Jim Deardorff, the craftsman behind Out of the Woods furniture, creates pieces that unite artistry, sustainability, and respect for nature. Based on Oregon’s central coast, Deardorff draws inspiration from a life rich in experience—as a merchant seaman, law student, teacher, and social and political activist. His work reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship and to economic development that harmonizes with the natural world. Deardorff primarily works with Oregon alder, a fast-growing and abundant hardwood often discarded as slash after clear-cutting. Each piece is hand-selected from the coastal forests near his home, chosen for its distinctive grain, natural markings, and occasional traces of elk or deer antler rubs. Using traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery and dowelled construction, he ensures every piece is both structurally sound and built to last for generations. Through his work, Deardorff quite literally brings the forest into the home—honoring the land while crafting furniture of enduring beauty and purpose.