Linda Suster - Simply wood : home projects from branches, logs, and other found wood

All images by Linda Suster except as follows: L=left, C = center, R=right

L Charlotte Cox; R TC Bird

Front cover: Alamy SIRIOH Co., LTD/Alamy Stock Photo

Back cover: L: Claire Richardson/Narratives, C: Charlotte Cox, R: TC Bird

STACKPOLE
BOOKS

Published by Stackpole Books
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Copyright 2020 Toucan Books

Editorial Director: Ellen Dupont
Senior Editor: Julie Brooke
Editor: Dorothy Stannard
Designer: Leah Germann
Text and Principal Photography: Linda Suster
Index: Marie Lorimer

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote passages in a review.

The contents of this book are for personal use only. Projects herein may be reproduced in limited quantities for such use. Any large-scale commercial reproduction is prohibited without the written consent of the publisher.

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and completeness of these instructions. We cannot, however, be responsible for human error, injury, typographical mistakes, or variations in individual work.

The information in this book is true and complete to best of our knowledge. All recommendations and instructions are made without guarantee on the part of the author, Toucan Books Ltd. or Stackpole Publishing. The author and publisher disclaim any liability in connection with the use of this information.

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Information available

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data available

ISBN 978-0-8117-3858-3 (paperback)
ISBN 978-0-8117-6855-9 (e-book)

The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of American National Standard for Information SciencesPermanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials, ANSI/NISO Z39.48-1992.

Growing up on the Big Island of Hawaii, I began collecting shells, driftwood, and other natural knickknacks from an early age. Whenever wood washed up, I always liked to imagine the life it had led before reaching me. Moving to southern California in my early teens, I found driftwood on this new shore had a personality of its own. A wondrous array of different shapes, colors, and textures introduced a whole new world to me! Once I had a family, I began an annual tradition of taking a weeklong summer vacation from our home in sunny San Diego County to beautiful Lake Tahoe in northern California. Driving a different route each year allowed us to explore new riverbanks, lakeshores, and coastlines.

This hobby of collecting unique twigs, branches, rocks, and shells led to creating presents for family and friends. Their reactions inspired me to produce my projects on a larger scale! Since then, Ive spent countless hours scouring the shores of lakes and oceans (where it is legal to take such items), or hunched over a piece, gluing in the tiniest detail. I've loved every second of creating items that have become the cherished possessions of others.

Nearly all of the wood featured in this book was handpicked on my travels, and each piece holds a special memory of where I found it. Use pieces youve collected over the years to make the projects for yourself. Some techniques take more practice than others, and I know from experience how intimidating it can be to learn a new skill. Rest assured, the book is full of useful tips and easy-to-follow steps to keep you headed in the right direction. Just be sure to give yourself enough time to complete each of the steps. And, as with cooking, once the fires hot, theres no time to waste, so be sure you have everything at hand before you begin.

Once you have tried a few things, dont be afraid to put your own spin on a project! My way is definitely not the only way, and if something feels more comfortable and seems like its going to work, go for it! Best of luck, and happy creating.

Linda