jane!”

As orders come in, we head to our workshop in Utah, where the magic happens. Using state-of-the-art equipment and high-tech laser cutters, we bring every design to life with unmatched precision. Each sign is custom-made from scratch, and we take pride in cutting every piece ourselves. Whether it's a delicate Christmas ornament or a bold address plaque, our focus is always on quality.

Before any sign leaves our shop, we carefully inspect it to ensure it meets our high standards. From smooth edges to flawless finishes, every detail matters. We add the final touches, whether it's packaging up an order or preparing it for shipping, knowing that our products will soon find their way into homes across the country.”

What is your favorite thing in your shop at the moment?

“We’re always excited about the designs we create, but a few favorites are really standing out for us right now:

Established Family Tree Monogram – This piece holds a special place in our hearts. It’s a sentimental gift that beautifully represents family roots and history, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. We love how it captures the essence of family bonds in a single, elegant design.

"I Heart You" Couples Name Sign – Our favorite for couples! This sign is a beautiful way to celebrate love, whether it’s for an anniversary, wedding, or even a thoughtful “just because” gift. The simple yet meaningful design always makes it a hit.

Minimalist Custom Ornaments – As the holidays approach, our minimalist custom ornaments continue to be our biggest hit. They’re clean, modern, and personalized—exactly what people love to hang on their tree or give as thoughtful holiday gifts.”

“Whether it's a delicate Christmas ornament or a bold address plaque, our focus is always on quality.”

What is your favorite thing about Jane?

“Our favorite thing about Jane is how they bring together so many incredible small businesses on one platform. Jane has given us—and countless other artisans—a place to shine, connect with new customers, and grow our brand. They've been there to support us from the beginning, giving us the launch we needed to take our personalized metal signs to a broader audience. It's a platform that truly values small businesses and helps showcase the passion, creativity, and hard work that goes into every product. We’re grateful to be a part of it!”

What does it mean to YOU to be a Jane seller?

“Being a Jane seller means so much to us because we've been a part of the Jane family since the very beginning. It’s more than just selling products; it’s about building a lasting relationship with a community that appreciates quality, personalized items. Jane has given us the platform to share our passion for craftsmanship and creativity with a larger audience, and over the years, we've seen how much joy our custom signs and ornaments bring to their customers. We’re proud to be part of a marketplace that values small businesses like ours, and we’re excited to continue growing with Jane!”