We “sugar off” demonstrating the making of crystallized maple sugar as it was done centuries ago. By boiling down maple syrup in a cast iron kettle over and open wood fire, then by stirring and working the syrup in a wooden trough, allowing it to cool until dry crystallized sugar is formed – just as early settlers would have done.
Honey & beekeeping.
Animals have been my muses for quite sometime. Their fur, feathers, and wool provide wonderful texture, but it’s their personalities that shine through. I see printmaking as a chance to create different stories through the smallest shifts of color and imagery. Through the possibilities of multiples I create variations where I experiment with different colors, layering images, and pushing a more for moody or whimsical atmosphere.
I have always been interested in history and early American crafts. Through this interest, I became acquainted with the historical American floorcloths. I enjoy demonstrating and educating the public about this craft. During the last 12 years, I have made these canvas products for my home as well as for sale. My first piece, a large 8ft. rug is still in my front hallway. Many of my designs are inspired by the colonial canvases, although I create my own designs and have created contemporary items. My products begin with natural heavy cotton canvas. This canvas is stretched and coated with primer, artwork done and protective coats applied. The final step involves creating a folded under and glued hem. In addition to participating in many shows, I have produced many and varied custom pieces, including historical reproduction pieces. I have also worked with interior designers and have taught numerous floorcloth production workshops.
I create hats and fascinators from scratch using a table, sewing supplies, millinery supplies. I cut the shapes from fabric and sinamay (a type of straw), then put everything together by hand sewing.
Functional kitchen art. My hand carved food safe wooden spoons, spatulas, scoops, knives, and other assorted spice and eating spoons are crafted using only an Axe, straight carving knife, and a hooked spoon knife. I use fresh felled greenwood including black walnut, oak, apple, pear, birch, maple, among others. My items are simple, functional, original (no two alike, no templates), and beautiful.
For kids: Kids can use stamps and stickers and make their own ornament using wood cookies and ribbon thru a pre-drilled hole. Free of charge — and we’ll have a dedicated kids table for them to work at with all the supplies! Look for the chalk board sign that says, “Discover The Artist In You.”
I am a blacksmith that focuses on using traditional techniques to shape and join metal. I enjoy making tools, hardware, functional decorative items, and designing one of a kind commissioned pieces. I love to share my knowledge of the craft with others.
Original paintings are done on gessoed board using acrylics. A series of glazes seal the paintings and a shrink coat is applied to create cracks (the aged appearance). Oils are rubbed in to define the cracks. When dried, the shrink coat is washed off and a series of varnish coats are applied. the paintings are then placed in hand-grained and frequently lettered frames.
The zenith of furniture design and style in America was the last half of the mid-18th century and early 19th century. The designs of that period were based on Greco-Roman architecture and proportions, which had been, and since have been, tested by time and nature to be of enduring appeal and beauty. The embellishments and decoration were the accomplishments of refined and highly skilled, competent, and often visionary craftsmen. I find the beauty, appeal, skill, and vision of those craftsmen and their creations to be inspiring, desirable, and unsurpassed even today. Therefore, I study what they have left us and I try to emulate them-often in reproduction work, but always in spirit by creating pieces of timeless beauty, exceptional quality, and conscientious craftsmanship.
We came to jewelry making late in life with various ‘hands-on’ skills. We are very nature oriented and enjoy using natural materials in our creations. Each design is original and made with the excitement of creating and anticipation of the outcome.
MARIA VICTORIA SAVKA 
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Kauffman Fine Furniture