Vermont Woods Studios - Eco Furniture Blog

Weekend Events: Meet Vermont's Finest Artists and Artisans

By Heather Barrett

 

Spend your weekend in Vermont at the Manchester Art and Craft Festival and the Brattleboro-West Arts Open Studio Tour.

Vermont is full of artists and artisans, and this weekend is a perfect opportunity to discover their products and visit their studios.  There are two events, one in Manchester, and the other in Brattleboro, for you to explore this weekend.

 

Craftproducers Manchester Fall Art and Craft Festival
September 28-30, 10am-5pm

Manchester is starting their foliage season with an outdoor event celebrating the local art community. Over 180 artisans will have their craftwork on display and for purchase. Art work ranges from photography to paintings to clothing to maple distilled vodka. In addition to the beautiful array of art on display, the festival offers food and drink. There will be a food area serving a variety of localvore items, and a Vermont Beer, Cheese and Sausage tent. Spend the day meeting artists, purchasing gifts for the upcoming holidays, and eating delicious food. For more information about this event, visit the Craftproducers' website.

 

Brattleboro-West Arts' 4th Annual Open Studio Tour
September 29-30, 10am-5pm

The town of Brattleboro is Vermont Woods Studios' neighbor, located in the southeast corner of Vermont. Brattleboro is known for it's thriving arts community, and this weekend you will have the opportunity to meet some of the artists. Artists are opening up their studios this weekend to the public. There will be 13 different locations with 16 artists showing off their crafts. The tour is mapped out on a brochure that you can print from their website, pick up at any of the studio locations, or get from the Brattleboro Chamber of Commerce. At the studio locations you will see where artists make violins, blow glass, paint, and create many more items in different mediums. In addition, to conclude the first night of the weekend event, the Chelsea Royal Diner will be hosting a special dinner on Saturday. The dinner will feature a selection of locally produced foods.  This is another opportunity to meet artists and learn about their crafts. The Brattleboro-West Open Studio Tour has been recognized by the Boston Globe.  For more information about the event, please visit the Brattleboro-West Arts website.

Heather Barrett is a Marketing Assistant at Vermont Woods Studios, an online furniture gallery which showcases Vermont's finest wood furniture. Follow our blog to learn about Vermont fine furniture, Vermont happenings, our mission, and our team.

Vermont Artisan Robin Chase of Maple Corner Woodworks

Friday Douglas and I traveled around Vermont to check in with a few of our fine furniture makers.  Our last stop was at Maple Corner Woodworks to see our friend Robin Chase. 

Robin's been crafting beautiful fine wooden furniture for over 25 years and it's always fun to visit his workshop in pastoral Calais, Vermont.  Besides seeing all of his works in progress we got to tour the Maple Corner campus and meet the furry sentinels that guard and patrol the grounds (see photo). 

It was a very productive meeting and it didn't hurt that it was in a setting of Robin and Annie's herbal gardens and central Vermont's rolling hills.

I see Robin's furniture as a reflection of his own demeanor: elegant, refined and genuine.  He's a master at combining authentic Shaker sensibilities with modern, contemporary design.  Check out his furniture creations on our website:

Cherry Moon Furniture Collection

Vermont Made Shaker Furniture Collection

American Made Shaker Collection

Each of Robin's pieces is backed by the craftsman's lifetime guarantee.  Let us know which ones you like most on our Facebook or in the comments section below.  

 

This is Robin Chase's Maple Corner Woodworks shop where our Cherry Moon Furniture, Vermont Made Shaker and American Made Shaker collections are made.

 

Brattleboro, VT: Shopping On A Lark

 

Lark's Fine Women's Clothing and Accessories, located at High Street in Brattleboro, VT. It's inside the Blue Moose Cafe and it's beautiful!

I stopped into the Blue Moose Cafe on High Street in Brattleboro the other day to grab a panini and use their free WiFi.  On my way in I realized they have a new boutique in the store.

