Graduation Trophies to Escola Natura

A few weeks ago, we received a special challenge from an institute very close to our hearts- Escola Natura Montessori i Bosc.

Even before moving to Catalunya, we already knew that our sons would study at Natura for their first year. We wanted them to adapt to their new lives in Spain with ease, learn the local languages in a safe and intimate environment, and most importantly- have fun. Luckily, it turned out to be exactly what we hoped for: Many hours spent outdoors in nature, exciting day trips and adventures, and a joyful, hands-on approach to learning. We’re deeply grateful for the year we had there and have remained close with many of the families and staff we met along the way.

So you can imagine how happy I was to receive this message one day:

“Hi Ella! We’re looking for someone who can create wooden trophies with a short engraved message for the students graduating to secondary school. Would this be something you could do?”

Well… of course!! These kinds of challenges are among my favorites. Andreea and Adrian gave me full creative freedom and showed so much trust and confidence in my style and skills throughout the process- which made it all the more enjoyable.

I wanted the trophies to reflect a blend of natural, raw materials with modern techniques. So I chose a solid piece of oak wood as the base, and designed many of the components digitally, to be laser-cut with precision.

Here’s how I made them:

• Laser sketching and cutting: I started by modeling a design inspired by Natura’s leaf-style logo in my laser cut software. Then I traced it onto pine wood and cut it out using my bandsaw.

• Layering details: To highlight the inner parts of the leaf, I cut them separately from a different shade of wood. After treating the pine edges, I glued the small accent pieces in place, creating depth and contrast.

• Hand-finishing the base: I manually engraved square holes in the oak base to secure the top elements.

• The engraved message: Andreea requested the school name and an inspiring quote. After searching for the perfect one (something meaningful and the right length, haha) we landed on this beautiful line by Eleanor Roosevelt:

  “The future belongs to those who believe in their dreams.”

  I think it's a beautiful message for young teens at this exciting stage of life, and I'm totally happy with it :)

• Final touches: After assembling all the parts and applying a protective finish- they were ready!

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Here's you can see the whole process of making it in fast forward :)

It was such a great process of making these trophies, and I wish these kids to have a meaningful, enriching journey ahead- just like the one they had at Escola Natura!

Let me know what you thought of this project!

Hugs,

Ella