I'll be demonstrating broom making and wheat weaving at the Hickory Apple Festival on Saturday, October 6, 2007. Normally I'd be there for two days (Sat & Sun) but my son turns 6 on Oct 8 and we're having a party with a bunch of his friends on Sunday the 7th and that's not something I'm willing to miss.

In 2008 I'll be able to do both days again as the first full weekend in October falls earlier and won't interfere with that bit of family fun. (-:

Just a quick entry to note that I'll be at Idlewild's Old Fashioned Days in July - the 26-28th. Old Fasioned Days runs from Monday, July 23 but as this is my "hobby" I'm not able to be there the full week. I'll be demonstrating broom making and basketry there with items for sale. Read More...

I hope to begin a page about identifying different types of lace and add it to the site sometime soon. It never ceases to amaze me the number of mis-identified items that show up on eBay or in flea markets and antique shops. There are a few very good books on the subject but, given the capabilities of the digital age, we can show much better pictures to tie with descriptions now. That should make it a whole lot clearer just what you're looking at when you pick up a doily or dresser scarf in your favorite antique shop the next time you're there.

I belong to a very nice email group of broom makers. They're a wonderful resource for things historical, tips on making a broom, where to get supplies. In addition, they have become a great source for pointing out some really cool videos that are making their way onto YouTube featuring broom makers. I need to track the videos down and then I'll be sure to put some links here to the best ones I've watched so far.

As time permits I will be adding information here about the various fine crafts I've been making and collecting for years.