Rosemount Artist Engraves Custom Wood Pieces

ROSEMOUNT, MN — Rosemount artist Jillene Hoffman quit her corporate job to pursue more fulfillment and freedom creating art by laser engraving wood.

Hoffman started her business Jillene Wood Art in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic quickly put a halt to art shows and markets, the business said. Nearly two years later, Hoffman is putting her art into art shows, according to a news release.

Jillene Wood Art has been featured in the Minneapolis Home and Garden Show and her upcoming shows include:

• Nov. 20: Fall Craft Show in St Michael-Albertville High School
• Dec. 10-12: Minneapolis Holiday Boutique at the Minneapolis Convention Center
• March 2-6: Minneapolis Home & Garden Show at the Minneapolis Convention Center

Jillene Wood Art shared that it operates out of two laser cutting studios- a cabinet shop in Lakeville and Hoffman's home shop at 12781 Bacardi Ave West in Rosemount.

Hoffman's business began after she began assisting at her husband's cabinetry company Hoffman Inc. as an office manager, the business said. She had recently graduated from interior design school and began helping plan client projects, the business said.

"I’ve always appreciated art and architecture which is what lead me to interior design school," Hoffman said. "I had the desire to learn how to build something with woodworking tools. At some point, I watched a YouTube video of someone using laser engraving and I was fascinated by the precision and intricate detail made possible by the laser. That is where it all began for me."

Hoffman uses her laser engraver on just about any type of wood imaginable, and even other materials like glass, the business said. She creates custom home goods like signs, wedding decor, baskets, her signature bowl and basket combination, and more, the business said.

"I love this part of my business as it allows me to create one-of-a-kind pieces," Hoffman said. "It brings me a lot of pleasure collaborating with my customers to make their piece an original. I also have customers that bring in purchased items they want personalized to bring meaning and beauty to the owner."

More information about Jillene Wood Art can be found here.