 

 

It's Lark's Fine Women's Accessories and it's beautiful!  Like many places in Brattleboro, Lark's is small and intimate with a warm, inviting personality.  The owner, Lark Eustace was tending shop and we chatted for awhile about her unique selection of clothing and accessories.

 

Before you head off to the mall for Back to School shopping, stop by and see Lark! Her store is elegant, but surprisingly affordable. 

 

Some of the lines Lark is carrying include:  Pine Cone Hill (bathrobes and pajamas), Charlie Leather (cross body bags, custom designed in many colors), Hemptress (eco-conscious hemp handbags that won the 2010 Independent Handbag Designer Awards), Brattleboro resident Kori Leary (velvet scarves), local artisan Donna Wilson (hand knit hats made with wool and finished with added mohair from her Vermont farm’s sheep and lambs) and Brattleboro resident Allen McCarty (Dichroic jewelry).  You won't believe the variety of little luxuries that are tucked into this trendy boutique.

 

 

Lark has a great selection of beautiful scarves, custom hand bags, custom jewelry and more.  Check it out, then have lunch at the Blue Moose Cafe.

 

Lark's an Interior Designer and Fashion Merchandiser trained in Phoenix, AZ, but she grew up in Vermont.  Maybe that's why her sophisticated, high end boutique has managed to fit perfectly into Brattleboro's funky scene. 

 

 

 

 

Peggy Farabaugh owns Vermont Woods Studios Fine Furniture.  She travels around the Green Mountain State collaborating with other small business owners  and feeling very lucky to live and work in a place where creativity is flourishing.

Vermont Welcome Centers: Art Galleries and More

 

You can't help but smile at Caryn King's paintings of farm animals-- so much personality shines through. Her blog, A Chicken Painting Every Day is a cheerful way to start any day!

If you've traveled through Vermont, you've no doubt noticed that the Green Mountain State has no billboards.  None.  Not a single one.  They're illegal here.  It's true.

So the way many Vermont businesses reach out to visitors and customers is through our Information and Welcome Centers.  These respites are strategically located along our most traveled roads, particularly routes I-89 and I-91.  I'll post some photos of their unique Vermont architecture another day but today I wanted to show you something on the inside:  Art Galleries!

I took this picture at the I-91 Welcome Center just north of the Massachusetts line in Guilford, VT.  It's part of a collection of paintings by Caryn King of Newfane, VT.  You can't help but smile at Caryn's paintings of farm animals-- so much personality shines through.  She also does breath-taking floral paintings and commissions of your favorite pets.  Her blog, A Chicken Painting Every Day is a cheerful way to start the day!

Vermont's information and welcome centers also offer tons of information and brochures on local, regional and state-wide events, activities, hotels, inns, restaurants, ski areas, outdoor recreation, shopping, sight-seeing and much more.  Stop by and have a look! 

What do you think about replacing billboards with Welcome Centers?  Let us know below or on our Facebook.

 

Peggy Farabaugh owns Vermont Woods Studios Fine Furniture.  She travels around the Green Mountain State collaborating with woodworkers and feeling very lucky to live and work in a place where nature and creativity are flourishing.

Vermont Fine Furniture Design Competition: Seeking Entries

 

Vermont woodworkers: this is a no-brainer. Vermont Fine Furniture & Wood Products Design Competition is a great opportunity to gain recognition and notoriety for your work.

 

Calling all Vermont woodworkers and fine furniture makers.  The 9th Annual Vermont Fine Furniture & Wood Products Design Competition wants YOU.  The festival which has been dubbed one of Vermont's Top Ten Fall Events by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce is a great opportunity to gain recognition and notoriety for your work.

 

 

Join some of the world's finest woodworkers and furniture designers and compete for best:

• Custom Studio Furniture
• Production Furniture
• Custom Woodenware and
• Carving and Sculpture

There is also a special category where students and apprentices can compete.  The Woodworking festival takes place September 29-30, 2012 in Woodstock, Vermont and the Design Contest entry forms are here.  If you're not already linked into the Vermont woodworking community, we recommend you become a member of the Vermont Wood Manufacturing Association, VWMA first.  That gets you a discount on entry fees and insider info on all things wood in Vermont.  We hope you join with us, VWMA and the "best of the best" woodworkers who are letting the world know that Vermont's the Fine Furniture Capital of America.

