top of page
top.png

GOT BIRDS?

WE GOT THEM COVERED!

a nordic & Fantasy rich experience

Just as the wood spirits watch over the woods, my birdhouses stand as guardians in the homes, gardens, and backyards where they are placed, inviting those who appreciate the beauty of nature to connect with the ancient spirits of the forest.

​Join us in celebrating the timeless allure of the Wood Spirits,

and let their presence inspire you to cherish and protect

the wilderness and nature that surrounds us.

dougtolkien.png

Find us here!

OctoberEvents

Maple Valley Farmers Market

Oct 19 | 9am - 2pm

Legacy Site

Issaquah Farmers Market

Oct 26 | 9am - 2pm

Pickering Barn

Birdhouse features
Birdhouse

NATURAL ELEMENTS

All birdhouses are built using reclaimed wood, driftwood, tree branches, rocks, natural moss, fungi, and lichen that have been responsibly gathered and naturally preserved. 

HAND CARVED
DETAILS

Every detail displayed in the birdhouses, like mushrooms, tree spirits, gnomes and other creatures, is hand carved by Doug out of driftwood, cottonwood bark or cedar branches.

WHIMSICAL & FUNCTIONAL

Rustic and fully functional, our birdhouses provide a safe and adequate environment for birds to nest and roost.

Anchor 1
Birdhouse 2

THOUGHTFUL DESIGN

Each birdhouse includes ventilation holes to circulate fresh air and prevent it from getting too hot during those hot summer days. They also have drainage holes to allow  any rainwater that sweeps in to escape, preventing it to mold and keeping birds safe and dry.
The  1 ¼” diameter hole used is ideal for all small bird varieties like nuthatches, chickadees, titmice, house wrens, juncos, warblers, finches, and more.

EASY & SIMPLE MAINTENANCE

A clean-out door is added to the side of the birdhouses for easy access and proper cleaning once the visitors have left. Some birds use nest boxes as roost sites when the breeding season is over so your birdhouses might see double duty as roost sites during winter. 

DISPLAY READY

A fixing hole is added to the back of the birdhouses so they can be placed on a tree, a fence or a wall, and each also comes with the proper mounting hardware and instructions so you can hang them properly.Also, a round metal predator guard is attached to the entrance hole, to keep predators away from vulnerable eggs, nestlings, and even incubating females.

A NordicRichHeritage

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I’ve always felt a strong connection to nature and the folklore of woodland spirits.

At first, my birdhouses were plain and simple, focusing mainly on function. However, as time went by I felt inspired to add more character to my creations.

I started carving small details into the birdhouses— wood spirits, gnomes, and other creatures from the stories I’ve always loved. Each carving made the birdhouses more unique, and I found myself increasingly drawn to the idea that these mystical beings were part of something bigger, maybe something connected to my own life.

 

This growing passion for incorporating these elements into my work made me wonder where this fascination came from, which led me to dive deeper into my family history.

I began researching my ancestry, digging into old family records, tracing my family tree, and eventually doing DNA testing.

Each discovery was like a piece of a puzzle.

As I learned more about my ancestors, I realized that the Nordic folklore rich in stories of forest spirits, and the guardians of the natural world I was drawn to, were actually part of my own ancestor's history and deeply rooted in my heritage.

 

This realization made my connection to my work even stronger.

Today, my birdhouses are much more than simple homes for birds. 

When carving wood spirits, I can see shapes and faces hiding beneath every piece of wood or tree bark and its weathered surface.

It is my mission to reveal those faces and expressions. 

Tree spirits, gnomes, dwarves, faeries, elves, trolls, fawns, giants, dragons, and all the forest folk.

I try to listen to their silent whispers and age-old wisdom, guiding me on a journey of discovery and connection with the wild heart of the earth.

Each one is a tribute to my ancestors, infused with both, my love for the Pacific Northwest and the spirit of the Nordic folklore. 
Through my art, I create unique and beautiful pieces, and keep the old stories and traditions of my roots alive, sharing them with everyone who sees my work and shares a love for the natural world and reverence for the earth.

Nordic Heritage

TheWood Spirits

Tree spirits & other magical creatures

In Nordic culture, tales of mystical beings residing in the depths of the forest have been passed down through generations, each story steeped in the natural beauty and mystery of the woods. Among these legends, the Wood Spirit, stands as a central figure. Known as the guardian of the woods, the wood spirit is a powerful, enigmatic being who watches over the forests with a vigilant eye. Often depicted with a hollow or tree-like back, symbolizing a deep connection to the forest, the tree spirit rewards those who respect and care for the woods, offering them safe passage and good fortune and punishing those who seek to harm the forest, ensuring that the natural balance is maintained. Skogsrå, Rådande or Löfjerskor are all spirits in Nordic folklore, known as the protectors of the forest and individual trees. These spirits reside within the trees themselves, embodying the life force of the wood. Those who show reverence to the trees and the spirits within are often blessed with prosperity and protection. Conversely, those who inflict harm upon the trees are said to face the wrath of these guardians, who are known for their fierce defense of their homes. In Germanic culture, the Waldgeist is a similar figure, revered as the silent sentinel of the forest. The Waldgeist, or "forest spirit," is believed to oversee the woodland realm, ensuring that the natural order is upheld. This spirit is often associated with good luck, especially for those who are fortunate enough to spot him among the trees while traveling through the forest. The Waldgeist is a symbol of the deep connection between humans and nature, representing the belief that the forest is a living entity that demands respect. Another important figure in Nordic folklore is the Tomte. A small, gnome-like creature, the Tomte is a guardian spirit of the farmstead, known for his protective nature and hardworking spirit. He is often depicted as a small, bearded man wearing a red cap, quietly tending to the tasks around the farm. The Tomte is said to bring good fortune to those who treat him and the land with respect, but can also be mischievous or even vengeful if neglected or insulted. During the long, dark winters, the Tomte was believed to be particularly active, ensuring that the household was safe and warm. ​ In Dutch and Belgian folklore, there is the Kabouter, a small, bearded creature similar to the Tomte. Kabouters are often depicted as tiny, elf-like beings who live underground or in mushroom houses. They are known for their helpfulness and industrious nature, often assisting with household tasks or taking care of the natural world. Like the Tomte, the Kabouter is a guardian figure, ensuring the well-being of both people and the environment they inhabit.

These rich traditions and legends have deeply influenced my work, particularly in creating my birdhouses. 
My use of organic materials like moss, twigs, and bark is a nod to the belief that these spirits inhabit the very essence of the forest.

In crafting each birdhouse, I channel these spirits, creating pieces that serve as both homes for birds and as reminders of the deep, spiritual connection between humanity and the natural world.

Carvings
Upcycled totes

FROM WASTE TO FASHION

UpCycled

Totes

Our Upcycled totes are a unique and eco-friendly accessory made from used hessian coffee sacks.
Each bag holds a story and 

can be traced back to where it all started: burlap sacks transporting coffee beans all over the world.

From the variations and flaws in the printing and inconsistencies in the weave of the fabric to the final design and transformation.

Designed with sustainability in mind, these totes make a statement about our commitment to reducing waste.

They are the perfect way to carry your groceries, books, or anything else you need to transport.

 

What people are saying 

"This is the second birdhouse I have purchased. This one was a custom order and Doug went over and beyond to accommodate everything that I asked for. It is truly a work of art. I also want to include how well the birdhouse was packaged to assure its safe delivery. Many thanks!"

Kathleen A. - Baltimore, MD

WELCOME

Welcome visitors to your site with a short, engaging introduction. Double click to edit and add your own text.

bottom of page