Our story — Meet James
My grandfather started woodturning in the 1950s on his property near Denmark, WA. He made furniture for neighbours and hand-cut boards for the local markets in Albany. My dad took over the workshop in the '80s, expanding into small decor items when jarrah offcuts became available from the timber mills in Manjimup. I grew up sweeping sawdust off the floors and learning the craft after school, never imagining I’d end up running the family business one day.
Before this, I spent a few years working in Perth as an accountant. It wasn’t exactly thrilling, but it taught me how to run the numbers and negotiate with suppliers. When Dad passed away in 2016, I came back to help Mum keep the workshop going. For a while, it felt like I was just treading water — sticking to the patterns Dad had already set down.
In mid-2018, I decided to put my own spin on things. I moved the workshop to Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills, closer to the local markets I wanted to tap into. I started designing pieces that were more practical and simple, using timber salvaged from small mills around Mount Gambier and Strathalbyn. The first run of 200 units sold out within two months at the Stirling Market, which was the moment I realised this could really work.
These days, we’re still based in Hahndorf, turning out pieces in small batches. Our timber comes from a few trusted suppliers in South Australia, and everything is made in our workshop just down the road from the main strip. It’s different from the way my grandfather started, but I like to think he’d recognise the heart of it.
— Keeping it simple, just like Grandpa did — James, James Wood
Journal
Spring Cleaning Tips Using Our Pieces
Spring in Hahndorf has arrived, bringing longer days, and it's the perfect time to refresh your home with simple swaps.
Spring is a lively time in Hahndorf. The wattle trees are in full bloom, and the almond blossoms are just starting to fade. It's also when I get the urge to declutter and swap out heavier home items for lighter, more breathable textures. Around here, that means switching out wool throws for linen and finally giving the windows a proper clean after winter.
Our Signature Item works surprisingly well during a spring clean. The material is easy to wipe down — even when my very enthusiastic nephew tests its durability with muddy shoes. It’s one of those pieces that looks better the more you use it, which is saying something in a house with two dogs.
I always recommend drying items outside this time of year. The breeze rolling in from the Mount Lofty Ranges is unbeatable and gives everything that crisp, fresh smell. Plus, you’ll save on electricity; the sun does a better job than my dryer, anyway.
One thing I learned from Mum: spring is the best time to donate what you don’t need. If you haven’t used something over the winter, chances are it’s just taking up space. I managed to fill three boxes last week alone — they’re headed to a local op shop tomorrow morning.
So, if you’re feeling the itch to freshen up, start small. Open your windows, move things around, and maybe try out a lighter look for the warm months ahead. Even simple changes can make the house feel refreshed.
Where We Source Our Adelaide Hills Wood
A closer look at the wood we use and the families in the Adelaide Hills who help supply it.
Over the years, I’ve built relationships with a few families in the Adelaide Hills who supply us with timber. One of them is the Johnson family in Lobethal. They’ve been managing their property for three generations, and every piece of wood they sell has a story behind it.
The timber we get from them is mostly stringybark and ironbark — two of the hardiest woods you’ll find in the region. The ironbark, in particular, is incredible to work with. It’s dense, has a reddish hue, and stands up to just about anything. Perfect for making something that’s going to last.
I still drive up to pick up the timber myself. There’s something satisfying about loading the ute and heading back to the workshop. Plus, it gives me an excuse to stop by Lobethal Bakery on the way home. Their vanilla slices are almost as sturdy as the wood.
The Johnsons are big on sustainable management. They only harvest fallen or storm-damaged trees. None of that clear-cutting nonsense, which is part of why I’ve stuck with them all these years. They also mill the wood themselves, which means it comes to me ready to use — fewer middlemen, less waste.
Every time I work with their timber, I think of the hills where it grew. There’s something grounding about knowing exactly where your materials came from, and it adds a bit of soul to every piece we make.
Preparing Your Home For SA Summers
With the mercury hitting 38°C, here’s how we keep cool and functional inside without cranking the air conditioning.
Summer in South Australia doesn’t mess around. By January, the days hit 38°C regularly. Growing up in a workshop without air conditioning taught me a few tricks about staying comfortable without sending the electricity bill through the roof.
First tip: block out the heat early. We hang thick, UV-blocking curtains on the north-facing windows by about 8 a.m. This keeps a surprising amount of heat out. If you don’t have heavy curtains, even a few layers of fabric can help. People underestimate how well handmade solutions work.
Second, swap heavy materials for natural, breathable ones. That’s where our Second Item comes in. It’s lightweight, easy to clean, and can handle the inevitable spills when someone forgets to use a coaster while drinking iced tea.
Another trick is to keep fans running in the evening to circulate cooler air through the house. I’ve found that even one ceiling fan on low can make a huge difference overnight. It’s not glamorous, but it works.
Heatwaves are also a good excuse to slow down and avoid unnecessary chores. If the lawn browns off, it browns off. I’d rather sit in the shade with a glass of something cold and a book. January’s too hot for mowing anyway.
Autumn Rains Bring A Busy Workshop
Autumn in Hahndorf means rain on the roof, cooler afternoons, and a full slate of projects in the workshop.
Autumn might be my favourite time of year. The summer heat finally gives way to cooler air, and the rain starts to roll in. There’s nothing like the sound of rain on the corrugated iron roof of the workshop — it’s both calming and motivating at the same time.
This is when the workshop gets busy. Orders tend to pick up in April as people prepare for winter. Second Item, in particular, is popular around this time. I reckon it’s because it’s a versatile piece that suits the slightly darker, cosier vibe people go for when the days shorten.
