Tiny Boats, Big Dreams: Blinds By Design LLC Crafts Miniature Masterpieces

Blinds By Design LLC, a West Linn, Oregon-based company you might initially associate with window coverings (they do handle those too!), has quietly been making waves – pun intended! – in a surprising niche: exquisitely detailed miniature boats. Located at 4500 Damon Dr, and reachable at 845-676-7190, this family-run business has evolved from crafting custom blinds to painstakingly building tiny vessels that are captivating hobbyists, collectors, and anyone with a love for nautical charm. It all started with a passion project for the company’s founder, Mark Olsen. “I’ve always been fascinated by boats,” Olsen explains. “Growing up near the coast, I spent countless hours watching them, sketching them. Then I started building models as a kid. But I always felt the commercially available kits lacked…well, soul.” He wanted something more realistic, more detailed, more…special. That desire sparked a journey. What began as a personal hobby quickly grew into a small workshop dedicated to miniature boat building. “People saw what I was doing and started asking if I'd build them one. Then another, and another…” Blinds By Design LLC, already established with a reputation for quality craftsmanship from its blind-making business, found itself navigating a whole new sea of opportunity. Forget those plastic kits you snap together. These aren’t toys. Blinds By Design’s miniature boats are built with a level of dedication and artistry that sets them apart. Each boat is largely handcrafted from wood – often basswood, chosen for its fine grain and ease of carving. But the detail doesn’t stop there. “We don’t just build the hull,” Olsen emphasizes. “We build the experience. That means rigging, lifeboats, tiny winches, anchors… everything you’d find on a real boat, scaled down to perfection.” He and his small team spend hours meticulously crafting each component, using a combination of traditional woodworking techniques and modern precision tools. The range of boats they offer is impressive. They currently specialize in a few key areas: Classic Sailboats: Think graceful schooners and sleek sloops, perfect for display or to add a touch of maritime history to your home. These aren’t just static models; many feature fully functional sails that can be raised and lowered. Tugs and Workboats: These sturdy vessels, often seen pushing barges and assisting larger ships, are meticulously recreated with accurate detailing – from the working winches to the tiny cleats. Vintage Speedboats: For those who prefer a faster pace, Blinds By Design offers miniature versions of classic speedboats – complete with detailed engines and polished mahogany finishes. Custom Builds: This is where Blinds By Design truly shines. They welcome commissions for unique or specific vessels. “We’ve built replicas of boats from old photographs, designed boats based on customer descriptions, and even recreated famous historical ships in miniature,” Olsen says. “It’s challenging, but incredibly rewarding.” So, what makes these miniature boats so appealing? It’s not just the craftsmanship, although that’s certainly a major factor. It’s the feeling of nostalgia, the connection to the sea, and the sheer artistry of the pieces. “A lot of our customers are former sailors or have a family history connected to the sea,” Olsen explains. “These boats bring back memories. They’re a conversation starter. They’re a piece of art that you can appreciate every day.” The boats are popular with collectors, hobbyists, and interior designers looking for unique decorative items. They make fantastic gifts for boat lovers of all ages. You can find examples of their work, and place orders, through their website (currently under development, so contacting them directly is best) or by calling 845-676-7190. The price range varies depending on the size, complexity, and level of detail. A simpler sailboat might start around $200, while a highly detailed, custom-built tugboat could easily exceed $1000. Blinds By Design LLC isn’t just building miniature boats; they're building dreams, one tiny vessel at a time. They’re a testament to the power of passion, craftsmanship, and a dedication to quality. It's a surprising twist for a company initially known for window treatments, but it's a testament to their skill and willingness to pursue what they love. And who knows? Maybe someday you’ll see a Blinds By Design miniature boat gracing the shelves of a high-end nautical museum. It's certainly a possibility, given the level of artistry they bring to every build.