Nicked Things

Nicked Things officially began in 2018, but the roots of the work go back much further. At its heart, Nicked Things is a small family craft business built around a shared love of woodworking, creativity, and making things by hand. Nichole’s connection to woodworking began when she was fourteen years old. In 1988, her step-father, Robert “Bob” Nelson, helped her carve her first piece, a bufflehead drake. That early experience sparked a lifelong interest in working with wood and creating things by hand. Over the years, Nichole’s creative path evolved from wood carving to wood-burning, then into photography, before eventually returning to her roots in woodworking, pyrography, painting, and paper design. Those creative interests would later become the foundation for Nicked Things. Ed, whom family and friends know as Eddie, is the “Ed” in Nick-ed Things. He began learning traditional decoy carving from Bob as well and completed his first carvings in 2007. Over time his woodworking expanded into what it is today: handcrafted boxes, vintage sled replicas, clocks, and other unique wooden pieces. Today, the work created under the Nicked Things name reflects both of their skills and creative interests. Nichole focuses on pyrography, painting, layered paper shadowbox designs, and decorative woodworking, while Ed continues crafting handmade wooden pieces with an emphasis on traditional techniques and careful finishing. Many of the pieces we create are made one by one rather than in large batches. Because wood is a natural material, variations in grain, texture, and color can result in two pieces that share the same design but still look uniquely different.

Nichole was born and raised in Maine, and even after spending several years living out of state, Maine remained the place that felt most like home. Its landscape, pace, and deep sense of community shaped her creativity and the way she approaches handmade work. Ed relocated to Maine several years ago through his construction career, and he quickly found the same connection — an appreciation for the craftsmanship, the woods, and the grounded way of life that Maine offers. Together, Nichole and Ed draw inspiration from Maine’s natural beauty and long tradition of skilled, honest craft. Nicked Things reflects that shared connection to place, whether the piece is woodburned, handpainted, or handcrafted from the ground up.

Nicked Things stands out because Nichole and Ed bring together three distinct forms of craftsmanship — woodburning, handpainting, and handbuilt woodworking — into one cohesive, heartfelt brand. Every piece is made start‑to‑finish by the two of them, using traditional techniques, careful attention to detail, and a deep respect for the materials they work with. Nichole’s artistic background and Maine roots shape the warm, nature‑inspired aesthetic of their designs, while Ed’s construction experience brings strength, precision, and durability to their handcrafted builds. Their work isn’t mass‑produced or outsourced; it’s intentionally slow-made, personal, and meant to last. What truly sets Nicked Things apart is the blend of artistry and authenticity. Whether it’s a woodburned spoon, a handpainted sign, or a custom-built box or chair, each item carries the character of the makers, the influence of Maine’s landscape, and the belief that handmade goods should feel meaningful, functional, and connected to real life.

For Nichole and Ed, the biggest challenge has been balancing the growing demand for their handcrafted work with the realities of being a two‑person operation. Every item — whether woodburned, handpainted, or fully built from scratch — is made by their hands, which means scaling production without losing the quality and intention behind each piece is an ongoing hurdle. They’ve also navigated the learning curve of expanding into new mediums, refining their processes, and managing the business side of a creative venture while still protecting time for the actual making. As their product line has grown, so has the need to juggle sourcing materials, maintaining inventory, and keeping up with custom orders, all while staying true to the slow‑crafted, meaningful approach that defines Nicked Things. Despite these challenges, Nichole and Ed continue to adapt, refine, and grow — committed to preserving the authenticity and craftsmanship that make their work unique.

Nicked Things is entering an exciting phase of growth as Nichole and Ed continue expanding their product line, refining their woodburned, handpainted, and handcrafted pieces, and preparing for upcoming markets and vendor events. They’re also improving their production workflow to meet increasing demand while preserving the intentional, handmade quality that defines their work. Alongside this creative development, Nichole and Ed are building a full website that will serve as a central hub for browsing products, learning about their process, and eventually placing online orders. This next step allows Nicked Things to reach customers beyond local events while staying rooted in the authenticity and craftsmanship that make their work unique.

That's a tough one but probably my wood-burned spoons.

Mariaville Falls

This is my hobby.