 

Do You Know Where Your Home Furnishings Come From?

 

Vernon artist, Donna Scully's garden shed sits next to her art studio in Vernon, Vermont. From here she creates original paintings and home decor items with local materials, often reclaimed from old barns.

I got an email from our friends at Rainforest Rescue the other day. It was a request to sign a petition asking IKEA to stop clear-cutting Russian woods, many of which are old-growth forests and home to critically endangered species like the Amur tiger. IKEA's furniture and home decor supply chain "by no means embodies responsible forestry, as it promises its customers," noted the non-profit conservation group.

And that's the sad truth but with so much else to worry about these days I don't suppose many people think about where their furniture and home decor items come from. 

Unless they're Vermont Woods Studios customers, that is.  And for that we send a big "Thank You".

Many of our customers come to us specifically to purchase 100% American made furniture as an alternative to imported furniture made from illegal wood. 

So in contrast to the unknown origins of IKEA furniture, I thought I'd show you where some of the handmade furniture and artwork we sent to customers last week came from.  I was lucky enough to be the one to drive around town and pick things up from local artisans so I snapped a couple photos for you.

 

 

Chad Woodruff's furniture studio is in an old barn that he's renovated in Vernon, VT.  Inside Chad handcrafts some of the most beautiful mission and craftsman style furniture you'll ever see.

The first photo is of Donna Scully's garden shed which sits next to her art studio in Vernon, VT.  From there she creates original paintings and home decor items with local materials, often reclaimed from old barns.

The Tabouret tables below were handcrafted in this barn, home to Chad Woodruff's workshop.  Chad is one of our state's premier craftsmen of mission, craftsman and arts and crafts style furniture.  Typically he works in quartersawn oak, but we asked him to customize this table in black walnut wood and it came out beautifully, don't you think?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With tomorrow being the Fourth of July, maybe it's a good time for us to think about the origins of our "stuff". Is it Made in America or is it imported from unknown origins and illegal sources?

One of Donna Scully's paintings is shown here with Chad's Tabouret table.  I posted another photo of Donna's work last week. 

 

With tomorrow being the Fourth of July, perhaps it's a good time for us to think about the origins of our "stuff".  Is it Made in America or is it imported from unknown origins and illegal sources?

Customers often tell us that knowing (and seeing) where their furniture comes from  changes they way they feel about their home.  What do you think?

 

 

100% American Made Furniture from Vermont woods Studios

Vermont Artist, Donna Scully's Summer Sale is On!

 

Vermont Woods Studios has a new piece of original artwork by local artist, Donna Scully. Stop by and see it sometime!

Vermont art lovers, take note:  this is your big chance to acquire an original painting by our friend, neighbor and renowned Vermont artist Donna Scully.

 

Donna is cleaning out her studio to make room for new inspirations and new artwork.  So lucky for us, all of her inventory is on sale at prices you won't be able to resist.  I stopped by Donna's studio yesterday and found this beautiful iris painting ready for sale.  I snapped it up and it's hanging in our showroom today.

Here's a link to Donna's Facebook where you can see examples of some of her work.  Many of you have taken painting lessons from Donna and followed her world travels as she's shared her talents with fans all over the country and the globe.  For those new to Donna's work, I can say that she is an extraordinary artist who's very approachable and a joy to work with.  Looking for something special for a particular place in your home?  Commission Donna to paint exactly what you want.  It's a luxury you can afford and one you'll enjoy always.

 

 

I saw this sign in the restroom of a dress shop in Maine last week. Think we should hang up a similar sign at Donna's studio?

 

Vermont Woods Studios Fine Furniture

Celebrating Vermont Wood: Forests To Furniture

 

"From Vermont's Forests" debuts today at Frog Hollow Gallery in Burlington, VT

Today "From Vermont's Forests" debuts at Frog Hollow Gallery in Burlington, VT.  It's a group exhibit by 14 members of the Guild of Vermont Furniture Makers.  These artisans have created furniture using lumber from Vermont forests for inspiration and I know you will love it!

