About the Artist

My name is Steve Casler and I have a passion for woodworking that goes back to my earliest memories in the mountains above Santa Cruz, long before I ever worked in the trade. My grandfather had a beautiful shop filled with clear redwood—hard to find and super expensive nowadays. That space and those tools planted the seed. Later, my father deepened that passion by instilling in me the value of fixing things rather than tossing them. In a world quick to discard, he taught me to repair, reuse, and respect craftsmanship.

My journey into wine barrel furniture started over a decade ago when my daughter asked me to build a bench for her wedding as a guestbook alternative. I created a double rocker from two barrels I had lying around. But five days in, I realized it was too nice for people to sign—so I made another one for that purpose. That first rocker sparked a whole new direction.

Over the years, I’ve developed a variety of products—bottle and glass holders, wind chimes, bird feeders, and more. Some ideas worked, some didn’t, but the creative process kept me going. I’ve exhibited at shows like Art in the Park and traveled throughout California, hauling heavy pieces made from solid oak and steel and spending hours setting up and tearing down displays while most vendors were set up in no time, selling jewelry or paintings. It was rewarding for a while, but now I focus on two signature pieces: my reclining rocking chair and my love seat.

My Reclining Rocker has taken over five years of trial and error to perfect. It now features a simple, intuitive reclining mechanism with six positions, crafted with steam-bent staves for a smoother, more ergonomic experience. Each design decision—from raising the seat height to preserving the toasted and wine-stained interior—was made with comfort, durability, and aesthetics in mind.

I’m not just making furniture—I’m continuing a legacy, and I’m doing it with wood that’s already lived a full life, giving it a second chance to be something beautiful and lasting.