The Burl Shack —— A Labour of Love
The Burl Shack began with one remarkable Bigleaf Maple burl that I call Murfitt.
Murfitt came from a maple tree that once grew in my front yard on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. What started as curiosity about an unusual burl became a journey that has lasted more than 20 years. I dug it out, moved it, carefully worked on it over the years, and eventually transformed it into a massive natural wood sculpture measuring approximately 10½ feet wide.
Along the way, I developed a real appreciation for the beauty hidden inside Bigleaf Maple burl—the unusual grain, colours, shapes and imperfections that make every piece different.
Today, I handcraft burl hearts, bowls and other unique wooden pieces at my Burl Shack. Some are made from locally sourced burl, while special pieces identified as Authentic Murfitt Pieces are made directly from wood removed from Murfitt itself and are individually numbered.
I make each piece myself, by hand. None of my hearts are perfect, as I believe there's only one perfect heart in our world. . Instead, I follow the natural grain and character of the wood and let each piece become something of its own.
For me, The Burl Shack isn’t a factory or a big business. It’s a personal passion built around a remarkable piece of Vancouver Island history, a love of woodworking, and the enjoyment of creating something that people can hold onto and appreciate for years to come.
Thank you for visiting my Etsy shop and becoming a small part of the Murfitt story.
— Glen
The Burl Shack
Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
