A week ago I met Jim, owner of Michigan Reclaimed Barnwood, at his Ann Arbor warehouse. His huge warehouse is filled with all types of antique and vintage wood salvaged from Michigan and Midwestern barns. In the back corner was wood salvaged from downed trees. I was able to pick some nice oak and walnut pieces.

When I came home, I piled the wood on my back patio. Here is a photograph of what I brought home.

I picked a few interesting pieces to work on during the week.

I wanted to preserve some of the texture, so I lightly sanded the wood. A couple applications of clear coat varnish brought out the natural color of the wood and prepped it for the artistic detailing using mixed media techniques.

I’m really happy with the final results!