The front view of a walnut heart pendant, hand-carved and polished with care.
Carving initials into tree bark has long been a romantic gesture—a simple act that says, “we were here,” meant to last as long as the tree stands. But trees are living beings, not canvases. As awareness grows about the environmental damage these carvings can cause, many of us are seeking better ways to express love—ways that preserve nature instead of harming it.
After reading this powerful article by Leave No Trace, I was inspired to create an alternative that carries the same emotional weight, without leaving a wound behind. My answer? Hand-carved heart pendants made from rescued wood.
🌿 A Sustainable Symbol of Love
Trees are vital to our ecosystems—and carving into their bark can introduce infections, pests, and long-term damage. What’s often meant as a romantic keepsake can actually shorten a tree’s lifespan or kill it altogether.
With that in mind, I began making heart-shaped pendants from rescued wood. Each pendant is carved by hand, polished, and finished with care. They capture the spirit of tree carvings—sentimental and lasting—without leaving scars on living trees.
🪵 Carving with Purpose
Back view: The initials "T+V" engraved as a modern love token, keeping the tree untouched.
The heart shown here was carved from a piece of walnut wood that would have otherwise gone to waste. It’s a small piece, but it holds a big message. I hand-carved it into a soft heart form, sanded it silky smooth, and engraved initials into the back—just like lovers might have done on a tree trunk.
All my wood is locally rescued: from storm-felled trees, reclaimed lumber, or salvaged offcuts. Each piece tells a story of regeneration—of giving old wood a new life and new meaning.
✍️ Add Your Own Handwritten Touch
To make these pieces even more meaningful, I offer an option for you to upload your own handwritten initials. I’ll engrave them directly onto the pendant—so the final piece doesn’t just carry your name, it carries your handwriting, your personal touch. It’s like signing your name into nature… without harming it.
💡 Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Tree Carving
There are so many ways to express love that don’t harm nature. Personalized wooden pendants like this are just one idea. Others include:
Hanging engraved plaques near special outdoor spots
Gifting sustainable art or keepsakes
Planting trees or flowers in honor of a relationship
Creating digital or journaled love notes tied to locations
Even Sweet Heart Tree Carving offers metal plaques that mimic the aesthetic of tree carvings without harming a single branch.
💬 Join the Movement: Preserve the Love, Protect the Trees
If this message resonates with you, consider gifting or wearing one of these sustainable symbols of love. Each Wabi Roots pendant can be personalized—with initials, a date, a message, or even your own handwritten script.
Hand-Carved Walnut Wood Heart Pendant – Personalized with Initials or Handwriting
$65.00
🌿 Hand-Carved Walnut Wood Heart Pendant – Personalized with Initials or Handwriting A timeless symbol of love—crafted with care and rooted in sustainability. This heart-shaped pendant is hand-carved from rescued walnut wood, offering a beautiful, eco-conscious alternative to carving into… read more
By choosing intentional, earth-friendly expressions of love, we not only protect our forests—we honor them.
Let’s celebrate love in ways that leave lasting impressions—not lasting scars.
