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Duane
Shoup is a highly skilled craftsman inspired by rustic furniture
designs and techniques from the past. He produces honest,
unpretentious, one of a kind furnishings with a natural appeal,
crafted from fine hard woods found in northern Minnesota.
Seventeen years ago, Duane left the Chicago area to live and
work in northern Minnesota. Located north of Itasca State Park
near Shevlin, the studio workshop of Wildwood Rustic Furnishings
has access to the hardwoods necessary for the construction of
beautiful rustic furniture. Every piece of furniture created is
unique.
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Duane and Buck, taking a
break.
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| Duane
incorporates the natural shapes and bends of the hard
woods into his creative furnishings, as the wood's natural
shapes dictate the design. When Duane walks through his
forest looking for materials, he visualizes finished
pieces. Parts of trees are joined as in nature - knots and
bark remain, adding beauty and rustic charm to the
finished pieces. Often Duane uses downed timber, damaged
or already dead trees. He also thins growth areas to aid
larger trees. It is through careful consideration of
existing growth that there is a continuous supply of this
renewable resource.
Duane's
favorite material is hard maple. It is durable and
beautiful in appearance. Some woods, such as white oak,
are naturally more weather resistant and withstand the
elements better as outdoor pieces. Duane crafts objects
that combine the elements of nature into a creation that
pleases the viewer, while at the same time being
functional.
Some
of his pieces use peeled oak and maple for their smooth,
interesting appearance. Others retain their bark to create a
casual, rustic feeling. Split wood backs and seats, using oak,
maple, or ash, highlight the inner grain patterns of wood. The
strength and durability of a chair or table is sometimes
underestimated because of the beauty of the piece. By using only
top quality hardwoods, they are built to be strong and
functional as well as aesthetically pleasing.
Wildwood
Rustic Furnishings specializes in hand crafted rustic furniture
made from native Minnesota woods such as oak, maple, pine, and
ash. We create each piece by hand, and we can make a piece just
for you. Use your ideas to have pieces created that will best
serve you. Everything is custom built, one-of-a-kind. If you can
dream it, we can build it! All dimensions listed are
approximate. Please call or write if you have questions.
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