handmade in PA

When you’ve been carving for more than 50 years

mackenzie — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:18:47 +0000

You just might become as cool as this guy with 50+ years of practice.

He carves chains out of toothpicks and matchstitcks.

He carves scissors – with no glue, no screws, no assembly at all. It’s a completely subtractive process.

But why are you listening to me? Listen to him!

Handmade In PA In GA

maggie — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:48:32 +0000

Pennsylvania craftsmanship is everywhere, even in The Peach State!

Photo courtesy of CatherinesTable.com.

Meet Catherine’s Table, a Georgia-based company that sells tableware made by American artisans, including PA’s own MoonSpoon! MoonSpoon is located in Kempton, PA, which is northeast of Hamburg in Berks County. Jonathan & Julia, the craftpersons behind not only MoonSpoon, but also Jonathan’s Wooden Spoons, have previously been at the PA Guild shows. Their functional and enchanting designs are the perfect compliment to the array of handmade serveware, table top accessories, linens, etc. offered by Catherine’s Table.

MoonSpoon helps shoppers at Catherine’s Table, “set a soulful table!” When the owner, Maureen, made contact with me a couple of weeks ago and told me that they carried such a well-respected PA-made product, I have to admit, I felt a little flutter of pride inside. Pennsylvania craft is meaningful and special, not only to natives of the Keystone State, but to fans of handmade all over the United States!

Maggie Mitchell is a full-time mom, blogger, social media enthusiast, kids book author, and owner of Bushbaby Press. A crafter herself, she is trying to instill in her preschool-age daughter respect, appreciation & love for all things handmade, repurposed, upcycled, vintage & antique. Explore her website, along with her blog, at The Handmade Mama, Facebook page, tweet @handmade_mama, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Father’s Day Finds

amy — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:00:02 +0000

A few weeks ago I posted my favorite Mother’s Day finds, so I thought it only right to share this round up of great gifts for Dad a few days before Father’s Day. Enjoy and be sure to click on the images to explore the makers’ shops!

Cookies and Milk Dunk Mug by In A Glaze, Lewisburg

Hammered Copper Money Clip by Stem Designs, Pittsburgh

Father’s Day Tent Greeting Card by Pink Bathtub, Pittsburgh

Custom Man Cave Sign by T.K. Woodcrafts, Annville

Men’s Hand-stamped Copper Pipe Morse Code Necklace by Carrie’s Custom Designs, Pittsburgh

Neck Tie Decorated Cookies by Say It With Heart, Center Valley

Personalized Dad Keychain Bottle Opener by The PopTag, Philadelphia

Reclaimed Wood Wall Mounted IPad Easel by Peg and Awl, Philadelphia

Handmade Custom Washer Game by Sew ‘N’ Saw, Irwin

Amy Pulliam, a self-taught jewelry artisan and the designer behind Helen Ethel Studio, was raised in the fresh country air and woodlands of central Pennsylvania but later moved to Philadelphia to pursue her studies in Art History. In addition to her work as a jewelry artisan, she is also the research librarian/historian for an historic architectural stained glass window studio in Philadelphia. Discover her Facebook page, etsy shop and blog .

Inspiration

beth — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 10:12:04 +0000

Beth Anderson is an eco-artist and imperfectionist on a mission to live a simple life. On sunny days she can usually be found with her family on the banks of the Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle.. Discover her Facebook page, etsy shop and tweet @bethdotnet .

This is American Craft

mackenzie — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 11:01:54 +0000

I super love this video from American Craft Week. If you haven’t heard, this year October 4-13 is a national celebration of the beauty and enrichment handmade brings to our lives. It’s brought to us by the brains at CRAFT (Craft Retailers & Artists for Tomorrow).

Whether you’re a creator or an appreciator – mark your calendars! There are lots of ways to get involved – events to see, classes to take, the list goes on! Just to give you a few off-the-cuff ideas, Lancaster’s fall ArtWalk happens during that week as well as the Pennsylvania Guild’s fall Rittenhouse fine craft fair.

The Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen is also proud to be a sponsor of this year’s American Craft Week. What’s going on in your area? Got any recommendations for your fellow readers?