About Us
Thys Wood Design crafts sustainable wooden jewelry, accessories, and home decor—each piece hand-finished to reflect your story. Founded by Denzel in South Africa and now based in Ammerbuch, every design grows from a love of wood, family, and thoughtful making. Personalise yours or join a workshop to learn the craft.
Our hero product, the Bentwood Ring, symbolizes a narrative of emotional significance and sustainable practices.
How it all began — a true love story
Thys Wood Design stands on the surest foundation I know: love for one another. Rooted in faith and family, that love set everything in motion.
When Sarah and I met in South Africa in 2017, we knew quickly we belonged together. It felt natural that our engagement and wedding rings should be made of wood — a material I’ve felt connected to since childhood. What began as handmade gifts for family and small, practical pieces grew into a craft I wanted to share.
Our wedding was the spark: wooden rings that sealed our promise, bow ties for the groomsmen, and the first clocks and objects that found homes beyond our circle. Each piece holds a grain of that story — a little warmth you can touch.
Which part of our story will you bring into your home next?
Get to Know Me
I’m Denzel Thys — South African‑born and now living with my family in Ammerbuch, Baden‑Württemberg. I’m a craftsman, entrepreneur, experiential learning trainer, husband, and father of three.
I founded Thys Wood Design to make sustainable jewellery, décor, and creative workshops that blend traditional handcraft with CNC innovation. I also started Hidden Falls SA in 2007 — an adventure outreach and training company whose ethos still shapes the way I teach and lead.
My work grows from a love of wood passed down by my mother and the craft lessons learned alongside my father. I aim to inspire creativity, belonging, sustainability, and purpose — always grounded in faith, family, and legacy.
Every piece I make is a small map of a life’s journey. Want to see where the grain could take you? What step will you take next?
Our Purpose
Thys Wood Design is committed to creating timeless pieces while emphasizing sustainability and community engagement. Our Bentwood Rings are not just products; they embody stories worth wearing. We continually innovate while maintaining transparency about our materials and processes, aiming to inspire and educate our customers on the importance of mindful consumption. Through workshops and our Founder’s Circle, we foster connections and provide meaningful experiences that enrich lives and support our mission.
Sustainability: Our Shared Journey
At Thys Wood Design, we craft with purpose. For us, sustainability is not just a practice but a path — sourcing responsibly, planting back what we use through our partnership with WannaTree, and inviting our community to join us in walking that exciting path. As proud members of Ethic Deals, we stand alongside a global community committed to ethical, transparent, and sustainable living.
Local Sourcing
We work with responsibly sourced wood and collaborate with local artisans who share our values of care, craft, and community.
Our Impact in Numbers
We believe transparency builds trust. That’s why we openly share the measurable impact of our choices.
Craftsmanship
Impact
We choose sustainable wood and use it wisely — honoring where it came from, leaving nothing to waste.
Even small off‑cuts become earrings or pendants instead of scrap.
Precision
Each cut, curve, and finish is made with practiced hands and careful tools.
A ring band is sanded slowly, tested by touch until it feels smooth against the skin.
Ethics
We work honestly — safe materials, fair processes, pieces built to last and be trusted.
Natural oils replace harsh chemicals, safe for both planet and the person wearing it.
Artistry
Design and hand‑work meet in every piece, creating objects that carry meaning beyond function.
A simple curve in a pendant can echo a river bend, turning wood into story and memory.
Core Principles
We believe in sustainability, community, and craftsmanship. Our commitment is to produce beautiful, ethically-made products that resonate with our values and customers.