Using carefully-selected chunks of walnut, the folks at Mariner Poet carefully shape and polish the pieces, then connect them to create shockingly-realistic automata and animals. Founder Jason Lv’s connection with moving wooden figures came from his childhood. Because the family didn’t have the money to buy toys, his father used to carve his kids tiny moving animals. The man never pursued the art as a profession, but his son Jason felt the need to create objects that brought people peace. So he gathered a few friends and began making his own wooden automata.

The automata subjects are mostly focused on creatures from the ocean. Jellyfish, manta rays, and whales all inspire Lv and help him communicate the calm he wants to share with his customers. While they only offer a few options, each one is so remarkable, I’d love to collect them all.

You can follow Mariner Poet on their website and on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

@marinerpoet

Cutest thing in my desk 🥹🤍🌊#handmadegifts #satisfying #oceanlover #jellyfiah#woodart

♬ original sound – MARINER POET

@marinerpoet

Love dances on swan wings this winter. 🦢🤍🦢#loveyou #swan #uniquegiftideas #handmadecraft #satisfying

♬ original sound – MARINER POET

@marinerpoet

Keep this away from ocean lovers 🤫#roomdecor #whale #aestheticsaestheticgifts #oceanlover

♬ original sound – MARINER POET

@marinerpoet

Mechanical 🐦 #giftideas #mantaray #handmadegifts #exclusivegift #woodart

♬ original sound – MARINER POET