Driftwood consultation sunday

I've avoided using driftwood as a medium in the past - for several reasons..  A friend and new client is requesting an outside (completely covered and protected) mantle - and asked about driftwood.  Her inside mantle that's in process among other pieces) is a huge 4" thick walnut slab.  I've been collaborating with a local, accomplished artisan known as "the  Drifter" over the past, and have brought him into this collaboration as well.  Unfortunately he wishes to remain anonymous, but here's what I can share.  He's displaying one of several options he's found so far.  He'd like for the driftwood to be sourced from the client's slough - but nothing yet.