FAQ

Mad Artist Studios is a Kentucky woodworking and art studio specializing in handcrafted wood products, reclaimed bourbon barrel furniture and barware, custom laser engraving, home décor, and original sculpture. We combine traditional craftsmanship with modern design and precision tools to create functional pieces with distinctive character.

Mad Artist Studios is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Our products are designed and handcrafted in our small Kentucky workshop.

Mad Artist Studios is a husband-and-wife business operated by Mike and Mary Wheatley. Mike leads the artistic design, woodworking, engraving, and fabrication, while Mary supports customer relations, sales, and the experience surrounding each order.

Mad Artist Studios has been creating handcrafted furniture, décor, art, and personalized products since 2016. The business grew from Mike’s background in sculpture and his passion for transforming wood, metal, reclaimed bourbon barrels, and other meaningful materials into functional art.

Our work is inspired by Kentucky’s bourbon heritage, rolling landscapes, quiet lakes, traditional craftsmanship, and the natural character of wood. We especially enjoy giving reclaimed materials a second life by transforming them into useful, refined pieces that preserve part of their original story.

Rustic luxury is the balance of authentic materials and refined craftsmanship. We preserve natural grain, char, weathering, and signs of age while adding careful shaping, smooth surfaces, precision engraving, durable finishes, and thoughtful details.

Our products are made in small quantities and receive individual attention throughout the design, construction, engraving, and finishing process. Natural materials, personalized details, and hands-on craftsmanship ensure that each piece has character that cannot be duplicated by factory production.

Yes. Our bourbon barrel products are made from authentic reclaimed oak barrel staves sourced from distilleries across Kentucky’s Bluegrass State. They are genuine pieces of barrel wood, not new lumber made to resemble a whiskey barrel.

Bourbon barrels are traditionally made from American white oak. This strong hardwood develops distinctive grain, color, aging marks, and interior char while being used to mature bourbon.

Small cracks, dents, dark areas, tool marks, and variations in grain or color are natural characteristics of reclaimed bourbon barrel oak. These details are not typically defects; they are part of the material’s history and make every handcrafted piece unique.

Yes. The dark surface found along the inside curve of a bourbon barrel stave comes from the original charring process used during barrel production. Depending on the product, we clean, stabilize, and seal this char while preserving its authentic appearance.

Reclaimed barrel staves, barrel bands, driftwood, and other recovered materials are given a second useful life in many of our designs. Some products also require new wood, metal, glass, hardware, or finishing materials for strength, function, and long-term durability.

The finish depends on the product and how it will be used. Options may include clear satin protective finishes, stain and sealer, Danish oil, polyurethane, or spar urethane for outdoor protection. Review the individual product description for its specific material and finish.

Every product is shaped, assembled, inspected, and finished by hand in our Bowling Green workshop. We also use professional woodworking equipment and precision laser engraving when these tools help create a stronger, cleaner, or more personalized result.

Our bourbon barrel collection includes whiskey coasters, cigar coasters, Glencairn tasting flights, shot-glass flight boards, coaster sets, candle holders, Adirondack chairs, side tables, and other home-bar accessories. Availability may change because each product depends on suitable reclaimed barrel materials.

Handmade Kentucky bourbon gifts can be purchased directly from Mad Artist Studios at GetMadArt.com. Visit The Bourbon Bar collection to explore authentic whiskey barrel coasters, tasting flights, personalized gifts, barware, and bourbon barrel furniture.

Personalized bourbon barrel gifts are popular for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, Father’s Day, housewarmings, retirements, groomsmen, corporate recognition, and gifts for bourbon or whiskey enthusiasts. Engraving can make the item specific to the recipient or occasion.

Many of our bourbon barrel stave coasters feature a 3.25-inch recessed cavity designed to hold most standard rocks glasses, whiskey glasses, and cocktail glasses. Because glass bases vary, compare your glass measurements with the dimensions listed on the individual product page.

Select flight boards are designed specifically for the optional Glencairn-style glasses offered with the product. Other glass styles may not fit securely, so review the cavity measurements before using glasses purchased elsewhere.

