Fashioned by the motion of the waves and often bleached to a soft silver-grey by the sun, the smooth, weather-worn forms of driftwood carry a tangible sense of romance. It never fails to bring back memories of beachcombing finds on childhood holidays and the mystery that surrounds its origins makes it all the more irresistible to the collector. For artists and furniture makers its naturally sculpted shapes make it ideal for creating unique pieces and accessories that are perfect for both indoors and out. In the Orkneys, for example, huge logs thrown onto the land by the Atlantic Ocean are still transformed by local craftsmen into what are known as Orkney chairs.

WHERE TO BUY SCULPTURES AND ACCESSORIES
• Shoreline Furniture, (01794) 323232. Artist Martin Scorey combs his local beaches, collecting driftwood to transform into tables, chairs and lamp stands. He also creates smaller decorative accessories, such as driftwood flowers and angels, and sculptures for his garden designs.
• Natural Driftwood Sculptures, (01202) 578274, has a huge collection of sculptures created from cedar logs rescued from lakes in Canada. Prices range from £20 for a small sculpture to several hundred pounds for a larger item.
• Heather Jansch works with the contours of driftwood to create animal sculptures. Her life-sized horse and a family of pigs are on display at the Eden Project; she also has an exciting studio. Visit her website at www.jansch.freeserve.co.uk.
• Devon Driftwood Designs has a good selection of driftwood accessories for the home. Call (01803) 882850.
• Scapa Crafts sells traditional Orkney chairs, made from split driftwood logs. Call (01856) 872517.
• Please remember it is illegal to remove living creatures from the shore.

WORDS AND STYLING JACKY HOBBS
PHOTOGRAPHS MICHELLE GARRETT
SEPTEMBER 2006