Waterford Fair

80th American Crafts & Historic Homes Tour

New Artisans

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

Spangler, Donna

Fraktur by Donna Selfridge Spangler

Paper

I became interested in the historic art of Fraktur as a hands-on way to blend two core interests in my life – art and history. The traditional designs of the 1700s are my inspiration.

To help ensure our traditional arts continue, I demonstrate at 18th century events, such as Landis Valley Museum and Fort Loudoun Market Fair. For many years I have been recognized as a Master Artisan by the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen and am listed in the Artisan Directory of Early American Life Magazine.

Fraktur has become, for me, so much more than art and history.

www.pafraktur.com

Oliver, Amy

Monkeytown Pottery

Clay

Ceramic artist, Amy Oliver, uses colored slip and bare clay to carve and sculpt images on functional pots. Trees, birds, other animals and nature are often represented on her pots. Amy is heavily influenced by her art history studies especially the pots of Mesopotamia and the vibrant trees and landscapes by Vincent van Gogh.

Masks and faces have always been an interest to Amy as well. One of the things she values most as a potter though is true function of the pot. How can it work best? How does it feel in your hand? Is it balanced? She strives to make functional art, for everyday use, that nurtures the spirit.

 Her studio is in a lovely country village called Bloomfield in old general store that once belonged to a great grandfather. History, nature, and art come together here.

www.MonkeytownPottery.com

O’Donal, Elaine

Tatted Webs

Fiber/Textiles

This artist has been making homemade tatted lace for almost forty years. Her designs go from traditional doilies and shawls to more modern household decorations and wearables for the ever changing customer preference. Over the years she has participated in several craft fairs along the East Coast and New England. You will not find another with her technique and creativity when it comes to lace making.

TattedWebs.com