Making It: Lazerwood

The best brands are often forged out of necessity. After the iPhone 4 dropped, designers Erick Waldman and Benoit Collette couldn’t find a case they liked. So the resourceful duo created a prototype, friends began requesting covers and Lazerwood was born.

“We wanted something that didn’t add bulk, or compete with the incredible design of the iPhone,” says Waldman. “A thin wood veneer seemed like the perfect choice.”

Staying true to the clean visual style of the iPhone, Lazerwood cases are designed to adhere solidly to the phone without any damage. Using the warmth and beauty of a real wood veneer, the cases are precision-cut to fit the back and sides of the phone. And the best thing is that they’re all manufactured in the heart of Seattle.

In addition to their plain ($15) and artist series ($30) covers for the iPhone 4 and 4S, Lazerwood now does custom orders as well. For only $35 you can have a single cover with your own design on walnut, birch, cherry or black cherry. And if that’s not enough, you can also add a real wood veneer to your Solo or Studio headphones from Beats by Dre. Thank me later.