Chainsaw Safety Course: A Success Story in Sustainable Forestry
We recently wrapped up an incredible Chainsaw Safety Course with Stump Regeneration, and we couldn't be more thrilled with the results. This intensive workshop, held at Belle Mare Farms, attracted a diverse group of participants eager to learn the skills needed for sustainable forestry management.
Forest to Festival: Timber Framed 4Peaks Entrance Gate
Excited to be part of the 4Peaks Music Festival in Bend, OR, from June 20-23, 2024! We're crafting a custom entrance gate using timber framing techniques and wood milled from downed trees with the Alaskan chainsaw method. Sustainability meets craftsmanship! 🌲✨ #StumpRegeneration #4PeaksFestival #SustainableCraftsmanship #TimberFraming
Building a Custom Ski Box for an Adventure Travel Van
This post details the fabrication of a custom ski box designed to securely store up to six sets of skis or snowboards, along with backcountry gear, in an adventure travel van. Constructed from marine-grade plywood, the box features heavy-duty locking latches for security and interior dividers for organization. A welded steel bracket with a 180-degree hinge allows easy access while ensuring stability during travel. Coated with Rhino Liner for protection against harsh weather conditions, this ski box not only keeps gear safe but also enhances the van’s functionality for any winter adventure.
Timber-Framed Brew-Themed Outhouse: Where Craftsmanship Meets Creativity
This one-of-a-kind project combines traditional timber-frame construction with a playful, beer-themed design. The structure features mortise-and-tenon joinery for strength and longevity, while repurposed beer kegs serve as a urinal and sink, blending function with creativity. Thoughtful details like a tap handle doorknob, barrel lid signs, and a wall-mounted bottle opener bring the brewery vibe to life. Designed to reflect the client’s passion for brewing and craftsmanship, this rustic yet whimsical outhouse showcases how functional spaces can also be fun and artfully unique.
Reviving Tradition: Straw Bale Pole Barn Rehabilitation
This post details the restoration of a pole barn using sustainable straw bale construction. The project began with a solid foundation to keep moisture away from the bales, followed by a sturdy post-and-beam framework to support the structure. Straw bales were carefully stacked between the posts and secured with all-thread rods running through the walls to compress and stabilize them. The barn was finished with plastered surfaces, combining traditional techniques with modern craftsmanship. The result is a durable, energy-efficient structure that blends functionality, sustainability, and timeless design.
Metalworks in Motion: Crafting Custom Gates, Bumpers, and Steel Staircases
Bringing metalwork projects to life offers a unique opportunity to blend artistic expression with practical craftsmanship. Recently, I tackled several exciting builds, from creating artistic gates to welding a custom bumper and designing a sleek steel staircase. Each project tested my ability to combine creativity with precision, using metal in functional, beautiful ways.
Tree to Table: Crafting Custom Furniture from On-Site Logs
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was seeing a hazardous tree, which could have easily become waste, turn into something meaningful and enduring. Each piece—whether it’s the 18-foot table, the matching benches, or the entrance archway—holds a story. This furniture is more than just wood and metal; it’s a creative feat that celebrates the full lifecycle of the tree.
Stone and Timber: Building Walkways and a Floating Bench
Building both the walkway and the floating bench required careful attention to how these elements would interact with their surroundings. The timber poles supporting the bench blend naturally into the landscape, while the stone slab seat provides a sturdy resting place without overpowering the design. Similarly, the walkway serves as both a practical path and a visual guide, drawing the eye across the space toward the bench.
Rooted in Skill: The Art and Effort of Tree Work and Arboriculture
This post explores the balance between skilled arborist work and sustainable practices. It covers assessing tree health to determine when removal is necessary, safely felling trees even in challenging situations, and using rigging techniques to minimize risk. Instead of chipping or burning debris, the focus shifts to creating hugelbeds—mounded logs and branches that retain water and enrich soil over time, offering an eco-friendly alternative. Avoiding burn piles helps sequester carbon and regenerate the land, ensuring that even tree removal can have lasting environmental benefits.