the making of rustic cedar furniture

At my workshop in beautiful Brooke Valley (near Perth in Eastern Ontario), I produce a wide range of arbours and trellises built from long lasting cedar poles and branches, as well as rustic bent twig furniture. You can choose from the unique pieces that I create in the workshop, or have something custom-made, or create your own works of functional art.

I have been working with local brush, trees and vines since the 1980's. I started out making willow and bark baskets of traditional styles. Over time, it was often necessary to make gates for our fences and arbours for our garden, and I was encouraged by friends to expand my basketry business in this direction.

Classes are available seasonally. In one day you can learn to make one or more items of rustic cedar furniture. Classes are open to all skill levels, and ages from 14 and up. You will end the day with a feeling of accomplishment and a beautiful piece of furniture to take home.


I love my work. I cut living wood with care, harvesting only those trees whose absence will encourage more vigorous growth of those that remain or using wood that has already been cut by local landowners for other reasons. It has been particularly gratifying to take ice storm salvage and make it into something beautiful. Working with wood in its natural state and creating utilitarian objects that contain and reflect nature's beauty is a very satisfactory experience.

Examples of my larger work can be seen at Rideau Nursery in North Gower where I have built 20'x24' garden room with a porch along one side. Climbing roses are planted along the walls of the 7' high room. An arbor with two facing seats is at one side of another garden and is incorporated into 125' of twig fencing.

My home and studio in Brooke Valley are open to the public at the Spring and Fall Studio tours and by appointment. The buildings and landscaping are enhanced with rustic cedar and twig work throughout, and serve as an inspiration for your own creations or custom orders.


My book "Rustic Garden Projects - 28 Decorative Accents you can build" includes photos, detailed drawings and instructions to make many of the items above and others. It is available for $28 for local orders only (no shipping) or you can order it from your favourite bookseller or the publisher at http://www.creativepub.com.

My studio will be featured on the Brooke Valley Spring Tour on Victoria Day weekend, May 22-24, 2010.

Wholesale prices on furniture are available by contacting Dawn at 613-267-5918.