Deep in the heart of woodworking country, where sawdust hangs in the air like golden mist and the rhythmic hum of sawmills creates a symphony of craftsmanship, one name stands tall—Triple L Rustic Designs. At the center of this thriving operation is none other than the Sawmill Queen, a fierce and passionate woman with a talent for turning raw lumber into beautiful, functional art. In Part 1 of our video series, now available in full on YouTube, we take you behind the scenes as the Queen works her magic on Southern Yellow Pine boards, and the process is nothing short of mesmerizing.
The Beauty of Southern Yellow Pine
Southern Yellow Pine (SYP) is one of the most sought-after species in the lumber industry. Its vibrant grain, warm golden hues, and durability make it ideal for furniture, flooring, framing, and rustic décor. Known for its strength and resinous heartwood, it’s a favorite of both builders and artisans.
But what really brings Southern Yellow Pine to life is not just its inherent beauty—it’s how it’s milled, handled, and transformed. That’s where the Sawmill Queen comes in.
A Woman and Her Mill
Part 1 of this series opens with a sunrise over the sawmill yard, warm beams of light catching on neatly stacked logs, dust motes floating lazily through the air. We’re introduced to the Sawmill Queen—dressed in denim, boots laced, safety glasses in place. She’s not here to pose or pretend. She’s here to work.
As the camera pans to her powerful Wood-Mizer sawmill, she walks us through the day’s plan: slicing thick pine logs into perfectly milled boards that will eventually become stunning custom pieces for clients across the region.
She explains the characteristics of Southern Yellow Pine: “You can feel its energy. Every knot, every swirl in the grain tells a story. But you have to treat it right. It’ll twist and move if you rush it. Patience and precision are key.”
The Milling Process Begins
Viewers get a front-row seat as the first log is hoisted onto the mill. The Queen’s hands are steady and sure. She aligns the log carefully, checking for curve, defects, and grain direction. The sawmill roars to life, and the first cut slices clean through.
The fresh boards gleam—pale gold with streaks of caramel and amber. As she lifts each one from the mill, she shares tips on thickness, moisture content, and how to properly air-dry Southern Yellow Pine to avoid warping.
“You don’t just cut wood,” she says, her hands resting on the newly milled board. “You shape its future.”
Triple L Rustic Designs – Crafting with Purpose
The video also offers glimpses of the larger workshop at Triple L Rustic Designs. Here, Southern Yellow Pine boards are sanded, shaped, and turned into handcrafted furniture, shelves, wall décor, and even entire accent walls.
The camera zooms in on one recent commission—a massive farmhouse table, sanded to a buttery smooth finish, sealed in a warm matte tone that enhances every grain line. “That’s what we’re working toward today,” the Queen says. “It starts with the tree, but it ends in someone’s home. That journey is why I do this.”
Teaching and Inspiring
What sets the Sawmill Queen apart isn’t just her skill—it’s her passion for teaching. Throughout Part 1, she takes time to explain every step, offering real advice to aspiring woodworkers and homesteaders watching from home.
“If you’re thinking about milling your own lumber, don’t be intimidated. Start small. Learn how your wood behaves. Southern Yellow Pine is forgiving, but you’ve got to respect it. Keep your blades sharp. Watch your moisture levels. And always—always—trust your instincts.”
In one segment, she stops mid-process to demonstrate how to read the grain for the best cut. “This little wave here? That tells me this board is going to curl if I don’t cut with the flow. So I flip it. You learn to see the story in the grain.”
Community, Craft, and Heart
Part 1 also highlights the community spirit of Triple L Rustic Designs. Customers drop by to pick up orders, neighbors lend a hand loading boards, and there’s a real sense of connection that goes far beyond business.
“We don’t just build for profit,” the Queen says. “We build for people. We’re a part of their homes, their stories. That’s why every board matters.”
The sawdust might fly, the machines might rumble, but what grounds the work is heart—and that’s captured beautifully in the video.
Behind the Scenes Moments
In true Triple L fashion, the video isn’t all serious sawmill business. There are laughs too—like when one board comes off with a live knot that surprises even the Queen. “Now that’s a personality!” she jokes, holding it up for the camera. “Might have to keep this one for myself.”
There’s also a fun bit where she tries to explain board feet to a friend and ends up drawing it out in the sawdust. “It’s like lumber math meets art school,” she laughs. These moments show that while she’s a professional, she’s approachable, relatable, and full of personality.
What’s Next in Part 2?
As Part 1 winds down, we see the stack of freshly milled Southern Yellow Pine boards growing tall and straight. The Queen takes a moment to wipe her brow, admire the day’s work, and reflect.
“That’s it for today,” she says, with a smile and a tired but proud glint in her eyes. “But trust me—this is just the beginning. Next up, we’ll be kiln-drying and then working these beauties into a custom bed frame design. You don’t want to miss it.”
Join the Journey on YouTube
The full video, Southern Yellow Pine Boards with the Sawmill Queen Part 1, is available now on the Triple L Rustic Designs YouTube channel. Whether you’re a woodworking enthusiast, a DIY dreamer, or just someone who appreciates the artistry of skilled hands and beautiful wood, this video is for you.
Subscribe to the channel, leave a comment, and follow along as the Sawmill Queen continues to turn Southern Yellow Pine into pieces that last a lifetime.
Keywords to Remember:
Southern Yellow Pine, sawmill queen, Triple L Rustic Designs, wood milling, woodworking, custom furniture, rustic décor, YouTube woodworking, female woodworker, DIY sawmill, part 1 video, rustic pine boards, behind the scenes sawmill.
Stay tuned for Part 2—coming soon!
