Handcrafted Items
We produce a few handcrafted items fashioned from our own hardwoods. We'll also produce small custom pieces based on your design or idea (see the note at the bottom of this page about custom work).
Leopold Bench
Aldo Leopold was a conservationist, teacher, writer and philosopher who is perhaps best known for his book, Sand County Almanac. This simple bench, which bears his name, is emblematic of the land ethic which he espoused.
Our interpretation of the iconic Leopold bench includes comfortable armrests. Our benches are made with native Michigan hardwood, including oak, walnut and cherry, grown and harvested on our woodlot here in Washtenaw County, Michigan. We make use of boards that include "flaws" such as knots, the naturally curved ("live") edges of the trees themselves and, in some cases, the damage caused by insects. While sorting through boards we select for features which give each bench a unique character. Each is sturdily constructed using exterior-grade hardware and coated with a weather resistant, exterior oil finish. This simple yet comfortable bench is an excellent choice for seating in your garden, on your patio or porch, or around your backyard fire pit. We can also build you a classic Leopold bench, without armrests, for $30 less than the prices listed below. in white oak: $160 in cherry $175 in walnut $185 children’s bench: $100 any bench without armrests: subtract $30  Black cherry Leopold bench with armrests
length: 50" (armrest to armrest; benches without armrests are 42" wide)
height: 33" to 35" (depending on width of backrest board) width: 26" (edge of front leg to edge of back leg) Shaker-Inspired Benches
These simple but elegant Shaker-inspired benches are made with our own cherry lumber, feature "live edge" seats and a gracefully curved support that ties the design together. Available in three lengths (32", 36" and 40") each bench stands 16" high, with seat depths varying from 10" to 12". Finished with a water-based, satin urethane, our Shaker-inspired benches are an excellent choice for mudrooms and entrance ways, or as an accent piece in any informal room of your home or cottage. We can also build one to your specifications. We can also make these with white oak. Contact us for details.
28" $115, 32" $135, 36" $160, 40" $185 |
Leopold SwingOur “Leopold”-inspired Swing takes the basic design components of the classic Leopold bench and incorporates these into a beautiful and sturdy swing. It can be made in black cherry, white oak, or black walnut, and includes a natural edge board for the backrest (subject to availability). We finish each swing with a weather-resistant exterior oil finish and put it all together with nickel-plated hardware and chain to provide you with an unique and comfortable porch or garden swing.
in cherry: $240 
Leopold-inspired swing in black cherry with a natural edge back
Walking Sticks Walking sticks
These walking sticks are crafted from hardwood grown and harvested on our own woodlot. The wood for the center shaft is selected for strength and cut from a clear piece of native Michigan lumber. Woods with contrasting grain and color are chosen and joined on opposite sides of the center shaft (a few of these are non-native woods). Using this “blank” the final shape of the staff is cut out, smoothed with a router, meticulously sanded, and finished with three coats of polyurethane. The result is a sturdy, beautiful walking staff: $35 to $40
36" long Shaker-inspired bench with "live-edge" seat
A note about custom orders: It will typically take us two to four weeks to complete a custom order. We require a 50% deposit before beginning any custom job. Check out samples of our custom work under that heading on this website.
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