Believe it or not, there are more than 50 species of trees growing in Vermont's green mountains.  The Guild's exhibit will demonstrate the beauty of this local harvest and the creative designs that grow from it.

You can catch them all at Frog Hollow during the entire month of June and/or visit them individually in the artisan's workshops (here is a map).  Here's a sneak peek of what's available now or talk to them about your own unique custom artisan piece-- an investment that will carry your legacy forward, through many generations of your family.

The Guild of Vermont Furniture Makers is an association of master level furniture makers dedicated to the promotion of quality craftsmanship, excellence in design, and the pursuit of artistic vision. Their goal is to increase public awareness and appreciation of this time honored art.

 

Vermont Crafts Council's Open Studios Tour: Memorial Day Weekend

 

The Vermont Crafts Council is celebrating it's 20th anniversary of Open Studio Tours this Memorial Day weekend. Find maps and meet Vermont's artisans in their studios.

What are you doing this weekend for Memorial Day? If you're looking for something fun and fascinating come to the Green Mountain State for The Vermont Crafts Council's 20th Open Studios Tour.

The weather is supposed to be beautiful this weekend so it's the perfect opportunity to wander around rural Vermont and duck into hidden nooks and crannies where our state's best artists are practicing their craft.

If you love handmade furniture like we do, check out the Dorset area of Southern Vermont where you'll find some of our favorite furniture makers, including Steve Holman, Dan Mosheim, Bob Gasperetti and Bill Laberge.  You'll be awed by their work, I promise.  And this weekend is the best time to purchase handmade furniture and crafts because the artisans have all their samples on sale, sometimes at up to 50% off regular prices.

Open Studio maps and directions are available online and at Vermont's welcome center's located along I 89 and I 91.  While you're there, check out the Vermont Woods Studios' furniture displays at the Welcome Centers and pick up our brochure.

Our own small showroom in Vernon, VT is open this Saturday from 9am-5pm but we close on Sunday and Monday to allow our staff to go out and enjoy the Open Studio Tour.  We hope to see you there!

 

Vermont Artisan, Johnny Swing Opens "Murmuration" in Manhattan

Southern Vermonters are spoiled because we can often see and experience Johnny Swing's art at the Newfane Cafe & Creamery in Newfane VT.  But for all of you who don't get to visit the Green Mountain state much, here is your chance.

Johny's "Murmuration" show is now on display now through June 29 in Manhattan at Chelsea's Sebastian + Barquet gallery and well worth the trip.

If you're not yet familiar with Johhn Swing, he's famous for his work using US currency as his medium:  benches made out of quarters, chairs created from pennies, pillows and teddy bears crafted out of dollar bills. Every piece is a genuine work of art, completely unique and incredibly engineered.  "Murmuration" is a must see! 

Now you're probably not going to be able to sit on his works of art at the S&B show.  You'll have to come up to the Newfane Cafe & Creamery to do that.

Vermont Woods Studios Fine Furniture

Sneak Peak at HandCarved Adirondack Carousel

 

My mother keeps me up to date on the progress of  The Adirondack Carousel, a project that involves many of our passions at Vermont Woods Studios: woodcarving, nature, wildlife and the human spirit.  It's just across Lake Champlain in Saranac Lake, NY and I'm excited to see how it's going. 

The story behind it is inspiring.  Over 10 years ago, a Saranac Lake wood carver Karen Loffler, "while working on a master’s degree in creative studies, came across an article in a woodcarving magazine that showed a small children’s carousel fitted with woodland animals. The combination of a creative approach to problem solving, her love of woodcarving, and a desire to foster imagination and strengthen her local community, inspired Karen’s dream of building a full-size carousel complete with hand-carved figures of animals indigenous to the Adirondack Mountain area."

