Kate Cunningham Company

The tree stump tables are one of a kind. Each piece is hand-sculpted in the USA from a wide variety of already felled, reclaimed American trees. They are air-cured for a minimum of one to three years. Only earth-friendly stains, sealers and waxes are used in the finishing process. As the tree has given us life, instead of being relegated to sawdust, decay or landfill, it is only fitting that it be reclaimed so that it may live again as art. It is also a gesture on the part of the artist to remind us all of our important role as stewards of the planet.

ATTRIBUTES OF A TREE STUMP TABLE

•	Hand-made in the USA from a variety of already-felled, reclaimed, American trees
•	One-of-a-kind, none other exactly like it anywhere in the world
•	Provides direct contact with the organic beauty and healing power of Nature in the home
•	Functional art: a sculpture and a table
•	Time honored: 20-200 years old - count the rings on top to determine the age
•	Each piece air-cured for minimum of one and a half to three years before being sculpted, finished and released to market
•	Ecologically sound: 1) wood stump tables are reclaimed from already-felled American trees - no tree is ever cut to make a stump 2) these recycled stumps save dwindling landfill space and give a new lease on life to one of our most valuable natural resources 3) stumps are finished with earth-friendly sealers, stains, waxes and topcoats

CARE OF A TREE STUMP TABLE

Eco-friendly stains, oils, waxes and water-based topcoats are used to finish the tables. Wax on top of wood oil or stain is the most common finish, which creates a more organic look and also allows for the re-application of wax to repair any marks, mars or scratches resulting from natural wear and tear. This may require a re-application of wax about once a year to restore the full beauty of the piece. The eco-friendly "Classic Wax" from Lustersheen is recommended. Use "Antique Pine: for natural finish; "Jacobean" for dark brown or black/brown finish; "Antique Mahogany" for mahogany finish; "Clear" for ebony finish. "Classic Wax" can be purchased on line at www.lustersheen.com. Follow manufacturers recommendations, which require a very thin coat to be quickly applied with a soft, cotton rag. Spread quickly over the surface of the wood, do not rub on. After drying, hand-buff with a clean, soft cotton rag. Another excellent method of buffing the finish is to use the Lustersheen "Burnisher Brush", which can be attached to any hand-held drill.

Water-based, clearcoat is used exclusively on the bleached/clearcoat pieces, and for these, no extra care is ever required.

The bottom of every stump is sealed and self-leveling sliders are installed. These sliders can be screwed in or out to adjust for an uneven floor. These sliders should be adjusted to allow for natural air-flow clearance beneath the stump of at least 1/4" on floors or carpets. The organic tree stump tables adjust to their environment. It is not wise to place a wood stump right next to a radiator or heater as this will draw too much moisture out too quickly which may cause excessive cracking. In extremely arid climates or in dry, winter interior heat, a humidifier is helpful. These simple considerations will guarantee lasting beauty and enjoyment from your tree stump table, direct from Mother Nature to you.

MYTHOLOGICAL LORE AND MEANING OF TREES

Throughout history, trees have offered a myriad of gifts: shelter, heat, shade, moisture, fruits, flowers, medicine, oxygen, fertility, clean air and beauty. The lore of trees is woven through time. Trees were held sacred by all recorded ancient civilizations, religions and mythologies. Trees symbolized the bridge between earth and sky, matter and spirit. The tree was seen as a channel of divine power and viewed as the very pinnacle of the plant kingdom, epitomizing the wisdom, strength, nobility and grandeur of nature. Each tree was thought to possess a spirit or "dryad" and embodied a specific meaning.

Acacia - used to build the burial barge of Osiris, Egyptian god of death and rebirth to assure him safe passage to the next world. Sacred among Hebrews, acacia was the wood from which Moses' Ark of the Covenant was made. For the Freemasons, it was the symbol of immortality of the soul, initiation and innocence. Symbolizes rebirth, immortality of the soul, initiation and innocence.

Alder - it is associated with magic, often called "the wood of the witches". It celebrates the connection between all women and the mother/daughter bond. It was associated with the summer solstice. Symbolizes magic and divination.

Ash - it was thought to be the tree from which the essence of humankind originated. To the Celts, it was the tree of balance, symbolic of Universal Order "as above, so below" since the roots of the ash grow as deep as the height of its limbs. Sacred to Poseidon, god of the sea, it was thought to protect seafaring travelers. Symbolizes, balance, harmony, protection and linking of the inner and outer worlds.

Cedar - cedar is an evergreen with strong, aromatic scent. It was known as the "World Tree" from ancient times and was inhabited by the Lord of the Earth, god of wisdom. Because of its strength and durability, it has been one of the most sought after timbers from time immemorial, used to build temples and royal palaces and in shipbuilding. Symbolizes wisdom and strength.

Elm - in English folklore, the elm, which stood at the crossroads leading to the fairy world, was home of the fairies. It was known as the supernatural gate between the world of humans and nature spirits. It is associated with the goddess. Symbolizes the supernatural gate between the worlds, goddess energy.

Juniper - an evergreen widely used as a construction timber in ancient times, second only to cedar. Used by many Native Americans to "call in the spirits" in ceremony and ritual and is associated with divine light and the heavens. Symbolizes divine spirit.

Maple - used widely for making musical instruments. Known as the "happy tree", it has very positive energy, and is used to attract positive spirits and all good things. Symbolizes happiness, success and abundance.

Oak - the most revered tree of the ancient Druids, who performed their ceremonies in oak groves. The oak is symbolic of triumph through endurance and strength. Struck by lightning more than any other tree, it was seen by the ancient Romans as the channel through which the sky gods could reach down to the world of man. It was the favored tree of Zeus, ruler of Olympus. Symbolizes power, strength, sovereignty, rulership, endurance, triumph.

Pine - everlasting (from its evergreen properties). It induces clearness of thought with its scent and often symbolizes the fortitude of survival as it can grow even in sub-zero temperatures. Symbolize clarity of mind, fortitude, that which is everlasting Poplar - it is said that Christ's cross was constructed from aspen- a poplar species. Poplar was used in different cultures to make shields, and also was used as writing surfaces. Symbolizes speech, communication, protection, courage.

Sycamore - it is part of the maple family. It was used in the old Welsh tradition of carving love spoons. It is water resistant and often grows where other trees cannot. To some Native American cultures, the sycamore is a holy tree equivalent to the oak in Europe. Symbolizes growth, persistence, strength and endurance.

Pecan - "pecan" is a Native American word of Algonquin origin that was used to describe nuts requiring a stone to crack. Part of the hickory family, pecans grow up to one hundred and fifty feet and up to three hundred years old. Symbolizes longevity and strength.

Walnut - used by the ancient Assyrians for writing tablets; the Greeks considered it an oracle; the nuts were used by the Chinese to balance the yin and yang. Symbolizes mental wisdom, prophecy and balance.