Keeping it Green

Cedar Lined 3-Panel Chest made from Local and Sustainable Sources.

Are responsibly managed forests important to you?

They are to us.  One of the great things about ordering custom furniture, is that you set the rules.  If you are concerned about the environment and want to purchase products that support a sustainable economy, give us a call.

We’re happy to purchase, upon request, wood that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Smartwood, or other reputable organizations.  Want to use locally harvested wood or reclaimed wood?  Just let us know.  Want a natural, non-toxic finish — great.  You set the rules and we’ll build you the future that matches not only your home, but also your lifestyle.

No power tools . . .

People wonder why Art doesn’t use many power tools. One reason being that it reduces the reliance on electricity, and helps to reduce pollution.  There’s no additional noise pollution either, since hand-planes are pretty quiet. There may be the occasional power-drill or jigsaw, but over all it’s good old fashioned elbow-grease that gets the work done.

Exotic and Native Wooden Blocks for Kids and Crafts made from the left-overs from larger projects.

Locally Sourced, Reclaimed, and Salvaged Wood

I’m often asked where I get my wood.  Whenever possible, I get wood that is either locally sourced, reclaimed or salvaged.   Many pieces, like the Wenonah Chair, come from wood from local farms.  Often I get calls when someone needs to take down a tree, and I work with them to reclaim the wood and use it my work.  The blocks and chopsticks I make are from the scraps from larger pieces, ensuring that nothing is wasted.  I even use the twigs from my own apple and peach trees to make the chopsticks.  You can’t get much more local than that.

Eco-Friendly Furniture

So many of my pieces are made from wood that is from a local farm,  a neighbor’s tree, or even my own trees that it’s hard to set aside a specific series that is “eco-friendly.”   You can always request specifics around where your wood comes from, whether you want reclaimed wood, local wood, or both!

Organic Gardening

We really do believe in the importance of a green lifestyle.  At home Art maintains an organic garden full of heirloom vegetables, and has been composting for years.  We also have a share and work part-time for Bull Run Mountain farm, a CSA farm in Virginia.