From Forest Finds to Whimsical Homes
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How Rustic Crafts Turns Nature into Art
Rustic Crafts & Unique Gifts | MD of Peace No. 135
What began as a personal love for nature and craftsmanship has quietly grown into Rustic Crafts & Unique Gifts, Shirley Huls’ home-based business known for its whimsical birdhouses and fairy homes.
Whether for your home or business, Huls' handmade products can transform your outdoor spaces with beautiful, functional art.
In addition, she offers gift boxes, various hand-knitted items and bath and body products.
“I’m the owner-operator of Rustic Crafts & Unique Gifts,” said Huls. “I’m 64 and semi-retired, but this keeps me busy in the best way.”
From her peaceful acreage, nestled between Peace River and Grimshaw, Huls has spent more than15 years turning materials found in nature into functional art that spark conversations and connections.
Huls runs her business from her lovely home. What was once an empty basement has been transformed into a warm, welcoming storefront where customers can browse handmade pieces in person or online.
“We’re a home-based business,” said Huls. “Our basement is basically our little store now. People can come right in, see the pieces and choose what speaks to them.”
Huls’ business began 15 years ago with hand-painted wooden signs until she decided it was time for a change.
“I realized a lot of people were doing the same signs,” said Huls. “I like to think outside the box, so I knew I needed to move on and do something different.”
That shift came naturally when she leaned into her life-long love of birds and the outdoors, a love inspired by childhood memories of her parents’ aviary in England.
“I’ve always loved being outside, watching birds,” said Huls. “So, I started making birdhouses.”
At first the birdhouses were simple and practical. Over time, they became more detailed, more imaginative—and unmistakably her own.
Today, each piece blends materials with fairytale-like charm, often resembling tiny cottages or enchanted structures straight out of a storybook.
“Our houses are fully functional,” said Huls. “The doors open so you can clean them out, and they’re built to withstand Alberta weather year-round.”
For each birdhouse, Huls and her husband let the materials guide the design, working collaboratively in their shop.
“Nothing is drawn out ahead of time,” said Huls. “It’s really about what wood we have and where inspiration takes us. We bounce ideas off each other constantly.”
This partnership has become a defining aspect of the business, especially for custom builds that incorporate driftwood, antlers or other unique natural features.
“We get a lot of hunters who want birdhouses built around antlers,” said Huls. “It’s not just attaching something—it has to be built around the curves so it feels natural.”
All materials are chosen with durability in mind. Cedar roofs, treated wood bases, construction-grade adhesives and hand-burned details ensure each piece can live outdoors without constant upkeep.
“We didn’t want people worrying about bringing them in every year,” said Huls. “They’re meant to be enjoyed, not babysat.”
In recent years, customer feedback led to the creation of fairy houses—decorative structures designed for enchanted gardens. While customers were already using birdhouses for that purpose, Huls officially leaned into the idea.
“People kept asking for fairy houses,” said Huls. “So, we listened, and they’ve been a huge hit.”
Rustic Crafts offers a wide range of price points, making the work accessible while still allowing for one-of-a-kind statement pieces. Smaller birdhouses typically range from $90 to $95 while intricate custom designs built on driftwood or antlers can reach $350 to $450.
“It really depends on the time, materials and complexity,” said Huls. “We try to be fair. This isn’t about getting rich. It’s about keeping busy and doing something meaningful.”
Customers can purchase pieces directly from Huls’ basement store, through Etsy, via Facebook or at markets across Northern Alberta. She also occasionally offers online parties, offering incentives for hosts and making custom pieces more attainable.
“If someone loves a piece but can’t afford it right away, I’ll suggest an online party,” said Huls. “It gives people options.”
Looking ahead, Huls has no plans to slow down. Her goals are to stay creative, stay active and keep doing what she loves.
“I want to do this as long as I am able,” said Huls. “As long as there’s a market for it, I’ll be here.”
Her advice for aspiring makers comes from experience and persistence.
“If you have a dream in crafting, pursue it,” said Huls. “Don’t let people discourage you. Listen, adapt and keep going. You never know where it might lead.”
By Amanda Hunter | Photography by Bert Reynolds and Submitted
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