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.
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.
Artist Statement
At The Parsonage Handmade Soaps, our goals are:
1. To strive for excellence in the soap making process
2. To make objects that enhance the life of the user
3. To know the origins of our materials and to use sustainable resources whenever possible
4. To make a long-lasting product using materials and processes which do not harm the makers, our customers or the environment
5. To deal with our customers, suppliers and each other in an ethical and fair manner
6. To foster, utilize and pass on skills that enhance our craft
7. To enjoy and relish the process
Handmade of wood, each birdhouse is painted in a variety of colors ,using long lasting exterior finishes. Solid brass hardware is used, both for the “clean out” door and the hanging hooks. Each is adorned and “folk” decorated and roofed with solid roofing copper, which is hand held torch or snip cut.
There birdhouses are meant to house a variety of nesting songbirds and are a particular favorite of Bluebirds. They will last outdoors for years and years, as welcome bird habitat.Each is an original.
My love for gourd art stems from my horticultural interests coupled with my desire to produce a functional as well as decorative product. To briefly describe my work, I pencil a design onto a gourd surface which is used as a template to carve or wood burn the design. To carve, I use woodworking tools, called gouges. By varying the size of the gouge and the position and length of the cut I achieve different designs. On occasion I relief carve with a power carver. After carving I embellish with dyes, acrylics, metallic rubs or patinas. I also use pine needles, sliced walnuts, brass knobs.
I am originally from Lancaster, PA. After receiving my Ph.D. in Biology from Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, I moved to VA in 1988 to conduct research at the UVA, Charlottesville, VA and subsequently at a VA Tech Research Station in Winchester, VA. In 2004 I left research to start Gourds by Suzanna LLC . I am currently self-employed and work out of my home in Toms Brook, Virginia.
Bunny and John Switzenberg of Lancaster, Pa. are beekeepers and crafters. They make cinnamon-scented beeswax ornaments using antique German chocolate molds, some of which John’s great-grandfather brought with him when he emigrated from Germany in 1884. During the 50 years the Switzenbergs have been married, they have expanded that original mold collection into one of the largest antique candy mold collections in the country.
Kid Friendly! Get an information sheet about bees and your own piece of beeswax to practice with.
I am a full-time watercolor artist for 36 years. I love painting antiques and the 1800’s time period and find my subjects by traveling and sightseeing at may historic areas. I love light and the way it transforms the ordinary into something extraordinary. All of my paintings start with a hand-drawing which gives them an intimate feeling. I paint everyday, creating fresh paintings and only print two pieces a year which retains the integrity of my original paintings.
I create whimsical, one-of-a-kind gourd folk art. I study the shape of a gourd to determine what it wants to be…no two are alike. Each piece is individually hand-painted with acrylics giving meticulous attention to detail. Sometimes I create a piece with simply paint and the gourd in its original shape; other times, the shape is enhanced or transformed with hand-sculpted clay and wooden pedestal bases. Each piece is given a multi-step hand-rubbed antique finish to add to the old-fashioned charm. I am inspired by the simplicity of life on the family farm, the changing seasons, an affinity for treasures from a bygone era and holiday traditions… these wonderful things are celebrated in my work.
Everlasting flowers and foliages become enchanting wreaths and arrangements- a gathering of Summer’s Bounty. Like walking in the garden on a golden August day.
Flowers grown and gathered from my own garden ensure vibrant colors. Each wreath tells its own story. A profusion of color promises the joy of flowers all year long.
Just like us, no two are exactly alike. Each wreath and arrangement is made entirely by hand one at a time.
Because you can never have too many flowers.
MARIA VICTORIA SAVKA