Kathy McRoberts
I have been creating art from nature since 2011. My first project was a natural cat tree made from downed limbs in my neighbor’s yard. I had discovered a love for working with “found” wood! I took a wood carving class and began to learn how to work with wood artistically. I am, for the most part, self-taught.
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I now focus my craft on making Christmas décor such as decorative Christmas trees, ornaments, reindeer, etc., Fall décor, home décor items like candle holders and crosses, natural jewelry, and much more. The majority of my work is made from tree limbs and branches or recycled woods like pallet wood or rustic barn wood. I am an avid hiker and outdoor person, and that's where most of my wood comes from. When I spot a special stick or branch, it speaks to me and tells me what it wants to become.
I like to think I give new life to natural woods.​ Through my art I hope to share a bit of the beauty of God’s creation.
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Art and nature are in my bones. When I'm not working on my woodcraft I like to spend my time on house projects, building things (my latest projects involve repurposing old barn wood), gardening, spending time with my husband, hiking, playing golf, writing, playing classical guitar or anything outdoors.
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Browse the Gallery of some of my work for ideas, and feel free to contact me with any questions, or if you would like a special order. I’d be happy to give you a quote on your project.
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I'd love your feedback! Let me know what you think! Hope to see you soon at one of my Fall craft shows!
My Creative Process
The rustic, earthy style of my work is what makes my items unique. I use native Ohio woods that include sycamore, maple, oak, hickory, buckeye, sassafras, cottonwood bark, and others, and sometimes use exotic woods and reclaimed wood.
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I have become quite particular about the woods I use for my projects. I look for solid, strong wood, free of rot and bugs. Then it will typically sit in my workshop for many months before being put to use. The bark might be stripped and the stick cleaned and sanded. I often condition it with oils to bring out the natural beauty. It is finished with a wood sealer.
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When you see old bug tracks, small cracks and blemishes, they are not flaws, you can be assured that you have a one-of-a-kind item straight from nature.
Each item I make is unique, handmade and special. No two Woodland Rustics creations are the same!
