Mixed Media

The Horn & Needle

Mixed Media

Living Historians Demonstrating Powder Horn Making & Needlework

The Horn and Needle is an Artificer driven store dedicated to the crafts of Hornwork, scrimshaw and period correct needlework inspired by originals and the imaginations of John & Chandra DeWald

*Artificer: A skilled worker, a craftsman, one that contrives, devises or constructs something original. A clever or inventive designer.

*Scrimshaw is the name given to handiwork created by whalers. It began on whaling ships between 1745 to 1759 and survived until the ban on commercial whaling, however there are pieces of scrimshaw, or engraved items in the Inuit museum in Alaska that are over 2,000 years old. It takes the form of elaborate engravings in pictures and lettering on the surface of the bone or tooth, with the engraving highlighted using a pigment such as lamp black or ink. With the advent of the migration to “The New World” this art was applied to the next available medium, powder horns.

As a Horner and Scrimshander John makes contemporary and historical powder horns & horn accoutrements. Some examples are, spice containers, powder measures, inkwells, cups, wing bone turkey calls and many other items associated with horning from the 17th and 18th century. John is a Past Guildmaster of the Honourable Company of Horners, where he was mentored, applied his skills and became a master horner in 2016. He uses traditional tools and techniques in everything he makes.

As a needlepoint and embroidery artificer, Chandra makes 18th century fire screens, bellpulls, and various pieces of needlework that John incorporates into his horn work. Chandra has done extensive research and visited various museums to study original examples. She branches out from there in to making wool trees, ornaments, and colonial garlands. Chandra focuses on using period correct tools and techniques to create her pieces.

Both John & Chandra have been involved in the 18th century culture for over 46 years. Their extensive research has allowed them to recreate original pieces that emulate originals in museums and private collections. Their work has been recognized by various magazines and organizations and they have received awards for their work. It is their hope that in promoting and selling these ancient crafts that they will be able to pass on the history and traditions of our great culture in America and beyond.

Both John and Chandra demonstrate their skills at every event they attend. John engraves and works horn on an 18th century bench. Chandra is constantly working as well, doing embroidery, cross stitch, or making wool trees or felting ornaments. John and Chandra are also available to give specific demonstrations or “talks” at every event they attend to pass on their extensive knowledge and skills to others.

The Horn & The Needle Website

De May Studios

Mixed Media

I’m Robert De May.

My dad loved to draw pictures and encouraged me to draw.  When I was in high school, I took an art class as an elective, and loved it.  I became interested in painting with watercolors.  My teacher encouraged me.  However, after graduating, my interests in painting were replaced by higher priorities like college, a degree in electronic engineering, a 35-year career in IT, a 15-year entrepreneurship in antique and high-end furniture restoration.  As I grew very close to full retirement, in January of 2021, I tried watercolor again.  A friend liked my first work so well, she purchased it.  I’ve been told I have talent.  I enrolled in an on-line watercolor academy and surprised myself by the successes of each of my assignments. My instructor praised my prints and I had become an artist.

My art business has been designated as a “Trusted Art Seller” with The Art Storefronts Organization, which means you can shop with confidence, and know that I stand behind the quality and value of my products.

My Inspiration

I found out that if it’s in a photograph, I can usually paint a picture of it.  I am inspired by nature, wild life, pets, horses, and old run down barns.  As an artist, I love painting landscapes in the country, old buildings, and farm animals.  I grew up in the farm country of western Pennsylvania.  I remember trekking through the woods, swimming in the Alleghany river, and, when I was only 10, driving farmer Thomson’s tractor while others loaded up hay bails on the wagon I was towing.  I love dogs.  I currently have two border collies, I have painted both of their portraits. I just love creating these images and continually surprising (and sometimes disappointing)  myself by my creations.

My Medium

I love the challenge of a successful watercolor painting. I have tried pen and ink, charcoal, pastels, acrylic, and have settled on watercolor painting.  I use the white of the paper as one of the colors in my color palette.  Watercolor does not project perfection nor does it require perfection from the artist, but it does challenge the artist to strategize his work.  Watercolor does not allow an artist to over paint, or to change colors. 

www.DeMayStudios.com