Our Story
Abstract Design is a Wellington based business with our factory in Petone and shop on Cuba street. It all began in 1992 with Chris and Jane Baxter. We have had a shop on Cuba street for thirty years, twenty two of those years in our current location.
Absolutely everything in our shop is made by Chris in our Wellington factory.
Not only the laser cut designs but the prints, display units and everything in between.
We are 100% made in New Zealand including the raw materials we use, which are sourced from sustainable local suppliers.
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We supply many locations around New Zealand with our cool laser cut gifts.
If you are interested in stocking Abstract products, please get in touch.
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New Zealand inspired, Wellington designed and manufactured.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of wood do you use?
We use MDF board for our flat packs and kitsets. We find the wood is best to use in our machines.
We screen print the MDF with Chris's designs to give the packs their colours and patterns.
The wood is sourced from Nelson and we use a local printing company to print our boards.
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Who makes your products?
We do! Chris Baxter is our designer and mastermind behind all prints and flat pack construction.
We have our own factory where we manufacture what Chris designs. Our factory is in Petone.
Chris has a team of two to help him run the manufacturing process.
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How do you cut your products?
We use a laser cutter. Instead of a blade like a table saw, our machines burn through the board with a focused beam of heat. We can change the intensity of the beam, and use it to etch products for extra detail. In our factory we have six laser cutting machines that run constantly through the week. We also have a CNC router, which has a clean cut using blades. We use this for our larger designs, special displays and shelving units.
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Can I visit the factory?
Unfortunately our factory is not open to the public. For the safety of our staff and visitors, it's best to leave them to it. We have a lot of videos on our YouTube and Instagram where you can see the machines in action and see behind the scenes.
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The product I ordered is the wrong colour!
Have you checked the instructions? Some of our products arrive to you with a protective paper still on each side of the pieces. This is by design. When we laser cut, the machine can leave burn marks and residue. To protect the board, we cover each side with a sticker paper, which catches the burn and prevents it from discolouring the final product. Some of the products we scrape before packaging. The rest are packed with the paper still on to protect it in transit. If you have a product you need to peel, it will say on the first line of instructions.
Once peeled, your product pieces should be the beautiful colour you selected.
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Can I sell Abstract in my shop?
If you want to buy our products at a wholesale rate to sell in your own space, please visit this website. If you are looking to buy in bulk for an event, please send us an email: abstractdesign@xtra.co.nz
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