 

Now, after a decade of relentless hard work, supported by a close-knit community of like-minded people Karen's dream of the Adirondack Carousel project is becoming a reality. Woodcarvers from near and far have donated their skills, sponsors have underwritten the cost of production and local builders and volunteers have worked tirelessly to make it all come together.

 

We're thrilled for Karen and crew and wish them all the best during this exciting grand opening year.  You can have a Sneak Peak this Saturday, March 10 in Saranac Lake. Don't miss it and don't forget the camera!

Happy Valentine's Day!

 

Steve Holman's Broken Hearted Chairs

 

We posted a few suggestions for Valentine's gifts last week, but here it is Valentine's Day already and you may be caught unprepared.  What are you going to do now?

 

Well, you could place an order with Steve Holman for a couple of these stunning heart-shaped, custom artisan chairs.  They would certainly make a unique once-in-a-lifetime gift.

 

But if you're looking for something faster and less expensive, how about sending a free Valentine's Day Ecard courtesy of The World Wildlife Fund?  There are many cards to choose from-- one is sure to catch your sweetheart's fancy.

 

 

 

Valentine's e Cards from WWF.  Free and easy!

 

Custom Wood Furniture, Part 2

Yesterday we were discussing the different types of furniture that people call "custom wood furniture".  My last post was about Made To Order Wood Furniture and Customized Wood Furniture.  Today I wanted to distinguish these from true custom wood furniture and ultra luxury custom artisan furniture.  Here are my thoughts:

• True Custom Wood Furniture is unique furniture that's made more deliberately and artfully than customized furniture.  Usually, you'll want to work directly with the furniture maker if you're purchasing custom wood furniture because it's born from a collaboration between you, the customer and the furniture maker.  Custom furniture is more expensive than customized furniture and for many good reasons.  Design of custom furniture can take enormous amounts of time and several iterations before the furniture maker even progresses from the drawing board into the studio.  Wood selection is also a time-intensive process with the woodworker hand-selecting each board for the proper grain, color, match, size and shape.  Building a custom piece-- well, it just takes, time, time, time.  It's all about detail and custom pieces haven't been done exactly like this before (they're unique) so every step along the way is a little challenging.  But the result with a custom piece is perfection, or near perfection anyway.  And each piece is signed by its creator. If you're someone who truly understands and appreciates the fine detail of a custom piece, this is the way to go.  It's not unusual for the price of a custom piece to be twice as much or more than a similar "made to order" or customized piece but the cost is a worthy investment for those who understand its enduring value.

• Custom Artisan Wood Furniture-- well this is yet another notch up from true custom wood furniture.  It's an ultra luxury.  It's a piece of functional art.  It's museum quality furniture that is a privilege to own. Lucky for us, Vermont is home to some of the world's most talented custom furniture artisans like Steve Holman, Dan Mosheim, Kit Clark and others, many of whom belong to the Guild of Vermont Furniture Makers.  Check out their websites and their blogs to understand how truly special and unique their furniture is. We work with these master craftspeople on a referral basis.  When customers come to us looking to invest substantially and commission custom artisan furniture we help them find the artisan who is best suited to their needs.  Usually it's based mainly on their style preference and the specific types of expertise and equipment needed to achieve their vision. But often other factors enter the decision including time constraints, budget, wood species, FSC or LEED criteria and such.  We also take into account the personalities involved to make sure the experience is enjoyable, stress-free and enriching for both the customer and the artisan. Lastly, we negotiate a fair price so both parties achieve a win.  Vermont Woods Studios was actually started as a company that would focus almost exclusively on marketing this important part of Vermont's heritage and culture.

So I hope this helps to better define "custom wood furniture" and draw a distinction between: made to order wood furniture, customized wood furniture, true custom wood furniture and ultra luxury custom artisan furniture.  Customers often ask why the price of one of our pieces may be drastically different from another, when the two pieces look similar at first glance.  The answer lies in the amount of time and expertise involved as well as the quality of the wood and hardware.  At Vermont Woods Studios we're always happy to discuss these details and refer customers directly to our furniture makers when we've reached the limit of our own expertise.  Learn more about commissioning custom wood furniture here.

