Truckee native turns discarded wood into sell-able pieces

When Jacob Morrison goes wood collecting, it’s not for firewood. The Truckee native has developed a keen eye for spotting logs and limbs that are suitable for his one-of-a-kind rustic furniture pieces.

Morrison’s passion for woodworking took root during his years at Truckee High, where he took the woodshop course three times. After graduating from UC Santa Cruz with a degree in biology and summer stints as a tile layer, in 2007 Morrison and his wife, Lindsey, moved to Portola to start Rustic Tree Creations.

Jacob Morrison

Searching looks for special chunks of wild wood, or takes someone’s throw-away lumber.

Morrison also spends time scavenging old tools from antique shops and flea markets, refurbishing them for use in his craft. Recently, he took a group of relics and made them into a chair that he calls his Rustic Chairmakers Chair. It won the People’s Choice award at the North Tahoe Arts Gallery May showcase.

The whimsical art seat called Dancing In The Wind is a playful design from lodgepole pine branches, with the legs designed dance while the back is blowing in the wind. The seat is fashioned from a reclaimed Turkish shipping crate.

Currently, a variety of works from Rustic Tree Creations can be seen at the Artisans Market Place on Donner Pass Road in Truckee. The art co-op features 19 local artisans and is open daily 11am-6pm.

For more information about Rustic Tree Creations, contact Jacob Morrison at (530) 832.5435.