Aspen Spirit

 Welcome to Aspen Spirit, my name is Michael Shaft  from Bailey, Colorado.   This site is a showcase of my woodart created from departed aspen, and pine.   My style was born from the desire to take bare  unprocessed wood, and  converge  it into a balanced sensual scupture of nature.  It is a style I like to call elegant rustic, and is suitable for most  decors.   Almost all of my pieces are freestanding, and can be used on tables, mantle, or a wall.    I often have a specific design in mind, other times the uniqueness of the wood influences what it becomes .   I sand and polish the wood without sacraficing the original character that caught my eye.     My pieces are satin laquer dipped , which brings out the rich beauty, seals the wood, and makes it easy to dust.   I harvest aspen from our property's in Bailey, South Park, and from friends and neighbors.   The hunt for worthy aspen can be as fun as the build, especially with Golden's.  I look for aspen with strength, character, color, and a way to get them out of the woods. 

The pieces here are a sample of the ever changing inventory that tends to fill up my house.     The categories for this year are - Trees  lamps, mirrors, candle & plant holders, mantle pieces, center pieces, foot stools, vases, and shelving.  My work can also be seen at Colorado front range events throughout the year as listed on event page.   My talent can also be used for individual home decor needs.

 My thanks to the following for inspiration and direction, God, and his forest's, friends, and artist's.

Additional heartfelt thanks goes out to our armed services that allow the freedoms I enjoy in this great Country