Defining Fine Furniture: Finish

So far, in an effort to define "fine furniture" we've discussed craftsmanship and the type of wood used, so now let's talk about finish.  One thing most people are surprised to learn is that even though a piece of fine furniture is crafted and assembled it's a long way from being finished. 

I like the way Vermont furniture maker, Bob Gasperetti of Mount Tabor puts it:  "The saying that it takes 90% of the time to accomplish the last 10% of the work couldn't be more true than in handmade furniture."

He is right!  I wish you could run your hand across one of Bob's table tops right now.  After a piece is built, Bob sands the surface to 320 grit (this requires multiple sandings with increasingly fine sandpaper).  That takes forever but there is no substitute if you're looking for the kind of smooth, supple feeling you get when touching Bob's furniture.

After sanding, Bob applies multiple coats of a non-toxic, environmentally-friendly oil until the surface of his furniture feels as smooth and soft as a baby's skin.

Some people would opine that an oil finish is the only option for "fine furniture" but as someone who doesn't like to take the time to maintain (aka re-oil and it's really no big deal, but I'm lazy) an oil finish  I'll say oil is not the only option.  Vermont furniture makers offer dozens of other choices, including a blend of oil and beeswax, non-toxic lacquers and even an eco-friendly clear finish made out of whey (a byproduct of our Vermont dairy industry).  Copeland Furniture is once again leading the green furniture industry in the research and application of eco-friendly water=based lacquer finishes.  I'll write about them next time when we wrap up this disucssion of fine furniture definitions with the topic of sustainability and karma.

Anyway, no study of fine furniture finishes would be complete without a visit to the workshops of a few fine furniture makers where you can run your hands over the furniture and compare the sensations from different finishes.  Information and driving directions to the shops I've talked about (and many more) are available in the Vermont Forest Heritage brochure.  If you're coming in from Boston or New York to go skiing, you'll pass by a number of them.  So if there's no snow, or it's too cold to ski or if you're just too tired... take a day off and treat yourself to a tour of some of the world's best fine furniture workshops.

Vermont Woods Studios Fine Furniture

Fine Furniture Definitions: Craftsmanship

The other day I noted that a customer asked us for a definition of "fine furniture" and since we could find no real consensus out there I decided to put out-- well-- yet another opinion, actually.  My first post was about the type of wood used for fine furniture.  I think the next aspect ought to be about craftsmanship.

I found this video by Brent and Derek Karner and their craftspeople at Clear Lake Furniture in Ludlow, VT.  It's really a great illustration of both the human and machine-driven craftsmanship that defines fine furniture.  In the video Brent shows the process of how fine wood furniture starts as trees, sustainably harvested from well managed forests.  Then he brings you into his workshop where to see his craftsmanship up close:  wood is rough sawn, planed, shaped, prepared for joinery and assembled.  He explains different types of joinery, like dovetails, mortise and tenon, splines and how they are created. 

I like Brent's discussion of craftsmanship in terms of man versus machine.  He concludes that, done properly, both methods can have excellent results although he shows that in many cases it's a blend of man and machine that's optimal.

In Vermont we have several woodworking purists who focus almost exclusively on the use of traditional hand tools, and their craftsmanship is exquisite.  One of my favorite companies working to preserve traditional handwork traditions is Shackleton-Thomas.  But the majority of Vermont's fine furniture makers do employ high precision modern machinery which not only brings the price of furniture down, but sometimes produces a more exacting result. 

The next aspect of fine furniture craftsmanship I want to mention is finish.  But let's do that another day. 

In the meantime, if you're in Vermont (which after all IS the Fine Furniture Capital of America) and you're looking to get a better understanding of fine craftsmanship, there are hundreds of small furniture makers who would be happy to introduce you to their craft.  Check out this great Vermont Forest Heritage brochure which lists furniture makers all around the state and provides a map showing where each one is and what their hours of operation are. Clearlake furniture is on the map and is on your way to Okemo Mountain.  It's open almost every day but call ahead for an appointment if you want to get a tour of their workshop and see their fine craftsmanship in motion.

