In 2009 I started helping remove cedar and other underbrush from 16 acres next to Bastrop State Park. I agreed to help because I got to take home with me as much wood as I wanted. At the time I had a vague idea of rustic furniture and thought that would be fun to make.

The cedar itself has dictated some of the forms I have crafted. I have never considered myself an artist nor even a superb woodworker and instead have let the wood speak for itself. I am just creative enough to not force any design of mine on this beautiful wood.

The cedar I am talking about is really Virginia or Eastern Juniper and is often called aromatic juniper or cedar. It is what is used for cedar chests and closet linings and is practically indestructible when kept out of contact with wet or damp earth.

The background picture is a cedar limb that has been sliced with a bandsaw to show the beauty of the cedar heartwood.

In September of 2011 and October of 2015 the land was heavily damaged by a sweeping forest fire. I salvaged wood from the first fire and because I have so much on hand, have yet to bring home any after the second fire.