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.
​
I now focus my craft on making walking sticks, wall crosses, ornaments, Christmas décor, candle holders, wood carvings, natural jewelry, and more. The majority of my work is made from tree limbs or recycled, natural materials like nuts and pine cones, most of which are found while I'm hiking.
​
I like to think I’m giving new life to fallen branches and overlooked wood. Through my art I hope to share inspiration, joy, and a bit of the beauty of God’s creation.
​
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 with my dog, playing golf, writing, playing classical guitar or anything outdoors.
​
Browse the Gallery of some of my recent work for ideas, and feel free to contact me with any questions, or if you would like a special order... I love custom orders! I’d be happy to give you a quote on your project.
​
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 pallet wood.
​
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. After any carving and more sanding, it is finished with a sealer and buffed to a soft shine. I might add embellishments such as charms, beads, etc.
​
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!
