about

I started woodworking because I like trees. Some of our most beautiful
trees -- elm, chestnut -- have disappeared and other species in our
New England woods are threatened by climate change, insects, disease
and pollution. Rather than take the healthy, young trees favored by
commercial loggers, I prefer to use trees felled by age, storms or utility
line crews. These are trees that might be used for heat; too often they
end up in a landfill or left to rot. Giving these trees a new life as toys for
children not only lowers my costs, it seems like a fitting end for an old
friend.Found lumber has a special beauty for tree lovers because of the
charming variations in color and grain, heartwood and sapwood, which is
culled out by commercial sawmills. These variations enhance the
uniqueness of hand-made toys. The organic variations between one
building block and another are appreciated by children and remind them
of the natural, growing origin of the toy they are playing with.
Connecting toys with trees is an important, if subtle, lesson our children
can learn as they play. I like to think it helps spread an affection for
trees.