Waterford Fair

80th American Crafts & Historic Homes Tour

Old School Outside

Ferster, Bill & Murphy, Dan

Marquet-Place

Wood

Bill Ferster

I studied design in college in the mid-1970s and began my working life as a film animator. When personal computers came along, I used them in my work to automate the tedious camera movements, and ultimately began manufacturing motion-control systems for other animators to move their cameras. As digital graphics technology progressed, I founded a number of companies that made tools for creative people to ply their craft from drawing to animation to editing. I changed career mid-life into academia, as an educational technology professor at UVA, until retiring in 2021.

Dan Murphy

I am fascinated by how simple turned forms reveal the stunning beauty in the grain, color, and pattern of local hardwoods.  My projects use trees felled by storms that might otherwise be destined for the burn-pile.  I like to think of this as “re-turning” as it gives me a chance to re-purpose that wood in celebration of the beauty of the wonderful place where I live.  Each piece is a bit of the Virginia Piedmont.

www.marqet-place.com

Botchlet, Heather

The Springerle House

Heritage Foods

My joy and goal in my work is to preserve and spread the knowledge and enjoyment of
traditional springerle cookies to others. I do this through making the cookies, cookie mold casting, handpainting ornaments made from the cookie molds, teaching cookie making classes, and lecturing on the history of springerle cookies.

The tradition of pressing painstakingly-carved designs into food goes back many centuries in the human story, and in nothing is it expressed so beautifully and deliciously as in springerle cookies. Enfolding life’s joys, setbacks, triumphs, and whimsies into intensely-flavored cake-like pillows, these little morsels are truly edible art and I am still – after 27 years – enamored of them

www.thespringerlehouse.com

Pittman, Jessica

Buddy Leather

Leather

In crafting my collection of bags, totes, belts, and wallets, I embrace the timeless elegance and durability of full-grain leather. Each piece I create is a testament to my commitment to quality craftsmanship and sustainability.

By selecting premium materials such as sustainable veg-tanned leather and English bridle leather, I ensure that my creations not only exude luxury but also contribute to a more environmentally conscious approach to fashion. Veg-tanning, a traditional method that utilizes natural tannins found in plant matter, ensures that my leather is not only of the highest quality but also minimizes environmental impact.

With a focus on longevity and versatility, my designs celebrate the inherent beauty of leather, showcasing its unique textures and patinas that only improve with time and use. Every stitch is meticulously placed, every detail carefully considered, resulting in pieces that are as functional as they are beautiful.

In a world inundated with fast fashion and disposable goods, I strive to create timeless pieces that stand the test of time, both in style and in sustainability. Each bag, tote, belt, and wallet is not just an accessory, but a statement of intention—to cherish the past, live in the present, and preserve the future of craftsmanship and conscientious design.

www.BuddyAprons.com

Sutherly, Julia & Dansereau, Mallory

Sycamore Spring Clothier

Fiber/Textiles

We are a proud women-owned small business, comprised of four friends who all share a deep love of the art of sewing, and the meaning to be found in studying the garments of the past. Our mission is to provide well-researched, appropriately designed, and beautifully made 18th and early 19th century clothing to individuals, historic sites, educational institutes, and businesses.  Our expertise is in re-creating colonial North American men’s and women’s civilian clothing of the years between 1750 and 1825. Our clothing is patterned, cut, sewn, and finished in our homes using materials related as closely as possible to those found in 18th and 19th century extant period clothing. Our team focuses on finding unique fabric – vintage, when possible – made of natural fibers and in colors and prints that are representative of the time periods we are portraying. Many of our items are hand-finished, as preserving and proliferating historical, hand-sewing techniques for future generations is a keystone of our company. Our unique fabric stock, documented period construction techniques, and hand-finished details make all our pieces one of a kind.

www.SycamoreSpringClothier.com

Hicks, Connie

Thicket

Mixed Media

My passion has always been nature.

My wreaths and baskets are handforaged from natural materials. 

I’m always in the forest searching for wild grapevines, wisteria and bittersweet and wildflowers.

Each basket and wreath is unique and handcrafted.

Email

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De May, Robert

De May Studios

Mixed Media

I create fine art in watercolor using Winsor Newton watercolor paints on 300 pound hot and cold pressed papers, I specialize in landscapes, old barns, animals of all kinds and pet portraits.

www.DeMayStudios.com

Alexander, Josiah, Drew and Shea

Alexander Brothers

Mixed Media

We grew up in a home that fostered a love for the handmade. So much so, dad
insisted that craftsmen training came first in our lives. With a heritage of
accomplished inventors and tradesmen, who could blame him?

Our parents took us along on frequent visits to antique stores, galleries, and
other places that sold fine furnishings. Mom always reminded us at the door,
“Look with your eyes, not with your hands.” For us boys, that wasn’t always easy.
Learning traditional methods of artistry—blacksmithing, woodworking, and
leather crafting—was never a chore for us. As teens, we didn’t just apprentice
with master craftsmen, we built our own forge and workshops in the backyard.
Today, we thrive on creating beauty in our lives, and the lives of others. By
transforming natural, raw materials into quality home and lifestyle goods, we
write stories to tell for generations to come. If you love the smell of leather, the
warmth of real wood, and the heft of metal, let us help write your story, too

www.ALEXANDERBROTHERS.com