One day I went down to the river for a swim and found two incredible pieces of driftwood rootballs. I took them up to my shop, set them in a back corner and promptly forgot about them for several years. Until one day, late at night some friends and I decided we wanted to create something. We scrounged around the shop, found these pieces and I decided to clean them up and stick them together. After peeling off countless layers of dirt, mud, rock and debris that was embedded in the wood this INCREDIBLE structure was revealed. This piece is simple - two rootballs assembled with a bolt and nut, left unfinished with a gorgeous pendant light hung from the chains above. The character is not simple - I think it resembles a dragon or bird. Everyone sees something different. For years I wasn't going to sell this piece, but recently I changed my mind. This is absolutely one of a kind and could never be even remotely reproduced.

If your interested this piece could be turned into a chandelier fixture, or different type of light fixture, at additional cost. Personally I think it would serve best as a statue which is why I put the light above it primarily just to illuminate the wood. Want more pictures? Just ask.

Thanks for stopping by!

My name is Ansel Ringler, I am a 24 year old woodworker from the Appalachian mountains of Western North Carolina. From my family owned workshop on the Estatoe River, I build kitchen accessories and home furnishings which I sell on Etsy and through a few galleries and stores in my area. I also custom build all sorts of furniture from the room up in collaboration with each client - bringing their idea into synchronism with the aesthetics of their space and my artistic vision. My goal is my clients satisfaction.
Every build begins at the same place - sourcing material. All of the domestic woods used in my projects such as walnut, cherry, oak and maple are obtained from sawmills in Western North Carolina that process locally felled trees in order to support a sustainable and environmentally friendly business practice. I also mill some material from my own land. Exotic lumbers are sourced from environmentally friendly businesses whenever possible.
I strive to utilize reclaimed lumber - wood that has been aged and distorted through natural processes such as spalting and worming - bringing to life the character that nature has created over time. All material is stored, milled, finished and processed from rough hewn plank or the trunk of the tree to finished product at my family owned workshop in Yancey County.
The finish for my products is chosen based on its application. For furniture projects that require a durable water resistant finish I use General Finish's water based spar or poly urethane which has a low V.O.C (volatile organic compound) rating and no off gassing. Home furnishings and items that will not be used around food are finished with a polymerized tung oil; a durable, satin (low gloss) finish that appears more natural then a urethane. When a food-safe finish is required I use a mixture of mineral oil with local beeswax.


You can view my portfolio and learn about my story and process on my website: www.estatoewoodworks.com
My Facebook page showcases my portfolio and current products as well as allowing you to peek inside my shop to see product development – from where the wood is sourced to how the furniture comes together while also periodically featuring giveaways, sales and discounts. I also like to share information about trees themself – from historical uses to biological properties and pictures:
www.facebook.com/estatoewoodworks
My Facebook group takes you on a chronological journey through the development of my artistry: https://www.facebook.com/groups/180750758786144/
My Instagram features wood in all its glory: from trees to raw planks and along the path of its development into my own finished pieces and the work of others:
www.instagram.com/estatoewoodworks

https://www.etsy.com/shop/EstatoeWoodworks?ref=search_shop_redirect