Most people look at a piece of driftwood and see but a piece of wood. John Eagleson sees something more.

When John Eagleson drags a piece of driftwood off the shore, he makes sure he uses every last piece of it. This creative character can see the artistic potential of most of the pieces he sees in the sand and tall grass of Lake Huron’s shoreline, but he tries to load only the most inspiring pieces into his pickup truck.

“I’ve always been interested in driftwood,” says Eagleson. “Growing up in Southampton on Lake Huron, it’s something that’s there every spring. The ice carries it in and then, when it melts in the spring, it leaves behind these incredible pieces of wood.”

Eagleson, who, at one time, worked in the furniture business, understands the construction involved in making pieces of furniture. “I began to make the odd piece,” he explains, “and people began to ask me if I could make them a specific piece … a chair or a table or whatever, and it has just continually grown from there.”

Eagleson feels that he’s giving new life to wood that would otherwise end up in a landfill or the end of a chipper. “Some of these pieces are incredible,” he says. “They should be reused and recycled into things that can be appreciated.”

Given the nature of driftwood and its sometimes mammoth proportions, Eagleson has constructed giant ‘throne’ chairs, many of which have been commissioned by cottage owners.

A cat tree makes the ideal exercise equipment for a group of Bengal Leopard cats. What more could a pet ask for than a homemade jungle gym?

“I’ve actually been trying to diversify,” says Eagleson. “I’m trying to make pieces that lend themselves to being accent and decorative pieces. For instance, I found a beautiful black walnut driftwood root that will make an exquisite glass-topped table.”

Eagleson, who works from his home workshop, often finds a new piece of wood that someone drops off. “I’ll go out and see a piece that I think … hmmm … I wonder where that came from. Sometimes I find out and, sometimes, I never know.”

Often times Eagleson is approached for advice on working with driftwood. “Any and all sand should be washed off and any rough edges sanded smooth,” he informs. “I also advise people who go to collect raw driftwood on the beach to never lift more than they are capable of. Also, people should leave a piece of driftwood outside away from moisture to let it dry slowly. A finished piece can be left in its natural state to weather or can be coated with an acrylic spray to protect it and add sheen.”

Drift away into daydreams during an afternoon siesta on this one-of-a-kind bench. Eagleson would love to see this on a shaded porch or in a sun-kissed garden.

Working with a chain saw, sander, lathe and other woodworking tools, Eagleson brings his own special touch to each piece. “Every piece has a meaning,” he points out, “and every piece has my special spiral signature, although sometimes you have to really look for it to find it.”

From furniture to specialized cat trees to chandeliers and wall accents, Eagleson has designed unusual, one-of-a-kind pieces that can only be called art. “Working with wood is a very tactile outlet for creativity,” he says. “It was once a living thing that can be brought to life again.”