What Makes Vermont The Fine Furniture Capital of America?

 

Over the last 30 years, almost all the big American furniture manufacturers (including La-Z-Boy, Vaughan-Bassett, Broyhill, Drexel Heritage, Henredon, Hickory Chair, Lane, Thomasville, Ethan Allen and so on) have moved their operations overseas to China, Vietnam and other third world countries.  The result has been cheaper prices, lower quality and the emergence of what we call "curbside furniture".

 

But there are still many companies that make high quality fine furniture right here in the USA and Vermont has more than it's share of them.  That's why we call Vermont the Fine Furniture Capital of America.  Throughout the off-shoring movement, only one Vermont furniture company I know of moved it's operations overseas.  The rest stayed here in Vermont remaining true to their values of quality, integrity, sustainability and community.

 

We've profiled a number of these great American furniture makers including Vermont companies like Copeland Furniture and Lyndon Furniture as well as many small, custom, fine furniture makers including Steve Holman, Dan Mosheim, Chad Woodruff and Greg Goodman. 

 

Today I wanted to highlight the work of Kit Clark, a consumate craftsman who specializes in luxury custom rocking chairs.  "Furniture that fits you" is Kit's mantra and he makes custom rockers much like a  tailor would make a custom suit.  Each rocker is designed specifically to fit its owner.  Kit studies a customer's posture, records their measurements and interviews them to understand any subtleties that could be used to enhance the comfort of their rocker.  Then he goes back to the shop and eventually emerges with masterpiece in hand.  Stop by Kit's shop in Ferrisburgh, VT if you get a chance.  I can't think of a more luxurious Made in America Christmas present than a Kit Clark Rocker.

Thanks To Vermont Craftsman Chad Woodruff: Maker of Mission, Arts & Crafts and Stickley Style Furniture

Once again we'd like to say thanks to one of our favorite Vermont fine furniture makers:  Chad Woodruff of Woodruff Custom Furniture in Vernon, Vermont.  Chad was kind enough to join us on Tuesday when ABC World News came to town.  He and his quintessential Vermont workshop (located in an historic, old red barn) were featured in a film segment for the Made in America Shopping Challenge.  I can't wait to see that part of the video because Chad speaks about his craft so beautifully and powerfully--  straight from the heart.

 

Chad specializes in building Arts & Crafts style pieces, inspired by craftsmen like Stickley, Roycroft, and Limbert.  Each piece Chad crafts has a simple beauty and an honest solid construction. His furniture is made by hand from rough board to fine finish.

 

 Quartersawn White Oak is the wood of choice for most of Chad's customers although he is happy to customize his furniture to meet your specific needs and preferences.  He offers 4 stain choices: a classic mission finish with a medium brown stain with strong orange and golden highlights, a light  mission stain, a dark mission stain and a fumed oak finish.

 

Chad's quality is impeccable, his customers are raving fans and we are very proud to be able to represent him at Vermont Woods Studios Furniture.  Check out some of Chad's Mission, Arts and Crafts and Stickley Style Furniture on our website or give us a call to learn more about his work and how to bring it into your home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Artisan Spotlight: Steve Holman, Fine Wood Furniture Artisan

By Dennis Shanoff

Customers and fans of Vermont Woods Studios know us not only for our heirloom quality wood furniture but also for our unique artisan furniture offerings. And while we feel our mainstay traditional craftsman make the very best “everyday” wood furniture, there is also an extremely talented “one of a kind” wood furniture artisan population in Vermont that we also represent and showcase. Here is where art meets function.

So a few weeks ago I took a scenic trip up to Dorset, Vermont to pay a visit to Steve Holman, one of our custom artisans to check in and see first hand what he has been up to lately. And while “business travel” can be a chore or hassle this trip was considered a pleasure! Even though it’s a 2 hour drive, traveling via country roads through farms and forests is much better then having to hop on a major interstate and count exits! And it’s hard to beat the ride up Route 30 from Brattleboro towards Manchester for its scenic beauty and interesting stops. Plus Dorset is just a quick 6 or so miles north of Manchester, VT a worthy destination in itself.

