Crafting with passion

TOP SELLER: Joseph J. Strong launched Photon Fabrications after teaching himself how to use a computer-directed cutting machine. These New England miniatures are his most popular item. / PBN PHOTO/KATE WHITNEY LUCEY
TOP SELLER: Joseph J. Strong launched Photon Fabrications after teaching himself how to use a computer-directed cutting machine. These New England miniatures are his most popular item. / PBN PHOTO/KATE WHITNEY LUCEY

Most college seniors balance a full course load with, at most, part-time work. Then there’s Joseph J. Strong, who takes his classes at Central Connecticut State University over four weekdays, then returns to Rhode Island each Friday to run a small design and fabrication business.

Strong, 22, started Photon Fabrications when he was 15. His parents own another small business, Bad Dog Tools, which manufactures carbonite tips. After their business acquired a second-hand, computer-directed cutting machine, Strong taught himself how to use it.

His early handiwork included small, wooden plaques, made one at a time.

The hobby has since turned into a small business.

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Strong credits his first real break to his grandfather, an astronomy professor. In 2010, when Strong was in high school, his grandfather was on the board of a nonprofit that annually held a science fair for middle and high school students.

A contractor who had agreed to make some 100 awards for the science fair couldn’t do it, so with little notice, Strong had his first big order. He and a friend spent four weekends designing, cutting, sanding and assembling a series of small plaques, which were later awarded to students.

“I thought it was a great opportunity,” Strong said.

Photon Fabrications grew incrementally. He is now leasing commercial space in Bristol, from his parents, and has employed his mother to manage his national gift-show appearances. All work occurs on weekends, so he can continue his studies in mechanical engineering technology.

The degree and the business complement each other, he said. “A lot of engineering is math, math all the time. It’s great to have this as an outlet to do something a little more creative.”

The businesses he’s focused on are those who want something authentic and special but don’t have the reserves to order hundreds of items, Strong said.

By far, the New England miniatures are his most popular item with retailers, and customers. The little, wooden boxes feature iconic scenes, designed by Strong and made with four thin layers of wood, snapped together in a box.

Used as tree ornaments, or conversation pieces, the little boxes are a less-expensive alternative to many items in local gift stores.

Last year, he sold more than 750 miniatures, Strong said.

The idea came from an earlier design. He had been trying to sell larger, shadow boxes at craft stores. But at $20, they weren’t moving very well. Strong kept trying to make them smaller, using less materials. The result is something that can be held in a palm.

“One of the great things about working with a laser is you can be as detailed as you want to be,” Strong said. •

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