When most people see a fallen branch on a woodland path, they step around it and continue their walk. But at Bough & Burrow, I see something entirely different — I see potential waiting to be awakened.

Every piece of wood tells a story written in rings, knots, and weathered surfaces. Learning to read these natural narratives is an important skill, and today I'm sharing some insights into how I transform raw, found materials into the handcrafted pieces that find their way into your homes.

The First Conversation: Selecting Your Wood

The relationship between craftsperson and material begins long before any tools are picked up. When I discover a promising branch during our woodland walks or an old shed or fence that's been replaced, the first step isn't cutting or shaping — it's listening.

I examine the natural grain patterns, feeling for the wood's inherent strength and weakness. A knot that might seem like an imperfection to some becomes a focal point in my design. A section where bark has naturally peeled away reveals the smooth, pale wood beneath — perfect for a candle holder's gentle curves.

What we look for:

  • Interesting grain patterns that will enhance the finished piece
  • Natural curves and bends that suggest organic forms
  • Unique textures from bark, moss, or weathering
  • Structural integrity despite any natural imperfections

The Slow Reveal: My Crafting Process

1. Seasoning and Preparation

Before any shaping begins, wood must be properly seasoned and treated for any fungal issues. I allow my found materials to dry naturally in our wood store, a process that can take from months to years depending on the species and size - proper air-drying typically takes 5 - 6 months per inch of thickness, in optimal conditions, for most hardwoods and about half that for softwoods. This patience pays off in the long run and ensures the longevity of the finished piece.

2. Design with Nature's Lead

Rather than imposing a predetermined design onto the wood, I let the material guide me. A log with a natural hollow might become a rustic planter or tealight holder. A piece with an interesting fork could transform into a wall-mounted candle sconce or centre-piece for your dining table. This collaborative approach between crafts person and material is what makes each piece truly unique.

3. Hand Tools and Gentle Shaping

I rely primarily on hand tools — chisels, gouges, files, axes and rasps — that allow me to work slowly and responsively. Power tools have their place, but the subtle feedback from hand tools helps me feel the wood's resistance and grain direction, honouring the material's natural properties.

4. Preserving Character

One of my core principles is preserving as much of the wood's natural character as possible. I might smooth a surface for functionality while leaving bark edges intact, or carefully work around interesting knots rather than eliminating them. These "imperfections" are what make each piece irreplaceable.

The Finishing Touch: Natural Protection

My finishing process is as considered as the shaping. I use only natural products — typically 100% organic danish oil and beeswax, sourced from Rhoose Point Remedies, a small supplier in Wales — finishes that penetrate the wood without masking its natural beauty. These finishes enhance the grain patterns while providing protection against moisture and wear.

The application itself is meditative: multiple thin coats applied by hand, each one allowed to fully cure before the next. The wood's colour deepens and richens with each application, revealing grain patterns that were easy to overlook in the raw material.

Tools of the Trade: Our Essential Kit

For those interested in trying their hand at working with found wood, here are some essential tools to get started:

Basic Hand Tools:

  • Sharp chisel set (6mm, 12mm, 25mm)
  • Handsaw - a small pruning saw is a very versatile tool.
  • Rasps and files for shaping
  • Small hand hatchet/axe for carving
  • Small forest axe for hewing and splitting
  • Block plane for smoothing
  • Drawknife for bark removal
  • Sandpaper (120, 240, 320, 400 grit)
  • Wire brushes for loose material removal
  • Natural bristle brushes for finishing

Safety Equipment:

  • Safety glasses
  • Dust masks
  • Work gloves for handling rough materials

The Magic Moment: From Branch to Beauty

There's a moment in every project when the transformation becomes undeniable — when what was once a discarded branch or scrap of wood reveals itself as something beautiful and functional. It might be when the first coat of oil brings out hidden grain patterns, or when I fit a piece into its intended space and see how it transforms the atmosphere.

This transformation isn't just about the wood — it's about bringing a piece of the forest's quiet magic into daily life. Every time someone lights a candle in one of my holders or turns on the fairy lights in a wall piece, they're connecting with the story that began in the woods.

Bringing the Forest Home

My craft is ultimately about more than just making things from wood. It's about fostering a connection between the natural world and our living spaces, creating pieces that carry the calm and grounding presence of the forest into our homes.

Each piece I create is an invitation to slow down, to appreciate natural beauty, and to surround ourselves with objects that have genuine soul and story. In a world of mass-produced uniformity, I believe there's profound value in things that are genuinely unique — shaped not by machines, but by the patient hands of craftspeople working in partnership with nature.

Ready to bring some forest magic into your home? Explore my current collection of handcrafted pieces, each one telling its own unique story of transformation from woodland discovery to cherished home accent.

Share your own wood crafting experiences with me on social media using #BoughAndBurrow