Well Steve’s home and workshop is just a bit down a dirt road right off of Route 30 and when I rolled into Steve’s driveway I was instantly envious of his “workplace”! Steve has a beautiful home and a great detached barn for a workshop. Not to mention the beautiful grounds these structures are sighted on. It’s a tranquil, beautiful setting with a 50 foot walk to work each day for Steve. Hard not to like his “nine to five”!

Steve is ever busy but always gracious with his time. I was able to get the full tour and learn more about his journey to this point. Seems Steve skipped joining the family’s very successful luxury car business and followed the path of his instincts and passion. You have to admire his forgoing the likely ensured success route and braving into the unknown waters of custom and artistic work. And when Steve says he never builds the same piece of furniture twice, he is not kidding. And we are not talking about subtle variations across one style here. His work is eclectic indeed, from traditional to ultra modern. You can put 10 of his furniture pieces in one room and most would think it was made by 10 different craftsmen. But what is consistent across his work however is the uniqueness, beauty, and impeccable craftsmanship.

This day I found Steve working on a custom vanity destined for a high end home.  After Steve succinctly chronicled the past 30 years and showed me around his workshop we headed over to the attached gallery. Steve keeps some of his showpieces and built on spec pieces here. And it just so happens that his wife Georgine MacGarvey is a fine artist as well but she works in oils and pastels. Her paintings are on display here as well as in a Dorset Village gallery. Here I got to see and put my hands on some truly unique and beautiful furniture pieces.

Come see for yourself. Steve welcomes visitors and many of his clients like to stop in and see their commissioned work in progress. For those that are unable to make the trek, Steve takes plenty of pictures for them throughout the build process. But if you do make the trek, leave yourself plenty of extra time. There is so much to see and do in this part of Vermont that you don’t want to wish you left more time for exploration.

This is very special furniture indeed. It is your piece alone, no one else will have the same. Perhaps you are the type where it’s important to have a special attachment to or story surrounding some of your possessions. If so and you are in search of a really special furniture piece this is a great place to start

A LARGE Custom Walnut Slab Table

Our friend David Allard and the talented furniture makers at Lyndon Furniture are always coming up with some new, exciting wood furniture design project.  Check out this huge custom walnut slab table they recently finished.  It's 13.5' long and the two planks in the top are made of 1 ¾" thick solid black walnut.

The legs are made of welded steel tubes that thread through the walnut slab top like through-tenons.  On the top, Dave left a gap between the 2 walnut slabs to allow for wood movement.  Believe it or not, even kiln-dried wood (like these walnut slabs) expands and contracts quite a bit with changes in humidity and temperature.

Such a simple elegant design, isn't it?  But as any amateur woodworker could attest, it's not one to try at home unless you've got the hand of a trained professional.  And a crane :)

 

 

Vermont Furniture Maker: Dan Mosheim and Dorset Custom Furniture

 

As the Vermont Crafts Council 19th Annual Open Studio Weekend approaches I thought you might want to get a sneak preview of some of Vermont's finest furniture makers who will be opening their studio doors for you next weekend.

 

 

 

 

Dan Mosheim started Dorset Custom Furniture over 30 years ago to pursue his passion in the design and building of exquisite custom furniture.  He and his family and fellow woodworking artisans hand-built the studio they work in today in Dorset Vermont. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dan's blog has become quite famous in the world of fine woodworking. I love reading it because he's always got a fascinating project going and he's very generous about sharing his insights, methods and photos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dan's projects are big and small, but always elegant.

 

 

I've looked everywhere for a photo of Dan that I could post here, but that seems to be the one thing he's kinda stingy about.  He did post his CV online though and it's very endearing.  I think you'll enjoy it.

 

Stop by and meet Dan and his family of talented artisans next weekend at Dorset Custom Furniture.  They are some of the best in the business.  Here's the map.

 

 Vermont Woods Studios