Mike Just owns Treetables.com. "I just see things in wood and like to make that," said Just. Chet Cale likes helping design it. He's a sculptor out of Great Bend.
"We love the work. There's a certain amount of people out there that love it almost as much as we do and they want to have it in their home and they're willing to pay for it," said Cale. Clients like Disney, several high-end resorts, actress Glenn Close, "and a lot of people who had me sign disclosure agreements who's name I can't mention. You'd know them," said Just.
Even one fit for a king -who Just can talk about. "One day I just happened to look at his signature. I hadn't paid much attention to it and it said Director of Public Affairs for the King of Jordan," said Just.
Just is making a 13-foot conference table for the King Abdullah II's new palace. The table's base is his signature tangle style. "I call the tangle 'peaceful grace.' I really think that's what people are striving for to bring that peace and grace of nature indoors because when you enter a room that's literally been graced by nature it feels good. It's comfortable," said Just.
The wood used in the pieces is stockpiled in a lumberyard outside his workshop. Just lets it decay for two years. He says that allows time to add the different brown hues and a tremendous amount of character.
"It's God's work," said Just. His goal is to make every piece look like it grew in place. "That's the thrill to me is to uncover the gorgeous creation that He put together. It is incredible."
Once a month Just travels to Kansas creek bottoms to collect white burr oak that loggers leave behind. Just does have part-time help with his projects. He's always looking for more. Just says "if there is some organization out there working with the underprivilaged and thinking about a "job" or work type program to contact me [at Treetables.com]."
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