About

Welcome to Sweetwater Zoo Woodworks! I’m grateful for your visit and excited to share my story.

My mission is twofold: First, I’m dedicated to keeping usable materials out of landfills by creating quality, handmade items. I use reclaimed/repurposed wood and other sustainable products to reduce waste and give new life to resources that might otherwise be discarded. Second, I'm passionate about my pets—my two dogs, Shadow and Elsa, and my two cats, Turbo and Gizmo—are a constant source of inspiration. They “assist” me in the shop, sparking creativity for the many pet-related products you’ll find in our catalog.

A little about my background:  I grew up in Federal Way, Washington, and spent my summers working with my dad on his residential job sites. Seeing spaces transform from shabby to beautiful ignited my passion for woodworking and craftsmanship, way before all the DIY hype! After high school, I pursued a degree in psychology, later earning an M.Ed. in School Counseling. I worked as a high school counselor for several years before taking time off to raise my three children. During this period, I coached soccer, substituted as a teacher, and even started a small construction business remodeling homes, which kept my love for woodworking alive.

While renovating homes, I often saw perfectly usable materials thrown away, which sparked my desire to reduce waste and embrace sustainability. Eventually, construction led me back to my true passion—woodworking. I find it therapeutic to design, create and build things that are not only functional, but aesthetically pleasing at the same time. Although it sounds unusual, I still love walking into a lumber store, breathing in the smell of fresh timber, and finding new tools and products. 

In early 2024, I suffered the loss of both of my parents. While working through their loss, woodworking was put at the bottom of my list. But now with their memories still with me, I’m ready and excited to move forward, creating many sustainable wood products that are both fun and functional. Thank you for supporting a small business dedicated to crafting unique, handmade items in the USA!

~Denise