Leaf collector, or artisan working with tree (3-8)
I believe the answer is:
tea-strainer
'leaf collector' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?
'artisan working with tree' is the wordplay.
'working with' indicates anagramming the letters (working with the letters).
'artisan' mixed up with 'tree' makes 'TEA-STRAINER'.
'or' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for tea-strainer that I've seen before include "What stops leaves getting through" , "Catcher of leaves" .)