A bourbon barrel cigar coaster combines a recessed whiskey-glass holder with a separate cigar groove and ashtray area. It is handcrafted from reclaimed barrel oak to create a compact accessory for a home bar, lounge, patio, or whiskey room.

Mad Artist Studios handcrafts bourbon barrel Adirondack chairs and coordinating side tables in Bowling Green, Kentucky. These made-to-order furniture pieces are currently available for local pickup or local delivery rather than standard parcel shipping.

Yes. Our bourbon barrel Adirondack chairs are designed for patios, porches, fire pits, and other outdoor living spaces. Finish options may include raw wood, Bourbon Brown stain and sealer, or a spar urethane top coat for increased protection from outdoor conditions.

Shou Sugi Ban is a Japanese-inspired wood-charring technique that creates dramatic color and texture while highlighting the grain. We use a controlled charring and finishing process to create candle holders and décor with a bold, rustic-luxury appearance.

Our heirloom cribbage boards combine premium woods such as mahogany and Bolivian rosewood with precision-drilled tracks and custom laser engraving. Sets may include three sets of pegs, playing cards, a storage area, and coordinating engraved coasters.

Yes. Many products can be personalized with names, monograms, meaningful dates, family designs, business logos, short messages, or custom artwork. Available engraving areas and design options vary by product.

Yes. We can engrave many customer-supplied logos and original designs on suitable wood, metal, glass, and other laser-compatible materials. Contact us before ordering if your design requires special formatting, extensive preparation, or placement outside the standard personalization area.

Vector artwork generally produces the cleanest engraving. Preferred file formats include SVG, AI, DXF, and PDF. If you do not have a vector file, contact us before ordering so we can review the artwork and determine whether design preparation is required.

Yes. Custom-branded and personalized products may be available for businesses, distilleries, wedding parties, special events, employee recognition, and client gifts. Product availability, minimum quantities, design costs, and production time depend on the project.

Yes. We consider custom woodworking, engraving, furniture, décor, and mixed-material projects that fit our equipment, materials, schedule, and design capabilities. Submit a Custom Project Inquiry with the intended use, dimensions, quantity, deadline, and any reference images or artwork.

Begin by submitting the contact form with as much information as possible about your idea. We will review the request and generally respond within 48 hours to discuss feasibility, materials, personalization, pricing, and estimated production time.

Most of our products are handcrafted after an order is placed. Made-to-order production allows us to select appropriate materials, apply the requested finish, and complete any personalization specifically for the customer.

Many smaller standard products may require only a few days of preparation, while personalized items, furniture, bulk orders, and fully custom projects require additional time. If you have a wedding, birthday, holiday, or other firm deadline, contact us before ordering to confirm availability.

Many smaller products can be shipped to the address entered at checkout. Large furniture, including bourbon barrel Adirondack chairs and side tables, is currently offered through local pickup or local delivery in the Bowling Green, Kentucky area.

Because most Mad Artist Studios products are custom or made to order, cancellations, returns, and exchanges may be limited once production begins. Review the current Refund & Returns Policy before purchasing and contact us immediately if you need to request a change or cancellation.

Contact Mad Artist Studios within five business days of delivery. Include your order number, clear photographs of the product, photographs of the exterior and interior packaging, and a brief description of the damage so the issue can be reviewed.

Dust the product with a soft cloth and wipe spills promptly with a lightly dampened cloth. Do not place wooden products in a dishwasher, submerge them in water, or use abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals, or scouring pads.

Yes. Wood naturally responds to humidity, temperature, sunlight, and regular use. Minor movement, darkening, fading, or changes in texture can occur over time and are part of owning an authentic natural-material product.

Keep outdoor furniture clean and remove standing water, leaves, and debris. A covered patio or furniture cover will help extend the finish, and the protective coating should be inspected periodically for fading, cracking, or wear that may indicate it is time for maintenance or recoating.

For products specifically identified as having a Danish oil finish, dust regularly and wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth. When the wood begins to look dry or dull, a compatible Danish oil may be reapplied according to the finish manufacturer’s instructions after the surface has been cleaned and allowed to dry completely.

Place the candle holder on a stable, level, heat-resistant surface and use only the appropriate candle size or candle cup. Never leave a burning candle unattended, and keep it away from children, pets, drafts, and combustible materials.