Cardinal Woodworking

08/14/2026

It was an honor to create this custom shadowbox flag celebrating Assistant Chief David Higginbotham and his retirement from the Parma Fire Department after more than 31 years of dedicated service.

This piece was designed to tell the story of his career and tie in the history of the wood as well. From the carved flag bearing his name and rank to the badges, helmet shields, and personal pieces displayed inside the shadowbox. Every detail represents a chapter of a career built on service, leadership, sacrifice, and dedication to the Parma community.

What makes this piece especially meaningful is the history behind the wood itself. The flag was handcrafted from reclaimed Douglas Fir flooring salvaged from McKinley Elementary School in Fairport Harbor, Ohio—giving material that spent generations inside a local school a new purpose.

The McKinley building has roots going back more than a century. After a fire destroyed the previous Plum Street School, a new school opened on the site in 1912. In 1924, it was officially renamed McKinley School in honor of Ohio-born President William McKinley. It hosted plenty of fire department bingos and school functions.

More than three decades of service can’t truly be captured in one shadowbox, but we hope this piece serves as a lasting reminder of the people, memories, and accomplishments that made up an incredible career.

Congratulations on your retirement, Assistant Chief Higginbotham, and thank you for 31 years of dedicated service. Enjoy the next chapter—you’ve certainly earned it! 🇺🇸🚒

Rooted in the past. Handcrafted for today.
Cardinal Woodworking

08/13/2026

07/25/2026

Before they say their first words or take their first steps, their name already tells a story.

Our custom nursery name signs are handcrafted to create a timeless piece that grows with your little one. Whether you’re decorating a nursery, celebrating a new arrival, or searching for the perfect baby shower gift, each sign is made with care and attention to every detail.

Simple. Personalized. Made to last for years to come.

Message us to create a custom nursery sign that’s as unique as your little one.

👶 Custom Names
🌿 Handcrafted in Ohio
🎁 Perfect for Nurseries & Baby Showers

07/22/2026

Honored to deliver this custom retirement flag to FF/Paramedic Michael Sigh in recognition of his years of dedicated service with the Mentor Fire Department.this flag will hang his helmet.

Every piece we create is more than wood and craftsmanship—it’s a way to honor a career built on sacrifice, commitment, and service to the community. It was a privilege to be a small part of celebrating such an incredible milestone.

Congratulations on your retirement, Michael. Thank you for your years of dedication, and we wish you nothing but the best in this next chapter.

🇺🇸 Handcrafted by Cardinal Woodworking
Rooted in the Past. Handcrafted for Today.

07/10/2026

Looking out the window at a place that was once a farmhouse locally and is now facing demolition is a reminder that every property has a story. While it’s difficult to see a piece of history come to an end,
We’re grateful for the opportunity to salvage materials from it and give them new life through future projects. Preserving a small piece of its history ensures its story lives on for years to come.

07/04/2026

At Cardinal Woodworking, we love honoring the American flag. It’s more than a symbol—it’s a reminder of the sacrifices made, the freedoms we cherish, and the history that unites us. Every handcrafted flag we build is created with pride, respect, and gratitude for the country we call home. 🇺🇸

Happy 4th of July! God Bless America! 🇺🇸🎆🎇🇺🇸

07/04/2026

It was an incredible honor to create this custom retirement shadowbox for Deputy Chief Robert Evans of Mentor Fire Department

This piece was designed to preserve a lifetime of service, bringing together the badges worn throughout his career, department patches, a meaningful photograph, a personalized nameplate, and a handcrafted Thin Red Line flag. But what makes this shadowbox even more special is the history built into it.

The wood used to create both the frame and the thin red line flag was reclaimed from historic homes right here in Mentor. Long before it became this tribute, it was part of the homes where families built their lives and created memories. Today, that same wood has been given a new purpose—preserving the story of a firefighter who spent his career protecting the very community those homes helped build.

There’s something fitting about local history honoring a local hero. The wood has witnessed generations of Mentor’s past, and now it serves as a lasting reminder of Deputy Chief Evans’ dedication, leadership, and commitment to the city he proudly served.

Thank you, Deputy Chief Evans, for your years of selfless service and for the legacy you’ve left behind. Congratulations on your well-earned retirement.

Rooted in the past. Handcrafted for today. Built to preserve a legacy.

06/27/2026

Looks like wall art… but it’s so much more. 🇺🇸

This handcrafted concealed gun case blends security, functionality, and craftsmanship into one clean design. At first glance, it’s a beautiful reclaimed wood American flag—built with attention to detail, rich grain, and hand-finished character. But behind the flag is a hidden compartment designed for quick access while keeping your firearm safely out of sight.

Built for those who value both protection and presentation, this piece offers a discreet storage solution without sacrificing style.

Each case is handcrafted in our shop using quality reclaimed wood and built to last—because practical can still be beautiful.

At Cardinal Woodworking, we love creating pieces that serve a purpose while telling a story.