They say that our imperfections are what make us truly unique.
That certainly couldn't be more true within the DIY world, as everyday folks strive to breathe new life into their otherwise forgotten items — like this artist who's transforming old K-cups into gorgeous daffodil door signs.
So when I discovered how one designer was turning knotted slabs of wood into stunningly unique pieces of furniture, I had to learn more.
Greg Klassen is a Washington-based woodworker who transforms "imperfect" pieces of wood into "river-inspired" tabletops, following and highlighting the initial natural designs of the wood grain.
Featured in magazines like Home and Gardens and The Wall Street Journal, Klassen is setting the interior design world ablaze with his absolutely spectacular rustic creations, a collection that's even earned him praise from design maven Martha Stewart.
Scroll through to learn more about the inspiration behind this truly one-of-a-kind artist.
Are you a fan of handcrafted furniture? Let us know in the comments!
Instead of hiding imperfections, Greg Klassen has made it a mission to embrace them through his totally stunning wooden tables.
Klassen's inspiration comes from the wood he sources from the Pacific Northwest, as no two pieces are ever the same. In turn, he honors these beautiful distinctions in the way he approaches the design of each unique tabletop.
His "river" collection is a direct reflection of the pastoral area in which he's set up his woodworking shop in idyllic Washington state.
Klassen follows the natural grain patterns of these rough wooden slabs and uses a combination of traditional hand tools and machines to create his final masterpieces.
According to Klassen, he tries "to marry the natural beauty of the wood with the skilled craftsmanship of the maker. When the two come together, a piece can really sing!"
Klassen aims to finish each piece with incredible detail, culminating in a truly one-of-a-kind piece with a luxuriously smooth texture.
He's studied furniture design and fine woodworking everywhere — from California's redwood coast to an island village in Sweden, training under two influential furniture masters.
Since amassing an ever-growing following, Klassen's been recognized by such home-design stars as Martha Stewart — with exhibitions at the Smithsonian Craft Show and countless other design shows.
Nonetheless, Klassen loves the relative simplicity of his little woodworking shop off the Nooksack River, where he both sources his wood and derives his water-themed inspiration.
Klassen's unique designs are available for purchase at Greg Klassen, so you can bring the beauty of nature right into your own home.
This woodworking artist is transforming the way we look at imperfections… and letting them have their own moment in the spotlight.
Would you buy these truly unique wooden works of art? Let us know in the comments!
Please SHARE if you think imperfections are gorgeous!
