About Us

Cattails Woodwork is a small artisan wood studio operated by me, Brenda Watts, with much help from my family and is located in rural PEI Canada. It is just steps away from our old farmhouse that we share with 2 Labradors, 3 British Shorthair cats and 2 moggies.

In the workshop I make `wooden things` ranging from turned rolling pins and kitchen wares, delightfully comfortable turned stools, beautiful cutting blocks and large serving boards to bench made one of a kind tables, beds, benches and chairs. For some fun and to keep my work fresh, I love to carve folk art..owls, whales, birds and of course...cats and dogs.

Each piece is skillfully crafted from solid wood to create something that is not only beautiful and soft to the touch but it will last for generations. My belief is that we should buy and use things that are wonderful to both the hand and eye, very functional and do not have to be replaced. These special works made from wood bring a touch of nature into our lives.

During the summer tourist season I have a small retail gallery at home for folks to find some special reminder of their trip to the Island, it stays busy until Christmas with locals finding something handmade to give to loved ones on their list. Along with my online shop, my work is sent to select galleries and shoppes throughout Canada and the US.

Thank you for visiting my site, please browse my online shop and if you have any questions be sure to contact me.
If you would be interested in monthly bits of news from Cattails please click on the envelope at the top of the page.

Most of all enjoy taking a look around and have fun!!

How It Started

I worked at a 'REAL JOB' for a long time, commuting each day and I found myself 'living for weekends'. As time ticked on, I wanted to try something different, sooo I took a huge gulp, quit my job and enrolled full time in Holland College`s Visual Arts Program..Fine Woodworking. It was a 2 year program, I stayed 3..LOVED each and every minute.

Without any previous experience with wood other than my passion for old wooden things, it was quite overwhelming at first, walking into a predominantly man`s world, not even knowing what a drill press was. I learned so very much about wood and the tools [hand & power] the basics of design, joinery and how to do things right, to do your best. It is still a learning process.

After leaving the program, I worked for a master craftsman for 2 years and then built my own studio, building custom furniture and filling wholesale orders to various shops and galleries. That was 11 years ago, since then I have expanded to include studio sales here, as well as creating select pieces for my clients and collectors of my work, last year I opened my online store.

That is how it all started...I took a leap of faith, worked hard and it paid off. I love my job..EVERY SINGLE DAY.

I love the diversity of the work I can now do having my own retail sales and I really love the wonderful contact with the people who buy and use my work. I get amazing feedback and you all give me new ideas for pieces that I may never have thought about. I think that is important, when you live a creative life you need to have relationships with the people who are interested in what you do.

It seems to bring things full circle..from the forest, to the lumber man, to me and then to you...I can touch all aspects and know that the forests are cared for and the soul of the tree will live on and keep giving in homes around the world......for generations.

You really can bring nature home.