I’ve noticed that the wood behaves differently in autumn. The humidity from the rain makes it swell slightly, so I have to adjust the tools. It’s little stuff like this that reminds me how much the seasons affect every part of the process.
My dad used to say that autumn is the best time to experiment, and I think he was right. I’ve been working on a new design this season — something smaller, but with a focus on using up the odd-shaped offcuts that usually get set aside. It’s satisfying to give the scraps a second life.
Most afternoons, I take a break around 3 p.m., pour a cup of coffee, and sit on the porch, watching the rain over the hills. It’s a good time to think about what’s next, but also appreciate the work we’ve managed to finish so far.
How We Seal And Finish Our Pieces
Finishing is the quiet, repetitive part of the process, but it’s where the wood really starts to shine — literally.
People are usually surprised by how much time goes into finishing a piece. It’s not just about slapping on a coat of something shiny and calling it a day. There’s a whole sequence of steps that can take up to three days, depending on the item.
First, we sand. And then we sand again. I use a combination of hand-sanding and machines, starting with 80-grit paper and working up to 400-grit. The goal is to make the surface as smooth as possible without losing the unique grain patterns of the wood.
Then comes sealing. We use a beeswax-based finish sourced from a small producer in Mount Barker. It’s not the kind of stuff you can buy in bulk at Bunnings. It gives the wood a warm, natural look, and it smells incredible when applied.
After the sealing, we buff everything by hand with a soft cloth. This step can take hours depending on the size of the piece, but it’s worth it. You can feel the difference when you pick up a finished product — there’s a richness to the surface that can’t be rushed.
By the end of the third day, the smell of beeswax has usually filled the workshop, and every piece feels like it’s been brought to life. It’s the slowest part of the process, but also one of the most satisfying.
Memories Of Winters In Hahndorf
Hahndorf winters are cold, damp, and full of charm, from log fires to school holiday mischief in the woods.
Winter in Hahndorf is when the town feels like something out of history. The smoke curling from chimneys, the icy mornings, and the smell of damp earth after rain all remind me of growing up here.
As a kid, winter meant splitting wood for the fire. Dad had a strict rule about this — no shortcuts, and the pile had to last until September. I’d complain every year, but now I look back and realise how much those moments shaped my approach to work.
The workshop gets cold in winter, which makes sealing and drying processes slower. But that’s part of the rhythm. I’ve learned to time projects around the season, focusing on assembly and sanding during the colder weeks and leaving the finishing work for when we get the occasional clear day.
On weekends, I still like to take a walk through the woods outside town. It’s quiet, except for the crunch of leaves underfoot and the occasional magpie. Those walks clear my head and sometimes inspire new designs. Funny how ideas can sneak up on you when you’re not looking.
Winter always feels like a time to settle in and focus. The shorter days mean fewer distractions, and there’s something comforting about working under the glow of workshop lights while the rain taps on the windows.
New Designs Inspired By Autumn Leaves
Autumn leaves have always been a source of inspiration — this year, they’ve made their way into our designs.
Every autumn, the trees around Hahndorf put on a show. The maples turn red, the oaks go gold, and even the humble ash trees have a way of catching the light. This year, I decided to let those colours and textures influence some of our new designs.
One piece I’ve been working on has a pattern that mimics the veins of a leaf. It’s subtle, but it’s there if you look closely. I used some dark-stained ironbark for the base and paired it with lighter marri wood to reflect that contrast of autumn colours.
The inspiration came from a walk I took last month. I found a fallen oak leaf that had an almost perfect symmetry to it, and I couldn’t stop thinking about how that could translate to a functional piece of design.
These seasonal projects are always a bit of an experiment. Not everything works, and there’s a reasonable pile of rejects in the corner of the workshop. But that’s part of the fun. You end up with something that feels unique to the time and place it was created.
By the time this piece is finished, the leaves will have all fallen, and the trees will be bare. But I like the idea of capturing that brief moment of colour and holding onto it in a way that lasts a bit longer than a season.
Customer reviews
Emily R. — Fremantle, WA — 2024-03-12 — 5/5
Fast shipping!
Ordered the Signature Item and it arrived faster than I expected. It feels sturdy and looks fantastic in my living room.
James T. — Brunswick, VIC — 2024-07-05 — 4/5
Good quality
The Second Item is great for its price. The colour was slightly different from the photos, but it still works well in my space.
Anna K. — Bondi, NSW — 2025-01-15 — 5/5
Perfect addition to my home
I bought the Signature Item and couldn't be happier. It's well-made and blends perfectly with my decor.
Liam H. — South Melbourne, VIC — 2024-11-03 — 5/5
Stylish and functional
The Second Item is a great find. It’s practical but also looks great on my shelf. Highly recommend!
Sara W. — Adelaide CBD, SA — 2024-05-21 — 5/5
Exceeded my expectations
The Signature Item was exactly what I was looking for. Worth every dollar, and delivery was smooth.
Matt C. — Marrickville, NSW — 2024-09-10 — 4/5
Mostly happy
I bought the Second Item. It’s well-designed and functional, though I wish the packaging was a bit sturdier.
Jessica D. — Newtown, NSW — 2025-02-08 — 5/5
Love it!
I purchased the Signature Item as a gift, and it was a hit. Delivery was quick, and the item looked even better in person.
Ben P. — Glenelg, SA — 2024-06-30 — 5/5
Great experience
The Second Item arrived on time and is exactly as described. I’ll be back for more products soon.