Tasmanian wood artists known for hand‑carved Huon pine wombats

🌿 Who They Are

Ed and Barb Ramsay are a husband‑and‑wife artisan team based in Franklin, Tasmania, a small riverside town in the Huon Valley. Together they run The Edge of Nature Tasmania, a studio dedicated to creating hand‑crafted wooden sculptures inspired by Tasmanian wildlife and landscapes.

Their work is deeply rooted in:

• the natural forms of Tasmanian timbers

• the textures and curves of Huon pine

• a shared philosophy of letting the wood “speak” through the carving

They are known for working side‑by‑side, each contributing different strengths:

• Ed focuses on shaping, form, and the technical carving work

• Barb brings a refined eye for finishing, detail, and the “personality” of each piece

Together, they create pieces that feel warm, tactile, and full of character.

🐾 Their Signature Work: Huon Pine Wombats

These wombats have become something of a Tasmanian icon.

Why they’re special

• Each wombat is hand‑carved, never machined

• Made from Huon pine, a rare, aromatic, slow‑growing Tasmanian timber

• Every piece is one‑of‑a‑kind due to the grain and natural form

• They have a gentle, rounded style that feels both whimsical and grounded

• Collectors love the individuality — no two wombats ever look alike

Their wombats are sold:

• at Salamanca Market in Hobart

• through select Tasmanian artisan retailers

• and directly from their Franklin studio

🌲 Materials & Style

Ed and Barb work almost exclusively with Tasmanian native timbers, especially:

• Huon pine

• Myrtle

• Blackheart sassafras

• Celery‑top pine

Their style blends:

• natural curves

• minimal intervention

• smooth, tactile finishes

• a strong sense of personality in each animal

They often say their goal is to enhance the natural beauty of the timber, not overpower it.

🏡 Where They Work

Their studio is located in Franklin, a small creative community in the Huon Valley. The environment around them — river, forest, wildlife — directly influences their work.

They are regulars at Salamanca Market, where their stall is a favourite among locals and visitors.

❤️ Why People Love Their Work

Collectors and visitors respond to their pieces because they feel:

• authentic

• warm

• deeply Tasmanian

• crafted with care rather than mass‑produced

Their wombats in particular have become cherished gifts, heirlooms, and symbols of Tasmanian craftsmanship