78th American Crafts & Historic Homes Tour
Our work is inspired by traditional American treenware with a contemporary design sense. Over the years, we expanded our work to include a variety of kitchenware and now custom furniture for the whole house. We use local, regional, and salvaged hardwoods, always keeping in mind sustainable forestry practices. Many of our pieces are made from trees harvested from our property.
http://dewittwoodworking.net/
Crudely fashioned or exquisitely detailed, decoys provided a means of luring migratory waterfowl close enough to be an important staple in the diet of the Colonists, whose early years were harsh before crops became established. Dabbs’ gunning decoys start as eight-foot planks of white cedar, winter-cut and air-dried for at least two years. Sitting on a carving bench, she demonstrates every technique in a step-by-step process that shows a decoy’s progress from start to finish. Using antique handtools (a hatchet, mallet and gouge, spokeshave and carving knife), the head is doweled for strength before being attached to the hollowed-out body. Durable house paint assures a sturdy finish that stands up to the rigors of field use, and inletted lead makes sure the decoy self-rights in choppy water or sits nicely on a mantel. The tradition and history of the work are as important as the style and form of Dabbs’ carvings, as each decoy must be seaworthy and durable, as well as beautiful.
Having an interest in history and art, the Bognars have combined both decorative and utilitarian items from gourds-Folk Art Gourd Pottery. Throughout history there are many references to gourds. As the world’s oldest pottery, they have been used for their functionality as containers of all sorts worldwide. During the fair they will explain the background and historical use of gourds and the preparation of them through cutting and cleaning. A gourd that is planted one year, dries for months, and is ready for use the following year is a unique interest to the public.
The techniques used on their work includes: carving, watercolor, paint, pen & ink, dye work, and wood burning. Our line consists of bowls, baskets, jugs, vases, canisters, pockets, clocks, and pitchers. Designs are inspired by historical motifs, botanical/nature, graphics, and seasonal.
Bognars gourd work has been featured in magazines, television and part of other quality art events.
Working with a wide variety of Southern hardwoods, Johnson creates a wide assortment of both hip high and tall walking sticks. Each is unique, as the wood reveals its qualities. The characteristics of the wood, such as thigmotropism, determine the final form. Often various shapes are carved into the handle or the top of a hiking stick, as suggested by the wood’s form. At times, items or personal mementos are incorporated into custom made walking sticks. Also, wood or horn may be bent and shaped to complete the walking stick. The finished product is a unique heirloom suitable for daily use and meant to last for generations. In Johnson’s demonstration, he conveys both the history and lore of the woods such as the American Chestnut, so that it too may be carried on to future generations.
Inspired by a collection of early family silhouettes, Shriver began creating silhouette collages incorporating antique papers with original ideas. When creating an original, the hand cut silhouette is the main subject, it is juxtaposed with relevant maps, stamps, antique ledgers & letters, beach collections, fossils, leaves, branches, wax seals, etc.
The silhouette collages are of many different subjects, including sailing ships, antique chairs, tables, dog breeds, cats, tea pots, pitchers, tureens, sea life, birds, butterflies, farm animals, horses, presidents & famous peoples silhouettes.
Shriver has been creating, exhibiting & selling original art around the world for nearly 30 years. The work continues to evolve each year which is extremely rewarding.
Kid Friendly! Kids participate in the Colonial custom of sealing wax. There are a large selection of seals to choose from and kids choose a design that appeals to them. They impress the seal into a puddle of hot wax, with their signature and date, and make a memento of the Fair. Antique seals, letters and large ledger are available to view.
Harriet Carr and family of Original Scherenschnitte will cut freehand the art of cutting “paper lace” with scissors in miniature.
Hollick has been making floorcloths for over thirty years. For many years she was one of the judges and later the chairperson for SALI (Stencil Artisan League, now IDAL) and their certification process. They would jury each applicant’s work at an annual convention. Many applied but few passed the rigorous test.
Stenciling is Hollick’s passion. Each time you lift off the stencil it is amazing to see what appears. She loves the work of the early stencilers and has been fortunate to tour homes in New England that have original Moses Eaton and Rufus Porter work. In the past she has been recognized in Early American Life and the top 200 Craftsmen. Her work appears in many magazines and books about decorating homes from the late 1700-early 1800’s. Hollick participates in many shows like the League of NH Craftsmen and sells to places like Colonial Williamsburg.
Hollick has done work for the Franklin Pierce homestead in NH, and Harriet Beecher Stowe house at Bowdin College.
The sculptors of the Renaissance inspired McKellar to major in sculpture in college where she learned both ancient and modern techniques, among them bas relief. Relief means that the subject matter physically stands out from the background in varying heights to simulate atmospheric perspective. Her work emphasizes the natural world, including flora and fauna as well as domestic animals. Each piece is designed, modeled and cast by McKellar personally.