About Sue Bailey

Artisan Woodworker | Handcrafted Urns, Custom Framing & Fine Wood Creations

For as long as I can remember, wood has been part of my life—its textures, strength, and quiet beauty. I grew up in a small town in upstate New York, just down the road from a local lumberyard. As a child, I’d pull my wagon there, collecting scraps to build treehouses, snowmobile bridges, and anything my imagination could dream up. I didn’t know it then, but those early days would shape my life’s work.

Though I started my career as a teacher, I never stopped working with my hands. But in 1985, everything changed. A summer job as a carpenter’s assistant in New York City opened my eyes to a whole new world, and within weeks, I knew I had found my true calling. I left the security of teaching behind and stepped fully into the craft that had always been in my bones.

For years, I worked on high-end renovations in Manhattan, collaborating with master carpenters and leading crews on projects for diplomats, executives, and creatives. Eventually, I became a general contractor, overseeing multi-million-dollar projects. But my heart was always in the hands-on work—the feel of the wood, the careful joinery, the quiet satisfaction of creating something lasting.

Where Wood & Meaning Come Together

In 1999, my cat Bootie was diagnosed with cancer. I did everything I could—radiation, chemotherapy, whatever it took. She endured it all with quiet dignity. But when the treatments could no longer help, she let me know, in her own way, that it was time.

Six months later, I faced my own cancer diagnosis. And in the hardest moments, I thought of Bootie. She had shown me how to move forward with courage, not fear. To live with dignity, not pity. To stay in the moment, not the past. She was my greatest teacher, my angel, and ultimately, my inspiration to bring my love for animals and wood together in a meaningful way.

In 2006, I came across a book on crafting wooden boxes from exotic hardwoods. I was amazed at the richness of the wood species, the natural colors, and the artistry behind each design. One design stood out—a dog-eared box. Longing to work with these extraordinary materials, I began making them as gifts. As the beauty of the wood came to life in my hands, I realized I had found a way to combine my love of wood with my love of animals.

I modified the design into a cremation urn—a place where memories could rest with honor. Instead of a removable top, I crafted a base that can be opened with a few screws underneath. Sadly, but appropriately, the first urn I ever made was for my beloved Springer Spaniel, DD. Her urn was crafted from Cocobolo, a rare rosewood-like species from Central America. My African Gray parrot, JJ, rests in Bloodwood with a North American cherry top.

That experience shaped my work forever. Today, in my mountain workshop in the Asheville, North Carolina area, I handcraft wooden urns and keepsake boxes that honor not just pets but cherished loved ones and life’s most meaningful moments.

Handcrafted with Purpose

I work with exotic and repurposed woods, carefully selecting each piece to bring out its unique grain, texture, and story. Beyond urns, I offer custom framing and commissioned pieces, working closely with clients to create one-of-a-kind designs. My work also includes wine bottle art, a creative fusion of woodworking and upcycled materials that transform ordinary objects into something extraordinary.

Whether it’s a special place to hold memories, a custom frame to showcase a beloved piece, or a repurposed creation with new life, my goal is always the same: to create pieces that are not only functional but deeply personal.

A portion of each pet urn sale will be donated to an animal-related charity in honor of your beloved companion.